BUT, the more blocks I sewed, the more they seemed not to come together correctly - and this was before cutting and remodeling. I admit I am not perfect in my seam construction, but even for me these were just turning out bad.
I thought I was just tired when sewing or cutting strips, but it turned out my mat was warped (probably a result of the move and being in hot storage for a while). The strips cut close to the edge of the mat were straight, but the closer to the center, the more curved they became.
It is hard enough to get accurate seams with straight edges. It doesn't work at all with curved edges (unless you're seam is supposed to be curved). So, always strive to cut accurately, and if you're getting "elbows" in the fabric, check the fabric to make sure you folded it straight, and if it is then check the placement of the ruler you are using and if it is slipping while you are cutting. There are several good videos on You-Tube to show you how to get a straight fold and cut. Several ladies on the Quiltvillechat group also suggested using two rulers for cutting (one along the folded edge to but up against the ruler you cut against). If you're doing everything right and your straight line cut still comes out curved, it might be time to replace your cutting mat.
Now that the problem is fixed, I have cut all my strips and am back to sewing. Here are some picks of what my blocks will look like.
If you want to try this pattern, go to http://elaineadairpieces.blogspot.com/p/tutorial-scrappy-rebuilt-log-cabin.html href="http://elaineadairpieces.blogspot.com/p/tutorial-scrappy-rebuilt-log-cabin.html">. Elaine doesn't give exact strip lengths. With 1.5 inch width strips, the lengths for each color used increase by 1 inch (strip lengths are 1.5", 2.5", 3.5", 4.5", 5.5", 6.5", 7.5", 8.5", 9.5", 10.5", 11.5"). If you're using larger strips, increase strip length by the finished width of the strip (i.e. 2.5" width finishes at 2", so increase each strip length by 2 inches).
Have fun!
