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to cut or not to cut? fabric present for my sis
Saya Advanced Beginner NETHERLANDS Member since 7/18/08 Posts: 248	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 2/4/13 7:06 AM My sisters birthday is coming up next month (or actually this months, but she won't celebrate it until next month) and because she was looking for a new hobby and liked my idea of making a babyquilt for a pregnant friend I decided to get her a quilting book. After my trip to quiltstore last weekend I suddenly thought it might be a nice idea to get her some fabric to start with. So I just bought a package of 8 blue fabrics sized 25*55cm (9,8*21,7 inches). Realizing what an annoyance it is to cut the fabric with scissors (and being a proud new owner of a rotary cutter) I thought I could pre-cut the fabric for her so she could immediately start with the fun part. However that left me wondering what size I could cut them in. - 5 cm squares makes the most sense, but leave only 4cm (1,6 inch) finished squares, which seems a bit small but has no leftover fabric - 12,5 cm (4,9 inch) squares will result in a small number of squares only, maybe making it less fun to quilt - 7,5 cm (3 inch) seems like a nice compromise between the two (and I like the size), but will have some useless leftover fabrics - 10cm squares would leave strips of 5cm width, which could be used for a next project, or a border, or could be cut up in 10*5 cm rectangles So anyways, I was just wondering if anyone here had some thoughts on the best way to cut the fabric, of maybe I shouldn't cut the fabric and leave it up to her....
quiltingwolf Advanced MD USA Member since 12/15/02 Posts: 4987	Login to reply to this post In reply to Saya << Like this post Date: 2/4/13 7:22 AM Probably best to leave it uncut but offer to help her cut it. As you have no idea of how she will want to use it. ------ quiltingwolf.blogspot.com
Saya Advanced Beginner NETHERLANDS Member since 7/18/08 Posts: 248	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/4/13 8:01 AM Yeah, you're probably right. It seemed like such a great idea, until I started thinking of all the different ways to cut it. At least I'll have some suggestions for her My sister lives 'only' 1,5 hours away, but with her not having or car or being able to use public transport (at the moment) and me working fulltime, I don't see her that often, which was why I was thinking to do it beforehand.
Julkane   Intermediate PA USA Member since 9/14/07 Posts: 442	Login to reply to this post In reply to Saya << 1 member likes this. Date: 2/4/13 8:47 AM For part of my best friend's Christmas gift I gave her a 5 inch tumbler ruler and a charm pack - she made a runner out of it a few days later. I was so surprised she did it so fast. She laughingly complained that I did not get her fabric for the border and binding!! I honestly think since she is a newbie, maybe you should decide on a pattern and cut the majority of the pieces with your rotary cutter. It is overwhelming to pick a pattern and cut with scissors for someone new. ------ Elna Excellence 740, Pfaff Quilt expression 4.0, Janome 300E, Brother 8500D, Janome 900CPX CoverPro, Brother 5234 Project Runway Serger, Singer Treadle http://juliannasjourney.blogspot.com/
Saya Advanced Beginner NETHERLANDS Member since 7/18/08 Posts: 248	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/4/13 8:55 AM Now I'm starting to doubt again, lol. I'm actually a newbie myself (though one quilt with scissors was enough to get me to shop for a rotary cutter), maybe thats why I'm having trouble deciding what would be a good size. ;) The book I'm giving her also has some nice beginner patterns, but they're often for larger quilts. Or maybe I should bring my cutter to her birthday, haha (though I'm not sure the cutting mat will be easy to carry on the train)
KathySews   Advanced Beginner MI USA Member since 10/1/06 Posts: 2893	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 2/4/13 9:17 AM What a nice gift. I am a big fan of kits because I do not like cutting the fabrics. As a new quilter, that sounds particularly appealing to me.
Saya Advanced Beginner NETHERLANDS Member since 7/18/08 Posts: 248	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 2/5/13 2:42 AM Thanks. I've decided that I would think of some fun ways to cut the fabric (ideas always welcome) and then make up an excuse to take my cutting supplies to my sis. I'll be there for the weekend, though she isn't celebrating her birthday till sunday. I might be able to convince her to open some of the presents a day early. So she has some time to think about it. And we won't be cutting fabric instead of cake later :D
SandiMacD   Intermediate FL USA Member since 2/8/09 Posts: 1046	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 2/6/13 3:09 AM I would pre-cut the larger 10cm. That way it will go fast and she will have fun. And she will not want to waste it either- if she cuts small and its a lot of work to sew, well you can save her that grief. But then I love to sew and anytime someone gives me something pre cut and ready I am happier than all that layout and cut stuff. You have a wonderful idea. ------ re-living my youth through sewing...
Saya Advanced Beginner NETHERLANDS Member since 7/18/08 Posts: 248	Login to reply to this post In reply to SandiMacD << Like this post Date: 2/6/13 4:26 AM Thanks for the input. When I did the math it indeed seemed that using smaller squares, the total number of squares might be a bit overwhelming (55 per fabric x 8 different fabrics = a whole lot). I spoke to my sister on the phone, who had absolutely no problems with getting her gifts when they pick me up on friday (on the contrary, the sooner the better). So she can decide herself whether I should bring my cutting supplies and we can cut the pieces on saturday.
Julkane   Intermediate PA USA Member since 9/14/07 Posts: 442	Login to reply to this post In reply to Saya << Like this post Date: 2/6/13 8:17 AM Please let us know how the weekend goes and if your sister thinks it will be a good hobby for her. Enjoy your time with your sister!! ------ Elna Excellence 740, Pfaff Quilt expression 4.0, Janome 300E, Brother 8500D, Janome 900CPX CoverPro, Brother 5234 Project Runway Serger, Singer Treadle http://juliannasjourney.blogspot.com/

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