Friday, January 15, 2010

Rookie Error

It didn't take me long to realise that I'd made a rookie error. But long enough that there was really no turning back.

You see, I was so excited about getting busy stitching that I didn't think the width of the sashing strips through. 'No problem' I thought at the time - 'The nine patches are 4.5" square, so I'll cut the logs for the sashing strips 4.5" and when I'm ready, I can make nine patches for the cornerstones'. Well ... no.

The nine patches are 4.5" finished. So, I needed to cut the logs for the sashing strips at 5" ... so they would be 4.5" finished. Duh! A truth that became apparent after I'd made half a dozen or so of the cornerstone nine patches and they didn't fit. And of course, I've cut about every 2" strip of reproduction fabric in my scrap box down to 4.5" logs to make up this quilt. So this quilt is taking a new direction - cornerstones, not nine patches. I hardly have any of the navy fabric left (the bane of the scrap quilter) so I've moved on to another navy fabric for the cornerstones and most likely the binding too.

Clearly this quilt is speaking to me about it's own desires for it's finished state, and for now, I'm listening :-)

In other news:

This week two new pairs of shoes have come into my life, and three denim skirts (I guess I'm also on the hunt for the perfect skirt). The shoes are utilitarian, and will be well loved, but regardless of that, it's time I made a new rule. Until April (when I head o/s) whenever I purchase a new item of clothing or footwear, TWO old items have to be thrown away or donated. I have gotten to the point in the closet where I can wedge things in there without coathangers, and it has got to change.

After April I will review the situation, and either continue with this rule, or downgrade to a 'one in-one out' basis. My goodness I hope I can be firm. 2010 is the year of de-cluttering for me.

16 comments:

Nana Time said...

My husband and I do the one in one out rule after his aunt told us about it years ago. It works....my closet has lots of hanging space and I actually wear what is in it. We also turn hangars backwards at the start of each new season and once something is worn we turn the hangar around. Anything with a backward hangar at the end of the season gets given away.

Gypsy Quilter said...

It's a terrific quilt. It's so wonderfully scrappy that the 4-patches won't be missed. You did a great job. Thanks for sharing.

sewprimitive karen said...

Nobody on the planet will know about that but you; the quilt looks great! What a great hint in that first comment about the backwards hangers! I know all about the one in one out rule but haven't done it yet and I must I must.

Paula said...

I love the scrappiness of the quilt. And, everyone is right, no one but you..... and all of us now (LOL), will know about the "rookie mistake".

Elsie Montgomery said...

One of my fav teachers says there are no mistakes in quilting, just "design opportunities" !! I love the backward hanger thing and will start this as soon as I'm back home from vacation! Thanks to the quilter who posted it.

mereth said...

I love the image of just being able to wedge your clothes in the closet without a hanger- might make for a few wrinkles though.
I could make more room if I gave away my 'skinny' clothes but I live in hope. One day I'll fit into them again.....
And Keryn and I had this little discussion on 4.5" versus 5", and I'm pleased to say she's cutting her strips at 5 now. It's an easy mistake to make.

Kristie said...

I think it looks great!!! I'm really loving this quilt!!!

Oh, I know what you mean about clothes and shoes! I used to work in Finance and when Richard and I got married, I ended up giving away 128 pairs of shoes!!! I will always remember the number because I was in shock that I had that many shoes. But even after giving that many away I still had more than I needed! :)
Kristie

Pokey said...

I love the scrap look, so, when something doesn't work as planned, make another plan! Really it's great.
Sounds like a another great plan on de-cluttering, I need to put something like this in my house!

Gari in AL said...

When I retired I had a lot of "work" clothes that I find I no longer wear. But they are good and I like them and it has taken me to this year to even consider giving them away. I think I will use your 2 for 1 rule to make things move alone outa here.

Love your scrappy quilt. I just can't seem to do scrappy, yet.

Tamera said...

he he he

That makes me think of my fiasco with my two baby quilts, lol.

Like you said, rookie mistake, lol.

Rhonda said...

I've done that miss measurement thingy MANY times.....LOL...just got ahead of myself. Your quilt looks great though....wouldn't have known a thing if you hadn't pointed it out.
Take care.

Quilter Kathy said...

Isn't it funny how quilts have a mind of their own and go merrily on their own way! It looks great!

Quilts And Pieces said...

I love these scrap blocks. I really love the look!

scrapsalot said...

I love your scrap quilt ideas. It's the simple things that just look so good. And you can't go past scrappy quilts!

Jenni said...

I make that sort of mistake all the time Tazzie! I usually think through the measurements then write them on the back of an envelope which immediately disappears into the hole that envelopes live in. So then I think "I'll wing it" and that's where the trouble starts. At least with scrap quilting you 'can' just adjust everything.

MARCIE said...

Love this quilt Tazzie, and the blue cornerstones are very good. It is a nice "resting spot" for the eyes, as they say.I like that in a scrappy quilt.

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