Bought "Still Stripping After 25 Years"...can't figure out how long to make strips!..HELP!!!

[zeepierce]

I just bought "Still Stripping after 25 Years", have bought suggested yardage of all fabrics to make a queen bedspread. No where in this book does it tell me how long to make the strips!!! I know I must be missing something. For instance for my background fabric it says to buy 4-1/3 yards from which I will need (10) 5" strips, (15) 2-1/2" strips, and (24) 2-1/2" strips. HOW LONG!!!! Does anyone know where I can get that information anywhere. I don't want to start cutting willy-nilly. Please help me!

[maryq]

Zee

I think, and I'm kind of guessing here, but you just cut the strips the width of the fabric and go from there. I have that book too, but haven't spent a lot of time reading it yet. Somewhere else as you go on in the directions for the pattern it will probably tell you how cut down the strips, into what lengths for which part of the quilt.

When I cut my fabric, I fold it in 1/2 length wise, selvage to selvage and then in 1/2 again length wise and then cut from there. I am not a quilting expert by any stretch but that way seems to work for me.

I'm sure there's lot of gals that have done quilts from that book, and hopefully they will be able to be of more help than I am! LOL

Good Luck!

Maryq

[texasgal65]

You cut the indicated size strips from selvage to selvage. Some fabrics are 40 inches others 42, 43 44 inches. That's why the book simply says to cut strips such as (10) 5" strips, etc. Your cuts will be more accurate if you use the acrylic rulers and the rotary cutters. The fabric is folded lengthwise when you purchase it. The selvages will be parallel. After you cut the strips, cut the selvage off, you do not want to use that area in your quilt block as it shrinks more than the body of the fabric. Cutting across the fabric is sometimes referred to a width of fabric or simply stated as WOF. Hope this helps, ask all the questions you like, this group is always happy to help a new quilter. I don't recall you name before, if you are new, I want to welcome you to the best group on the web.

[zeepierce]

Thanks Texasgal and Maryq! DUH... it does seem to make sense now. I guess I panicked. I haven't quilted in about 20 years, so I consider myself a newbie. This is my first day on the forum and I truly appreciate the help.

[grammy65]

Hi Zeepiecer....there usually isn't a lot of chat on this particular section of the forum, so I'm glad I found you.

Welcome to the forum. Please ask all the questions you need to. There's usually someone who has the answer or can find it. Now that you have the cutting question answered you can be on your way to making a beautiful quilt. Which quilt are you making out of the book? I'm sure someone on the forum has probably already made whichever one you are working on and can give you help if you need it.

[TheKid]

Texasgal65 explained it well. I have made several from this book, and it is always based on the width of the fabric. The forumla that she has after the opening page, will tell you what you need, for the size you are making. But, welcome to this wonderful forum.
We all learn from each other here. Have fun sewing.
Using a rotary cutter and the right mat will make the difference in sewing today from 20 years ago. Find a Local quilt store, and they can help with this new beginning class and they will be able to help with these questions.

[Cathy32078]

Hello & Welcome Zeepierce. Happy that you joined us here. There is usually someone on here that can answer most of the questions asked. It is nice too that so many have made a lot of El's quilts before, so we get their helpful tips & guidance. Anytime you have a question, ask away. We all learn from questions. Sure glad to have you. Would you be interested in doing an Autogragh Block Swap? If so, read about it over on the General Discussion or on the Swap, BOM section. We would love to have you. And it is such an easy block and goes together fast. Nadine is heading this Swap and she extended the deadline to Oct. 31st. Think about it please? You'll end up with a fabulous quilt!

Cathy

[TreadleTX]

Zee, don't be embarrassed - I had the same question when I started 'stripping'!
I didn't even know that WOF meant selvage to selvage or width of fabric. It IS different now that we have the cutters & a system that explains how to use them!
I look forward to seeing your first completed quilt (or block, whichever you want to post!)
Dovie