Becky's Crafts

Did you starch your pieces? Being that hst's have bias sides, a stiff starch will help keep them from stretching & make them much easier to work with!! I starch the fabric until the pieces are like a lightweight cardboard! I hope this helps! I know it can sometimes be frustrating, but hang in there! You'll get better! :-) I did!

running1

What she said... yes, ALL of them!!! Great advice here... and hang in there!!! Trust us... you're a quilter!!!

sval

Thanks for all the great advice.
I could try gluing. I've done that before to match seams. Actually it is supposed to go on a stand. So I could just glue the whole thing together. Ha
I could try thinner thread. I've never done that before. What about serger thread? Is that a good weight? I have huge spools of that.
I didn't think about the fact that the HST's could have bias edges at this point. Starch? Hmm. Never found one that doesn't stink me out. So I haven't starched.
I've learned that picking a small project isn't necessarily an easy project. Seems it can be harder and as much work as a whole bed quilt.
Fortunately it was only $15 for the kit. And there is a lot of 30's fabrics leftover. Any great patterns out there for 30's fabrics?
SVAL

maviskw

I've always had trouble with the "drifting" thing. My seam is seldom the correct width at the end. So I use a stiletto to hold the fabrics together until the bitter end. And sew slowly and carefully.

Good Luck.

sval

Thank you to everyone who offered advice. Today is a better day and I'm conquering it.
I tried the glue at first. But then found I wanted to press the seams open to reduce the bulk. So went back to no pins and no glue. Just a leader. I worked hard to find just the right seam allowance.
So it's going well.
SVAL

quilterpurpledog

I like Jan's idea. It really works.I think it is important to not make too many units of anything until you have made the square or unit completely. Then, you can adjust before moving on. It is disheartening to have to redo lots of units over a small error in cutting or stitching. Sew slowly.

QandE2010

I'm so happy to read that it's gong well today. How very frustrating to think you're doing everything correctly and still not get the results you strive for. All the tips are good and I use them often. I just want to add that this is a great site and we have lots of great helpful people here, as well as a great bunch of excellent quilters.

Nanax4

Glad to hear that it's going better. Lots of good tips!

Halo

So glad to hear things are going better for you today & to tell you not to give up. Every quilter has days like you have had. It is just best to walk away from it a day or two & then go for it again. You can always vent here. We are happy to listen & help whenever we can.

mandyrose

love your advice jan.............perfect!