Hello Friends

You all are so wonderful...Thank you so very much for all your help and suggestions.

Well after many many attempts I think I have my arc figured out. (Actually I think I had it figured out a while back and just didn't realize it) I would cut my 4 arc's out...sew them togehter and lay them on the 17.5 inch circle and they were to big. I didn't realize that when you turned the inner edge of the arc's in it would take up that extra material that I was gettin so fustrated with. Anyhow...I'm pretty sure I have it now. (WOO HOO for me) Everything is lining up so far. I have taken some pictures to show where I am at this point...I need help. Please keep in mind before you look at the pictures I am a 100% newbie to all of this and I know I have a long way to go before I go cuttin on some nice fabric...Like I said before I will need all this time before Christmas just to figure it out.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]364082[/ATTACH]I am gonna go ahead and post this just to see if I even know how to put a picture on here...If so I have a few more and I will let you know what I have done so far.

Take care

Well it worked...

In the picture above is my completed circle with my arc's sewed on. So far so good...it all matches up anyhow...Trust me at this point that is a very big accomplishment for me. (smile)

Also in the picture above if you can see it...you will see that I have loosly stitched the inner circle of the arc's...that was just to make sure I got my quarter inch seam even all the way around. I wil take these stiches out when it's time for me to sew it down to the backing. (they are just in there real loose and will be easy to take out)

[ATTACH=CONFIG]364093[/ATTACH] This is after I flipped my arc's over...It's not a perfect circle anymore....this is where I need help.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]364094[/ATTACH]Here is a close up of what I am talking about when I said it's not a perfect circle anymore. I've not pressed it down or anything yet because I wanted to see what you all suggested before I did. Maybe it's because my stitching wasn't perfect or I am just doing the whole thing wrong...who knows....maybe you all can help.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]364098[/ATTACH]Here is a close up of what I am talking about when I say maybe it is because my stitching is not straight...Maybe I am using the wrong stitch...Could that be the problem?

Well I will be eargly awaiting any help you all can offer. Like I said before I know I have a long way to go...but I will get it.

You all take care...Have a wonderful day and I will talk to you later.

Like your can do attitude, keep us posted!

I think you can do it...my second quilt was a Lone Star and believe you me I ripped, sewed and ripped again before I got it finished but I did it!! It was by no means perfect but it turned out okay...so stick with it...as for fabric, 100% cotton, in colors that are complimentary to each other, because the rings, if I remember the technique, fold over onto your base fabric...as far as washing, some people do, some don't..I do... good luck and keep us posted...

I hope someone who has made this pattern is following this thread, as I would love to help, but have no idea how to do circles nor hand stitch. Sending good quilting wishes your way though. :)

Dina

I think you should try a level one pattern before you try Rings that Bind.
At least find a quilt shop and take a class. I would hate for you to become discourage.

Don't buy it there. It's been reprinted and for sale on the website at a normal price. This method is all in one. No quilting or layering required when done. I made one and did it all by machine. It was fast and looked great.

The little "bumps" in your circle could be from the stitching, or maybe just not evened out from inside. I think I would use a very small running stitch, and might even mark the 1 /4 inch seam allowence all the way around before stitching. When it is stitched and turned, use a tool of some sort (dull table knive would work) to run around the inside, pressing lightly as you go. I think this would strighten out the "bumps" . Also, I'd be willing to bet a little "bumpyness" will never show in the finished block. Especially if using a print fabric. I think most hand piecing is done with a small running stitch, taking a back stitch at the beginning and ends of the stitching. At least that is the way I have done it. Best of luck to you. I am watching this thread!!

I too have bought the new "Rings that bind" follow the directions, prewash-and use a pinking blade-round edge-take it slow as I am, it is much easier than doing a wedding ring quilt, it will take time, go with the "Slow Flow" and all will come out okay-Welcome, all of us were also new to quilting at one time, and with practice, and many years are getting better

First off, I agree with humbird.

