This is a test!

[Margo]

Because there are so many seam allowances in the 2009 pieced BOM it is really important that you can stitch an accurate 1/4" seam allowance in order to have everything fit together easily. Sue tell us how to work with small discrepancies, but it's easier if we don't have to make huge adjustments.

If it's been a while since you've checked your SA, you might want to take a test before we get started on our pieced journey!

I've just posted a quick test for you to try on my Webshots album if you aren't sure how accurate yours is.

http://good-times.webshots.com/album...ost=good-times

[Margo]

Margo, Thanks for the reminder. This is always good to do on a regular basis.

What thread do you use for piecing? My current favorite is Superior's Masterpiece. I find it has a nice feel, and is not linty.

Maggie in E. Central Illinois

[Margo]

I love the Masterpiece threads by Superior! Not only does it not make a linty mess, but the thread is very fine and doesn't take up bulk in the seam allowance. With so many seams in this project, even that little bit can make a difference! I also like the weight of Superior's Bottom Line threads, but because they are polyester, they don't seem to be as secure at the end of a line of stitching as the cotton Masterpiece. Alex should be really proud to have her name on it!

[Margo]

I remember doing a similar sort of test when I was first learning to piece, but I haven't ever checked on myself since then. Probably a good idea to do so.
Thanks!

[Margo]

I will do that test. Hopefully will help my piecing. I do have a question if y'all can give advice please. I didn't have any yardage fabric for the background so I ordered some. Its pretty, soft creamy color. 6 yards is hard to handle. Would you cut it in smaller yardages to make it easier to handle and wash, or just cut what is needed with each months directions. Thanks Sandi in FL

[Margo]

Not a problem, Sandi. Go ahead and cut it into 2 or 3 yard pieces to prewash. All of the background will get cut into lots of small pieces, so it will be fine.

[SueinNH]

Margo,

Thanks so much for posting this piecing test ! Yours is a little different from others that I've seen, and I think it will be more accurate.
Now I just need to figure out how to keepmy cutting from being so wonky :wink:

Sue

[Margo]

Good point, Sue! You might want to try adding gripper dots on the bottom of your ruler to keep it from sliding. Some quilt shops sell some plastic ones, but I just use self-adhesive sandpaper from the hardware store, cut into about 1/4" squares. Just don't cut it with your fabric scissors!!
Then cut slowly and stop to move your hand if you feel the ruler shifting at all.

[SueinNH]

Margo,

Thanks for the sandpaper tip--I'll definitely try that ! And yes, the ruler definitely moves on me.
I do have nerve damage down my arms, so I have a hard time pushing down firmly long enough.
I did buy the shower grip bar (like the Gypsy Gripper), and some $1 fabric at Joann's, and will be trying out that technique soon I hope.
I took a Le Moyne star class with Marsha McCloskey in November, and my 60 degree diamonds wound up 1/16" off----argghh!
I wouldn't mind if the hem on my skirt was 1/16" off, but definitely not on my quilting !

Thanks again,
Sue R

[Margo]

I know that 1/16th of an inch doesn't sound like much, but when you have a 6" (finished) block with as many as 72 pieces in it, that little bit gets to be BIG!!

I really don't mean to scare anyone off with those numbers. Except for a few pieces in the feathered star, we are just putting together squares and triangles and rectangles in this project. They are shapes that we are all familiar with, but there just happen to be more of them than most of us are used to dealing with and they are smaller, so accuracy makes a huge difference in how it all fits together. We can do this!!!