However, a couple of the FQs measured only 17-1/2". I needed the full 18". That's probably why the project was packed away.
An 18" FQ should yield four rows of 4-1/2" cut squares. But 17-1/2" would yield fewer squares and a lot of waste. OK, what can I do with this?
If I want four rows of squares from 17-1/2", the maximum size I can cut the squares is 4-3/8" which would be 3-7/8" finished. 4-1/2" cut squares would be 4" finished and ten across would be 40". Ten of the 3-7/8" finished squares would be 38-3/4". Not a significant difference if my pattern uses only squares, but a huge PIA if my pattern is any more complex than that.
Okay, a simple Plus quilt will work. I trimmed the previously cut squares down to 4-3/8" and cut more from the rest of the fabrics in the bag. I found a couple additional fabrics in my stash that work with the overall palette and cut enough for a baby quilt. Here it is laid out on the design wall.
Soft mid-tone and pastel shades of peach and seafoam in a modern Plus layout. This will make a nice baby quilt for Operation Shower. And it moves this project from a PIGS to a WIP.
Link ups:
Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
Beautiful colors... so soft and soothing. It will be a lovely baby quilt.
ReplyDeleteGood save! That peach and seafoam combo was quite popular back then.
ReplyDeleteI know the frustration when cutting into a fat quarter and it's just a little bit too small...But you made it work and this is a lovely Plus quilt. Soft and delicate. I'm sure it'll make some little one very happy one day!
ReplyDeleteVery smart thinking. It can be frustrating to find pre-cuts smaller than needed. And it's another reason a stash is helpful: for filling in gaps for a quilt like this.
ReplyDeleteCongrats for moving this one forward!! (and today I can comment as before - who knows!)
ReplyDeleteAwesome rescue operation, Jan! That Plus Quilt will make a lovely donation.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a nice save to me and soon a nice finish.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds very much like my process: how big can I make these pieces so I use the entire FQ? Someone gave me pre-washed flannel FQs and they were really undersized! A plus quilt might be just the ticket to use them up. The colors on your piece are really pretty. I can see why you wanted to salvage this project :)
ReplyDeleteOoh, what a pretty plus quilt! Although I don't typically work with flannels, I did order some by mistake online once and they have been languishing away in my stash ever since. This would be a great way to make use of them!
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