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Sorry for your bad experience--keep quilting!
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Originally Posted by milp04
Originally Posted by NikkiLu
Are you sure that you are sewing with a 1/4 inch foot? I had that problem with some precut pieces from a quilt shop years ago - swore that they cut the pieces wrong - come to find out it was MY machine/foot.
HTH There are several tutorials about how to check to see if you're sewing an accurate 1/4 inch seam. When you first sew you should've been instructed to sew a scant 1/4 inch. This is 1 or 2 threads shy of the 1/4 inch. I believe there might be a You Tube video. You could also follow some of the other suggestions given. Pam M Have you measured your seams to make sure they are accurate? |
Don't worry about your first quilt. The dogs sleep on mine. It wasn't bad but..........I have learned a lot from my mistakes and seem to be making steady progress--snail-like at best. It makes me happy and someday, I will be able to proudly say "I made that quilt".
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visit your library for quilt books too. Eleanor Burns of Quilt in a Day show is good for beginners if you can find any by her. and watch any quilt shows you can. also search online for tutorials.
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Hey dont beat yourself up on this one, you live and you learn! I am a guy and just think how the quilt shops tried to take advantage and make fun of me.......... :roll: They laughed me out of their shop when they found out I was going to use a 1910 Singer 27 in a treadle to make my quilt. The owner said something to the effect of "Good luck with that one".
Quilting is supposed to be a nice relaxing experience. Remember this back in the good old days they used what ever fabric they had laying around. Flour sacks, table cloths, old clothing, sheets, etc and they were all different colors and mottled but they did the purpose, kept you warm and with lots of love. So what you need to do now is look around on the board and see a quilt you like and try to make it using the colors that make you happy! Billy |
I would call the shop owner to tell her exactly why I won't be shopping at her store again. Remember that your color choices are YOUR choices. You are making this quilt to please yourself, not the store clerk. It is a labor of love to be making this quilt--both for you & the recipient. Keep on quilting. It will become one of the greatest pleasures in your life.
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I haven't read all the posts, just the first few, but could you post a picture, maybe some of us have the fabric and can help you replace the bad cuts? Or do you have some other fabric that is close to the colors that you could cut to make new 4-patches?
Don't give up, we're here to encourage you ~ we've all had disasters, somehow, someway. Sometimes the frustration quilts become our favorite cherished quilts :) Hang in there! |
Originally Posted by okiepastor
Is this a pattern that would allow putting strips on the 4-patches, then squaring up the blocks with the strips? Then the variance is not noticeable, unless maybe the quilt police look!
Otherwise, I would just put it together. Pressing well can help too. Believe it or not, if this is to use, most likely NO ONE will notice after it is quilted, esp. if you have not washed the fabrics first....... Remember my grandma's advice, "A blind man would be pleased to see it." |
One thing you could do with your blocks is use a chalk marker and a square ruler to mark the stitch line on the wrong side of the block around all four sides.
Then use a pin to match the corners before you sew each side to another block. Even if the seam allowance is 1/8", it will be enough to hold the seam. |
Originally Posted by gramajo
I would call the shop owner to tell her exactly why I won't be shopping at her store again. Remember that your color choices are YOUR choices. You are making this quilt to please yourself, not the store clerk. It is a labor of love to be making this quilt--both for you & the recipient. Keep on quilting. It will become one of the greatest pleasures in your life.
The shop owner that said "good luck with that one" got it good a year later. Her hubby wanted me to paint his 1957 Chevy Convertible and when I saw who his wife was I tacked on an additional $5000. The best part of it is when they came to pick the car up and pay me, it was her that handed me the money. So a $50 fabric sale cost her $5000!! :mrgreen: Billy |
Ditto to this answer. Sorry you had such a bad experience. People seldom like what I choose until they see the finished product.
Originally Posted by grugirl
I have to be honest when I say, I don't care who likes or dislikes the colors I choose. Being creative means you make the decisions. I love my bright and at times almost obscene color mixes. To quilt it makes me happy and the people I give them to. That is what quilting is for me. If you don't like what you are working with or using someone else's idea then you are not doing it for you.
Nuff said. BTW.. you Will enjoy this group. They are supportive and give you honest feedback. It is nice to know there is support and encouragement at every turn here. Welcome! |
Sorry about your first experience on the quilt, but even after doing afew there still are bad experiences. I just did my 3rd and took the quilting out 3 times, now the 4th time, I finally like what I did, but the quilt looks kind of ragget. I think it will be ok once washed. I know you willl, like I did, every quilt is different, you learn every time you quilt. The colors I choose are not what others would choose. My sister always says "I would have choosen another color", but she won't make her own quilts. Enjoy and keep quilting
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I bought a kit - my first - from my LQS. It was from a national designer and was kitted by the designer and sold to the LQS. That was five years ago and I'm still working on the top. The kits (one for each block) were skimpy on material. I had the same problem you've got and finding extra material has been a PITA. I just put the kit away until I can afford enough Prozac to let me finish it.
I have been sewing for almost 60 years and this quilt is the only kit I've bought. It is also the last kit I'll buy. |
Sometimes when I'm piecing a block that is composed of several pieces my block will come up "short" also. I fix this problem when I add the sashing or borders. PM me if you want more details; I would be happy to help.
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I got the best laugh from this!! So many times you think bad Karma won't be reaped on those that deserve it. So happy to hear "you" got to bear witness.
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I am so sorry you had such a bad experience with the LQS. And I am glad that you are not giving u, we all have different likes and dislikes when picking fabric and colors. How boring it would be if we were all the same! Hang in there!
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I'm sorry you had problems. It might not be just your quarter inch foot. It could be the thread you are using too. If the thread is on the thicker side, you need to be one or two threads shy of the one-quarter inch. This would be enough to make the difference you mentioned.
Using a thinner thread you would only need to be shy maybe one thread width. Quilt patterns call this using a scant quarter inch. A lot of patterns and pre cut kits are designed using computer programs that do not allow for the thread difference. |
Please don't feel bad, just think, when you get lemons just make lemonaide. LOL
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So sorry to hear your story. I wondered how the kits would be. Have never bought any.
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Don't be discouraged. Everyone has different taste in colors, but everyone should have the same manners! My lesson like that is I offered to make a quilt for a non sewing friend. I HATED her fabric selection in some of the colors, but I kept my mouth shut. It was her quilt.
When I was finished, the colors I had hated the most were the ones that made the quilt. A lesson learned. Not knowing the pattern, adding sashing to even the blocks out is an option. The other is to trim the blocks to the smallest sized one and adjust the rest of the block, if that isn't too complicated. |
Originally Posted by quiltergrrl
Bought a pre-cut quilt kit at a local quilt shop about a year ago at the urging of the woman who runs the shop. This was going to be my second quilt.
When I originally went to their shop, I knew nothing about sewing and went to their Saturday quilting with the promise they would be happy to teach me to quilt. I did buy my fabric from them. I had to stop going after my first quilt because of a death in the family and I was downsized from my job. Finally had time to piece it, only to find out that when the single blocks are pieced into blocks of four, they're just enough off to cause major problems (about 1/4 inch off between all four) and I don't know that I can go back and square these up enough to make them work. It's so beyond my limited skills. *Sigh* This is the same shop that made fun of the colors I chose for my first quilt, then offered no help when I said I wanted to machine quilt it instead of using their long arm (which of course cost me additional money - and my quilting looked like heck. I really wanted my first quilt to be nice.) I guess I'm just a slow learner but I will never, ever darken the doors of this LQS again. I'll be driving over to Kaufman instead. Being a newbie and somewhat insecure, I made the mistake of trusting them. Don't let anyone tell you what you have to do in your quilt....they can suggest something but the bottom line is that it's your quilt and you are the one buying the fabric...They should be grateful that someone is there in the first place...Maybe you have to drive farther but you will probably get better service...When the other store has to close their doors because of their rude service, maybe they will think about how they have treated their customers...Very few shops I have been to don't help me...they love to see what fabric each person puts together...All they ask for in return is to see the finished product...I tell them that it might be awhile and they just laugh and say that's OK too...So keep going with what you like... |
Sure wish there was a "LIKE" button one could easily use for lots of these comments. I think they are right on. So glad you continue to pursue quilting. I would hate to show you my first quilt: wrong type fabrics, seams that don't match, ugly hand quilting (in contrasting colors yet!)... But I hold on to it to see how far I've come. Onward and upward!
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I wonder how a store like that can stay in business? To fix your blocks you can find a coordinating fabric (or one you just like), frame each block log-cabin style to make a border, then square them all to the size you needed for your pattern. You never know, it might come out looking even nicer than the original. Don't be discouraged though, everyone here is very helpful and not like those nasty store people you had to deal with.
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Sorry that things are not going good with quilting. It is good that everyone has their own color choices. One of my best friends uses more browns and greens in almost all her quilts and I'm a pastel quilter. How boring it would be if we all made our quilts the same!! Good with your project.
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Sorry this happened to you.
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I have found I can learn anything there is about quilting from this site so I don't even bother asking anywhere else.This is great for us who are still learning, after years of quilting.
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Green sleeves has a good idea about framing your blocks. But my suggestion would be to put your blocks on this website and you will get more help then you'll realize.
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Originally Posted by grugirl
I love the idea of breaking all the rules when I quilt.
