I just don't get this. It hangs me up every time, and it's surely not such a complicated thing.
I just have a devil of a time getting the cornerstones/sashing to intersect properly (I used 2-inch little "border" between each 9.5 inch block,.
I measured the blocks and squared them. Measured each strip. I use one of those "guides" on the machine that makes a consistent 1/4 inch seam. Still they are off.
I've even done the sashing without cornerstones, and some of the vertical strips are still off. I'd normall just think I screwed up on the measurement of the blocks, but this time I measured really carefully.
If your measurements are correct, Sherry, I suggest that you pin the strips at the beginning and the end of the block, and in the middle. You didn't say how much you were 'off', but if it is only a small amount, it is probably slight movement when you are sewing (due to feed dogs pulling more than the top - using the walking foot might help avoid this, too). When doing the longer sashings, pin all the way along - most importantly at the intended intersections. Even if you have measured beautifully, if you don't fix the strip while you are sewing, you may well end up with a small amount of movement on these too. . In message , Sherry writes
One of the tricks I use is pinning the ends of each segment and easing the fabric much like you would ease a sleeve into an arm hole in a shirt. This will only work if the amount of difference is not so much as to create a puckering effect. Try it and see if it works.
think you're right about the feed dogs, because it's always "off" in the same direction. I don't use very many pins. It's such a bother, but that may very well be the problem. Thanks!
I can do that! I am going to try it, and check after each section, instead of going full-steam and hoping for the best when I'm done. :-) (I know most of you are horrified at that statement. I am still learning. :-)
First off, most of us don't use very many pins, mainly at strategic points and the end of seams, you'll learn what works BEST for YOU. Secondly, don't expect perfection when you first begin...in other words....learn how to enjoy the process. You will NOT get any points for having 2, 5, or 100 quilts done in one year. You WILL get a happy dance (even from those of us that don't say it) for EVERY quilt that is done--if done means: just the top, quilted but not bound (and you have someone else do it for you), totally finished, and/or for every block/seam/section you finish.... all you need to do is ask and we're off Dancing like there is no tomorrow. Thirdly, I am thinking you are 'going to fast' at this stage of your learning. Quilt sewing is different than garment sewing......those last stitches are just as important as the first ones..and the middle ones. You will learn where you can or can't 'fudge'. Fourthly, what may help you here is to do the 2 1/2" squares test EVERY time you sit down to sew. (Think this was explained not too long ago). It'll help you get your mind-set at 1/4" inch seams.I find I still need to do it if I go from garment to quilt sewing in the same day..and I"I've been quilting for 50 years.
Just remember this is for your enjoyment. At this point, it shouldn't be a "job" for you. If you find it so, let us know and we'll be happy to try to figure out what/where you are needing help. Might just be where you hold your tongue on certain days......or like me.......needing glasses just for sewing.
Butterfly (We love to dance and to celebrate any happy news : )
Just thought of this.......I'm not by the SM.......you may find it easier to have the top seam facing the foot (being pushed away) and the bottom one facing you (Being pulled toward the needle). It's been awhile since I needed this as I use the IDT (built-in walking foot) on Pfoebe (Pfaff 2046's name). Do you have a walking foot? Have you tried using it?
HTH Butterfly (just remember to RELAX and enjoy the process We're here to help as much as possible)
What??!! I can get a happy dance??? Is there a statute of limitation on this?
LOL. I finished a smallish quilt a couple of months ago. It was the first one I ever handquilted that I felt like I'd finally gotten the hang of it. It was just some scrappy Garden Walk blocks sewn together with sashing & a border. Here's a pic! Also, please check out the one I'm working on now that I got so frustrated with the sashings. Soon as I put a border on it I'll be finished with the top.
Sherry, a hint for when you are putting the long straight sashing on between rows: As you put your next row on, make sure to line up the vertical sashing across the horizontal sashing. In other words, you line up the block edges beyond where the sashing seam actually is. that will help keep those vertical sashings in line.
Very good advise. I transfer the line created by the edge of the vertical line of the upper block across the sashing to the edge that will accept the next block with a long straight edge and chalk pencil of contrasting color. This helps you place the edge of the block in the proper place on the sashing. You should also be sewing all the separating sashes between the blocks and then trimming the excess off even with the upper and lower edge of the sewn onto blocks. Then you can sew a complete line of completed blocks and vertical sashes, that is the full width of the quilt, onto the horizontal sashes at the appropriate marks you have made and have all your sashes line up correctly.
Oh, thank you Sandy. It took me forever, but DH works nights and I'd sit & listen to music, quilt, and I actually enjoyed that part. I'm so slow! DH said if I was a pioneer woman my family would have already froze to death. :-)
If I'm doing sashing and cornerstones, I incorporate it as part of my block rather than waiting to sew the long strips in later. For instance, the top left block will have the sashing and corner stones around three sides...not the bottom. Then the next one to it will have the sashing and cornerstone at the top and the sashing on the right hand side...and so on until the end of the row. Then the next row will have the three sided sashed block to start the row again. When you get to the bottom....you need to add the sashing again across the bottom of the blocks. So the first block in the row will be sashed on all sides and the subsequent ones on three sides. I find it a lot easier to then sew the enhanced blocks together. Clear as mud???
Clear enough. Similar to the way I make an attic window, skip the long sashes between all the blocks. And since I prefer to piece the quilt top in sections (quarters or eighths), again, I avoid those long-long seams, and don't have to worry about the sashing going a bit wonky, ending up in a wave. Since it's going to be well-quilted (by hand) the extra (short) seams are incorporated into the quilting design. Because I said so. ;-D
Thanks! It's very isolated here, thank God for the internet & quilting ;-) The lilac is more than 50 years old. It was here before we built the house. The old-fashioned kind must be just really hardy & long-lived.
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