I have not been sewing anything lately because there is always so much to do.
My Mom & I were talking about how we always have an excuse for not sewing.We talk about it. We dream about it. But never seem to take the time.
I saw on another blog a while back about 2 friends having a Friday Night Sew In.
They lived in different states but chose that time to work on their projects.
So Mom & I decided to start it last Friday night.
I loved using my Singer 401A that I received from Michelle!It is a REAL machine.
My Mom and I decided to just pick a project that we wanted to work on. She was in her home and I was in mine in 2 different cities but connected by the internet.
I had committed a while back to make a simple 9 1/2 inch block for Lauriewho is making a quilt for a friend in need. I haven't joined any swaps this year but thought I could do this.
Isn't it pretty? I even think so. There is only one problem. It measures less than the 9 1/2 inch that was requested. I thought to myself, "Just try, try, again. And so I did. I didn't even take a picture of it. It looked horrible.
So then I thought.....
I have been reading about a 9 patch and was sure I could do this. So here it is. It has pretty fabrics but I just didn't feel the love.
Also, it didn't measure right either!
GGGRRRRRR!!!
(as my grandson would say).
So then I remembered my signature blocks that I made for a swap last year. It was only 6 inches. So I just thought add some borders......... I never could get it exactly right. So what is the moral of this story?
Don't make excuses to work on the projects that you want to do because you forget.
I read about sewing, I talk about sewing, so now I need to get to it.
If I really want to learn how I better practice.
Practice makes perfect, right?
I hope we have many more Friday night sew ins.
I went ahead and mailed my 3 blocks to Laurie.
I told her she did not have to use any of them. I sure will understand why.
My heart meant well but my mind could not get it together.
Looking forward to sewing more.
15 comments:
Val,
I'm glad you love your machine!
Measure from the needle to the right edge of your pressure foot. If it is not a quarter inch, that might be your problem. You may need to put a piece of tape to mark 1/4" or buy a 1/4" quilting foot for a SLANT SHANK machine. If you are cutting the pieces a specific size, and your 1/4" seam is not right, your blocks won't turn out the rightsize. I'm sure that is all your problem is. I'm also sure that your blocks are not off THAT much, and your friend should be able to use your blocks. (It's called stretching, to make them fit, or easing, to make them fit). Nobody's blocks are PERFECT!
Your blocks look very nice, by the way! Good job!
...and get that tape off the cabinet! LOL!
be blessed,
Michelle
I think we are all guilty sometimes of dreaming about sewing I know I am, perhaps we should take a leaf out of granny's book.
Your blocks looked fine and I'm sure she will use them so dont worry.
Karen
Valerie, I love the patches you made - but I guess you are the one looking right at them - but from here they are great!!!!
I so often say I'm going to get working on something and never get to it - glad you did and I'm happy you have your mother to share it with. What a fun idea.
Karen
Hello my sweet friend. I love the patches!I miss you all. I am getting better everyday! God has been so good to me! I give him all the credit! I hope to be back in blog land soon.Have a blessed day! Love Faye
I love the idea of a sew-in! I, too, talk about sewing alot but never seem to find the time to fit it in.
She is so going to use all of those!!!
We need to have a Skyping sew in with lots of quilters. Wouldn't that be fun?
I hope you get back into it because I always enjoyed seeing what you and your mom were doing.
I think they all look really nice. I don't know how to sew, I wish I did. My mom used to sew a lot, the most I can manage is to sew a botton on when needed.
Great job. I love the fact that you kept trying--that's what counts most of all. We have all been there, done that--so no worries. Hope you get to keep that Friday tradition--great idea. Julie
I like that signature block pattern. Was it something you found on line?
Well, they look great to me. I have decided I can make a quilt. Iam SURE it will not look anything like a quilt, but that's ok. Val, I was going to ask you how to cut a square. Now how green is that???? Oh well, it will be fun trying!
Valerie those blocks look great, especially the first one! I'd never try one like that, lol. How fun that you had a sew night with your mum, even at a distance.
My sewing time has to be set aside, like an appointment I make with myself. Otherwise everything else can crowd it out.
Your blocks are gorgeous! I think they will all be acceptable! I had such fun with the sew-in, and it got me back into the sewing I needed to do. I am looking forward to our weekly sew-in! Maybe we can get some others to join us!
I'm a terrible piecer Val, but I love the process and that's what's important to me. I've learned when I want to make a specific sized block for someone I always make it with a border. I make the border wider than it needs to be and then trim it to the right size! :) blessings, marlene
Those patches look perfect to me! But then, you're talking to someone who can hem pants, that's about it! lol My mom shakes her head at me because sewing has always been in her blood but I just can't get into it. I'm so glad you and your mom decided to have this Friday Sew In, it sounds like it would be a lot of fun and you'll get the practice you need:-) xoxo
Post a Comment