One of the things I most appreciate about blogging is that sometimes people say really, really helpful stuff. A big thank you on this occasion to Yvonne and Julie and Ann for their comments, which have, I think, stopped me from getting bogged down. As a result I have been thinking about using some of my quarter-ovals in other configurations, though I haven't reached any firm conclusions. In the meantime I started making extra bits, to use up the scraps I have made in cutting the curves. I am making more of the strips with tiny triangles, but also some pinwheels.
But decided against it and instead sewed my bits together like this.
Of course this was just downright silly, though it seemed like a reasonable step at the time. Looking at it the next morning it clearly wouldn't do. I seem to be having the same issue with this quilt over and over, which is to say it tends towards the static and I am doing very little to help things.
There followed a period of denial, when I just looked at other areas and ignored the offending piece, hoping it would sort itself out. I had a cup of coffee and a biscuit. I had a chat with my sister. I did a spot of weeding. Eventually though I gave in and started unpicking and resewing.
I did not have a lot of fun over the next hour. I was unpicking several seams and at one point realised I was working on dismantling something I could have left alone. Oops. Then I had to cut off a section, replace it and match the curves, using the cut-out piece as a template. That would have been enough right there. but I managed to slip and nick the piece I wasn't doing anything to, this adding in a self-inflicted repair job. Fortunately the adding-a-bit-and-sewing-it-all-back-up stage went better than the unpicking otherwise the whole thing might have been shoved to the back of a cupboard.
9 comments:
I'm always drawn to an element that startles---it shouldn't be like that. I would try putting one of your ovals on it's side, laying on the long side. Just a thought. Thank you for posting your progress. It makes my day! Jean
I hope that the next time you work on it you have less unpicking and more time enjoying combining the units together. I really like the spikes around the top oval.
Love the pinwheels additions a lot--they add that little bit of whimsy that always colors your quilts!!:)))
I think circles/ovals are hard to work with--especially with no pattern to help you out--you are doing a great job on these..I really like how it is looking--
And as for unstitching (ribbit ribbit) I have worn out a few seam rippers myself over my quilting journey...hahaha!!
hugs julierose
I like the little pinwheels! They add such a fun element.
The dreaded unpicking task!! Sometimes this can't be avoided if we have in mind another idea for progress. I do like the pinwheels you've added, it's so interesting to watch for a post from you and see the progress.
Fun with design and ovals! It's looking great and nice contrast too.
I had a Home-ec teacher, she was and is still my hero, she often said, 'If you're going to sew, you're going to unpick.'
Thanks for sharing your progress.
I am glad you added the pinwheels back into the mix. I like the spikey bits a lot, too. I do so enjoy reading your process posts - makes me feel better about my own back and forth conversations with myself and the fabrics.
I love these little triangles which reach out into the dark fabric. For me thats a highlight in this very interessting piece. It seems to be a tricky start this time but it´s worthwhile. Good luck :-)
Oh, good. I liked those pinwheel/triangles and where they were. I’m glad you put them back but sorry you had to unsew and then nick other stuff. This sounds like me. Also like me, I talk to my sister frequently. Always a good break.
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