Secondly, hello and welcome. You certainly get a gold star for determination:). I am unfamiliar with the pattern/technique you are using, but if you apply all the usual "rules", you should be able to work it out. My most useful tips (well, stuff that works for me anyway!) are: pre-wash, learn your iron and spray starch are your quilting best friends, read twice, then do, and likewise measure twice, cut once:) Happy figuring and ultimately quilting.

I haven't made this myself, but I peeked into the book on Amazon. They suggest understitching before turning the circle right-side-out. That might help your uneven circle. (Stitch 3 layers together, really close to your seam - the 2 seam allowances and the backing fabric. It's similar to topstitching, but the stitches won't show on the finished quilt. The "free peek" on amazon includes this bit.

You also might find that the circle can be easily smoothed when you iron it. The bumps are caused because you are folding excess fabric in the seam - note that what is in the seam allowance is in fact a bigger perimeter than the seam itself, so the seam allowance has to fold/crumple/ease/do something to fit when you flip the circle. Heat will help ease it all into place. Just work along the seam line slowly with your iron, smoothing out the outer edge so it folds right along the seam line as you go.

I hope that makes sense. And it looks like you are off to a great start! Good luck.

You go for it. Just be sure to buy extra fabric. You will make mistakes. I know its no where as hard but my first quilt was a queen sized Storm at Sea. I quilted it myself on my new longarm. It was for my grandson's graduation years ago. He still has it and loves it. Came out good enought to get honorable mention at our clubs quilt show Viewer's Choice category. There were reasons I chose that pattern for him that I will not go into her but it provided the motivation to persevere.

well, all I can say is..if you are planning to have this done by Christmas, what year???

I don't have that kind of fortitude.
My first quilt---did not know anything--was a simple four patch made with squares already cut that I had picked up at a garage sale......a looooong time ago... If I had started with this particular pattern, I definitely would not be a quilter today!!!!!

Go to your local library, maybe they have or can get the book for you-or even books on "how to..." which is what I did after I finished my "first" and discovered this wonderful world.....


Are you using scissors or did you invest in a rotary cutter and self-healing mat?

Are you doing this by hand or will you be using a sewing machine? From the pics it looks like you are hand sewing with a backstitch rather than a straight stitch....that would make little bumpies......

I sincerely suggest you try something a little less difficult as your first step into this pool.......

To me, my quilting/sewing is relaxation not frustration---we have enough in the real world....

Remember when/if you decide to make a bed size quilt -for your daughter - it will require much fabric - front and back and batting - and that too will cost $$$$$$

Hello and Thank you so much for this information although I have no clue as to what it means. I guess I must sound like a complete dummy...I reckon I am when it comes to sewing. I looked at the book on amazon and even went to the "peek inside" (that is how I knew how much fabric it is gonna take...but I did not see this at all. Maybe differrent people get to see different pages...who knows. In any case Thank you so much for looking for me and telling me this. I think I got the bumps figured out now....Now I have a new problem (smile) I'm gonna post pictures to let every one see where I am at and what I done wrong.

Again Thank you

If you need a little assist on the hand sewing part, google Jenny Beyer, she does all her quilts by hand. There are a couple of free tutes on how to hand sew for quilts.

Hello Friends.

Thank you all so much for your help and encourgement it is truly appreciated.

Well I got all the bumps out, I watched a video on youtube on sewing curve seams...I cut little slits in the seam allowence (being very careful not to cut into the seam) I also just smooted and ironed till they came out. I have a new problem now which I will show here in pictures. I have no clue as to what I done wrong. I followed every step on the video and measured and measured again but it just aint fittin now. So this circle is not going to work but I will put some lining on it and a front piece and practice on my quilting and hopefully the next circle will come out right. (smile)

I do have a new quilting friend that is going to send me a copy of her arc so hopefully that is what my problem was (I just had my arc wrong) it will be intresting to see just how close I was.

I don't consider this circle a waste...not at all. I have learned alot and from what I have learned it will only make the next one better.

