Frustration

So yesterday my goal was to finish the hand pieced quilt square for class on Saturday.  Contrary to popular opinion it isn't a difficult task, I actually find it soothing.  You start by sewing the triangles together to make a square.  When you have all the squares complete you sew three together to make a row.  When you have all three rows done, you sew them together to make a block.  Simple, and elegant.  Until you start sewing rows together, each individual piece is relatively small so it goes together quickly.  The biggest problem occurs if you don't consult the pattern to be sure that you're sewing the squares together correctly.  And if you don't notice that you've made a mistake in a row, until you're sewing two rows together, then you reach the level of frustration illustrated above.

I had all my squares done, correctly.  I had two rows sewn together, incorrectly and one row pinned together correctly.  It took me a while to figure out that I had sewn the dark blue triangles to the centre square instead of the green triangles.  Fortunately it was still pretty hot and humid yesterday, so I hid out in the basement and figured everything out.  Then I sewed it together correctly and carried it around with me for the rest of the night so I could admire it.  

That makes a total of two blocks completed now, in a lap quilt that will probably require about 20.  Here is what the finished block looks like on the right.  It still looks a little funky because I haven't got the precise measuring habit yet, and besides, it needs to be ironed.  I'm told that the Mennonites, who are world class quilters, always make a deliberate error somewhere in one of their hand made quilts.  Because only God is perfect.  Fortunately, I don't have to worry about making a mistake on purpose at this point in my quilting career.

I can't believe that I'm enjoying this process as much as I am.  Last class, I had to take a break and go upstairs to the fabric shop and clomp around muttering to myself because I was frustrated.  I only got two large triangles sewed together through the entire class, and had to complete everything as homework.  My needle was too big, my thread was too thick, my thimble was on my wrong finger.  You name it, I was doing it incorrectly.  But, once I got it home and sat down by myself everything fell into place.  That doesn't mean that I'm planning on hand piecing every quilt block. 

I'm starting my next project today.  It's a rag quilt for my oldest son's friend, who is having a little girl at the end of June.  The first step is to be sure that all the blocks are squared and the correct size (9" x7").  I've never done this before and am a little intimidated, but am planning on leaping forward with both feet.  The first quilt I ever completed used this technique, and I know how forgiving it is.  I am actually pretty confident that I can do this project entirely on my own, and have it done before the baby arrives.  I'll keep you posted.