So I had never done a pattern before, always done my own thing...I found the perfect pattern and a quilt that said it was quick and easy...I can usualy finish a quilt within a week...now I started this a week ago...I got so tired just cutting the pieces for it ( which took me two days..) None of them are now the same size...I have 15 out of 30 of the blocks completed...this has already taking me a week of working night and day..and None of them are the same size!!! Im already frustraited, and im not even done sewing the pieces together to complete the blocks...I don't want to give up..but boy am I frustraited...on top of just finishing the blocks now I also have to figure out how to get them the same size....ugh! well thanks for listening....sugestions always welcome..I'm working on the crayon box quilt from Quiltville.com

Just take a break.. step back and relax... things will work out . Other than that not sure what else to say, except we all have those days, weeks, months, years.. etc... Maybe post some pictures and someone here will be able to help you get it back together and on track
Sharon

Sorry you have had so much trouble. I never cut all the pieces out when I work on a quilt. That way if I really hate the quilt I just have a few pieces that are cut. I usually will take the blocks apart and use the pieces in another quilt.

I am not sure how to help you fix it. It looks like all the blocks are the same, you just turn them in different directions when you put it together.

Sybil

When I do a quilt that is taking too long, I take a few days break from it and do something quick or simple such as put on a binding or get something ready to quilt. Then go back to the project that is giving me a headache

sorry for the lousy pics, good camera at hubbys work

When I find that my block are not the same size I
1. Make sure the seams are all the same size
2. If they are all OK and you cut all the pieces the same size, press the block and use some spary starch or stacr substitute. Dryel has a substitute that works great and smells very good.

Sometimes we press a little too fast and your seams are not as opened as we wish, and the block will not be as big as it is supposed to be.

3. If you check and everythings seems OK, check the size of your smallest one and match the others to that one.

Before you cut anything, please check how your seams are pressed. Sometimes they seem fine and when you are quilting you noticed that one or two were not well pressed and that's when you get your top to bunch up while you are quilting it.

Please, don't ask me how I know.

maria

LOL Maria I know how you know, I'm so glad I am not the only one to learn the hard way. :)

well I know that the pieces are not the same size, because I got overly tired, and was working till 3 in the morning cutting pieces, that was part of my frustraition here :(

It's not all a loss. You could always sew them together like making another piece of fabric. They have quilted jacket patterns or vest. I hope it all works out for you.

they're too good lookin' to abandon. just sew them together in long columns, or across rows. center each block on the seam with the one you're sewing it to. when you've done the row, take a deep breath and just even up that sucker. when you've done that, sew the columns/rows togther to form the top and square it off.

nobody but you will know the blocks were supposed to match perfectly. it will look deliciously random. :wink:

I actualy like that idea, very much. Thank you! Thank all of you...I don't want to just toss it..I just have to find a way to work around the mistakes lol I think next time I wont try to cut 500 + pieces in one night...

You poor dear. 500 pieces in one night. I like the idea Patrice had. Those blocks are way to pretty to waste. Keep us posted.

I'm working on a Log Cabin and it's fundamentally much the same as those blocks. I'm not a perfect sewer and every single seam isn't 1/4", especially on something like a log cabin. I am squaring up 36 blocks right now and after measuring a bunch of them and finding they were all between 14" and 14 1/4", I decided on 14" and I am trimming all of them to that size.

On some blocks it doesn't really matter because you aren't matching seams. If it wasn't a log cabin, I would be much, much more careful of my seams.

All I can tell you is (don't give up) what is easy for some is hard for someone else. For those of us that have a habit of doing it our way--following a pattern is very hard for us. Hey I flunked Home Making in High School 1 semester because I wouldn't use a pattern or if I did I'd change it. I also would not use a receipe when cooking either. I learned to many things from my Grandmother and it wasn't the states quo, if you get my drift.
I do better by looking at something, then go make my own pattern or do it the way I want it done. As soon as I get the second block of the train quilt I'm doing for my grandson I'll try to get some pictures up so you can see what I mean. It's nothing like the quilt in the book.
Take a break from it for a few days then go back to it. It will come to you what it is you need to do.
Sorry about being so wordy here. I just get so upset when someone tells me thats not the right way to do it. If it works why not??? Here I am 61 years old and its kind of late to change now. :)

Hi Jamie--I understand your frustration too!! Been there, done that, did not need a T shirt to remind me of it.

When I am making a block that has a lot of seams in it (like yours, log cabin, courthouse steps, etc) I have learned to be really careful with my seams. If you are off even 1/16" on every seam, you can end up having a block that is off by an inch by the time you are finished!! So, I have learned (1) cut my strips a tiny bit wider and/or (2) take very scant seam allowances. I also press well and measure after every single row I sew on. That way I can make adjustments as I go. I know that these tips do not help you THIS time, but maybe can keep you from being so frustrated in the future.

Oh, and even knowing this, I still do not make "perfect" blocks! They are all still off by 1/8" or so anyway!!

I like Patrice's idea too. It just may be the solution you are looking for!!

Do not give up on your quilt--you have put too much time and energy into it and you need finish it. The fabrics are wonderful and it is going to be great!!

Jamie, I use 'coping strips' to even everything up to the same size. Just put one final row around each block that's a couple of inches wide and then square your blocks up to an uniform size. Ta-daa! Off set your blocks is another great way. You've got a great start to a beautiful quilt and look at all the lessons your learning! :wink:

Don't dare give up. You've done well, and learned a few lessons along the way. I like Patrice's idea too. I might add another fabric to tie it all together. Probably the easiest way would be to add a fabric to the top and bottom of the block, sew the blocks together in long strips as suggested, then add a strip of the "new" fabric along each side of the long strip. In other words, a "ladder" effect, or staggered as suggested.

Lots of possibilities. :-)
ETA: Oops!! I see Yvonne already suggested this!! Great Minds Think Alike! I need to read page 2 before responding. :oops:

I'm guessing your blocks look like aprox 12 in blocks, measure the smallest and since you have many different colors and shapes cut all of them exactly the size I don't think it will show in the various patterns . Just sew the rest with careful seams and your can wait till finished and trim to match

I like Patrice's idea too. The colors and blocks are just to fun looking to give up. That is way to many pieces to cut out at one time! I'd never do that, for me that is just a disaster waiting to happen :( Go forward with Parice's idea and let go of your frustration. It may not end up as you intended but am sure it will turn out great in the end.

Thank you so much everyone...Im actualy free hand quilting it right now..so I can I will see how it turned out soon enough..I will post pictures when it is all done, so you guys can see too....Thanks again :)