Wednesday, June 7, 2017

The First Stitch

Starting new projects is always so exciting, but I have been completely intimidated by this Four Corners Quilt and thus, I have been dragging my feet. However, it's never going to get finished if I don't take the first step. I posted a bit about it here:

New Quilt Project

 The 28 page instruction book had me spooked, but after consulting it more closely, I was happy to see that the first half is dedicated to the table runner instructions, and I also have a secret support system in one of my readers. She is also making the quilt and after a good visit via the phone, I am feeling much more confident. She was sweet to share her tips and helpful hints so I am digging in and making the first cut. P shared that this is the most challenging quilt she has ever worked on, but she loves a good challenge and if she's up for the challenge, then I'm jumping in too.


P mentioned that staying organized with this project is key so I'm devising a system and labeling everything as per her advice. No fancy labeling system here. Masking tape always does the trick for me and I ordered extra fabric in order to mitigate the oopsies I make along the way.


It took me 4 days to get it all cut out and when I had finished, I was pleasantly surprised that they had been incredibly generous with their fabric cuts and I had a lot left over. I hope I haven't missed something, but there's plenty left and never even touched the extra fabric that's propped up in the back:


The pieces in this quilt are small compared to the quilts I usually make. The entire quilt is comprised of 1 1/2" strips and the largest piece is a 3 1/4" square, but those are cut into 1/4 square triangles.


So, here goes nothing! I took a deep breath and stitched the first seam.


Ripping happened almost right out of the chute and I imagine I had better keep that seam ripper close at hand. I often listen to audio books when I sew, but that's just not possible while working on this project. I need to pay close attention to each step in order to get these pieces built correctly.


There are good pictures of each finished step, but there are sometimes multiple steps for each picture and you have to cock your head a bit to insure that you are sewing the pieces together correctly in order to make it turn out the way it needs to. I sewed most of  one afternoon and completed the first 4 steps


And then made it through step 11 over the weekend:


Disregard the fabrics peeking out from the strip at the top. That's another quilt I'm working on. Doesn't everyone work on more than one project at a time?

Slow and steady, but I am hoping to have this top completed by the end of June. We've got a week of cow works next week and I'll have to shut down sewing progress that week, so I've got 3 weeks to focus and execute.


and if the phone rings, P, it'll probably be me. Good thing for you that we don't live closer or you might find me camped out on your porch!

10 comments:

Janet O. said...

What a wonderful quilt--looks like a Native American blanket. Does appear challenging to keep all of those pieces straight. I have faith in you--you can do this! And what a treasure it will be!

sherry said...

wowzers that will be a hard one but organization and patience usually wins the day

Tired Teacher said...

Bravo for making the first cut and steaming ahead. The rows you have together look amazing! Was it a kit? If not, the fabrics you selected are gorgeous.

carol fun said...

That is a beautiful quilt... good for you for tackling it. Organization is always helpful ... I'll remember the masking tape for labeling next time... could have used it on the quilt I'm working on now. The first step is the hardest but once you've waded in the water is usually fine... breath...and have fun!

Sandra said...

Looks nice. You are doing a great job with your seams. looking forward to seeing the completed top.

Kristie said...

Oh that's beautiful! It does look hard but I'm sure you can do it with no problem.
Blessings...
Kristie

Chantal said...

I didn't expect the pieces to be so small on this quilt. Yikes! Sounds like a Bonnie Hunter quilt. Take your time, enjoy the process, and one day, you'll realize that it is all done. Love the pieced "sashing" you show us. ;^)

Judy said...

It's wonderful!! You are doing a fantastic job! I once started a quilt along and it was easy starting, but it got harder and beyond my scope. I haven't finished it๐Ÿ˜‚. Maybe someday.

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Beautiful quilt--looks complicated--I'm not sure I have enough sense to put it together

Dar said...

This is going to be one beautiful quilt when you are finished.

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