ScubaK

Arggh...
The past few weeks it seems like I can't cut straight, sew a straight 1/4" seam or piece the correct pieces together.
My blocks are always 1/8" short...
Arrgghh...
I bought a GO fabric cutter to help out and just now learned why some pieces ended up "short" cut.
My 1/4" seam alignment on my Brother 8500D is getting to be a pain in the arse!
I am just getting so frustated!
Quilting is supposed to be fun not stressful!
So, I am not going in the sewing room today. But I did buy some fabric yesterday for a lovely quilt pattern.
Thanks for listening and letting me vent!!!
When this is happening to the rest of you, what do you do to get over the hump of frustration? I would love to hear your ideas and suggestions.
Kirsten

amma

Wow!!! Sorry to hear things are so frustrating in the sewing department!!! Sometimes you just have to walk away from sewing for a bit, set that project aside until it decides to play nicely again, breathe....don't forget to breathe in and out deeply :lol: 8)
The good thing is you will get it all figured out...and it will all come together!!! :D :D :D

I usually call my best friend and vent like it is ALL her fault :evil: :evil: :evil: and then when we both start laughing....I am usually over it and will go back to the naughty project or move on to something "nicer" :lol: :lol: :lol:

cutebuns

I have had those types of days, where I read the wrong line and cut the wrong size strips, miss counted and cut either way to many pieces or way to few. tried to put together a block and found out that the pieces were going in the wrong direction.

1 Take a deep breath, and then take another one

2 go beat up on something, I live on an acreage so I usually grab the ax or chainsaw and take it out on some wood.

3 if you figured out what the problem is with the GO fabric cutter, good, make sure you don't keep doing what ever it is that makes them short to start.

4, if the 1/4 inch is off or a pain, figure out a different mark to sew from
or make your own 1/4 inch marks to follow. on my older brother I have been known to put tape down and or other things to mark my guide.

5 sewing and quilting are supposed to be fun, maybe make something that doesn't have the accuracy that quilting requires. something fun and easy.

Shemjo

Does your machine need to go in for service to get the 1/4 inch to be more accurate. Remember that you want a SCANT quarter inch.
I am often off a bit, but I square up each block before I go on and it works well enough for me! Better to be too large than to be too small! :lol:

gaigai

K, I know EXACTLY what you mean! I've been working on a mariners compass quilt. Have four of the six compass' complete. No problem, went together like PB&J. The fifth one is KILLING me. I cannot sew on the right line! I can't position my fabric correctly. I have ripped more than I've sewn. So, I put it down for now and have moved on to something else. It's still sitting on my table, to entice me, so it won't become a UFO, but I'm not picking it up till I'm good and ready again!

Put it down for now and do something else small, then come back. And good luck!

blahel

i got myself a quarter inch foot and now my sewing is much better and much more accurate as i too had trouble keeping my 1/4 in seams accurate. it took a lot of the frustration out of sewing for me.

kluedesigns

when cutting fabric i only fold the fabric once otherwise i never have accurate cuts - that second fold line just put in too much inaccuracy.

if i must cut thru 2 folds of fabric i press the fold lines to make sure they are perfect so i can keep a 90 angle.

i also use 1/4 foot and both of them have guides on them.

the first one i use for 1/4 seams

http://cgi.ebay.com/Brother-Baby-Loc...rkparms=65%3A1|66%3A4|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A20 0


the second one i use for 1/8 seams (i use the hole on the left and use that edge for the guide) or 1/2 seams (i use the hole on the left and use the guide plate to maintain the seam)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Singer-Featherwe...rkparms=65%3A1|66%3A4|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A20 0

bearpaw

Sorry you're having a tough time. It can get frustrating!! I just walk away and come back when I'm ready. Usually the next day. Hang in there!

weste

ko24 I have been going through the same thing. Hope it's over soon. I have wasted a lot of fabric.

ScubaK

Thanks everyone for your great replys.
I'm sure my machine, rulers and cutters will want to play nice again after I let 'em chill out for a day.
So, I will make a list of my UFOs (which is not alot) and get organized.
I tried to make a Patriotic Angel Wall Hanging yesterday. That ended up in the trash...I hated it!
Thanks again!
Kirsten