since they will be rail fence and should fit together precisely, i would trim them to all be the same size. if they had sashing in between you might get away with it.

quote=brushandthimble]I love my 1/4" foot with the guide :)[/quote]

Where can one find something like that? At an LQS or a sewing machine repair shop or something- or can I look at JoAnne?[/quote]

I don't know about JoAnn's, any LQS shop selling machines should be able to get you one. You will need make and model of your sewing machine. Request one with the guide, that is a small piece that extends down and your fabric lines up to it.

What kind of machine do you have.

check with your local quilt store for the 1/4" foot.
Seems to me you are having trouble with your cutting and 1/4" seam allowance......... If I were you I would double check both the cutting and sewing.......

Check to make sure you're sewing a 1/4" seam- measure it after you've sewn. If you're not, follow the advice of these great ladies here!

If it is 1/8 or less I would not worry about it you should be able to ease that much and still all seams should be ok. I never worry if I am just off an eight. I have a quarter inch foot and still I can be off a few threads.

Starch is my new best friend :) :) :)

Good luck and be sure to post pictures when you're done!!

Rachel

It's a Montgomery Ward machine from an old family friend... not a brand name, but it's a sturdy, nice machine! I don't know the model # etc... But since Montgomery Ward is obviously not around anymore, I can't go back there and see what parts they have. I just wondered if I would be able to find feet at a LQS or whatever.

This difference is size is normal, especially for someone new to piecing. Before you sew the blocks together you will need to square them up. This makes them all the same size. The rail fence pattern works great for this as there are no points to loose the seam allowance.
Keep going and have fun with the process.

We all have some trouble with the seams from time to time. I find if I starch all my fabric (REALLY starch bias edges) it helps keep the fabric from "wiggling" when I sew and improves my seams. It also helps cut down on the need to pin.