Frustration

7 a.m.....I'm still working on my son's quilt... the first five blocks ( set 1) were pretty simple.  The last four blocks ( set 2) are just the opposite.  First off, I stitched half square triangles onto four strips in the wrong direction - had already cut the extra triangles off before I realized it was wrong so had to make new ones.  Done.
I'm up bright and early this morning ( 5 a.m.) and starting to work on the blocks again... only to find that they are about 1/2" too short.... I take the strips off, measure the block - yes, it's 3 1/2"... measure the strips - yes 1 1/4" wide... measure the seam allowance - yes, exactly 1/4".  So - 3 + 1 + 1 equals 5, right?  Not necessarily... the blocks are coming out anywhere from 4 1/2 to 4 3/4".  WTHeck?!?!!?  Take the strips off again, measure again... press the seams so that you can see the stitching... still off... cut new strips, stitch again, measure again... 4 7/8" - close enough.  First section considered done.  Now I have to go through the same process three more times... just for this section -- I'm thinking that I should cut the strips 1 1/2" wide, then trim them down after I get them stitched onto whichever piece they go on.,,,,sure hope the rest of the blocks are easier than this has been.


10:30 a.m.... well, I cut new strips again and they worked this time.  I have no idea what the heck happened  - and I'm not going to question it any more lest fate decides to play havoc with the upcoming sections.  Section 2 is done and I'm now working on section 3 - so far, so good... knock on wood.  After I finish section 4, it will be time to put the sections together... then to put the blocks together.  It's taking me longer than I thought it would, but I think I almost see the light at the end of the tunnel for this quilt top.