Hi Everyone,

My name is Carol. I live in Colorado about 30 minutes from the beautiful Rocky Mountains. I have put together sooo many quilt tops and taken apart sooo many quilt tops and struggled for years with quilting. I am sure I have made at least 10 to 20 tops and taken each and everyone of them completely apart because I just wasn't sure of them. I don't have any family that lives nearby and I currently don't know anyone nearby that quilts. My husband was starting to get frustrated with me and he suggested that I look for some help and get up and over this mountain that I seem to be climbing. I promised my husband that this would be the year that I learn to quilt from start to finish ~ even if I have to pull out a bazzillion or more stitches.

So, here I am...I am currently waiting for the start of a quilting class and I am currently working on a top for what I hope turns into a baby quilt for my husband's cousin. This quilt is supposed to have a huge star in the middle of it. Then it will be framed with two different widths of border and then binding. I am enclosing a photo in hopes that some of you might take a look at what I have done so far and give me some feedback.

Are my squares and points lined up close enough? Am I on the right track? I really need all the help I can get right now, so I thank you all in advance for your feedback, both positive and negative.


~Carol~

Yes,i think so cute fabric.

Looks perfect to me.

Great job!

Your star looks great but don't be so hard on yourself. It sounds like your confidence is low. We were all beginners and some of us have gotten past the ripout every stitch stage. Don't worry so much about perfecting every point or seam line. Just have fun making your quilts and you will finish them. Be sure to show us when you have it completed.

Quilting is supposed to be a fun and relaxing pastime. It sounds as if your quest for perfection and all of that ripping is taking all the fun out of quilting. What you have shown us looks just great. Don't rip it out, just finish up the rest of it!

I wish my points matched as well as yours do! The quilting itself will minimize any little mismatches. In my limited experience, most folks don't notice them at all, they're too overwhelmed with the joy of receiving a handmade gift. Go for it, it's lovely so far!

Everything looks great. Your points are really good. The only thing I would suggest is to sew the next round--the border--if I understand correctly--from the star side. That way you can make sure not to cut off the points. Post again when you get to the next step.
Sue

your half a star is BEAUTIFUL! you are doing a great job...and stop taking apart your quilt tops! when a top is finished...put it aside until you can get it quilted or tie it...but don't go un-do all of your piecing work. when you finally start getting them quilted and bound you will find that often quilting 'BREATHS LIFE INTO A QUILT' and what you 'thought' was not so good is actually very very good! they are not supposed to look (MANUFACTURED-PERFECT) they are supposed to look like beautiful hand created items!

Lovely piecing, good points they match well. little tiny msmatches are not noticed once its quilted. All you have to be is like the little engine who could. (Yes I CAN, and he did))

Your points look great. Love your fabric selection, too.

Well, you've come to the right place for help. We all have questioned our abilities at one time or another, but these people here will gently (no meanies here!) guide you if there is something wrong. Plus, you'll get all sorts of inspiration and there's a separate section for tutorials if you need help in a certain area. I live out in the boonies and have no one around who quilts. These folks have taught me SO much just over the internet. I'm so thankful I've found them. You will be too!

You must be a real perfectionist! the star looks perfect to me.

I totally agree. I've been quilting for 9 years and still have to rip out seams, but I'm not aiming for perfection, I'm aiming for fun. I keep my first quilt out once a year (it's a fall quilt) and I've reached the point where I smile at it. For a long time I thought I should throw it away; now I look at it to see how much I've learned over the years of quilting.

First, let me say so far it looks excellent.

Next, I agree with everyone else! Why try for perfection right away. And I do mean TRY, because as far as I know, nobody makes a PERFECT quilt in every aspect. There should be joy/fun in the journey, intent is the fuel and the result is the payoff - no matter the level of perfection. Quit ripping your tops (and yourself!) apart, get one completed and you'll be revved up for the next one, having learned much both to repeat and not repeat next time. :)

You will find TONS of help and guidance here, along with inspiration and friendship. Welcome, and enjoy.

Looks to me that you already know what you are doing. The block looks perfect so far. No one really cares if there are mistakes. If your not putting your quilt in quilt show then don't worry it. Welcome to the QB, we will be here to help you.

I think your points look really good. You will find lots of support and advice on here. Try completely finishing one of your quilts and see how you like it the finished product. You'll be amazed.

