Prepare the Fabric
Problem # 1 - Off grain print
When I got the red fabric on grain, I noticed the print went off grain. Hmmmm. Harriet covers this, suggesting that if the fabric is to be cut small, the off print won't be noticeable. I bow to Harriet's superior knowlege here and let it go.
Cut The Strips
Problem # 2 -Not enough fabric.
I am supposed to get 6 strips from each fabric piece - I got 5 ????? how does this happen - it's not the first time. I made sure to buy the correct amounts - I usually buy extra, but of course, not this time. Grrrrr
Set Up For Sewing
Next I cleaned my machine, wound a few bobbins, changed the needle (Universal 70/10), put in the straight stitch plate and 1/4 foot, engaged the IDT and prepared for sewing.
Sew & Press
Problem #3 - Bendy strips
Pressing caused distortion, as it often does - no idea what I am doing wrong here.
Check the Measurements
Measured up the completed strips checking all along the length of each strip - all ok here.
Cut the Strip Sets into Squares
Problem # 4 - Not enough squares (directly related to Problem #1)
I measured and cut the strips into 4 1/2 inch squares, taking my time and re-truing the edge after every 2 - 3 cuts. I am supposed to have 50 squares of strip set A and 49 squares of strip set B. I have 40 & 44. 
Problem # 5 - Blunt Cutter
Before cutting the strips, I replaced the blade in my cutter - using a Birch blade I bought because it was cheap. Not even half way through it started sliding over the fabric and leaving jagged edges. I replaced it with a Clover blade.
Problem # 6 - Cutting to the wrong measurement.
What is wrong with this picture?
Yep I cut the strips to the wrong size - it was supposed to be 4 1/4 not 4 1/2. Either a blonde moment or a senior one, take your pick.
Fixed
Now I need to re-cut the other 80 squares. Ho Hum. This simple little quilt top should have been completed over a couple of afternoons.
I hate being a beginner!
