I’m getting backing into the swing of things and I have the sewing machine busy. But after I made two blocks that didn’t turn out when we were traveling from the Large Block book I thought I better look the pattern over again and see what the problem was – I hadn’t brought along a ruler or rotary cutter along on the trip and after the first two blocks didn’t turn out right I set it aside.
this is the quilt pattern – the long strip that goes down the middle and the two end pieces that are cream color – the book says cut the color strip 2 1/2 inches by 18 1/2 inches and the cream pieces on the end 4 1/2 inches by 18 1/2 inches – that should have told me right then what the problem is – because the squares are to be 18 inches finished sized – so 18 1/2!! 1/2 inch too long right off the bat! wrong right there. Also the pieces that run in between them – the ones with the shorter color and cream – finished measurement is 17 3/4 inches – I have an accurate 1/4 inch foot – I think someone didn’t test the pattern correctly or the measurements in the pattern are wrong – so I am now correcting everything and I have perfect 17 3/4 inch blocks. This is the second pattern in a new quilting book – 2 different books – in the last 6 months that have not been correct in the book. Who test these patterns and who writes the patterns and then make sure they are correct – are quilting books being printed out too quickly without proof reading? (I no not all sewing foots are the same but this was a bit off).
4 blocks so far – I’m using up an “ugly” jelly roll that I have. It turned out not to look like I thought it would when I first got it. I’m hoping with all this cream color that it will be ok when it is done. Maybe a thin sashing of red in between the blocks will be called for to jazz it up a little? Or I have a brown paisley that has a little red scattered though it – just a thought
Are others having problems with the patterns in books not always being accurate? Surely it can’t be just me.
Hi, Karen. Playing catch up this evening. Wow, your trip was fabulous! I was so sorry so learn of your son-in-law’s mother. My sympathies to all.
OMG I just want to scream when this happens. Then they think they are justified because they posted a correction somewhere.
I was so glad I read your comments before I started on my quilt. I am making the same quilt, from the same book, also using up a jelly roll I purchased a while ago. Luckily, I have some other projects I wanted to finish (Christmas gifts!!!!) before I started on the Lantern Blocks. Thanks for the heads up.
I’m a little surprised that an advanced quilter like you, gets these books with the big, simple blocks! I like big simple block quilts sometimes, but it just seems so much easier (not to mention cheaper) to figure them out myself, since they’re pretty straight-forward. (I hope that didn’t sound snotty — it’s really meant as a compliment — you do such beautiful, detailed piecing and quilting and those seem more like beginner books. ;-D)
sometimes I like quick and easy – but the reason for the book is that I won it – not a dollar spent 🙂 the last quilt that I said had a messed up pattern was also from a book I won! I had won a set of 3 books that the Large Block book is from – I don’t remember from who – I had hoped to win a different set of three but I got the easy books 🙁 I like to make easy quilts sometimes to use up stash, to have quilts on hand to give away, and just so I don’t have to think! LOL
It’s always fun to knock off something quick and easy. Not that it’s mindless sewing, but it isn’t stressful (unless the instructions are wrong!). Every once in a while I get out my string basket and make up log cabin blocks with all sizes of strips. I don’t like to make string quilts as the blocks always turn out wonky, and I hate paper piecing (actually I hate ripping off the paper). I use the log cabins for backings or for potholders. Nice and easy is good once in a while.