Memory Quilt - Need Blocks same size

Are your photo squares larger or smaller than your U of F squares?

What you need to do (to keep life simple) is to determine what size your photo squares need to be so you don't cut off the image.

If they are smaller, then you can add a fabric that blends nicely with your U of F squares to frame them out to the 5 1/4 (you want to do your best to make sure all your blocks are as close to square... and the same size as possible... or you will go crazy sewing them together!).

Let's say your picture square is 3 1/2 inches, for example. To get to 5 1/4 inches you will need to add 1 3/4 inches of fabric. And if you want to frame the photo square -- you'll want to divide that fabric so you will add some to both sides of the block. You also need to allow 1/2 inch on each side for seam allowance (assuming you are sewing with the quilter's commonly used 1/4" seam allowance.).

So you take your 1.75 and divide by 2 and get 7/8 of an inch. Now you add the 1/2 inch seam allowance which gives you 1 3/8" If it were me... I'd cut the strips 1 1/2 inches... sew them on (using 1/4 seam allowance then square them up by trimming on the edges if necessary.

Does this make sense? It really isn't hard to do -- it is just hard to explain in text!

If the photos are all less than the size of your Florida fabric, then you are in luck! Add random size fabric to them and then trim to the correct size. It is not necessary to make the "frames" even on all sides unless you want to. (if you do, then just center the photo when it comes time to trim)

Good luck and remember to tell us where to see some pictures of the finished project,

Mary

"About" is not a good word. Accuracy is your friend. Make all your squares exactly the same size! Are the U. of Florida squares made of T-shirts? If so, you might want to stabilize the stretch by fusing them to thin woven cotton iron-on.

To make the photos larger, find the smallest one. How much smaller is it than 5 1/4? Divide that difference in half and add a half inch for seams. then cut strips of that width. Sew strips to all 4 sides of all your photos. Then trim them all to 5 1/4". There is some waste, of course, but the accuracy is probably worth it. To help disguise the size differences, you might consider trimming your photo squares so the photo part is off center. You could make a 5

Or, you could trim those framed squares any-which-way, so the pictures are topsy-turvey....some straight, some tilted, etc. You'd still have to trim to

Thank you everyone! I think I will try to add the material. There are only a couple that are way too short.

Helen

I'd probably work out what the widest border you need is, then cut strips this width, plus seam allowance, then border everything, press and starch and then trim them all to the same size.

Cheers Anne