hello all :D ..........my first quilt is a simple nine patch block alternating with a solid block, the blocks are set on the points so that they look like diamonds. ok. now that ive put it all together i notice that the points come right up to the edges of the quilt, so that when i add a border i will lose the points on the edges. what have i done wrong!! how do i fix it!! any suggestions appreciated. thanks heather

Heather, if I am understanding you correctly, you have trimmed your blocks to tight, or have sewn on triangles too small for the block. I am not sure there is a way to fix it, I am sorry to say. When trimming next time, make sure the 1/4" mark on your ruler lines up with the point. This will assure you have left the 1/4" seam allowance necessary to prevent cutting off your points. I am sure your recipient will not notice this slight error. Do not point it out! When they thank you, just tell them it was made with love. These little lessons come with life and quilting is no different. Pat yourself on the back for making the quilt, and learning something new. Look at what you have accomplished!!!

Thank you Boo for you advice. Heather

Oh Heather - we have all been there!

Heather,
One of our quilters acknowleged that her learning method is "the screw up method." It certainly is mine, and I always console myself by muttering "Well, got that one out of the way!"
Hugs, Sparkela

Hi Heather
I make little mistakes like this too'but I keep telling my self that this quilt is unique.I'm sure you will remember the 1/4 " seam on your next quilt after all, we learn by our mistakes.
Regards Dianne
Australia Down Under :D

There are so many blocks out there that have that point. I don't know about learning from your mistakes. As hard as I try and I measure every seam allowance, am very careful and still my point disappears. So if there is a secret out there and I know there must be, I sure would like to know that one too. Thanks for all the help...

Rita

Anybody wanna see the appliqued circles with the jaggedy little edges I made all those years ago??? Live, love, learn!

Rita, sewing that seam with the point on top allows you to see the stitching lines. Aim for where the lines cross and you will have more success with your points.

There is an adage in quilting about picturing your quilt from a distance. Picture your quilt on the back of a horse galloping by and admire the quilt on his back. We are our own worst critics. A missing point or a wonky seam will not be noticed. Relax, enjoy the process and have fun. :D

Thanks I will check it out that way next time. My favorite sayings are: If you can't see it from a galloping horse. or my all time favorite, close enough. I am getting better at both but shoot it sure is frustrating sometimes. Time and practice... But most of all patience and I haven't a speck of that. Thanks for the help...

Rita

Hi Rita,

I made a quilt top in '92 and said "quilting is not for me". Well, the beginning of this year I decided to try again. I now love quilting. My first was Attic Windows complete, my second (I chose it cuz the name said easy) was Easy Eights, may be a Christmas gift. I have some points that are perfect and many more that are not. Don't know if it will be mine or someone else's, but I doubt they will notice, unless they of course are inspectors.

Donna

Whenever I'm lucky enough to get home to my parents' place, the first thing I notice is that Mom uses every single quilt I send her. The larger ones are on the beds, the wall hangings are on the walls...she even had two of those professionally framed. When I look at them, I'm always looking for the seams that don't match or the stitches that're too long. I see the flaws. Then Mom tells me, "These are originals! They're my works of art!" It's all in who's doing the looking, I guess ;-)

I don't allow quilt police in my house, I would get life. Not unless they are there to help. But I love quilting and all its flaws in my case lots of flaws. I sure do envy people that make these beautiful quilts, I see so many. But we all have our little do and don'ts yah gotta love em..

Rita

Decided to look at the positive side........ Added a signature to show it!

Thank you for reminding me that I can choose to chase away the quilt police, and love my quilting errors as I do my wrinkle-they show character, I say!! :thumbup: