Sticks and stones quilt

[robylou]

Hi,
I've been doing the sticks and stones quilt and following off You tube video.
Everything seems fine and looks good until I started to place the squares in their rows. It seems as if they don't follow the pattern. I sewed them all the same but when I lay them out each square is suppose to be turned different then the one next to it and the white squares need to meet. Most of them worked but then it seems like I have half the squares that won't work out (fit into the pattern) the direction they are suppose to go. Its driving me crazy, I feel like I'm missing something and caught in a time warp. I have taken it apart and still have about 12 squares that all look the same in direction but will not alternate. I just don't get it. I know its not complicated but what am I missing? Did I sew them wrong and not notice? Ugh! has anyone else experienced this, what am I not seeing. It looks great and will be lovely if I could just figure this out. Help me if you can.
Thanks for any advise. Robylou

[Caroline T.]

Re: Sticks and stones quilt

Can you lay out what does work and post a picture, and then another picture of one of the blocks that doesn't seem to work?

[robylou]

Re: Sticks and stones quilt

IMG_1239.JPGIMG_1240.JPGIMG_1241.JPG
I hope this works. This should show how they are suppose to go and how the others are not fitting in. They were all sewn the same way but it all seems wonky to me for some reason. I'd rather not have to take apart and re-sew if possible. I think that I have been staring at it for to long and can't see it.
Thanks for your reply.

[CraftySweetPeas]

Re: Sticks and stones quilt

I've not followed this tutorial, but in glancing at the pics, it seems you have "left" and "right" blocks. The two blocks sewed together, and the two single blocks (in the pic on the left) show the squares are made in opposite direction of all the other blocks. I think that may be your issue with this. Very pretty fabrics, and you're on your way to a beautiful quilt!!

[Altairss]

Re: Sticks and stones quilt

Okay in picture two the bottom two blocks are turned the wrong way and the pattern is off. Your two blocks above them should be forming the bottom of an x so the next two will form the top of the x. The whites will start on the outside and go in? if that makes sense. Think of them in rows of zig zags from left to right first one goes down the second the white goes up. In your down rows first one goes into the right then next block back out to the left.

[robylou]

Re: Sticks and stones quilt

I think what happened is that somehow I must have inverted several squares. What's funny is I did lay it all out before I began to sew it together and I was sure that it all worked, that's why I'm stumped. But somehow I must of tweaked something , somewhere and now its off. Frustrating but Live and learn !

[Caroline T.]

Re: Sticks and stones quilt

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I hope this works. This should show how they are suppose to go and how the others are not fitting in. They were all sewn the same way but it all seems wonky to me for some reason. I'd rather not have to take apart and re-sew if possible. I think that I have been staring at it for to long and can't see it.
Thanks for your reply.

I'm sorry to say, yes unfortunately the blocks that aren't fitting are sewn incorrectly. The strips are in reverse order.

Take a close look at the 1st block you have that fits. You'll notice on the first strip, the white square is in the upper left corner. Now look at your other blocks, and you'll see those strips are in reverse order with the 1st strip's white square at the bottom.


I know how you are probably feeling right now, we have all been there, and we only learn from our Oops'es. Lord knows I've made a bunch, so many that while most quilters name their sewing machines...I've named my seam ripper. His name is Ripley.

[robylou]

Re: Sticks and stones quilt

Yes Barbara, I think I have come to see it now, I have inverted the blocks without knowing it. Thanks for your input, I love that this is available to me.
Can't wait to have it finished!

[robylou]

Re: Sticks and stones quilt

Ladies'
Thank you all so much for your input! I have come to see the err of my ways! Gosh, you really have to love this to tolerate all the up's and down's, and I do!
I appreciate all your help!
Big Hugs!

[jjkaiser]

Re: Sticks and stones quilt

I think your quilt will be so pretty when it's all done! I also think I would never make this, for the exact trouble you are having, it would drive me crazy too.

[CraftySweetPeas]

Re: Sticks and stones quilt

When I made my first Log Cabin quilt about 25 years ago, I did the same thing. I was just having such fun creating the squares, and it didn't dawn on me that they had to "move" in the same direction.

Look at it this way....this will likely be one thing you will always be aware of in your future quilts - I know those 37 "wrong" Log Cabin squares sure did it for me...ha ha.

[Bubby]

Re: Sticks and stones quilt

It's going to be a gorgeous quilt!!

[grammaterry]

Re: Sticks and stones quilt

I have made sticks and stones twice and I love the pattern. I find that making the blocks of 4 and then sewing them together works best for me. Also, as mentioned, you are suppose to have left and right blocks which I think you do. Make the blocks of 4 and then sew them together into strips. You'll be fine.

[verenaerin]

Re: Sticks and stones quilt

I am very glad to have seen this thread. I will be making this quilt soon and I am sure would have had the same problems.