barbewest

I have made several quilts (all appliqued). My son wanted me to make a quilt for him so he bought a top kit and had it sent to me. I spent all day long cutting the quilt pieces so very carefully. Started to sew it together and, oh my gosh, what a mess. This is the first quilt I've pieced, and I got a little cocky thinking I could do any quilt. Ha ha. Next time I'll know not to be so proud of myself. The kit cost $170 plus shipping. I called my son this morning to tell him the bad news. He said he would buy another kit if it was a precut kit. Sounded good to me. The first quilt he picked out was the Labyrinth pattern. Oh what a mess. How can I spend all day lining up fabric on little lines (perfectly I thought), and have this happen. He would like me to order something precut in the Labyrinth pattern. Any suggestions? I been searching the internet all morning without any success.

Crying on my quilt pieces!

sharon b

Is there anyway to save the top/pieces you already have ? maybe sort the pieces and put them in baggies to help keep them organized ?

crafterrn1

Okay I see 2 sets of problems! 1 Did you cut everything exactly! Measure every piece and make sure you did. If not cut everything down to the smallest strip of that set. 2 Are you sewing 1/4 inch seams. Take 3 strips 2-1/2 inches by 6-1/2 inches sew all 3 strips together on the long edges making a rail fence block. Press to one side. Now measure the middle strip. It should measure exactly 2 inches. 3 Carefully take apart the quilt pieces spray with water and dry press them. I never use steam as it loves to distort the strips and blocks. Also look into the Accuquilt go to cut strips the exact size you need. I would not give up. There are many quilters on the board here to help you. I am ready and willing. Luann in CT

mom-6

What exactly is/are the problem(s) making it a mess? Is it the instructions? The cutting? The sewing together?

I know you are frustrated! Been there, done that - quite a few times in fact. Have not tried using a kit or a pattern, just wing it most times getting inspiration from pictures I see.

If we have more information, we will be better able to help.

Tartan

You can maybe selvage the project by getting more fabric in a close match and re-cutting some pieces? I would try that rather than buying another kit in case you run into problems with the next one. Make up a design wall for keeping the pieces organized, cut and sew carefully and piece into blocks if possible. Also most non-quilters will not notice an adjustment in a pattern to make it easier.

Jan in VA

Trade with someone......your applique for their cutting or piecing this quilt. I know I'd jump on that!

Jan in VA

Prism99

Do you have a link to the quilt kit he purchased? I'm not sure where exactly you ran into difficulty (although I must admit to some apprehension about *any* quilt pattern that goes by the name of "labyrinth"! )

Edit: Is this it?
http://webstore.quiltropolis.net/sto...&Item_ID=21122

If so, all I can say is OMG!

BellaBoo

Is it this one?




It'a a Debbie Maddy pattern and she is so nice. Email her or call her and she will help you with the pattern.
You may want to find a quilt shop or guild close by and get hands on help.

http://www.calicocarriage.com/

PaperPrincess

I second BellaBoo's suggestion on finding a guild or quilt shop. My local shop charges $30/hour for private lessons. With the amount your son paid for the kit you think you've messed up, I would spend $30 and have them do an assessment to see if it's salvageable. You may be able to purchase additional fabric(s) to recut the pieces that are incorrect. An experienced quilter may see what you're doing wrong and save the whole thing. I guess what I'm saying is don't give up on the current project until you get an expert opinion!

nativetexan

can you try making it with other fabrics first? it's mainly hst's and squares and should go easily. you are just nervous.
but if you must cut, you must do as the instructions say in order to be certain to have enough material supplied. kits are never generous in fabrics.
good luck to you hon. the pattern maker is a member of this forum too i believe.