Dragonomine

Oh my I DO iron. I had no idea I was just supposed to "press".

NanaCsews2

Your work looks exactly like 99.99% of the rest of ours when we started out. Here are my suggestions to combat those fears, and others have their way of doing things but this is how I get perfect seams and finished blocks. One key thing to remember: When doing piecework, a ruler is your best friend. I keep a 1x12, a small square, and a similar rectangle ruler near my machine at all times. Before doing the next seam when doing piecework, measure the seams against the finished size. For this pattern, sew 3 squares together, then measure the center square to make sure it is the size the pattern calls for. Do this for all 3 strips of the 3 squares sewn together. Then sew one strip of 3 squares to another. Now measure from the center points of where the 2 triangles meet out to the seam line. Is it exactly half of the total 'finished' size of the triangle square? If not, the seam line is off. When I sew strips together where I have to match up points, I first 'baste' with a longer stitch. Instead of 1.8 or 2, I use a 3.5. That way, if the measurement is off, I sew the seam again without taking out that 'basting' stitch (unless the edges of the strips don't line up which means that measurement is off.) Measure the seam and if correct, pull out the first seam and measure again. When it is correct, reduce the stitch length and sew on that basting line. If you sew a little off the line, simply turn over the fabric to the front and check for any stitches poking through. Turn it back over and carefully snip those stray stitches and pull through. Measure again when adding the third strip. When adding the frames to the squares, measure the strip widths (white sq with triangle sq), and then measure the square for finished size (triangle points to triangle points. Your next step is important for lining up: before adding the adjoining square, fold over the narrow sash (frame). Make marks where the 2 seams are on the 3-squared strip. Fold back over and pin the seams of the square to line up with those 2 marks you made. Put the pin directly into the seam holes. Take a ruler and place it along the seam lines and check if the seam lines up, and if the 2 horizontal strips of squares you just made are the finished size of the pattern. I hope this has made sense and once you get the hang of it, it will be second nature to use the rulers. Practice practice practice and you will amaze yourself.
P.S. You didn't post to have us point out any flaws, because there aren't any. You came for guidance and we are pretty good at that as we have all been there! And if it were me, I wouldn't take this apart or throw it away. Frame it for your sewing room wall. It will do wonders for your sewing self esteem. I have a wall full of stuff that shows me how far I have come. I think if you continue with these colors and patterns, you are going to have a beautiful wallhanging to show off!

solstice3

I think it looks pretty darn good!! Sometimes I believe it is all in the way you hold your mouth when sewing (haha)

JoanneS

There are so many balls to keep in the air when you're quilting, and it takes a lot of practice - LOL. You chose one of the most difficult things - quarter square triangles -QSTs. Many quilters avoid them like the plague! Same with half square triangles - HSTs. There are many tricks to make them - Thangles being one of them. Accuquilt has dies to cut out both. I bought dies in several sizes for my Accuquilt because I love HSTs , but I hated to sew them before I got my Accuquilt. Now I love to use them!

Don't give up. Everyone has to start somewhere.

I think you need a new blade in your rotary cutter. I put a new one in at the start of each project - though I don't use it as often now that I have Accuquilt. No, I don't work for A, nor am I an investor - LOL.

jarenie

I tried needle turn applique and ended up with fuzzy edges when I washed the quilt. But my dogs do not mind as it is their quilt now. I have been piecing for years and have not trouble making this match.
Want to trade. I will do your piecing and you do my applique?

wordpaintervs

what a great group of commentors and encouragers. I love that . I see lots of effort and no fault in what you have done. I'd continue on if I were you. Keep on keeping on. You won't be sorry. HUGS

cowgirlquilter

My goodness it is adorable. Please know we all have to start somewhere, and if you saw my first attempt ou would really chuckle!!!,

quilter2090

Relax! Your quilt doesn't look that bad! I think very often we are our own worst critic. If you want a accurate 1/4, may I suggest a 1/4inch foot with guide presser foot for your sewing machine. I think you can find one for most sewing machines. When you are sewing, you have the fabric up against the guide,Presto! Perfect 1/4 seams the easy way.As far as sewing triangles goes, have you ever considered the Wonder Ruler? You make a tube and then use the ruler to cut out a perfect ruler. I think the Missouri Star Quilt co has a video on using a regular ruler to achieve the same results. As with anything you do in life, practice makes perfect. Good Luck!

carolynjo

Just looking at the seams, it appears that you are not taking a consistent 1/4" seam. There are several ways to fix this pretty block. One way is to make a bridge of tape for your fabric to push against when it is under the needle. Measure by putting your ruler under the needle and rolling it down until it sits on the 1/4" mark. Mark where 1'4" is on your face plate and make a mark. Now, using several pieces of masking tape or blue painter's tape, stack them up, keeping them exactly in line and on your 1'4" mark, until you have about 10 or so of them--a bridge that will allow you to guide your fabric along the tape. You should be able to sew a consistent 1/4" seam that way. Two: If that method doesn't work, go to the drug or grocery story and buy moleskin (you line your shoe heel with it or put it where your shoe rubs a sore spot. Using your rotary cutter and a ruler, cut a strip 1/4" wide. Peel the adhesive off and stick it on your face place 1/4" from the needle. This also will help you to sew a consistent seam. It will wear down, however, so you will need to check it periodically. You can, by the way, lift the strip of blue painter's tape and stick it on your sewing machine until you need it again. Three: On some machines there is a hole that you can screw in a seam guide which can be adjusted to seam width also. Good luck. Hope this answered your question.

Sierra

I am close to being in the same boat as you are, and I've been quilting for about 12 years now. I'm not very critical, even of my own work, but piecing and blocks drive me up a creek. I took an 8 once-a-week class, and we were given a "mystery" quilt to do. Happily the class ended before I finished and those 60 blocks are still somewhere in a bin somewhere. It drove me crazy. I can spend hours ripping out, but to do the same blocks 240 times!!! No way! I'm a bit dyslexic and I blame all my faults in life on that (very convenient!). So I applique! Love doing it. Am not outstandingly good at it or at any quilting, but I can turn out a quilt that reflects the interests of the person for whom it is meant, and they have been loved. I can do landscapes, "modern" art, swirls of colors, Cars, tractors, houses.... anything I want) and they are fun.... not particularly good workmanship. I do really admire those quilts with tiny pieces and magnificent designs, but they are not me or mine. Should I learn to do and love doing blocks? I've decided that now that I'm in my 70s I'd rather keep doing what I want to do..... and that is mostly applique. I have done blocks, but they weren't detailed in themselves; their beauty came from the design the blocks made overall. I wish you the best in your quilting journey! I'd also love to see some pictures of your appliqued quilts....