The 1/4" Seam
I see a lot of discussion about seam allowance and how precise it needs to be... threads and all...
When learning to quilt I think you need to be consistant as well. In teaching 4-Hers last summer, we had them mark their 1/4" seam guides and then sew four strips 2 1/2" x 20ish together on the long sides. They then pressed the seams to one side. They then cut the strip into squares which should be about 8 1/2". Surprisingly, most everyone was able to make their table runner into quite acceptable projects with well matched seams and all. Even the first time sewists did good work.
Maybe we stress too much on perfect and not enough on progress towards perfection?
These kids did as well as and in most cases better than I'd expected. Who knew teens and preteens would have so much patience.