On the Blog: May Meeting Recap

Our Vice President, Amy Struckmeyer, striking a pose!

Using graph paper to design quilts

1) If the quilt only has right angles, it is easy to count squares to determine the size of each piece to be cut. 

2) Determine how many squares per inch. Graph paper comes in many forms, but is commonly found in 4, 5, and 10 squares per inch.

3) Determine the ratio or scale in which you plan to draw your quilt. Typically, a 1″=10″ ratio is sufficient, as a typical 8.5″x11″ piece of paper will allow for the design of quilts smaller than 85″x110″. 

4) Dividing the ratio you’ve chosen to drawn in by the number of squares per inch will give you the dimension each square represents. If drawing in a 1″:10″ ratio on a 5 square per inch piece of graph paper, each square will represent 2 inches (10/5=2).

Taking measurements from your quilt sketch  

2) If you are using a ruler to measure the size of each piece to be cut, take the measurement and multiply by the ratio you drew in to determine the size of each piece. If you measure a piece on your drawing to be 1.25″ long and you drew in a 1″=10″ ratio, the cutting dimension is 12.5″ (1.25×10). 

3) If you have used an engineering scale or architect scale in past, you can take direct-read measurements from your drawing without needing to do any math. There are YouTube videos on how to use the scales if you have any interest in learning how to use one.
Note: The dimensions you are measuring on your quilt sketch are FINISHED dimensions. You must add 0.5″ to the length and width of each piece for seam allowance.

Changing the size of a traditional block or any pattern 

If you would like to increase or decrease the size of a block there is a simple formula for doing so:
(size of finished block as written in the pattern) · X = (size you want finished block to be)
If the pattern finishes as a 6″ block and you want the block to finish at 20″, the equation looks like this: 

6X=20   ->->  X=20/6  ->->   X=3.33 

You then multiply the cutting dimensions of each piece of the block by 3.33. 
If you want to reduce the size of the block the formula is the same. If you want the 6″ block to finish at 3″ the formula looks like this: 

6X=3  ->->  X=3/6  ->->  X=0.5 

Note: Seam allowance is never multiplied! You must subtract the seam allowance (typically 0.5), multiply the remaining dimension by 3.33, and then add back the seam allowance.

CMQG Members and guest speakers Mary, Charity and Heather!

• Our June meeting will be on Saturday, June 18 and will be Sew-In. It will be from Noon – 5:00 pm and will be at Magical Mind Studio. It’s located at 343 Harrison St, Oak Park, IL.
• Our Charity project will be for Sarah’s Inn located in Oak Park, IL. They provide services for families affected by domestic violence. Our plan is to make pillows and lap sized quilts. Optionally, we can also make pouches for special items like scented soaps. Amy Struckmeyer will be providing more information on colors and blocks shortly.
• On Saturday, July 16^th we will be hosting Latifah Saafir for a Glam Clam Workshop. Find details regarding the workshop and how to register can be found (here.)
• On Sunday, July 17^th we will be hosting Latifah Saafir for a Lecture.
• Our August, 21^st meeting will be a Potluck with details to follow.
• Quilt Festival Houston 2016 is having a Modern Quilt Guild Showcase and they are looking for modern quilts!!! Deadline for submission is Friday, June 17^th. More information can be found here. (http://callforentriesmodernquilts.com/)
• Quiltcon Magazine 2017 is looking for articles and quilt patterns. Deadline for submissions is Tuesday, September 30^th. If interested, you can find more information here. (https://themodernquiltguild.wordpress.com/2016/04/27/call-for-submissions-quiltcon-magazine-2017/)