Here's the pictures:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]364320[/ATTACH]
This is my circle with my arc's sewed down and all the bumps out. Actually I'm very impressed it turned out so good, especially since I had no clue as to what I was doing...even though it is the wrong size now. I hand stitched it around the inner edge...my stitches are not perfect but with each circle I'm sure that will improve...I hope (smile)

[ATTACH=CONFIG]364321[/ATTACH]
This is the back of the circle. You can't really tell in this picture but some of the edges of the arc is showing on this side. I guess I just didn't sew it real even on the other side...but you know what they say practice makes perfect....I still got lots of practice to go.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]364322[/ATTACH]
This is a close up of what I was talking about before when I said you can see a little bit of the arc from this side...I will get it in time.

Ok here is my new problem...
I started with an 18 inch square and from that used my arc to make a circle that was 17.5 inch circle. On the back I drew my 12 inch square. Now on the video she puts a piece of batting inside the 12 inch square (which I believe she said was 11.5 inches) I've not got to that part yet. Then she takes her top piece which she says is 12.5 inches and puts over that...On the video it is a perfect fit to the circle (her corners of the 12.5 inch top fit perfecty on the circle)....My 12 inch square don't even fit no more.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]364323[/ATTACH]
Here is a picture of what I am talking about. My 12 inch square is the white piece on top...it is cut from a piece of grip poster board and is excatly a 12 inch square.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]364324[/ATTACH]
As you can see in this picture my 12 inch square hangs over the edge...so I know there is no way I got it right. Like I said before she puts a topping on of 12.5 inches.

So what is it that I have done wrong?

Maybe it's because my arc that I have figured out is wrong and hopefully that is all that it is and when I get my copy it will fix this problem but I'm still intrested to hear what you all think.

Well I will just practice quilting on this one (I'm sure I'm gonna need plenty of practice on that as well) and hopefully the next circle will turn out right.

I may figure out what size batting and front piece I need for this one for it to be right and just make another one this size (till I get my arc) that way I can see if it is gonna match up anyhow.

Well you all have a wonderful day and I will talk to you later.
Your friend

P.S. someone had ask earlier if I planned on having this done by Christmas what year? I don't plan on having it done by Christmas that is when I am gonna get the fabric for it. I would like to have it done by my daughter's birthday which is in August...but if not maybe Christmas next year and if not then maybe her next birthday (smile)

Have a great day you all.

Thank you I will definatly check that out...I need all the help I can get. (smile)

Hello

I cut this out with scissors although I do plan on getting a rotary cutter...I know that will make things alot easier not to mention alot more precise...hopefully it won't be to hard to learn how to use one from what I have read they can be tricky to use...but like with everything else...I can learn and I will figure it out.
Have a great day

Hello Friends

Where did all my help go? (smile)

I've not started quilting on this circle yet and may not get to till after the weekend...my daughter is home on the weekends and she usually keeps me pretty busy...not to mention I don't want her to know that I am working on this.

I do hope to hear from you all and let me know what you think.
Take care everyone and I will talk to you later.

I'm sure things will go better for you once you get a copy of the arc. What I have seen so far looks pretty good. Keep at it! Waiting to see more!!

I think this is where your problem is. Are those lines that can be seen on the back, originally drawn a 12" square? If so, it looks to me like your seam allowance my be bigger than 1/4" - you've sewn too much into the seam, and what's left isn't full size any more.

I smile at your enthusiasm because I was the same way 15 years ago. I also thought I could do ANYTHING if I was willing to put in the time and effort. Not so. Making a quilt is exacting and there is a learning curve that everyone has to experience. First of all, don't make a quilt you know is difficult. You could be so exasperated that you quit in the middle. I don't know where you're getting your fabric or your quilt patterns, but you'll need to get the approprate "tools" (rotary cutter, mat, rulers, etc) If you have access to a quilt shop it would help a lot. Why not put a stack of fabrics (any size is okay, but I'd suggest 4"). Figure out how you're going to get a consistent l/4" seam (that's VERY important) and sew your blocks together working so the seams go together in all directions. Takes a little practice, believe it or not. There are many, many techniques you can use but you will need to learn them as you advance in your quilting projects. I say 4" squares (all cotton), then put a border around them. You'll learn as you go along and I hope you enjoy the quilting process as much as I do.

I've made this pattern before and it does much better using a sewing machine.