I agree that consistency is very important, and that you see what is happening so you can get better! If you keep going back to the first piece, you will never get to move on and get better. I have learned to use a SCANT quarter inch seam to get the correct size. The thread takes up space, so moving over a thread or two will make all the difference in the world! Also pressing well helps with the size. There is a thread here on the board that mentions POUNDING the seam into submission! All of this contributes to the ever shrinking block! :?