Yes and it looks great. All you need is 1/4 inch left on each point.

Your star is beautiful! Seriously, though, there's no need for absolute perfection! I've heard many seasoned quilters say that you should put a mistake in every quilt because only God is perfect.

Perfect, stop being so hard on yourself :-)

Carol, I have been sewing fork at least 65 years, mostly garments , but I did do several quilts years ago( 20+). I just finished a baby quilt that was done with 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 strips.. I thought I would whip that out real fast, but NOOOOO way did that happen. By the time I squared up blocks, some of those strips go from 3/8 inch to 1 inch, some even look angled. But you know what? It looks right pretty , and no one even noticed the mistakes. Today I will start on another one, not the same pattern tho'. Please, don't be so hard on yourself!! Your sample block looks great to me, as it does to others. Strive to do the best you can, but not for perfection, or you will never enjoy sewing or quilting. Carol

It looks perfect. Stop being so hard on yourself and just enjoy the process. I'm sure everyone here will help with any questions you have.

Beautiful work, keep going!

Your block looks great. Someone said don't worry about it you're not entering a quilt show, just go with it. Even if you are entering it in a quilt show, go with it. If you examine quilts at local guild shows, you will learn there are mistakes in them, things that aren't perfect. You're doing great. Keep it up!

(((HUGS))) Deep breaths :wink: now let's have fun!!

Your block looks beautiful!! As I piece my blocks, I stop and measure the distance of my points, double checking that I have a 1/4" there before I progress :D

When you sew on your borders, place the border fabric on the bottom, your star on top. As you sew, slow down and check that your seam goes along side the star point or right on top of it. :D:D:D

Looks good to me. I have learned how to relax a little more with my quilting because as they say all the tiny little places will be covered with the quilting. I still rip but now no more than twice and then it stays like it is. Third times a charm. Relax, enjoy yourself and be proud of what you do.

Hi Carol, your star looks great and I love your colors.

You have come to the right place for help. I have been quilting for about a year. I found this board by accident and started reading all the different posts. I quickly learned that this was the place to go for help. I will forever be greatful to the friends I have made since joining. They have taught me so much and given me the encouragement and conficence I needed to actually make a quilt I was really proud of. I also found there is help and encouragement available 24/7. I will forever love this group of friends although they have enabled me to become a quilting addict.

Long time ago, at the suggestion of a friend, I sewed together fabric rectangles. I didn't know what a quilt was or was supposed to look like. My kids loved it and so did the dogs. Are you making quilts to be perfect (impossible) or to have fun? So relax, you seem do be doing so well. Make something small, go to bed and during the night the quilt fairie will come, sprinkle some magic dust on it and it will be bautiful in the morning. Try it!

Your piecing looks very good. Don't worry so much. Unless your going to be putting something in a judged show - don't sweat the small stuff. Only you will probably see the tiny, little imperfections - let go.

You GO Girl!!! Awesome Job!

patricia a new member. Do you know the aumish put a mistake in each quilt.So,please try not focus on mistakes,but the finish line

REMEMBER--Done is better than perfect. With time, the skills come more easily. But finish one, just to get it done and move on... Your piece looks great, so seems you are over-worrying without just cause.

Laurie

each time you ripped out did you look closely to determine why you were dissatisfied and correct it. Also you are on the right track to find a class. It will help you

And just remember, the baby will love it (and so will his or her mom) :-D

I think your work is excellent and so are your fabric color choices.

Not much I can add here that the others haven't said. Only QUIT being so hard on yourself. Your points look much better than mine. I quilt for the enjoyment of it, not to be judged by anyone. If they don't like what I do....P*** on them. Girl, there are no perfect quilts so quit trying to be perfect. Enjoy the journey.

Welcome from up the street :D :D

I see no problems. should turn out perfect.

Your piecing looks perfect to me!
There is (or at least was a few months ago) a shop called Sweetheart Quilts on Denver Ave there in Loveland. I know they have wonderful classes and are some of the nicest, most helpful ladies you could meet

looks like you are on your way

Carol..This looks great to me.
Don't be so hard on yourself.
One learns from mistakes and there are many books for beginers and instructions that are easy to understand.
Plus how lucky are we that we have this board that everyone is more than happy to help.