Friday, November 4, 2016

mathematical musings

It is a long time until the end of January but I have been working on ideas for a gift for the Women's Conference speaker. (not that I don't have other things making demands on my time ... ) I really am enjoying the possibilities of this block and thought since it is the 60th anniversary of the WOCON, maybe something with the number 60 might be appropriate. 

I was thinking of 30 blocks, each with two different fabrics and a total of 60 fabrics. Well, I am no mathematician but there is no way I can think of to use this block and use only 30 of the smaller ones.


Well then, how about making a runner out of  60 blocks? That would work a bit better, though it might be a bit harder to make sure all the fabrics used are different.

My plan is to add a solid border, quilted with a bible verse or something else. That would mean adding maybe one and a half to two inches to the size all around.


I was wondering what the usual size of a table runner might be so finally I dug out my quilt magazines and spent a few hours going through them looking at published quilted runners.

If I eliminate everything smaller than either of my ideas, of the 16inch width there was 16x28, 16x40, and 16x44.  There were none with a width of 22 inches but one 23-1/2x84"and many larger, plus "table toppers" up to 39" square.
My own coffee table is 21x44 so it would be possible to make a runner to fit by making the border a bit narrower. I did not record the size of all the past runners I have made but some using Japanese panels with an added border range from 25x48, 22x46, and 22x34, so I guess either of the two would be a useful size.  Maybe the 60 block one to represent the 60 years. I still have plenty of time to assemble more blocks so that all the fabrics will be different.

Going through those magazines was fun too. I pulled out an article in a 2014 Quiltmaker about "Quilting Buddies" and quilting together. It was only two pages but there were quotes from quite a few quilters about the impact of their quilting groups and friends. 

Thinking about the quilting groups that have entered my revolving door world ... here today and gone tomorrow, my first reaction was envy and a touch of sadness. But then, I thought of my blogging family and realized I am not the only one who works alone and I do have a go-to group when I need help or ideas or encouragement to carry on.

Thanks for being there ... For support ... for someone to bounce my ideas off of ... for taking the time from your busy life to read my ramblings and sometimes leave a comment.

10 comments:

  1. Julie, I tend to quilt "alone" at home, but never feel alone, with my wonderful blog friends all over the world. Some years ago I went to the local Art and Craft group, on each Monday night, then after 2 years, joined the Wednesday quilters. lots of help, fun and support there. Then I found it was too hard to get my "stuff" organised and the machine added kilos to its own weight every time I had to lift it anywhere. !! So I am happy to quilt or sew at home, Lovely blocks, and a border with verse would be a wonderful edging , I like the way some blocks meet at their edges as well, and others meet at the corners. Like hand holding together. Just my thoughts. Hugs from NZ,

    ReplyDelete
  2. See, we're quilting buddies, even tho we can't quilt together (same time, same place). I like the table runner idea. Most table runners vary in size.

    ReplyDelete
  3. A table runner sounds like a good idea. A wall hanging or throw quilt might not be every body's fancy, but most do own a table. :) I like the scrappy idea - your design looks very good!

    I've given up on quilt groups and those things.. I never feel like I fit in, either by choice of projects, ideas, colours used - or my age. My last meeting was attended in October 2014, when I decided that I had better things to do than to make those things and people knock me down (emotionally and creative-wise). Maybe I just haven't found my "group" yet - but I do love my fellow bloggers (advice, ideas and support).

    The first snow arrived this morning - and suddenly, Winter's here!

    ReplyDelete
  4. You had me at "mathematical" - haha - ;)) I'm like Nemo - I've given up on quilt groups and those things - and never feel like I fit in. I much prefer to do my own thing - on my own schedule - and at my own pace. But I also like checking out what my bloggy buddies are up to - and I see "Squirrels" EVERYWHERE. By the way - I have an idea about your little blocks - I'll email you a picture - ;))

    ReplyDelete
  5. You lost me at the first equation, lol. I love the idea of stitching a verse around the outer border, I think that would be the perfect touch and maybe something that fits with the theme.

    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh, that table runner is going to be lovely no matter how you do it. I love it already, even without borders. That's such a grea idea to make all colors different.

    ReplyDelete
  7. 60 looks a good number. As for the size, doesn't that depend on the size of the table? Coffee tables come in all shapes and sizes. A border would add a nice frame to the funky blocks.
    You have a long time until January and will finish in good time.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Deciding a size for a table runner is very tricky. Not just a size of table but how it be placed needs to be considered. Love your modern look quilt. Good luck with it!

    ReplyDelete
  9. oh my goodness.. I hope you worked your maths out ... rather you than me ! lol x I am sure it will be wonderful whatever you decide xx

    ReplyDelete
  10. Julie, we are very impressed by your math skills. It's so important to use math to plan in advance how a work will look. We love the idea of a Bible verse stitched around the border. Your runner will be a most memorable gift for the Women's Conference speaker. She's very fortunate to receive it, and we know she will truly enjoy it. Blessings to you, from Marina and Daryl Lynn

    ReplyDelete