skavanau- I have always had trouble with the 1/4" seam allowance. My first quilt teacher told us that if we had a problem with it and no matter what we did we just couldn't get it, then we should use whatever allowance we used, but be consistant with it. In other words, if you use a 1/2" seam, just be sure you use that same measurement in all your seams for that project. But you also have to allow for it by cutting things bigger, or know that your overall quilt project will be smaller than what your pattern says. I hope this doesn't confuse you any more than what you are, but it's something to think about. I use the brother foot and so far so good, but for some reason I want to make bigger seams. Maybe it's because I have sewn clothing for 40 years and it's hard to go from a 5/8" seam to a 1/4". Just remember that your quilts are your quilts and there are no quilt police and no one is a perfect quilter. And don't beat yourself up over it. In time, you'll see a big difference in your quilting and will be happy with your projects.