Shorebird

Contrary to the opinion of most, I like seams to be pressed open. I long arm, and I can tell you it makes my job much easier when the seams are open........top lays flatter, bulk is greatly reduced.

maviskw

I think I would press all the seams south on odd numbered blocks and north on even numbered blocks. Lay them all out separately in two stacks and it wouldn't take long to do that.

johnette

I'm with zozee. I do the same way she does and it works for me. I like my seams to nest on their own but if they don't I whip them into shape.

P-BurgKay

When you sew your blocks together, be sure to lower your stitch length. That way where you are pressing your seams open, they are definitely secure. I press most of my seams open all the time, just use a lower stitch length. Harder to un-sew, but, oh well.

sewbizgirl

The way the blocks join, I'd press all seams on one block going UP, and the next going DOWN, so the seams can nest.

eta: Oops, just saw that Mavis already told you basically the same thing.

Jingle

I usually see before I sew which way they need to go. Stick a pin in going up one way and the other going down, then they will nest. If they don't work out that way then I do the seam allowance east and west then flip it back. I only FMQ and go around the intersections to avoid the thick intersections.
I don't want to change needles.

Kwiltr

Well if anyone is still following this thread, here is a picture of my progress to date. Three rows of of eight total done. It is not perfect, but I am going with close enough! This quilt has been a bit of a challenge for me, way more than I anticipated, having taken the quilt at face value and not getting overly analytical about the construction details. I mean, how bad could it be, right. Looks simple. But with the method provided and resulting biased block edges and resultant thick seam points and non-nesting seams, I've had my hands full after thinking I'd have it whipped together in no time! Ha! Anyway, to answer the odd question, I do my own quilting, now on a Longarm and plan to do a custom treatment TBD, so do plan to ditch it. As it stands now, the only open seams are those running thru the middle of the squares, so it won't be a problem. I do really like the look so far of the quilt, but if I were to make it again, I'd take a long look at the process first and see if there is an easier way. The fabric is a jelly roll of Southern Exposure by Laundry Basket Quilts and a Moda batik from the Wild Waves collection. Thanks for all of your advice and comments.

maviskw

A truly beautiful quilt, Kwiltr. Your point matching is unbelievably perfect. Who cares where the seams lie on the back. I know a judge would find those bulky spots, but the rest of us for the rest of our lives can just enjoy the gorgeous quilt.
The reason I'm still on this thread is because I always check the "latest posts" on my profile site. I always have to check to see if anyone has read my posts and answered them. So, I'll be checking this tomorrow! ! ! !

Kwiltr

Thanks! They aren't perfect, but I got enough of them so far, I've created an illusion . The thing about this pattern is the blocks are created from strip sets that requires the pressing to allow for nesting the sets so you get accurate cutting. Then the blocks are laid out randomly to make a "pleasing arrangement". So the only options are to work with the blocks as is, from the previous pressing, or re press all the seams in the blocks to suit your final block arrangement, and they are all biased edges at that point, which keeps things challenging. I suppose one could try pressing all the seams open from the start to keep it flat, but then the matching of the seams is still a challenge, without the bulk issue and ditching would have to be beside the seam. Oh well, chalk it up to a learning experience! Thanks for your participation!

QuiltE

You sound a bit frustrated ..... this is definitely a time to be using Best Press!!

My avatar quilt is much the same pattern.
I made it before I knew the merits of Best Press (or even starch), and had few problems.
However, I did learn the merits of good pressing practices during the preparatory stages
and at every step along the way.

You have a beautiful quilt in the works and that alone will be worth keeping at it!