Signal Light block from the Victory Book

[mmmc]

I am working on the Victory quilt and having no problem until I came to the Signal Light Block! I have made 3 now, and am not really happy with any of them. Can't figure out what I am doing wrong. It all seems to go well until I try to sew the triangle blocks onto the center square. They don't seem to fit. The last one I did, I made the center square 1/4 inch larger and they seemed to fit better, but, then of course the whole block was a little larger than my other blocks. Any suggestions??

[CaroleJ]

I have my Victory Quilts book in my lap. Off the top of my head, check your seam allowances to see if they are accurate. Press the triangle pieces carefully before you sew them on the center square: if there are any little tucks along the seam line, that will affect the fit. Double check the diagram in the book to see the piece is being squared up as shown. Maybe even check your center square to ensure it's the right side and not a teeny bit too small?!

Looks like a tricky block...hang in there and keep us posted!

[mmmc]

Thanks, Carole, I really think that I have tried all the things you mention. On one of the 3 blocks I did, I even stitched my seams a little deeper to no avail. The points come out good on the triangle, so I can't take the seam any deeper. I have tried to press carefully and really don't see any tucks. A friend of mine is having the same problem. We sat down together the other day and did one together..but had no better luck. Regarding the squaring up of the triangle, the book shows in step 14, that when you square up the triangle with the fussy cut ruler, you square up the point, leaving your 1/4 inch seam at the point, then on the other two points, you should only have to take off the two little tips that stick out from the seam allowance, but mine end up longer so that I either have to trim off a little which doesn't leave my seam at the corner or don't trim leaving my triangle piece longer than what the picture shows. When I square up, I have less to trim on the top than what the picture shows and more on the bottom. It is at this step 14 that I first can see that I have a problem. I have tried following the book as I made each block, but I can't figure out what I am doing wrong.

Have you tried making the block, yet? Others must not be having this same problem.

Thanks for trying to help me.

[CaroleJ]

Sorry, I haven't tried to make this particular block. Just throwing out some ideas...it's so frustrating when you can't figure out what the problem is! Have you considered calling QIAD, or e-mailing them? Maybe someone there can help?

Good luck!

[mmmc]

I have considered that. I have a friend trying it tonight and maybe she can figure it out. I'll find out tomorrow. Thanks again for your ideas.

[IowaGal]

I will try putting this together and see what I come up with.

[apolta]

The corner block and the center square are not supposed to match up... the center square is larger... and you must start and stop 1/4 inch in and away from the edges to allow the side seams to match up...

Hope that helps!
Cheers!
-Alina-

[tamaffitt]

The signal light was my 12th block for the Victory Garden Quilt. All blocks finished to the 12 in block with the exception of the Signal Lights. The book suggested using a Kaleidoscope ruler. I applied a strip of painters tape on the ruler with the top of the tape at 3 7/8. The fabric strips were 3 1/2 inches each. When I placed the pointed tip of the ruler on the fabric, I moved it so the tip was 1/4 inch above the fabric. This meant the bottom of the fabric was on the mark of the ruler at 3 3/4 not 3 7/8. The block is beautiful but too small. Is it possible that there is a misprint in the book?

Terry

[Kittyquilt9292]

I would definitely call QIAD and see if there is a misprint of if someone there who made the quilt can give some help. Haven't ventured into this one yet. carol/kittyquilt

[Kittyquilt9292]

Just had a thought, the victory Quilt series is running on RFD tv. I'm sure there'll be a session on the signal Light. That may be a while before it's aired, but maybe it will help some people.

Also, there was a swap of the Victory Quilt that I think just recently finished. Maybe check that swap and see who did the Signal Light. They may have some suggestions.

carol/kittyquilt