Trimming of seams, that is. Over the weekend, I spent a lot of time grading the seams on the Pickled Ladies. It makes an enormous difference in the weight of the top as well as how it drapes. I’m cutting less than an eighth of an inch off the black triangles in all the arcs. I put one trimming on a ruler to show how little I’m actually cutting off the seam allowance.
This little vase is now almost full of the trimmings.
In this close-up of the back of one of the blocks, you can see how it looks after trimming. While I don’t always grade the seams on quilts, for the Pickled Ladies quilt it makes a big difference and is worth the time and effort.
Baxter was lounging on top of a couch.
Quilt Obsession 
All those little trimmings can really make a difference in your piecing efforts! The can add up and put the accuracy off just enough, isn’t it amazing?
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it’s that attention to detail that makes all the difference……..
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You are so completely precise, it hurts! 🙂 Baxter has to appreciate how well you make quilts and I know he’s just lounging there dreaming of the one that will be his and his alone!
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I love seeing this quilt – it just makes me want to make it more and more – one day when I get some of these that I am working on finished I just might!
Karen
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Your tips and advise are true treasures! Thank you for sharing them! Now, I’m guessing
I’m not alone…where or what line of fabrics carry the lovely large florals! They seem to make the quilt….and anything less would be mutiny! ;-)))))) Baxter seems to agree…the Pickled Ladies is just perfect! 😉
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Yes, it is your attention to detail , as Gill wrote, that makes all the difference.
I have always been amazed how as I quilt, the quilts get heavier too. I think, it’s just thread! lol Love this photo of Baxter.
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It makes such a difference and the pile of trimmings is very appealing, maybe Baxter would like to play with it?!!
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Never mind Baxter… that quilt is MINE.
Sid Seagull
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You wish!
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That’s a good idea….I have been grading seams when dressmaking since forever, but hadn’t thought to apply it to quilting. Baxter is on supervisory duty as usual.
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Thanks for the tip on grading the seams!…I never thought to do it but it sure makes sence!!
Tim
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I like to trim my darker fabrics, too, just in case they make a little shadow on the front. I’ve noticed it on other quilts in shows, and now my eyes just find them! Especially when it’s a white with a really dark fabric joined to it……you just don’t want that shadow! Nice to know I’m not the only one that does this! lol
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You wouldn’t think such small trimmings would make a difference in the weight, would you? Very interesting.
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