Help! My quilt is 64 inches BEFORE adding floaters

[Vicky M.]

I can't figure out what I've done to end up with a quilt center that is now between 64 and 64 1/2 inches square. Should I stop now and omit the three floaters?

[Kathryn S.]

My vote would be to have at least one narrow border, for a visual break between the stars on point and the flying geese. Sue mentioned that she would tell us a method for fitting our flying geese borders to our quilt so you'll be able to make yours fit, I'm sure. Also there is a fairly wide spacer border between the geese and the sawtooth stars, so there would be some wiggle room there.

Mine is 1/2 inch too small!

Kathy

[Vicky M.]

Thank you Kathy. I agree there needs to be a break, so I think I will go ahead with at least a one inch border and hope I can adjust it later. Amazing how we have these sizing problems despite trying to follow the instructions carefully. Thanks again. Vicky Fabricfetish

[Margo C.]

I can't figure out what I've done to end up with a quilt center that is now between 64 and 64 1/2 inches square. Should I stop now and omit the three floaters?

Vicky, if your center is that large before you add the last floater strips, it sounds like all of your pieced star blocks are too large. Like Sue stressed from the beginning, we need to cut, measure, press and stitch PRECISELY in order for all the blocks to come out to the prescribed size. Even if each block is just a little bit too big it can make a big difference after you stitch a lot of them together! Those fractions add up quickly! You might want to take a few minutes to determine why your blocks are too large, in order to make your piecing less stressful in the future. If you haven't tried it yet, you might find my "TEST" will help you determine what you need to adjust to make future projects more accurate. Check it out here:

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/569415726bHNKHF

In the meantime....you might want to wait until you get your flying geese border assembled and make your floater strips a size that will work with your larger pieced border. You may need to make a few extra flying geese units, and maybe some extra stars in order to make the last border fit. But...it is certainly do-able with Sue's directions for measuring for floater strips!

Good luck! YOU CAN DO THIS!!

[Margo C.]

Great advise, Margo!

Maggie in E. Central Illinois

[Vicky M.]

Thanks Margo. You are exactly right. The finished blocks are 6 1/4. Somehow I missed the instruction to be SURE the blocks were at 6 1/2 inches so they would finish at 6 inches! Can't believe it. After watching my seams so carefully, but this is a lesson. You'd think a reasonably intelligent person with 9 years of quilting experience wouldn't miss this, but I did. I love the quilt anyway, it is so pretty, and I know I'll be able to adjust it with the geese.

The pp method of the geese is fabulous. THEY are turning out perfectly! Thanks again for your support.

[Beth B.]

Margo. What a wonderful test. I have used blue tape before but never "tested" it and surprise of surprises I have had a slight bit of a problem getting the exact size. I love this test! Thank you,
Beth

[Judy M.]

Rulers can have differences in their markings, too, so make sure you use the same ruler all through a project. I always check my different brand rulers against each other's markings--you can even do this in the store before purchasing. Margo's test is a good one--I'll have to try the painter's tape for a guide. It would be so much easier to see.

[Judith T.]

Good test, Margo. I didn't know that. Judy in AZ