Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Introduce Yourself
Can't Follow Patterns >

Can't Follow Patterns

Can't Follow Patterns

Old 08-08-2011, 06:01 AM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Jennoh2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: NE Iowa
Posts: 89
Default

I've recently begun quilting, first quilt was yellow brick road which I hated after using too many fabrics. Now, I have begun "making up" my own designs as I go because I either get bored or just can't figure out what a pattern is telling me to do. The other problem I have is making my seams stay at 1/4 - no matter how I try, something gets messed up along the way. Am attaching a couple of my projects so all of you can give me advice.

Square in a Square-paper pieced
[ATTACH=CONFIG]238322[/ATTACH]
Attached Thumbnails attachment-238316.jpe   attachment-238317.jpe  
Jennoh2 is offline  
Old 08-08-2011, 06:04 AM
  #2  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Ocean Springs, MS
Posts: 9,287
Default

Your quilts are beautiful. Does the 2nd one have embroidery blocks? You can purchase a 1/4 foot for your machine and sew kinda slow. My blocks are not always the right size either.
Sewfine is offline  
Old 08-08-2011, 06:11 AM
  #3  
Super Member
 
valsma's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 1,625
Default

A 1/4 foot can be a life saver to get a good seam allowance. I would sugget getting one.

Your quilts are lovely. That chicken quilt is just to cute for words. What fun. I have the same problem following patterns, so have to take my time really figuring them out.
valsma is offline  
Old 08-08-2011, 06:14 AM
  #4  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 10,402
Default

Nice Quilts! Welcome from Michigan.:)
Lori B. is offline  
Old 08-08-2011, 06:28 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
AnnieF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 524
Default

You don't need help from us...you're doing fine on your own. Many quilters buy patterns and kits and it works for them. I like to take a pattern or an idea and put my own spin on it. I've never bought a kit because they don't usually have the fabric in colors I like and following a pattern to the letter, well that never happens for me...I usually have to change the size or placement.

My advice to you is to go your own way. Your quilts already are pointing you in that direction. Even the 1/4 inch seam isn't a "must have" as long as you take your wider seam into consideration when you're planning your quilt. And, the longer you quilt, the better and more accurate you get.
AnnieF is offline  
Old 08-08-2011, 06:30 AM
  #6  
Power Poster
 
erstan947's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 12,166
Default

I consider patterns merely a suggestion. I think your quilts are outstanding, I have quit agonizing over 100% perfection and do the very best I can. I my opinion perfection is only important if you are having your quilt "Judged" in a show. Relax and enjoy the process:)
erstan947 is offline  
Old 08-08-2011, 06:33 AM
  #7  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,671
Default

Welcome!

With work like that, I feel so inadequate .... you could teach many of us many things, no doubt!

When you get your 1/4" foot, you'll have that issue resolved!
QuiltE is offline  
Old 08-08-2011, 06:59 AM
  #8  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Kansas
Posts: 20,402
Default

It's beautiful
blueangel is offline  
Old 08-08-2011, 07:11 AM
  #9  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 5,397
Default

This is very pretty. A 1/4 foot would help and you can also mark your machine with that measurement. Are you squaring up your blocks? The center yellow seems to be a little off to one side. If you are squaring your blocks to one size make sure you measure from the center out on all four sides so that its all centered.
romanojg is offline  
Old 08-08-2011, 09:25 AM
  #10  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 13,120
Default

Beautiful quilts!
Welcome from Minnesota!
Happy quilting!
Jammin' Jane is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter