patricej

you are not the problem.
the instructions are the problem.

instructions written with the expectation that your blocks will not be the right size if you follow those instructions?

phooey on that.

if i want my blocks to be the wrong size, i don't need instructions.
i can accomplish that on my own. LOL LOL LOL

Pat M.

This is a opportunity to soar!! 1. Put borders around them, 2. Put them on point, 3. Cut down the middle and cross-way then rearrange. Three different ways to get a totally different quilt you made. Do you have a square ruler? Center the ruler on your squares, figure out where the 8 /1/2" square is and then cut. After looking at the pattern I think you can save the quilt by just cutting a smaller square, go down to a 8 or 7 1/2" square, remember to center the ruler on the block.

irishrose

Three things come to mind when a block isn't the size it was intended. First is the ever so hard to accomplish - the perfect 1/4 seam. I can't do one without the metal attachment that screws to the bed of the machine. Even the 1/4" foot didn't work for me. Second is distorting the block with the iron when you press it. You need to press by lifting the iron when you move it - not sliding the iron. Third -should be first - is are your cuts exactly the correct size? I had to buy the June Tailor Shape Cut Ruler as I tended to go wide at the end of a cut. Another problem for me is not sewing 1/4" all the way to the end of the seam - I tend to veer to the right the last inch, but I'm working on it.

I am only six months ahead of you in time spent quilting, so my advice may not worth what an experienced quilter's is, but these are my problems. A block should need very little squaring - HSTs are a different story as I deliberately make mine a little large so they need it. I'm doing a log cabin type baby quilt now and the blocks have been perfect at every round - no squaring needed, so there is hope if you address the 1/4" seam and the pressing, IMO.

If a block isn't the right size, figure out why and resew it. I wouldn't cut it down unless there's no other way. Being a perfectionist makes quilting harder, but that's the way I am and I'm too old to change.

I love Shadowplay - it's on my bucket list, so I think it's worth working on. Can you save the blocks that are off for another project and replace the fabric to finish the quilt or follow Pat M's advice and resize the blocks? Good luck.

alfosa421

I know it's hard not to beat yourself over it but there is such a learning curve to quilting. As others have said you can reinvent this quilt and may even wind up with a quilt we would all like to copy off you.At the very least it could be modified and donated for a child or cancer patient somewhere Pictures would certainly help us help you. Don't fretE
HAVE SOME CHOCOLATE!!!!

Prism99

This is when the creativity aspect of quilting really comes into play. My first thought was to add narrow sashing between the blocks. My second thought was to cut the blocks diagonally and put them back together with solid fabrics. My third was to cut them into strips and create a strip-pieced quilt. There are usually multiple solutions to every challenge! It would help a lot to be able to see a photo of the blocks, though.

Yet another option is to put the top away and come back to it later, when you are more experienced. Ever wonder why so many of us have UFO's?

hopetoquilt

I made a big quilt with tons do different blocks. Each block contains a new technique I wanted to try out. I also machine quilted for the first time. I made TONS of mistakes on this quilt. I learned how to: "lock" seams together so seams line up, tried circles without appliqué (disliked it), machine appliqué (disliked it) fancy stitches on the machine, floating stars (loved them), Y seams (disliked it, won't do it again) and other techniques. The finished quilt gets thrown down on soccer fields and amazingly, I get lots of compliments! I learned a ton and made a utility quilt at the same time.

janRN

I mean no disrespect to Eleanor Burns but I won't use her patterns because of the "cut down" method she recommends. Her quilts are beautiful but I want to make a block that is the correct size the first time and if it's not, it's MY mistake, not because the pattern makes it larger so I can "cut down" to the correct size.
I agree with all the suggestions--try resizing your blocks by making them smaller or adding borders. Or just do what I do when I have a project I don't care for; I put it in The Box That Shall Never Be Opened. (My heirs can deal with all those LOL).

GagaSmith

You might enjoy reading this thread posted by another member of the board today. Belive me, you are not alone and this will probably not be the last time you make a mistake. We all do our share of them. You will figure out a way to make it so you can enjoy it for a long time.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...d-t197928.html

SouthPStitches

Don't get too discouraged. I threaten to quit any and all quilting at least a couple of times a year. Sometimes you need to step away from the project, sometimes just abandon it. You can only do your very best. I have been quilting since the mid 70's and to be very honest, no matter how careful I am cutting, sewing, and reading the patterns, I still screw up. It used to drive me crazy. We always our worse critics. Everything you do, you are learning and getting better. It isn't always human error either. Patterns get written incorrectly, fabric stretches, machines pull the fabric....it's actually a wonder that anything comes out right.

Monika

First, I want to say that there is a lot of good advice on this thread. As someone said, lots of experience here. If you are still reading this, please post pictures. They help me all the time!! (Board members that is.)

Second, while I agree with others here, don't trash.........I would like to say "yay for your hubby!!!" Sounds like he is just trying to support you and doesn't want to see you frustated. How sweet is that?!?!?!

Good luck and let us know what you end up doing with your project!