Can you give suggestions on fullness in block?
 

I'm new to quilting but have done some sewing (I realize they are different :thumbup:) and I need some help. I started the Snowman Collector quilt 10 years ago and just got it back out. I have borders around each block. There is a little bit of fullness in the centers. I'm trying the sizing and letting it dry, but my question is can't I use my machine and when I quilt won't it take up some of the fullness?

Also, this pattern calls for 2 inch squares to create some borders. I'm percise in sewing them together and squaring them up. But when I sew them on to block, they get a little wavy. I've ironed them and taken them off, but when I put it back...... it happens again! Any suggestions?

Am I being too anal? There is applique on the blocks and lots of different pieces - should my quilt top be perfectly flat or is it okay to have a little puff here and there? I don't want to ruin this.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Carla

If you can attach pictures, it would be helpful for us to see how much puffiness you are talking about.

Actually, sewing and piecing are similar - one it trying to put smaller pieces together to achieve a desired bigger item.

For the 2-inch squares, starching the fabric (as heavily as you can) before cutting would be helpful. Starch will stabilize the fabric so the edges don't stretch. Ideally you also want to starch the block so the block edges don't stretch as you attach the squares.

A little bit of fullness will generally "quilt out". As long as you're not actually sewing puckers and tucks into the top when you quilt, chances are it will be just fine.

If you are machine quilting, I recommend heavily starching the background fabric before layering, as this also prevents tucks and puckers in the backing.

Do you measure the part across the middle or do you just add the border to fit? If you measure the center across the middle and cut the border to that length, any discepancies along the edge will be eased and the center should lay flat. I am not sure about "quilting out" fullness.

It's hard to give advice without a picture as mentioned, but one thing you don't want to do, is "iron", you want to "press", there is a big difference. Ironing can distort your block. Definitely STARCH.

Wow -I'm really excited to see what will happen. I'll post some pics in a bit. I'm taking it one step at a time but would love to get more done in a day than I currently am. But I'M LOVING it!!! This is my first quilt I'm doing and am going to try and machine quilt it. I've been learning so much!!! Thank you for help and suggestions. How many quilts does the average quilter make in a year?

Here's a picture that hopefully explains the puffy I'm talking about.[ATTACH=CONFIG]375610[/ATTACH]

See the background has some puffs? Is this okay to have and I'll just quilt it out? Or should I do something about it now?

Did you use any stablizer under your applique?

What a very cute quilt and you are doing great for a "first quilt". I think you will be able to quilt out the fullness in the block.

For future, when I applique I use a bigger piece then what is called for and then after finish applique I cut it to the size that is called for in the pattern. A stabalizer on and background fabric or starching will help with some of the distortion that is created when you handle the material to do the applique.

All the other advice given is good too. It is a learning process. Don't be too hard on yourself.