Thank you everyone for the help. I have tried several printouts - actual - 100%, increasing the %, and was finally able to get the right size block - butting 6, 9, and 12. It doesn't make sense, as my test block measures an exact inch on actual, but the block only measured 15 1/2. Now I just have to remember to print all my copies each month at 101%.

For anyone still having a hard time getting a 16 1/2" block and having trouble getting a perfect 1/4" seam... I took a slightly different approach to getting the 1/4" seam right and it seems to be working so far.

Rather than testing the accuracy of the 1/4" seam in the more conventional way, I took one of the paper templates, cut on the line for the seam allowance and then used that as my test under the machine. I placed the needle on the paper seam line, placed a "purple thang" to the right butted up against the template, then stitched on the seam line of the paper template. If stitching stayed on the stitching line, then my purple thang was properly aligned and because I used the actual template, I knew I had a perfect 1/4" seam. Instead of the purple thang, you can use post-its or tape.

While I have not put all the blocks together to finalize the star block, ALL of my points are aligning perfectly so far. I hope my block will finish at 16 1/2"--it should, I'll let you know!

For anyone still having a hard time getting a 16 1/2" block and having trouble getting a perfect 1/4" seam... I took a slightly different approach to getting the 1/4" seam right and it seems to be working so far.

Rather than testing the accuracy of the 1/4" seam in the more conventional way, I took one of the paper templates, cut on the line for the seam allowance and then used that as my test under the machine. I placed the needle on the paper seam line, placed a "purple thang" to the right butted up against the template, then stitched on the seam line of the paper template. If stitching stayed on the stitching line, then my purple thang was properly aligned and because I used the actual template, I knew I had a perfect 1/4" seam. Instead of the purple thang, you can use post-its or tape.

While I have not put all the blocks together to finalize the star block, ALL of my points are aligning perfectly so far.

That is an excellent explanation Barbara...makes total sense!

OlgaJo, the half square triangles are supposed to be slightly larger than 1". I suggest you measure the solid line on Units 6, 19, and 12, using page 9 as a visual guide. Those 3 Units will add up to 16" finished, giving you a 16.5" unfinished block. The math in a Feathered Star is not always the numbers we expect--that is why paper piecing is so great. It would be much more difficult to piece this block if you had to cut and piece each feather so it is "slightly" larger than 1" finished. I hope this information helps you.

Thank you for your reply. The sample 1 inch square is the right size. The half square triangles on my printout don't measure 1 inch. Should they?

Hi Olga,

I'm not sure I quite understand your question but I hope to help. Print out one test page till you get an accurate 1" test box. Note: it can be slightly off (and I mean slight) but over a number of blocks that difference adds up fast! Keep testing till you get that 1" -- over the course of the quilt it will save you a lot of heart ache.

For printing out paper piecing patterns,
1) Make sure your printer is set for "ACTUAL SIZE" or "SCALE 100%" or 100%
2) Turn off SCALING to "NO SCALING" or "NONE"
3) Turn off "FIT TO FRAME" or "FIT TO PAGE"

Of course TQS has a video on this topic by Margo Clabo which discusses printing and paper choices for paper piecing.


Judy

I have printed out the paper piecing pages, but found that the 1/2 sq. triangles are not 1 inch as I expected. The sample on page 23 printed out at 1 inch, and was printed out the same way at actual size. Does that make sense?

Just an update on my earlier comment about the bleeding ink when water was applied to the QS Print and Piece - the problem was an off brand ink cartridge. The Canon ink is "pigmented" and the generic ink is not. Piecing will commence this evening!

Wendy

beautiful block. I am printing mine soon. I would suggest a wider floater, it wouldn't be as noticeable as a narrow border. Just my two cents.

What a lovely focus fabric. The star is fabulous.

I'm back to work on the star. I waited for the wonderful QS piecing sheets to arrive. Based on a tip in another subject line - I tested to see if my printer ink would bleed. It most certainly did (even after heat setting). Because my background fabric is white, I can't leave the sheets in place. Just a word of caution to others who are new to the product.

Wendy

Hidesertquilter,
Your block is lovely! So beautifully pieced.
I have noticed on Sue Garman's website that she uses plenty of floater strips.

Judith

Highdesertquilter

So glad your mystery is solved. Your Month 1 block is beautiful! What ever you decide will be great. Another floater or save the small block for a pillow or pillow sham. That's one thing about quilting....so many design opportunities.

Barb

I agree with Barbara. It is beautiful and a narrow border would look wonderful.