I sewed my blocks today. I was very nervous about my seam allowance. I've never had a big issue with it before, but this is a very important quilt to me and I want it right. I use a Kenmore machine and previously ordered the one for my machine from Sears. It has a fence and I just LOVE it! I started with block A-6 and it turned out with a perfect seam allowance and was the exact right size after sewing. The third one I sewed was B-4. Well, it's acceptable but not perfect. Since the seam allowance is not the issue, it must be user error :) I'll post my pics on Sunday on the new thread.

I'm with you, QuiltnNan. I suspect there will be more than a few blocks that I'll be adding an extra border to "in the style of Jane Stickle".

This may have been mentioned before, if so forgive me. I use a micro needle and a thinner thread. It really helps in that seam allowance.

I've been using 60-weight thread and Superior titanium needles and they really do make a big difference.

I have decided to stick with the 5.5" blocks. I have the software to print out my tris and I am going to have my local glass shop cut me out a tri that fits mine out of plexiglass. I have a 5.5" square so everything should work out and I will be able to use this quilt on my bed.

I'm still waiting for my fabric. They said it has been shipped. Hope it gets here soon!
I'm going to be behind before we even start.
Anxious to see the pics of all the blocks everyone has made. And the tips are great. What a help! Thank you!

Whether you pp or piece with the templates or rotary cut, if you will take a few minutes at the beginning of each block and make sure you know which pieces are the "outside pieces and cut them a bit larger on the outside edge, you will end up with blocks that you can then trim (using your ruler) to the perfect size. Its MUCH easier than adding more because then you'll probably end up with that extra seam allowance right where you need to sew the blocks to the sashing...Just food for thought..

I am waiting on my software. It has shipped and was at the terminal in Cincinnati yesterday. So I hope it comes today. I am going to enlarge it a little so it will be queen sized so I can use it on my bed. The LQS recommended using 50 weight thread thread and a fine needle to help with the seam allowances. Some of them just finished their Dear Janes and said this seemed to work the best. Can't wait to get started. I think I have all of my fabric. I did the civil war fabric exchange on here last year to get my fabric. I think I have about 70 or 80 different fabrics. I might need to fill in a few colors as I go. I am so jealous of everyones blocks so far, they are all so wonderful.

I decided to jump the gun and do a few blocks. So like potato chips. I'm not sure why I put this down the last time ( never mind, it was newborn-induced sleep deprevation). I forsee being able to keep up with the schedule until we hit paper pieced blocks. It may take a bit longer, but I'm thinking about even doing those by hand. Anybody ever do this? I'm considering using dryer sheets for my foundations and sewing by hand. Crazy or do-able?

Sandpat, thanks for the hint on the outside pieces. I'm copying that to my "hints" sheet.

ND Quilts, that foundation thought sounds doable. I had thought about doing some blocks in the RV, by hand, and others on the machine at home. I'm thinking this will result in a different look to the blocks. Hand vs machine. Thoughts anyone?