Mariner's Compass Queries

[Steven S.]

Can anyone offer advice! I'm working on a mariner's compass quilt. I just finished the first compass, and it's not lying flat. I THINK I need to tighten up some of the seams, but if anyone has any tips on how to double check compasses while they're being pieced, that would be so helpful. THANKS>
Steven613 in Mahopac NY

[Frances L.]

Stephen,
I was first going to say that I didn't know because the Mariner's Compass that I made was foundation pieced, but then I read another forum comment from you and you are paper piecing it. I really don't know what to suggest.
Frances

[Frances L.]

Made a few compasses...if it is poofing in the middle, the wedges are too fat (full, large) towards the inner point. If it is wavy on the outer edges, the wedge is to large on the outside edge.
If your are not paper piecing it, it still might help to have a paper 'template' of the wedge section that you can lay the cloth section back on and see if it is staying within the angle dimension.
Now, if you are paper piecing....
I find that a drawn full circle template is better them a printed sectional template. If you only print sections, the overall tolerance allowance will build up to a nasty problem when sewn together.
If you can only get sections as your template.....print them out and put the circle together to make sure the angle wedge is accurate.
Considering the bias issue on compass points, even a freezer paper template to hold the wedge in shape helps (you sew just to the side of the template)
Hope this helps.
Mary S

[Paula D.]

If not too severe, try wetting the quilt and blocking it, then quilt the hell out of it! I read your profile (had to, you're so cute). Sorry to read about your Dad. But what a mensch he had for a son. May you find some comfort during the high holidays ahead.

[Paula D.]

i want to do a marineers compass so let me know what you come up with. I do like the idea of quilting the hell out of it though. When in doubt sew it down so tight that it would take an act of God to separate the peices. :P
Rachel

[Sandy F.]

I am currently working on a Mariner's Compass and I used paper piecing. I didn't have trouble with the center not laying flat but I have one large compass (about 50" x 50") and my points don't come together in the center. I have a circle piece that is appliqued to the center. I think that help my compass relax and lay flat.

[Sandy F.]

I, also, want to do one so I will be sure to read any info. posted on it.

[Steven S.]

Wow , I left my plea for help this morning and now this evening I have ALL this help. You all are the best! thanks for all your words of help and encouragement. I AM paper piecing it.... The quilt calls for NINE so I may continue and see how the NEXT one comes out before I start freaking out....there is an appliqued circle in the center that I haven't done yet, so that may help stabilize it. Anyway, thanks so much for the advice.....I'll keep you posted, and now i REALLY know where to turn when in a jam!
Steven

[Teri L.]

Steve,
another option (or 2) for you in terms of getting some help
1) you're close enough to Somers to attend a Northern Star Quilters Guild Meeting and
2) you're close enough to White Plains to attend a Village Squares Quilters meeting...
any of us would enjoy helping you!


Teri

[Patti P.]

You just want him to sit by you cause he's so cute! :wink:

[Judy M.]

I made a large oval Mariner's Compass from a pattern in a Judy Mathieson book. I hand pieced mine and I think that's the key to a difficult block for me. I made my plastic templates from 1/4 of the pattern sheet. These same templates were used for the rest of the block. That way all the pieces were exactly the same size. It turned out really nice. Hopefully, I'll finish the whole quilt someday.

[Teri L.]

You just want him to sit by you cause he's so cute! :wink:

Yeah, Yeah, that's it!

[Steven S.]

Teri thanks for the guild notices....I appreciate ALL the advice and help.
Steven

[Steven S.]

Having taught a class for my guild several times on piecing 4" Mariner's Compass blocks for name tags, I can make some suggestions. First, carefully press each seam as you go--finger pressing leads to distortion later. When pressing, I don't use steam--also can lead to distortion. To get a nice sharp edge, use a small brush to put a bit of starch or sizing (spray some into the plastic cap of the can of starch) right along that seam. When ready to sew the wedges of the compass together, use Sharon Schamber's method to use Elmer's Washable School Glue, heat-set, to hold the wedges together perfectly when you sew--using pins can lead to distortion. Pop the glue loose and carefully press the seam of the two wedges open to reduce bulk. I wish I'd known about the glue before teaching those classes, would have dropped the frustration level enormously for my friends.

Pat in Rockport, TX

[Teri L.]

Steven,
The VSQ'ers are having our show the first full weekend in November in Hartsdale...please come and see what we're up to.

Teri