Pre-wash your fabric...or not, your choice, not a rule 1/4 in seams or scant 1/4 inch seams...your choice, just be consistent, not a rule (and I know I'm not consistent :oops: ) Press seams to one side or open, and press after each seam or when you are finished with the block or whole top...your choice, not a rule Use starch, press with steam or dry...your choice, not a rule Press fabric before cutting...your choice, just makes it easier :lol: Color choices are totally your choice...it's YOUR quilt and only you have to be happy with it. (working on a hot pink, hot orange and black right now that would curl some quilters' toes!) Oh, I know a rule...don't IRON triangles, just press them or they get wonky...but maybe wonky works for you (I've made it work for me!) OK, I need help here...what ARE the hard and fast RULES for quilting...other than giving credit to the pattern designer and quilter if you don't do it all yourself??? Have a blast with your new addiction...it is a fabulously fun one and this board if filled with wonderful experienced quilters just waiting to help you with any question you may have!! |
I'm sorry you had such a bad experience with them. Some people don't understand the meaning of customer service but I so happy you didn't give up on quilting. You are not slow you only require direction and technique instruction. A pattern and directions are not always clear especially if you don't know what the name of a techique means. Perhaps you can find another quilter here that lives close enough to give you a hand if classes are finacially out of reach right now. If no one lives close by just ask us someone surely has the experience to help guide you. Ask and you shall receive. :D
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Originally Posted by Farm Quilter
Originally Posted by grugirl
I love the idea of breaking all the rules when I quilt.
Pre-wash your fabric...or not, your choice, not a rule 1/4 in seams or scant 1/4 inch seams...your choice, just be consistent, not a rule (and I know I'm not consistent :oops: ) Press seams to one side or open, and press after each seam or when you are finished with the block or whole top...your choice, not a rule Use starch, press with steam or dry...your choice, not a rule Press fabric before cutting...your choice, just makes it easier :lol: Color choices are totally your choice...it's YOUR quilt and only you have to be happy with it. (working on a hot pink, hot orange and black right now that would curl some quilters' toes!) Oh, I know a rule...don't IRON triangles, just press them or they get wonky...but maybe wonky works for you (I've made it work for me!) OK, I need help here...what ARE the hard and fast RULES for quilting...other than giving credit to the pattern designer and quilter if you don't do it all yourself??? Have a blast with your new addiction...it is a fabulously fun one and this board if filled with wonderful experienced quilters just waiting to help you with any question you may have!! Yes, as I was told, the quilt police live only in your head! |
Originally Posted by jlong
Originally Posted by grugirl
I have to be honest when I say, I don't care who likes or dislikes the colors I choose. Being creative means you make the decisions. I love my bright and at times almost obscene color mixes. To quilt it makes me happy and the people I give them to. That is what quilting is for me. If you don't like what you are working with or using someone else's idea then you are not doing it for you.
Nuff said. I have a friend who is more artistic than myself and her first quilt's colors were not even near my color preferences. But it was great when she put it together. I'm hoping you can find patterns and colors that will inspire you to continue this obsessive hobby. :lol: :lol: |
I'm new here myself, and I've got to say I already have the warm fuzzies.
As many have said, quilting is about love and expressing your own creativity. It's very rude to criticize your color choices without offering anything constructive. You'll be far happier with these people. I am! Welcome from Ohio! |
I think I'd go find another shop -
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I suggest you take a beginner class or series of classes obviously at a different shop. Some community colleges offer continuing education classes in things like quilting. Depending on your age you may have an active senior center where there is a quilting group. Join a guild. Check out your church, many of them have quilt groups. There are a lot of places to get help starting and save yourself some frustration. My basic suggestion is when starting out stick to squares and rectangles. Triangles are a bit of a challenge at first. Set yourself up for success. Good luck we are all pulling for you.
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PS If you like it, it's a success. You are the qualified judge.
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How sad that someone would be that rude and unkind. I'm with you - I wouldn't step a foot in that place again and certainly not recommend them to anyone. There are an untold number of excellent quilters on here that would be so happy to assist you in correcting your problem. Never mind the colors. Everyone has their own choice. We don't all wear the same color clothing, etc. Just hang in there and send a picture of the blocks and get some really good advice from here.
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Don't be discouraged. Everyone has their own taste and most quilt shops understand that. Sometimes they will make a suggestion to add to the quilt, but never make fun of someone.
Just keep quilting and enjoy what you make. Like a few people said ad a border around the 4 patch and it should all turn out nice. Once it is quilted and washed it will be great!! |
Originally Posted by ewecansew
With those measurements, it should come out to 5" x 5". Check your center measurement on the top side and it should measure 2 1/2" from seam line to seam line. If it is smaller, try taking a slightly smaller seam allowance. I hope this helps.
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I would say that it is time to 'expose' the shops that put profit before customer satisfaction and quality. After all if we do not share the less than positive experiences we have shopping how are these shops going to learn that we will not shop there again?
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Perhaps it was just one person who was having a bad day (not a good excuse for treating people that way, I know, but we all have our human failings), so I would give another representative of the store a chance. Also, we sometimes really need another shop to find the fabric we need.
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