08 November, 2014

Why You Need That Calculator!

This is a follow-up to yesterday's post; an explanation of why, exactly, you need one (or possibly two) calculators in your sewing room! In addition to using the tool for quickly adding up quilt edge measurements when you're calculating binding length (always add 10" to that total) how about using it for assistance when it comes to the decimal equivalent for a fraction? 
.125 = 1/8
.25 = 1/4
.375 = 3/8
.5 = 1/2
.675 = 5/8
.75 = 3/4
.875 = 7/8
You can even print this handy reference guide out and mount it to the back of your calculator, that way you'll always know where it is. These decimal equivalents will aid you in fabric yardage calculations. For instance... you know from consulting a pattern that you need 5 yds. of fabric. You have three pieces on hand: one is 1/8 yd., the second is 2 5/8 yd. and the third is 2 1/4 yd. Do you have enough? By adding up .125 + 2.675 + 2.25 you learn that you actually possess 5 yds.; yes, you do!

Or, another example: you have a 7/8” finished square measurement called for and what you need to know is how big to cut your pieces, including the seam allowance, 875 + .5 = 1.375 or 1 3/8”.  

I'm sure you can think of many other applications, these are but a few; now you know why I had to buy a replacement calculator right away; and why I'm keeping it even though I found the original, misplaced, one! Life's just too short to be scribbling math problems on scraps of paper... wouldn't you rather be stitching? I know I would.


Life is Good!

Thanks to Quiltkeemosabe, my #1 sidekick and advisor, for suggesting this post topic.

4 comments:

Pat said...

To heck with the calculator -- is that bowl one of your talented husband"s creations? I want THAT!

quiltkeemosabe said...

Yay!!!!! Fractions made easy!!!! (in case you slept through this part of math class like I did!!!!!)

julieQ said...

That is just always the way of it, isn't it...I always find what I was searching for...after I buy a replacement!!

Quiltdivajulie said...

GREAT post!!