This is why I only do applique quilts
#41
Super Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Central Wisconsin
Posts: 4,391
There is just one point in there that I would try to fix. Get some help from an experienced quilter if you can't figure it out. Pressing and trimming correctly are so important.
I would be proud to have your Ohio Stars hanging on my wall. I love them.
I would be proud to have your Ohio Stars hanging on my wall. I love them.
#43
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,165
I just noticed that some fabric just cuts strangely on the bias. I cut large (12") square, had the fabric on the 45 degree line, the ruler on the 45 degree line, the fabric taped on both sides, new rotary blade, and STILL got a wave in the middle of the triangle. Before even pressing it. (I checked on a straight line on the cutting mat) New mat, old mat, no difference. Even straight cuts go weird.
If you don't use steam, or press hard, how do you remove wrinkles? I find seams and whatever simply don't lay flat unless I do iron the heck out of them. All fabrics, too. What everyone calls good fabric to cheap fabric. Washed or not.
Seems to be stretched as soon as I cut it.
I've used all kinds of rulers. I have one from OZ that has a piece you line up with the dimension, a Truecut with the lip,
and the fabric still seems stretched or uneven on straight cuts.
Some piecing will look like the OP's, but I do have a 1/4" foot, and I've sewn clothing, and other articles without this problem. I've pinned, not pinned, you name it.
I can cut mat board for photos using a corked back ruler and exacto - that is straight. I've checked ruler edges and table - all flat and straight. All rulers have grips - either dots or a sheet.
The cutting table is high - but it's either high or my back. We also live in a very dry climate, and in the winter, static electricity is the pits.
If you don't use steam, or press hard, how do you remove wrinkles? I find seams and whatever simply don't lay flat unless I do iron the heck out of them. All fabrics, too. What everyone calls good fabric to cheap fabric. Washed or not.
Seems to be stretched as soon as I cut it.
I've used all kinds of rulers. I have one from OZ that has a piece you line up with the dimension, a Truecut with the lip,
and the fabric still seems stretched or uneven on straight cuts.
Some piecing will look like the OP's, but I do have a 1/4" foot, and I've sewn clothing, and other articles without this problem. I've pinned, not pinned, you name it.
I can cut mat board for photos using a corked back ruler and exacto - that is straight. I've checked ruler edges and table - all flat and straight. All rulers have grips - either dots or a sheet.
The cutting table is high - but it's either high or my back. We also live in a very dry climate, and in the winter, static electricity is the pits.
#44
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: S C michigan
Posts: 2,118
you need to think "a quilt is to keep me warm". and move on from there. perfection isn't a must , unless you are going to put it in a show. most of us, don't make perfect quilts, we make a quilt a non quilter would love because they got it from us. start off with something with not so many points to match. maybe irish chains, 9 patches, or D9P's, show flies, churn dashes, etc.
#46
I noticed that too about the kitchen and it made me smile too. I did not actually watch the whole video as I just learned how to do it from the little paper insert with the ruler but I thought it was nice there was a video showing how to use the ruler.
Last edited by Annaquilts; 01-18-2013 at 08:02 AM.
#48
A very very accomplished quilter friend of mine, did me a great favor when I showed her my first quilt, with all it's flaws. As I pointed out the wonkiness and lack of points....she grabbed the binding and gave the whole quilt a little shake, and said..."do you see it now?"
That has stuck with me, and I have passed it on many times. I am still learning every day and feel so accomplished when I feel I've achieved "perfection". Don't give up, quilt for yourself. Practice practice practice.
That has stuck with me, and I have passed it on many times. I am still learning every day and feel so accomplished when I feel I've achieved "perfection". Don't give up, quilt for yourself. Practice practice practice.
#49
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Southeast Georgia
Posts: 2,526
It looks very good to me! I am sure you will improve by doing more. A 1/4" foot definitely helps and I'd suggest just starting with squares. You chose a challenging pattern for a beginner. I would just do 4 patch or 9 patch blocks until you get the hang of piecing and matching seams. If it's something that I am totally neurotic about matching seams, I also just put a drop of glue and hit it with the iron to hold it in place. Keep up the good work!
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Delaware County, SW of Phila.
Posts: 610
My triangles are awful. I avoid them at all costs but sometimes have to do them. They give me more problems that anything else. I have noticed though that the more I do, the better I am getting. Keep at it. I think your wall hanging is great.
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