Hello, and welcome from Michigan!

Who says you have to follow a pattern. Just use them as idea generators. I prefer coming up with stuff on my own. I have made several quilts and not one came from a pattern.

wow-- welcome from se TX

Hi, and welcome, from Centra Texas.

Remember that a huge part of quilting is being creative, which you've already got down pat. Keep up the good work!

Those quilts look gorgeous to me! One trick I learned for getting that "scant" 1/4" was to use a stack of maybe 8-10 small post-it notes, placed on the machine right where you lay your fabric. Set it up and check it to make sure it sews that scant 1/4", then just use that to line up all your fabric as you sew. Hope I explained it well enough that you "got it!"

Pretty quilts. Welcome from NE Ohio.

Your quilts are beautiful. You are doing great. As for your seam allowance problem .
When I first started sewing in 1984 I didn't have a 1/4 inch sewing foot for my machine so I improvised. I took a stack of post it notes and lined them up 1/4 inch from my needle. It was easier for me to line my fabric up with because it gave me a bigger area to see. Or you can measure out and put a piece of painters tape where you need to line up the fabric so it can help you. Just my opinion.
Quilty Hugs,
Ann W. in Indiana

Hello and welcome from Michigan!! You will love this board! I agree with the advice of getting a 1/4 inch foot for your machine!

You look like you are doing a great job. Keeping your eye on the quarter inch seam instead of the needle is the best way. When I teach 4-h kids that is the way I explain it to them. Aneokle

I measured 1/4 inch from the needle to a spot on my machine and taped a thick piece of cardboard so my seams are all 1/4 inch. Hope I said this right and you understand
I am from Northern California