tallchick

Yes, there are those that do amazing jobs of writing patterns and those that do not. I have learned my lesson and now I always read the pattern and adjust according to my preferences. I will not purchase patterns from unresponsive designers either, or those that nickel and dime you to death. I once had a kit that was for a full size quilt, when checking for pattern corrections before starting I see she had the same pattern in a queen size, so I bit the bullet and paid for the larger pattern. Imagine how peeved I was when the pattern simply said “add a border”! ##&*%! She lost a customer.

TheMerkleFamily

I've not been sewing long enough to even think for a moment that I shouldn't read through all of the instructions, think about the math, the steps, the fabric direction, block construction, etc.. but I often do and have had similar and much more expensive disappointments. Sorry it was your turn this time but thanks for the reminder.

Onebyone

My sew group made a quilt that sure looks like the Rambler pattern. We put folded corners on rectangles with a rectangle strip in the middle, like a rail fence then added a wider strip between the blocks to match the corner fabric, if I remember right. It was easy We certainly didn't use crazy measurements. We didn't have a pattern, a member showed us how she made her quilt. It reminded me of the Blended Nine Patch pattern in a way but made with strips.

GingerK

I can also feel your pain. Having written BOM's for our guild and directions for a couple of projects that I have taught at an LQS, I learned a lot!! Clear, concise directions are so very important.

For the Deb Tucker pattern, I have made that maple leaf block with no 'special tools' and it is a favourite for our QOV's. We did find that it helped to paper piece the square with the point (I think that is the one that 'needs' the Square Squared ruler). I hate rulers with so many lines and lengthy explanations on how to 'manipulate' the ruler. I always get it wrong.

Doggramma

Oh lord, that sounds like something that would happen to me. You poor thing, how disappointing.

RedGarnet222

Yikes! I hate that you are having such a hard time with the start of this quilt. I hope it turns around to be a fun experience. You deserve to have fun, right? You are being such a good friend.

IceLeopard

I've made it. If you can make flying geese and folded corners, that takes care of two of them. The other shape, what Deb calls a corner beam, can be done with paper piecing.

ElaineCovid

That isn't fair! I would be sending a note to the publisher with a (polite) rant - and request for a refund. That's deceptive.
Kind of like the row by row experience I had a few years ago - the shop had a block that featured really cute little ducklings with an umbrella and raindrops - their kit didn't have any of the featured fabrics, none like the ones they used, and not even yellow for the ducklings. Of course, that wasn't apparent until after I was home and opened the kit. It looked like they used up all their old unloved fabrics in the kits. And, I found out later, if you were a regular customer they knew you got the "good kit" that looked like theirs did....so, I wasn't a regular customer then, and never will be....

juliasb

I think we have all been there at one time or the other. Getting out scale perfect going from printer to template is a big challenge or even ruler markings. Instant frustration. I just can't wait to see this finished quilt. Now to try and stay focused. Don't let this little set back get in the way. Go forward!