Simple Math-- It's A Process

The simplest of math functions: addition and subtraction; I've been occupied with both when it comes to putting together blocks accumulated over the last several years. Most of these are blocks made in two separate block-of-the-month sessions at my local quilt shop, with a few orphans thrown in for good measure. The bin that held these, plus all of the other trial blocks and odds and ends made up in reds and lights have been kept together for someday quilts. Well, someday has arrived at long last! The bin's contents were emptied and everything was placed on the design wall at one time.  
There were too many disparate elements; from this point plenty of subtraction took place-- the eliminations went back to the bin. After that, slowly, blocks were added back in; one at a time until they all fit together (above, left), some coping strips were added as needed.

The first border was attached. A neutral "floating" border, a place for the eye to rest.

I wanted to bring red back to the outside edges, but not another single shade. I began a half square triangle border, equal in width to the first border and incorporating many reds and backgrounds for variety. I liked it.

This is where I ended up. Simple math: adding, subtracting, adding some more. The solution to the problem is pictured above. I have enough blocks still remaining in the bin to begin this process all over again; plus, I still have four more months to go with this years' block-of-the-month sessions (can you guess the colors chosen?)! A friend told me a while ago that when she tests blocks she always makes them in the same color family, I listened and followed suit. Oh, for the record, I have a bin of blues and lights too; I keep tossing them in and they continue to add up. How's that for simple math?

Life is Good!

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.

Take 3

Go ahead, take 3 minutes, yes... you're going to find that it's time worth spending; I promise. Click here, sit back, and be amazed.

Think about it... 3 minutes spent now equals a lifetime of results; that's quite a remarkable equation.

Life is Good!