Can this marriage be saved?
#73
I use a section of wooden molding WITHOUT a cover--had planned to cover it but tried it bare-- and it works very well for pressing seams open. I was hating trying to press a 1/4" seam open until I tried this.
By the way, the reason the strips bow is not because they were sewn all from the same direction; it has to do with thread tension, which if off can slightly gather the fabric as it's sewn. Sewing in opposite directions just counteracts one bow with a bow in the other direction!
Lee in Richmond's comment that "the top thread is easier to pull when ripping" indicates the tension on the top thread is too tight or the bottom is too loose. Part-polyester fabrics also have a strong tendency for the seams to ripple, or bow; just one reason I refuse to deal with them!
Sometimes, if you have not back-tacked at the end of seams, just runningthe seam through a thumbnail and forefinger held together will straighten them sufficiently. Note the gather that results as you go along.
p.s. I just saw the finished, reworked top, and it looks great! In my opinion the colors and business of the prints are wonderful, as is.
By the way, the reason the strips bow is not because they were sewn all from the same direction; it has to do with thread tension, which if off can slightly gather the fabric as it's sewn. Sewing in opposite directions just counteracts one bow with a bow in the other direction!
Lee in Richmond's comment that "the top thread is easier to pull when ripping" indicates the tension on the top thread is too tight or the bottom is too loose. Part-polyester fabrics also have a strong tendency for the seams to ripple, or bow; just one reason I refuse to deal with them!
Sometimes, if you have not back-tacked at the end of seams, just runningthe seam through a thumbnail and forefinger held together will straighten them sufficiently. Note the gather that results as you go along.
p.s. I just saw the finished, reworked top, and it looks great! In my opinion the colors and business of the prints are wonderful, as is.
Last edited by suzanprincess; 01-14-2013 at 11:19 PM.
#74
Your colors are really pretty. Steaming and ironing sounds good to me first. If you are not entering it into competition, I doubt if anyone will notice. It will still keep someone warm and comfy and the happy colors will bring smiles. When someone tells you how beautiful it is you might even share a giggle by letting them in on a secret that it is not quilt-police-perfect.
Reminds me of a story: a few decades ago in college I was self-consciously sitting with a very attractive male and was trying to be very "perfect" and demure. I went to take a sip of my coke - missed my mouth - and poured half of the coke down the front of my shirt. This was the kindest male I think I ever met - he said "oh, don't worry about that... perfect isn't interesting " I will never forget that sweet and wise short encounter. Enjoy your quilt!
Reminds me of a story: a few decades ago in college I was self-consciously sitting with a very attractive male and was trying to be very "perfect" and demure. I went to take a sip of my coke - missed my mouth - and poured half of the coke down the front of my shirt. This was the kindest male I think I ever met - he said "oh, don't worry about that... perfect isn't interesting " I will never forget that sweet and wise short encounter. Enjoy your quilt!
#75
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 243
Here is what I would do: if you don't like it crooked--add a black border and square up the black border as though you planned it wonky; then it would look like you planned it that way and have created a new pattern. You would be suprised how many people would want your pattern for the Children and grandparents and friends.
#76
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 416
I did not know that when sewing strips together you should alternate sewing directions. Newbie, no one around to teach me a thing. I just finished a strip type top of blacks/whites and I guess I got lucky as it didn't look crooked. I'll post pics when I finish quilting. I think I would just try and quilt it like it is and donate it if you don't want to give it to someone like it is. I for one think it is darling and would love to be the recipient of any "wonky" quilt that someone made for me. Afterall, isn't it the thought that counts?
#77
No drumming here. This is exactly what I would do.
or you can do the lazy way that I confess I might, depending on how noticeable my soluution would be - trim some off each side to make it as square as possible, quilt and bind. Sometimes 'good enough' actually is.
Hope I don't get drummed off the board by the quilt police for my heretical suggestion. lol
Hope I don't get drummed off the board by the quilt police for my heretical suggestion. lol
#79
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,018
I too am fascinated by these sticks, never heard of them before.........must be a way of somehow duplicating idea, or better yet, I think I will just order them....save my time for using, not trying to copy..thanks to whomever referred to this site...another gadget..but looks like one that might save some oops time.....
#80
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
I too am fascinated by these sticks, never heard of them before.........must be a way of somehow duplicating idea, or better yet, I think I will just order them....save my time for using, not trying to copy..thanks to whomever referred to this site...another gadget..but looks like one that might save some oops time.....
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11-29-2011 05:29 PM