I have a ton of BasicGrey fabric leftover from my Sampler Spree project and wanted a pattern that would use some more of it up. I have a pattern in mind, created by BasicGrey, called Apple Sauce.
I think the block that is featured is really unusual and wanted to test it out before I launch into making 25 of them.
That block is so interesting, don't you think? So I made one up and it came out just awful!
So, this is just unacceptable. Nearly every single point of the dark blue flying geese units is cut off! Then I tried a second block, and a third one, following the cutting and sewing instructions to the letter. Every one of them turned out the same!
I got out my never-fail 501 Rotary Cut Quilt Block book by Judy Hopkins to see if I could find that block or one that was similar. Sure enough, I did. I compared the cutting directions and sure enough again, the measurements to make the block in the 8-inch size were slightly different than in the BasicGrey pattern. Specifically, the measurements to make the solid flying geese "sky" triangles were different. (Units D/E in the book illustration).
This is basically the same block as Apple Sauce, but you just need to flip the direction of the flying geese unit around and add corner squares to the center unit "B". I made it according to the book's instructions, and my fourth test block came out without cut-off points.
I didn't bother to square this block up nicely since I won't be using it, but look: all the solid red points are good and won't be lost in the seam allowance.
I sent BasicGrey an email asking for tips or if they had pattern corrections, but who knows if anyone will answer me?
Have any of you made this BasicGrey Apple Sauce pattern? Is there some trick to not cutting off those points in the block? I have found a workaround for the problem by using the instructions in my Judy Hopkins book, but man, it is frustrating to spend $10-12 on a quilt pattern and have the block instructions not be right.
I haven't made this block or any other Basic Grey blocks, but I feel your pain. What a waste of time and fabric to have incorrect measurements given! I'm so sorry this happened to you.
Posted by: Erin | September 27, 2023 at 05:05 AM
Oh my! Good job you did a test before cutting the rest. I've been using Deb Tucker's Studio 180 rulers and they've been really good for getting points sorted. You do cut a bit larger and trim down, but it is only a smidgeon and it's such a pity all your hard work has ended up not quite right. I'm now discovering rulers on the longarm - ugh! Getting in the zone and then realising you've got to unpick some that you didn't intend to do!
Have to say initially I thought the first block looked nice until you pointed out the points!!!
Cheers, Kerry - where there's a will, there's a way!
Posted by: Kerry | September 27, 2023 at 05:17 AM
I never make a quilt with side setting triangles unless I have done the math to check the designer's numbers. That’s courtesy of a mystery quilt where 10 of us had cut them and the measurement was wrong- too small, and no corrections posted. The very next quilt, the designer had “slightly” oversized, and the square cut was 4 inches larger than oversized. It sure wasted a lot of fabric! The excess cut off was pretty much useless with the angled ends. I am about to give up on patterns. The most recent fad has you cutting full blocks in half, losing the seam allowance thru the center. And losing all the points around the entire outside of the quilt. You dont know this until you have purchased the pattern, and now have to recalculate for half blocks. I feel bad for new quilters who don’t realize this! One designer is advertising this as a feature of her newly released pattern. Good grief!
Posted by: Juls E | September 27, 2023 at 05:37 AM
I know some of the designers have a corrections page, although I can't think of one off the top of my head. It's especially bad with the Moda blocks samplers with different designers. I have had more problems with the Blockhead blocks and I feel bad when I see the new quilters relating their problems on FB. You were smart to make the test block!
Posted by: sue s | September 27, 2023 at 07:28 AM
I've discovered over the past few years that I must try a sample block. I was running into too many issues, such as your lost points, on patterns that were supposed to be correct. I'm sorry for your frustrating sewing day! That fabric is too pretty to waste on pattern errors!
Posted by: Jan | September 27, 2023 at 07:44 AM
How frustrating. Good on you for finding a "fix". I wonder if I created the block in EQ8, what it would show for the rotary cutting sizes. hmm. Thanks for the heads up.
Posted by: Gina | September 27, 2023 at 08:37 AM
I have that same Judy Hopkins book. I love it. It probably has all the quilt block patterns you will ever need. I've used it several times as a reference when pattern directions aren't clear or seam off.
Posted by: Lora Prange | September 27, 2023 at 09:51 AM
man, that is so frustrating. thank goodness you did a test block. me? I barrel ahead and start cutting b4 testing a block bc I am always in a hurry. not a good strategy.
Posted by: Ina | September 27, 2023 at 10:01 AM
Nicole, your block looks different from the block in the picture of the quilt.
In the quilt there are big triangles on the corners of the center. Also there is a small triangle under the flying geese.
Just what mt eyes see.
Good luck
Posted by: Pam O | September 27, 2023 at 01:34 PM
I think Pam O is on to something. Take a second look. I love Basic Grey patterns and I’ve never had a problem. Xox.
Posted by: Carol | September 28, 2023 at 04:42 AM
Having experienced several crunched points on my blocks, after recutting pieces, after still not enjoying sharp points, I took your recommendation for Judy Hopkins book, 501 Rotary -Cut Quilt Blocks and ordered the book. Better Blocks are in my future! Can’t Wait!
Posted by: Karen | September 28, 2023 at 05:19 AM