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  1. #1
    vbrace is offline Junior Member
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    Default All Confused and Stumped for Ideas

    I bought some really nice needle and flannel fabric to make my son a quilt. So in my excitment I started making quilt blocks at random. I made 4 (4piece blocks out of charm squares) finished size is 9 1/4 by 9 1/4 for each corner, I made some 7 by 7 blocks in a disappearing nine patch pattern , and I made some 4 by 4 blocks in a checkerboard pattern. I purchased extra yardage to put it together but I am totally at a loss of how to go about this , I really have no design template in mind and would not have a clue of how to measure and cut the pieces to fit. Any suggestions would be soooooo appreciated. Does anyone know if there is a site that you can create a virtual quilt by inputting your block sizes and see it layed out on screen , that would be very helpful.

    Thanks,

    Valerie

  2. #2
    Granny Judy's Avatar Granny Judy is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: All Confused and Stumped for Ideas

    Hi there, Valerie. Welcome!! Hang in there while the ladies get here that know and use a digital program..

    I know there is a program out there that will help, but can't recall the name of it right now. Hey, Sandy, are you here yet.. (she's our "if ya wanna know, go-to-gal")

    Otherwise we use a Design Wall.. and lay our piece out on it till we are happy with what we have. A Design wall is basically a large flannel sheet, attached to a wall.. I just use my bed with a flannel sheet laid out on top.

  3. #3
    Sandy Navas's Avatar Sandy Navas is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: All Confused and Stumped for Ideas

    Sandy is here, but I don't have an answer for you either. I can tell you that you quilt very similar to the way I do. Here's what I'd do - I'd grab some fabric that went well with all three blocks and sash the smaller ones up so they were the same size as the larger one and just wing it. Unfortunately, that's not the best way to quilt and I should know because I have made way too many quilts that way.

    Someone jump in here and save me . . . Karen!!!!!!!!
    Be warned. I am BORED.
    This could be dangerous.

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  4. #4
    K. McEuen's Avatar K. McEuen is online now Moderator
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    Default Re: All Confused and Stumped for Ideas

    Haha, I say pretty much the same as you, Sandy. Sash the smaller blocks to match the size of the larger ones. Or lay them out in "stripes." One row of 7" blocks and a row of 4" blocks, rinse and repeat.

    I work better when I have pictures to start with.
    K is for Karen

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  5. #5
    coffeebreak's Avatar coffeebreak is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: All Confused and Stumped for Ideas

    Only thing I can suggest is how I design my quilts inthe first place...good old fashioned graph paper! Only I tend to use spirl notebooks and make my own graph paper! I just get out the markers or colored pencils and start drawing and designing. Maybe you could make a paper graph of your blocks and then move them around here and there, add strips or other blocks etc and see what you come up with. I am a visual person...I have to see to figure. Give me instructions, I can't do it. Give me object, I can copy!

  6. #6
    vbrace is offline Junior Member
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    Default Re: All Confused and Stumped for Ideas

    Thanks Ladies,

    That is definitely somewhere to start! I am a relatively new quilter so I should probably stick with patterns until I increase my arsenal of experience. I am really excited though, I booked a trip to go to a quilting exposition oin Providence Rhode Island in April. Can't wait... signed up for all kinds of classes. Anyone else out there attending?

    Valerie

  7. #7
    sunnyQLDmum's Avatar sunnyQLDmum is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: All Confused and Stumped for Ideas

    I like Karen's idea, sounds like it would be the easiest and most uniform looking. But also sashing the smaller blocks and doing a random layout could work too. Just lay them out and have a play. I'm sure you will come up with something great.
    Find my creations on facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/tinabartondesigns

  8. #8
    DCM's Avatar
    DCM
    DCM is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: All Confused and Stumped for Ideas

    Ditto on the graph paper suggestion - I use graph paper a lot and think it's a big help when trying to design a quilt (or determine how much fabric you need if you're using a different number of fabrics than are listed on a pattern). Don't forget to post a picture of your quilt!
    Dawn
    A bed without a quilt is like a sky without stars.

  9. #9
    Sharbank's Avatar Sharbank is offline Junior Member
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    Default Re: All Confused and Stumped for Ideas

    Hello, I got EQ6 (Electric Quilt 6) about 3 yrs ago for Christmas. I have installed it on my computer and tried to figure out how to get the most out of it ever since. It is a fantastic software package. I fiddle around with it for hours...that I would rather be sewing. I am better at the hands on and I try to always have all the blocks end up the same size to have some continuity so I use the "design wall" which is a full size flannel sheet attached to the closet doors in my sewing room. Good luck in finding the best way for you!

    Sharon
    Those who say "It cannot be done" should not impede the progress of the doer.

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