Thursday, 6 April 2023

Making my own problems

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.

I wondered about something like this
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.
All that work and I am pretty much back where I started, but I'm happier with this now so I guess that's progress.

9 comments:

Mean Jean said...

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

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

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.

Julierose said...

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

patty a. said...

I like the little pinwheels! They add such a fun element.

Mystic Quilter said...

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.

Janie said...

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.

Quiltdivajulie said...

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.

Doris said...

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 :-)

Ann said...

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.