The Perfect Block

I hope you guys didn't think I was going to post instructions for a perfect block, or post a picture of one. That will never come from me. I have done four blocks toward my king size quilt. Since each block is different, I thought I'd take my time and make each block perfect. None of the four are. I am having the hardest time. I am cutting and squaring my patches perfectly (except for two), and sewing the perfect 1/4 inch. Those two imperfect patches (one in each of two blocks) have caused me great headaches. Now those two blocks are going to be ripped. The other two are off, but not by much so I will live with them. Be honest now. Has anyone REALLY made a perfect block, other than cutting one out of nothing but fabric?

nope never gonna happen either, at least for me.

I've found that if I always do the scant quarter inch seam my blocks will usually come out just a hair bigger than they are supposed to, allowing me to trim the tiny uneven edges away. This of course only works on the days the wind is blowing just right, my hair looks good and I hold my tongue just so ...

I have never done anything that was less than perfect!
I AM NOT A LIAR!

Should perfect and quilt blocks even be used in the same sentence? I can barely sew a straight line. I might get one block that is perfect and that one perfect block makes all the other blocks look really bad.

I just spent a couple of hours ripping apart some of two blocks, making replacement patches, and patching them back together. They turned out better. At least it isn't so blatantly obvious. While looking at one of the blocks I was ripping, I spotted a background patch turned inside out, so that one had to be turned. I hadn't notice that before when I was critiquing my blocks. So, I have four very imperfect blocks I am declaring OK for the quilt. My problem was squaring up half square blocks. I just love the June Taylor half square ruler, and wouldn't give it up for anything. You just have to learn to use it. I am now an expert on placing it in the right place to square up the half square. When I get more done, I'll take a picture. I am sashing it in 2 1/2 inch strips of black.

Karen, the total block is squaring up pretty good at 12 1/2 inches. What I had a problem with was squaring half sqares up correctly. The diagnal line of the block didn't go to the corners, but were wonky. I think your idea of a scant 1/4 inch is a good one.

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Originally Posted by ShirleyPickett

Should perfect and quilt blocks even be used in the same sentence? I can barely sew a straight line. I might get one block that is perfect and that one perfect block makes all the other blocks look really bad.

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Story of my life! LOL!

Never had a "perfect" anything in life. lol Even with OCD. Hah!

I like Barb's idea for striving for Excellence!

With half square triangles, I don't do 7/8's and all that - I cut 4 inches, sew, press, then trim to size. Even the professional quilters don't have "perfect" blocks or quilts. Stop the video and do a close up of the shot, you'll see that the block, unit isn't perfect.

I find it best that I cut a few more of each fabric color/pattern than I need, make them all up as I'm piecing. That way if I'm off my rhythm, I have a couple extra to choose from.

The 'scant 1/4 inch' is making me crazy. Should they start manufacturing a 'scant 1/4 inch' foot?
I'm just starting out (about a year), and I'm beginning to believe I'll accept my imperfections. I will never enter a quilt to be judged, I'd rather provide warmth and comfort and maybe a memory to a grandchild, grand niece or nephew.
No one will know the difference, unless they're a TA quilter.
And NO, I don't believe this is on the approved abbreviation list, figure it out....
Maybe I won't have to have as many chiropractic appointments!
Him 'What have you been doing?? Your back is SO tight'. ME 'Nothing strenuous, just sewing'.....
Just trying to maintain '1/4 of an inch'......
LIGHT BULB moment.

I'm with Kathy!

LOL!

Hugs,

Have never made a perfect block or quilt. I do not strive for perfection, because that is an unreal expectation. What I do is make quilts for people that I love, and for little kids and babies, that need the comfort while in the hospital. These people are never going to judge them, only find warmth and comfort in them. And that is good enough for me.

Only God is perfect! enuf said :)

I have been working my way....slowly...through the Harriet Hargrave Quilting Academy books. She is a perfectionist. I was stressing over the first 2 little quilt tops and then realized that it sucked all the fun out of it. The more I practice, the easier it has been to be more accurate. But....to answer the question....no, no perfect quilts here!

Haven't you heard that story about Moslem Master Carpet makers who add a tiny flaw into every carpet because perfection belongs only to God? Works with Quilts, too! :P

(least, that's what I tell myself...)

For some... the strive to perfection is pleasant... it does build patience.. i have plenty of that.. but it is saved for being creative and coming up with something that is "totally mine, one of a kind".... i never wanted to join any group here or anywhere because of that... but this forum allows for people to be human and enjoys "creativity".... the whole "scant 1/4" thing is a contradiction of perfection... it either is or isn't 1/4".. LOL I just make is consistant, and whatever size block that makes... that's it... plus no need to worry about seams's ripping apart... I will NEVER enter a contest or get a ribbon... just want to be "Miss Congeniality".... LOL

I strive for excellence....not perfection. The important thing is for you to make your seams consistent. If you can sew the same width seam on all your blocks, they will all the the same size if you cut your fabric the same. It takes lots of practice...:)

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Originally Posted by Jenny Mulhall

Haven't you heard that story about Moslem Master Carpet makers who add a tiny flaw into every carpet because perfection belongs only to God? Works with Quilts, too! :P

(least, that's what I tell myself...)

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Jenny.... my mentor (knitting).. always told me..."A good knitter is a good ripper"....:)

The quarter inch foot with a fabric quide really helps in making a quarter inch seam. I have no idea how one would make a scant quarter. I know it is the width of the needle difference. Some of the fancy machines have a setting for this, I believe, but I have a cheap machine that doesn't. I don't know why machines don't come with a quarter inch foot with a fabric guide. Their quilting foot is for quilting, not sewing patches. I may need to buy another foot as my fabric guide is bending out of shape. It only cost me $5, so I am not complaining. My blocks seem to be coming out at 12 1/2 inches, so I must be close. I do wish they were a little bigger as I'd like to be sure they were square.

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Originally Posted by GrammaBabs

Jenny.... my mentor (knitting).. always told me..."A good knitter is a good ripper"....:)

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LOL! Oh, I hear that! My seam ripper and I are intimately acquainted... ;)

Jenny---I have read that the Amish do the same thing....adding a mistake to every quilt, so as not to be perfect. I have even seen quilts where one whole block is turned upside down on purpose. Now that is really peculiar!

I constantly surprise myself that after 30 years of quilting I can still find new mistakes to make.

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Originally Posted by cyndiofthevortex

I constantly surprise myself that after 30 years of quilting I can still find new mistakes to make.

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LOL, I don't even have to try Cyndi...isn't that stupendous! (sp?)

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Originally Posted by SuzyQue

Jenny---I have read that the Amish do the same thing....adding a mistake to every quilt, so as not to be perfect. I have even seen quilts where one whole block is turned upside down on purpose. Now that is really peculiar!

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I never knew that! The sentiment is quite beautiful but an upside-down block would slowly drive me INSANE!!! :)

I don't even try to make perfect quilts (or anything else) because I'd never get anything finished. I thought when I first started that I would work hard and practice a lot then I'd have perfect quilts - well so far none of that has happened. I do have a lot of books *lol* with perfect computer generated quilts.

I made an almost perfect block today, and I was amazed at it. Then again, it was an easier block with half squares (that I am now a pro at making) and snowball blocks that formed a star in the center. I keep plugging away.