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-   -   Is it time to call it quits? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/time-call-quits-t131594.html)

tmjennings 06-20-2011 12:29 PM

If you have taken the seams out and tried to re-sew or pressed several times, I would just re-cut the pieces and start over. The pieces have probably lost the right size.

auntiehenno 06-20-2011 12:58 PM

Also, make sure you use same ruler all of the time. This, interestingly enought can make a difference. Good lick, because even those I do use same suler and cuttinf board, still make mistakes.

cr12cats 06-20-2011 01:01 PM

don't give up yet. if one method doesn't work try another one you'll find what works for you. i have trouble with points also and found that when there are points like in stars i use the paper piecing method and those points work out for me. I still shy away from traditional quilts and do more pictury ones instead.good luck in your discovering what works for you. Ravonda

gerswin 06-20-2011 01:07 PM


Originally Posted by peaceandjoy
Don't be so hard on yourself. It does take some time and practice, but every time you do a project, you'll get a bit better.

As far as perfection - well, it's over rated. I'm not suggesting that you do shoddy work, whether it's for yourself, a swap or a gift. Look at the overall piece, rather than a point or two that is missing or floating when it shouldn't be.

If you really don't think your work is up to par at this point, explain that to the hostess, then use the blocks to make a charity quilt. If you can relax a bit so that you enjoy the process, some day you'll look back and be glad you didn't give up.

i agree completely. also sometimes if you set something aside for a few hours or overnight and come back to it it just suddenly makes sense and comes out right :-)

doowopddbop 06-20-2011 04:18 PM

Maybe you would like an AccuQuilt cutter? I am loving mine!

BarbaraSue 06-20-2011 04:56 PM

I'm coming in late-computer problems- I will just add my 2 cents.. Don't give up. Try a differnt pattern. Log cabin is supposed to be the easiest, well my first one is as ugly as they come, and still not done. Just because you made blocks that don't come together doesn't mean you can't quilt. Try a differnt block. Paper piecing can be good too.

Janice Thompson 06-20-2011 05:01 PM

Don't give up. Tomorrow is another day. I agree Eleanor Burns method of cutting larger and then square up. Takes out a lot of frustration. Good luck. Pin where seams must match

ging10ging 06-20-2011 05:04 PM

don't give up it takes time & practice to be perfect. Just take your time and ck your work before you cut. It's hard when your doing it yourself and no one in front of you to help. Walk away for a while then go back you'll be ok but don't expect to be perfect the first time. good luck your not alone. Sue

charity-crafter 06-20-2011 05:10 PM

You are being creative in your interpration of the block. You meant for them to be slightly off. A true artist.

Ok, maybe I'm laying it on a little thick, but still call them wonky blocks and have fun.

jnagy1206 06-20-2011 06:23 PM

Don't give up! I have been quilting for about 3 yrs & still have trouble cutting accurately. But I have come to realize....even if you are "incorrect/wrong", as long as you are consistently wrong it will be right. Keep trying & be consistent....

pontiac46750 06-20-2011 09:35 PM

There are a few things I have told the ladies I am teaching to quilt.
1. Have fun.
2. When you are cutting your material make sure you are moving your hand up the ruler to keep pressure on it so it doesn't shift.
3. When you get ready to sew. I take my ruler and put it under the needle. Lower the needle down where it is just touching the top of the ruler on the 1/4 inch mark. Than I take a stack of post it notes and line it up with the edge of the ruler. That way they know exactly where the 1/4 inch mark is. It helps them.
4. Always set your seam closed with the iron. Than open your pieces and press the seam from the inside to the side you are going to send the seam allowance to. Some open their seams other go to the dark.
But always check you sizes. of each of the pieces when you sew. Also keep checking your seam allowance occasionally. Some times it will shift on you. One good thing to have is a good 1/4 inch quilting foot which a lot of machines now have.
Hope this helps.
Quilty Hugs.
Ann in Indiana

auntmarie 06-21-2011 04:14 AM

I have been there too!!
Just keep trying and it will get better. I just made a disasterous mess cutting out the pieces for a Irish Chain, one of the easiest quits to make. I changed rulers and am now getting it right!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good-luck and do watch Elenor Burns!!!!!!

Just Me... 06-21-2011 04:41 AM

Check your seam allowance to ensure it is 1/4". Make sure you aren't holding your rotary cutter at an angle when cutting.

Maria C 06-21-2011 10:07 AM

I agree with what has been said and of course most of us have been where you are. I haven't read all the entries but I agree with the ones that say check your quarter inch seam on your machine. I had to move my needle over one position after I tried a test of 6 strips 1 and half inches and sewed them together then measured them and they were all out a fraction. Adjusted my needle setting and all went much better. Having said that - I still have terrible blocks and points confound me. I have dyslexic tendencies and maths is a huge issue for me so quilting poses its challenges in other ways as wellf or me. But I work it and let it stretch me but not crush me. Keep up the great work. It is worth the tormenting times for those great moments of colour and gift giving.

wraez 06-21-2011 10:50 AM

Oh poor baby, I know that feeling but do NOT give up!

Breathe, relax.

do you sew your blocks together with the seams 'opposing each other' so that they nestle together (think spooning with hubby), then when you stitch, your points should meets perfectly.

This is what saved me from giving up on quilting.

SharBear 06-21-2011 06:25 PM

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU all so much for the kind works and encouragement. I stepped away from my machine for a couple of evenings. Wandered the house trying to figure out what to do with myself. Then I just went to Girl Cave and looked at the projects I have lined up like little marching soldiers - decided that I'm going to put those nasty HSTs away for now (read:UFO) and shift gears; I have some beautiful Fairy Fabric from Michael Miller that I'm making an applique Halloeen Table runner. Can't wait until boys go to bed tomorrow night - I'm going right down to start working on it!

Thanks again - Sharon

penski 06-21-2011 10:20 PM

don t try so hard quilting is not suppose to be a chore!! why dont you try something easier and work your way up slowly and learning along the way

MerryQuilter 06-27-2011 03:52 PM

Try and remember quilts are dimensional and really only you will notice.

bellegrise 06-29-2011 04:44 PM

Maybe you chose the wrong pattern. I did a log cabin as my first with Eleanor Burns and it turned our great.


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