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WEEK ONE - Videos and helpful resourcesIf you are new to cutting out fabric, then read the tips below. There is also a video I made which shows you how to read the cutting instructions and begin your cutting out.
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WEEK ONE - Getting Organised
There are three colours and a background fabric to cut out, so staying organised with your cutting out will help you later on. We've included reusable plastic bags with the kit so that you can store the pieces for each week in a separate bag. This will really help later on. I cut out all of my A, B and C fabric and organised into the bags, then cut out the background fabric and placed this in the bag. I haven't cut out my sashing and borders yet as I will leave those pieces until I am ready.
NOTE: Start the background fabric with the large piece, the smaller piece is for the long borders and sashing strips.
There are three colours and a background fabric to cut out, so staying organised with your cutting out will help you later on. We've included reusable plastic bags with the kit so that you can store the pieces for each week in a separate bag. This will really help later on. I cut out all of my A, B and C fabric and organised into the bags, then cut out the background fabric and placed this in the bag. I haven't cut out my sashing and borders yet as I will leave those pieces until I am ready.
NOTE: Start the background fabric with the large piece, the smaller piece is for the long borders and sashing strips.
Cutting Out
OK so let's get cutting out. If you've managed to leave your fabric intact and have just been stroking it, then now is the time to pick up the rotary cutter and get going. The pattern page for cutting out lists all of the pieces you need and simply work your way down the list. For each fabric the cutting is broken down into the number of strips you need to cut and then the pieces you will sub-cut from each strip. If you are new to following patterns then let me explain.
The following is the first Background fabric cutting instruction:
TIP -Before the first cut I will straighten out my fabric by trimming it, by taking the tiniest of amounts off. If you are new to cutting then have a look at my cutting strips video and it will show you how I do it.
OK so let's get cutting out. If you've managed to leave your fabric intact and have just been stroking it, then now is the time to pick up the rotary cutter and get going. The pattern page for cutting out lists all of the pieces you need and simply work your way down the list. For each fabric the cutting is broken down into the number of strips you need to cut and then the pieces you will sub-cut from each strip. If you are new to following patterns then let me explain.
The following is the first Background fabric cutting instruction:
- (2x) 3½" WOF strips, sub-cut into a total of;
- (x22) 3½" squares
TIP -Before the first cut I will straighten out my fabric by trimming it, by taking the tiniest of amounts off. If you are new to cutting then have a look at my cutting strips video and it will show you how I do it.
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My favourite cutting tools and tips
New Rotary blade How many times do you put off changing the rotary blade and just make do, I know I forget. But, that feeling when you start cutting with a new blade is amazing, it really does make it easier. Magic Spray Does your ruler keep sliding as you cut? Try some Spray and Stay from Crafters Companion. This handy spray gives a fine layer of adhesive to your ruler, it doesn't stick to the fabric but it does make your ruler grip better, Magic! Stripology Ruler This one is a bit pricey and I put off buying one for years as I wasn't sure it would be worth the money, but heck it really is good. I purchased one in the summer and I love it now. For patterns where you are cutting lots of strips the same width it really does speed up the process. Remember to post your photos using the #signalquiltalong and tag me @paulasteel.quilts and Lisa @modernquiltclub so we can share in your achievements and spread the encouragement.
Good luck with all of the cutting, I know for me it's the most patience testing part :) And check back next week for week 2! |
