Testing your 1/4" Seam Allowance Accuracy

One of the key elements of piecing any quilt pattern is making sure your have a true and accurate 1/4" seam allowance.  There is one way to test to make sure you have a true 1/4" seam allowance.

Cut 3 strips 1 1/2" x 4" (approximately), using 2 different fabric colors.  Sew 2 of the different fabrics together along the length of the strips.  Then sew the remaining strip on the opposite end. Press the seams toward the center.

Now, using a ruler measure the center it should measure 1".  If the seam doesn't measure 1" your will need to adjust your needle positions. The picture below shows the seam allowance is just short of the 1" so the needle position will be adjusted slightly.

After making the adjustment retest by make another set of strips and remeasure the strips, they should measure out like the picture below.

If you don't find your correct adjustment, Be Patient, just keep adjusting and retesting until you find the correct setting.  Once you have the correct adjustment, it will make pay off on your next project.

How do you test your Seam Allowance Accuracy?  Comment Below!


Have a Great Sewing Day,

Tina

Summer Flowers and Rainy Day Play Patterns

Last Month Quilting Affection Introduced our first two patterns in the Precious Seasons Collection "Let It Snow Man!!" and "Falling Leaves".  Today, we are announcing that the we are completing the collection with the second two patterns "Summer Flowers" and "Rainy Day Play".

"Summer Flowers" is a lovely girl sitting putting her freshly cut summer flowers in her vase.   The pattern is a quick and easy project for a little girl. You can have fun making this one with bright or antique colors. 
Sister's out on a stroll on a rainy day in a meadow make up the "Rainy Day Play" Pattern.  The older sister, the more serious is very puzzled about her little sisters playing in the puddles.

The pattern are loaded with detailed instructions, full size diagrams and pattern pieces using the raw edge applique  The quilt hanging finishes at 25" x 25". 

The patterns retail for $12.00 each and you can order them here.  For a limit time buy all 4 patterns for $42.00, a great savings!    

We hope you enjoy these patterns as much as we as we do.  If you do make one of these cute adorable girls please email us a picture so we can put it in our gallery.

Love, Inspire and Create,

Tina

Short Holiday Vacation

This Labor Day Weekend was a great get away for Me and my Husband.  On Friday, we flew out to Denver, Colorado to visit our youngest son who is stationed at Buckley Air Force out there.  We spent most of the rest of that day deciding what we want to do for the 3 days we were there.   We also spent time in my sons and husband favorite store, Bass Pro Shop. 

Saturday, we got up early and headed out to Boulder Area to Heil Valley Ranch to do some hiking.  We hiked through heavy rocky trails approximately 7 miles round trip.  We had to be cautious for other hikers, trail runners, and Mountain Bikers.   At the top was a nice looking overlook point of the valley.  The weather was great for a nice mountain hike, it was nice to get out of the city.  Driving through Boulder, I never seen so many Bicycles in one city in my life.  Boulder has designed the streets through Boulder with their own turning and riding lanes. 

Sunday morning, we head out to Evergreen, Colorado for more hiking.  Parked at Lair o the Bear Park, a very popular park, it was difficult to find a parking spot.  We had to again be cautious for the Mountain bikers and other hikers along the other trail.  We hiked about the first part following the the creek which was a really nice trail.  Then we head up the Bear Creek Trail which was a challenging climb over big rocks and tree roots.  Hiking another 7miles that day.  My feet and legs were tired by the end of that day. 

On the last day, Monday,  we had got advance reservation for the Cog Mountain Train, in Manitou Springs, Colorado.  The Train takes you all the way up on Top of Pikes Pike.  It is a nice ride up to the top, they point out different sites, animals and fun facts about the area as you climb up to the top at a 14,115 ft altitude.  The top was cold at 30 degrees with wind chill of about 15 degrees.  They have a nice gift and food shop at the top.  The food shop sells fresh donuts that were made at the top of the mountain. Was a nice way to spend the day.

The trip was to short for all 3 of us.  My husband and Myself didn't want to leave the Mountain to go back to the big cities of the East Coast, but work and normal of life was calling us home.  I have become very addicted to hiking, so we are now looking for day hiking trip here in Maryland and Virginia for us to explore.

Well time to get back in the sewing room and finish up my patterns. Hope you all had a great weekend like we did.

Tina