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Removing more seams than I've left sewn

Removing more seams than I've left sewn

Old 07-05-2008, 04:40 PM
  #21  
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I don't have the 1/4 in. foot yet, but as a result of so many suggesting it here on the board, I've ordered it today. To be honest, I didn't know one existed - so I just keep learning. :)

I'm hoping that will help me. I find that I also have a tendency to trail off at the end of the seam also. I did take my 3 blocks that I've done to one of the shops today, as a matter of fact. I'm glad I did - it was very helpful to talk to someone about it. She suggested the 1/4 in. foot as well. Actually, she said that she personally took a piece of Dr. Scholl's moleskin that you would normally use on your foot, and cut a strip of it. She measured 1/4 in. from her needle and placed the strip on her sewing machine. That raised edge kept her fabric from going beyond the seam allowance. Much like the earlier suggestion of using post-it notes or tape from CindyBee and Skeat. I'm going to mark mine off as well tonight.

I have decided today to work on a Hummel House pattern which, like the Turning Twenty and the Yellow Brick Road, is more basic and a better fit for a beginner like me. This will help me get a little more experience, work on my seams and feel more confident. I'm not quitting on the basket blocks - merely setting them aside for a bit. :)

Everyone here is awesome. I truly appreciate the responses with the encouragement, suggestions and stories of your own experiences. I'm glad I found this board. Hopefully I'll be posting pictures soon!

Mona
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Old 07-05-2008, 06:36 PM
  #22  
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Hi Mona and welcome! I use the moleskin that your quilt shop person suggested. I have a 1/4" foot, but I find I sew a little straighter if I have that little guide to help me. Good luck.
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Old 07-06-2008, 08:04 AM
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The best way to start as a beginner is with half square triangles. There are so many ways to put them togather to make a block.
If you use El Burns patterns you will always have a perfect block. She oversizes so you square up to the perfect size block. She also has you square up each section of a block so that every piece is the right size as it goes togather.
I have never had a problem with her patterns. To top it off she always has the simplest method to use.





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Old 07-06-2008, 12:06 PM
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Hey we have all been there.. At times I've had to just walk away from it for a while. the nine patch patterns are good to start with but the key is accuracy. When you have four, five, ten or whatever pieces of material and you're a smidge off every other time, they just won't go together.
I started putting a little piece of that stuff you use to line shelves or open jars between my long ruler and the fabric and then I don't shift it when I cut.I sometimes moved it just a hair and the end of a strip was wider than the beginning of a strip. What a pain to re line up and cut then.
I started out with a sampler quilt and you learn several different tricks in doing that. There are curves and appliqued blocks.They were all joined with sashing strips that made you square up each block to fit the sashing.It went together so well. But it was hand pieced blocks and machine pieced together. I am so much more accurate by hand but it takes forever.
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Old 07-06-2008, 07:47 PM
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I've heard others speak highly of her patterns too. The idea of oversize to begin with and THEN squaring the block to 12 inches make so much more since to this beginner! :)
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Old 07-06-2008, 08:51 PM
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Hi neighbor.....Well I hope you got some good ideas...there was alot...here's some more ideas I use...I always stand up when I cut and try to cut exact that is really important ...I use blue painters tape about 6 to 10 layers for my edge once I find where my 1/4 inch line is at...I use a recipe card to find my 1/4 inch line...Next I pin alot...mostly at the top and bottom of the starting and ending block ..and at any seams...I use long flat flower pins....and then I always press and I always square up...do this at all steps of making the block...oh yeah I make one sample block to see how hard what I want to do is and if I can do it or is it what I want to do..well don't know if this will help..but it's my two cents......and oh yeah keep that seam ripper close ...it's your best friend...or will be...Ha ha...oh yeah my machine is in a desk so I have a flat top and that has really helped...Good luck girl and don't give up ...it's like the happy painter....no accidents just great quilts....take it easy and take it slow ...one block at a time...and you will get alot of help from here everyone is so nice and the advice I have gotten is unreal....great ideas...I'm always learning as I grow.....Cat
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Old 07-08-2008, 09:40 AM
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Fan of Fabric,
Believe me you're not the only novice in the group. I feel most of the ladies are way out of my league but I don't rip out. This only makes it more work than enjoyment. I've found the more I do the better I get. Stay with it and I can promise you one of these days you will be posting pictures with the best of them. I had an accomplished quilter tell me, "If you can't see a mistake on a galloping horse, it does n't matter." Sounds good to me :) Good luck
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Old 07-08-2008, 05:45 PM
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Thank you blmclin and gcathie:)

I have gotten so many great suggestions and lots of encouragement from everyone here! I never dreamed that so many would respond, but I appreciate each and every single one. :)

I'm feeling like there is hope now. LOL. Among the big list of rewards from sewing/quilting, I'm most definitely learning patience.

Mona
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Old 07-09-2008, 08:54 AM
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Mona, do you think this removing more seams than I've sewn is viral? I seem to have caught it. I am making a "beginner" quilt and cannot get those little triangles sewn the correct direction in the right spot. Eventually, the blocks are looking correct but it has certainly been a challenge. (I have to admit, though, it does feel really good when I do succeed!)

~another "expert" quilter in progress
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Old 07-09-2008, 05:20 PM
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Joan, oh I hope its not viral! LOL.

It does feel good when you finally get it to work out right doesn't it? All the frustration just disappears then. :)

But I'm going to think positive and just like you said - we ARE just another "Expert" quilter going through extensive training. LOL :P

Have fun and be sure and post pictures of your quilt!

Mona
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