I just tried my first 10 minute block -- used my seam ripper more than once -- but I think I've got it down now.

:?: Question :?: I want to make fairly small blocks for a doll quilt (Shhhh! Don't tell anyone at the doll quilt swap thread!) But the center seams are kind of lumpy. What am I doing wrong?

It may seem lumpy where all the seams come together, I usually press them open. Try that and see if it helps.

Thanks, Deb. Will try that.

K: I've always ended up with a lump under the center of these blocks, even with pressing the seams open. I've thought of trying to trim the seams, but never actually done it. You must press the finished block very carefully, maybe not at all, or you'll get a shiny spot on the center block. I did, anyway, especially doing them small.

(I won't tell anyone in the DQ swap that I saw this post.)

Thanks, Leslie. I was also looking at the center and thinking that it would look really neat puffed up. Has anyone tried adding a little batting to the inside? That might soften it as well. Or maybe I'm delusional.

I've thought of that, but never tried it. Go for it, girl!

Foo! Now I'm getting a stinky little tag sticking out of the middle at one corner. Grrrr! Practice, practice, practice!

I saw on a Fons & Porter show one time where they took a small hammer and banged on seams to make them lay flat. It works really well if you you have several seams coming to gether at one place.

Wow, never thought about getting out the 'big boy' tools!

Are you talking about the center seams under the center patch? I trim it out.

Yes, the center seam, but hammering sounds like fun, too!

I made this block into a quilt this summer, thought the thick center added dimension and I liked the looks of it. Who said it has to be flat? As for the little sneaky tips that show at the corners, who cares? Made with love and accepted with love, the quilt wasn't going to win any prizes. But my aunt smiles every time she sees it, she said.
Accept your work when you know you are doing your best and little imperfections only add character.

Carol J.

Carol, you are a quilter after my heart! Thank you.