Yesterday a reader commented that she was on the fence about doing this project because she didn’t have 4-3/4 yards of a background and wanted to work from her stash. I separated out the main part of the quilt from the border section that uses the background fabric and if you want to use one fabric for the main part and a similar fabric, but not necessarily the same, in the borders, where the two do not touch each other, these measurements will work: You should get by with a bit over 3-1/2 yards of background for all the blocks and sashing. Then there are other fabrics between the blocks and the border that uses background. The border uses about 1-1/2 yards so a separate piece would do for that.
I am working with Vicki’s fabrics and they are beautiful and so nice to work with. The kits are on sale through December 10. You will see the three kit choices and the one I am working with.
If you want to do the project and are working from your stash, click on the Tell it to the Stars button on the right sidebar and you will find the yardage requirements.
I am working on one from the stash to test the pattern before using Vicki’s fabrics and I’ll show you the fabrics I chose and how I chose them. Sit down . . grab hold of something . . you’re going to be surprised when you see my fabrics. One is a definite print and one is more print than I normally use. This is scary for me! 🙂
I started with three shades of the same fabric. I had no preference, just grabbed whatever I found in the stash that I could come up with three shades that were contrasting enough that they did not blend.
Tell it to the Stars Fabric
I started with the darkest green, then found the medium and wasn’t real sure about the light but the only thing that concerned me was that it not blend with the background.
Tell it to the Stars Fabric
It doesn’t so I’m happy. Then I needed my anchor fabric. I was thinking rust because there’s rust in the dark green fabric but everything I had was either orange or brown so I went with a rusty red. That left only an accent fabric to be needed and I went with the gold.
Tell it to the Stars Fabric
Simple as that! I could have switched the gold and red around but Fabric 2 (gold) needs 3 yards and Fabric 3 (red) needs 2-5/8 yards. I barely have 2-5/8 yards so it will be Fabric 3.
Does that help you with your fabric choices?
jennifer says
thanks for the additional info! i’m SO excited to start another quilt with you- I just got my background, and fabric #2 yesterday. I went with a yellow for that, as i’m guessing there will be some stars in this quilt… I’m working mostly from stash, but did have to get a couple fabrics. if I knew the background info yesterday, I might have been able to work from stash, but now I can blame buying more fabric on you! haha! 😉
terri says
Back to Square One was my first mystery to participate in and I am so glad I did. The deciding factor for me was the number of borders you use and I figured you would again. My quilt is beautiful.
I will participate in this one as well and I am certain I won’t be disappointed. Knowing you don’t enjoy applique that would be a great surprise for the 2015 mystery. Hint hint. 🙂
Susan says
Something to think about. You know me and my scrappies. Is this a project that will NOT do well with scrappy fabrics?
Pamj says
Fabric from Vicki ordered. Her fabrics are just to die for. Plus ordering her kits keeps it easy peasy for me…Can’t wait to see them in person !!!
Becky R in IL says
I am in for thus in 2014. Thoroughly enjoyed the Back to Square One project in 2013. See my website for the fabrics I chose.