Oh dear... noticing the many mistakes....

**MadQuilter** · 10-18-2012, 04:01 PM

Right now you will see every mistake because you are working so close to the source. Trust me, when the top is turned into a sandwich and the sandwich is quilted, you will not notice the mistakes as much. Some of the smaller inconsistencies will quilt right out and you won't notice them at all. For the rest, pat yourself on the back because you did it and finished!

As for rulers, I don't know anything about the June T. series. I have a 6.5, 9.5, 12.5, and 15" square because those are the blocks I make the most. (Particularly the 6 and 12 come in handy). I spend the time to square my blocks.

Then I have a 6x24 that I use in conjunction with the largest square ruler to square up my tops. Works fine for me.

**Patti25314** · 10-18-2012, 04:10 PM

Make sure that you are pressing and not ironing. Ironing may stretch the material and make it look uneven. Here's a trick: tape it to something (like a plastic piece) or pin it down really well to the floor (carpet). Take a spray bottle of water to it and get it damp. Then let is dry. This may help to straighten it out some. Also, it helps to have something with good right angles to lay it on to see how it looks in terms of straightness. Make sense?

**batikmystique** · 10-18-2012, 07:06 PM

Great advice, Patti25314! I will have to remember the spray bottle trick. Would also like to add that I always press my seams on the back of the blocks to set them before pressing the seam from the front. Helps avoid the distortion. As Patti25314 mentioned, I can't stress enough the technique of pressing vs ironing.

Originally Posted by Patti25314

Make sure that you are pressing and not ironing. Ironing may stretch the material and make it look uneven. Here's a trick: tape it to something (like a plastic piece) or pin it down really well to the floor (carpet). Take a spray bottle of water to it and get it damp. Then let is dry. This may help to straighten it out some. Also, it helps to have something with good right angles to lay it on to see how it looks in terms of straightness. Make sense?

**Jeanette Frantz** · 10-18-2012, 08:42 PM

None of us will ever be "perfect". There was only one man who walked this earth who was perfect, and He (the son of God) was nailed to a tree. We can certainly pursue "Excellence" which is knowing in your heart you've done the very best you are capable of doing (at that particular time). I am still a "newbie" when it comes to quilting, but I've made my clothes for 50+ years. I think I do a pretty good job at the clothes, but I'm not perfect. The more you make quilts, the more you will improve. Experience is a great teacher. I've never seen a "perfect" quilt, but I have sure seen some beautiful quilts. As another member of this board stated, don't be too hard on yourself. Your quilt will always be treasured because it was your first one! I have made some really bad mistakes, but I just keep trying not to repeat those mistakes! Ladies, it's late and I have to hit the floor at 6:00 a.m. to go to work! Good Night all! Jeanette Frantz

**jcrow** · 10-18-2012, 04:34 PM

I found a 8x24 ruler and love it. Now I don't use my 6x24 anymore. I have a 15 1/2 x 15 1/2 that I love also. And then I have the smaller ones that I can't live without. But the 8x24 is so great! It was hard for me to find. I think they are all over now, but when I found it, I lucked out. Those are so nice to have.

**Carolyn All Day** · 10-18-2012, 04:51 PM

Thank you, thank you, thank you ladies! When I cut my quilt originally, I relied heavily on the markings of my cutting mat (which I've since learned is a no-no!) and a yard stick. *sigh* And I made "templates" out of some heavy card stock-type material and laid that on top of my fabric to cut out my squares.

I definitely need to start building up a honest-to-goodness quilting ruler stash.

**Dolphyngyrl** · 10-18-2012, 05:16 PM

I only use three rulers regularly enough to need them. One is my 5x18 inch ruler with lip. I find the 6x24 awkward, guess I am weird. Can't live with out my june tailor shape cut plus ruler. I use that out of all my rulers the most for all my strip quilts. and the other one would be my 6 inch or 8inch square rulers. I find if you square up as you go the blocks, there is less need to square it later

**earthwalker** · 10-18-2012, 05:19 PM

I use a 6 x 24 and an 8.5 square, decent cutting mat and a thin 24 inch metal ruler. As the others have mentioned, you don't need a vast collection of expensive stuff. Make each block, sash and seam accurate and keep check as you go....the end result should be pretty spot on. Don't be too hard on yourself, or lose your motivation. Each quilt or project teaches us a new technique and is a step in the learning process. Another thing is to press your work as you go....not iron...wiggle and move that iron a lot and you will get a lot of distortion. Now, have a think and make some adjustments and get your top morphed into a quilt.....look at it, love it and see how much better your next one will be. Oh, and don't forget to show us....we love pics and you will get lots of encouragement and ideas for your next one.....happy quilting from the land of Aus.

**asimplelife** · 10-18-2012, 06:07 PM

Making your 1st quilt is a major accomplishment and you should be proud! We all have our inner perfectionist to deal with... but you will learn with each quilt you make and that is what keeps it fun. Good luck!

**happyquiltmom** · 10-18-2012, 06:39 PM

Lots of good advice from the folks here!

Perhaps you haven't heard of the "rule of eight"...stand back 8 feet from your quilt and the mistakes disappear!

Thread: Oh dear... noticing the many mistakes....

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