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I LOVE the pattern! This is quite ambitious because you are working with compound curves and intersections... this is not for the faint of heart. It may get more difficult before you are done, but YOU CAN DO IT!! First, don't forget that your seam allowance will change where they meet up, and this could throw your blocks of kilter a little. Here you have them lying edge to edge, which isn't a true representation of the finished top. If you are following a pattern, USE THEIR MEASUREMENTS. If you are trying to duplicate something you've seen, then this gets VERY tricky... and cutting them down will only complicate things, so PUT THE ROTARY BLADE AND THE SCISSORS DOWN, until it has been quilted. First, you need to figure out WHY your blocks are already off by a ¼". Correcting that first might be a PITA, but it will pay off in the end. This might be a help in figuring out the issue... https://youtu.be/FDsNb5hdhDM?si=M-_WvDpRCWtupj4S (I would also recommend watching her video on pressing technique... it is more important than you think!) Second, if that task would end up being too daunting, here is my suggestion for tackling this. You will probably need to sew row by row or column by column, which ever has the MOST intersections in each row/column, and accept that opposite might not match as well. If there is an equal number of intersections, then personally, I would match up rows first, because that is most obvious. We look at a quilt like we are reading (left to right) before we notice the vertical plane. To see where your curves match up, use chalk or a disappearing marking pen and mark your patchwork curves in ¼", then overlap those "seams" when you lay them out. Do one whole row like that BEFORE sewing. If you are happy with the matching (and remember, this quilt will not be judged by a panel at your state fair 🤪) then sew that row. Now, move on to another row, and the next, until all rows are complete. Next, it's time to remember a few quilters' sayings, lol. 'If you couldn't notice the mistake while riding on a galloping horse, then it is good enough!' and, "Done is better than perfect." and finally, "I sew, therefore, I swear." 😄 Now, go tackle the columns in the same way, popping a seam or two to make it work and resew as necessary. This step will take even more patience, so be well rested, well hydrated and as distraction free as possible. You WILL get there! When done with the topper, stand back and admire your work! Next step is quilting, so pin, pin, PIN. Quilting Safety Pins https://a.co/d/00h99BCB After quilting, give it a good press, and NOW you can bring out your rotary cutter to square it up. You can assess whether or not you want to add a border to address any wonkiness that might bother you. Borders help frame your quilt, but they can also straighten things out before you bind everything together. I cant wait to see it all finished! 🙋🏼♀️❤️🪡🧵
Wow, THAT is an impressive turnaround time!! 👏🏻😃 It turned out beautifully and I'm sure it was well received. 💝 P.S. I, too, dislike spray basting, lol. I don't want to take my work outside, because there is not enough ventilation in my sewing room and I don't the overspray. I use these https://a.co/d/00h99BCB about every 6", and it keeps things smooth enough for me, lol.
Oh my, I'm sorry, I know how frustration that can be.... but you are almost there! Sometimes it is smart to walk away got a little bit so you can clear your mind. Definitely get hydrated and maybe a bite to eat. So, when you are ready to pick out the stitches you need to, then follow these steps... First, pin, pin, PIN! Like every 6" to avoid shifting layers, and DO NOT TRIM ANYTHING. The more you pin, the more secure your sandwich is from shifting. I like these safety pins the best. https://a.co/d/0gYqRqAJ Second, a walking foot is EXTREMELY helpful, and frankly almost necessary. It acts like feed dogs for your top layer, so everything feeds more evenly. Also, lengthen your stitch length to 3 or up to 4 mm. Third, wavy lines are the easiest and most forgiving, followed by straight lines that are stitched in the ditch (as close as possible) or shadowing your quilt block lines. Whatever you decide, I suggest drawing/marking your quilting lines with your preferred method. Your quilting design should at least match the maximum spacing allowed for your batting (it will tell you on your packaging), but less space in-between quilting lines is almost always better. Fourth, start in the middle, and work your way out to the sides (continue to the right working your way toward the top, then flip and continue working to the right toward the bottom). Depending on the pattern you decide to quilt, there will be shifting of the fabric. This is why there is no trimming, or squaring things up, until the quilting has been finished. Here is a good video and she has links to more great videos! A seam ripper is your friend, even if they stick around too much, lol, but we've all been there. You got this! ❤️ https://youtu.be/YoCZ8HyjyHE?si=GJzi7Nwg5rYNUV_d
Your topper is so cute, and really well done! 👏🏻 First, pin, pin, PIN! Like every 6" to avoid shifting layers, and DO NOT TRIM ANYTHING. https://a.co/d/0gYqRqAJ Second, wavy lines are the easiest and most forgiving, followed by straight lines that are stitched in the ditch (as close as possible) or shadowing your quilt block lines. Whatever you decide, I suggest drawing/marking your quilting lines with your preferred method. Your quilting design should at least match the maximum spacing allowed for your batting (it will tell you on your packaging), but less space in-between quilting lines is almost always better. Third, start in the middle, and work your way out to the sides (continue to the right working your way toward the top, then flip and continue working to the right toward the bottom). Depending on the pattern you decide to quilt, there will be shifting of the fabric. This is why there is no trimming, or squaring things up, until the quilting has been finished. ❤️ https://youtu.be/YoCZ8HyjyHE?si=GJzi7Nwg5rYNUV_d
You can! Best advice I have.... use a walking foot and pin, pin, PIN! The more you pin, like every 6", the easier it will make maneuvering your quilt sandwich through your domestic machine. 🙋🏼♀️❤️🪡🧵 https://a.co/d/0dQDZXSV
Such a cute panel!! 😍 (Quick little tip... just because you are using a panel, don't forget to pin it like it is a pieced topper when you are ready for quilting. Ironically, one large piece can move around more than large pieced topper. https://a.co/d/0i8eVxTu ❤️🙋🏼♀️)
You are right where you are suppose to be! Making quilts always seems pretty straight forward... until you start to do it, lol. If you make a mistake (you will, and WE ALL HAVE) and you are willing to learn from your mistakes, you are WINNING! The fact that you are even excited about continuing is a bonus. I can't wait to see your project... happy quilting! ❤️ P.S. Instead of regular safety pins, use this type, specifically for quilting, and pin more than you think... like every 6"! The more you pin, the better. 🙋🏼♀️❤️🪡🧵 https://a.co/d/0i8eVxTu