Originally Posted by
toverly
I wouldn't stress out about the 1/4 inch. Consistency usually is good enough for most blocks. Granted some patterns, it matters but many it doesn't. If seams are consistent, it doesn't matter if the block ends up 8 1/8 instead of 8 1/2. The quilt turns out so close to the same. My bee does a friend block once a month. Someone's name is drawn and they choose a block to be made for next time. The blocks are never the same size. Different eyes, different people, different machines.
This is so true. I use to get a lot of blocks from quilt guild exchanges. I used patterns that would compensate for the different sizes like a block in a block on point. It is NOT worth getting frustrated over. Just be consistent with your seam width and your quilt will come out fine. What I enjoy doing is making blocks a bit oversized. Then when I have done the final pressing, I trim it and it is perfect !! Just remember, you are suppose to be having FUN!!!