Recently my co-worker told me that I have control issues.  I have to say I was genuinely shocked and intrigued, because I seriously always thought of myself as a very laid back, go-with-the-flow kind of person.  As I reflected a little deeper into my soul I realized that what I thought was a mild case of intolerance to surprises is actually a deep rooted need to be clairvoyant!  I realized that I have been so afraid of every step of my quilt because I can’t see the final product until its complete.  That seriously freaks me out!!

Tonight I finally pieced together a quilt block!!  The satisfaction it gave me to see the 8 separate strips melt into one 12.5 inch square of art was unbelievable.  Even as I pulled the organizer card full of strips from the stack and laid the strips as they would be sewn together I felt an uneasiness.  I just wasn’t positive that the pieces would all mesh, and I just couldn’t see the actual block in my mind.

My first ever completed block. I'm pleased as punch with the way it turned out.

I had thoughts of putting off the sewing for another night.  I thought that I should clean up my glade, or work on an unfinished project (actually, those would have both been excellent options), but ultimately I went for it and I’m so glad I did!

Per the directions, I sewed together pairs of two patterned fabrics.  Elizabeth recommends piecing together the pairs in a chain to save thread and time.  Additionally, each time I paired the strips, I pressed the seams open. After 3 pairs were made, I sewed the pairs together and then added the grey sashing.

I chose to press my seams open, based on the book’s recommendation.  Some quilters don’t think this is necessary, and some even say that pressing the seams open can affect the structural integrity of the finished quilt.  Personally, I was thrilled that there was a definite opinion given in the book, since I had such a hard time deciding whether to wash the fabric or not.

Pressing the seams open makes a flatter lying quilt and allows for more even quilting, according to Elizabeth Harman.

Since I had already cut all of the lime fabric for this quilt, I’ve decided that I’m going to make this quilt again using blue toned blocks with lime sashing.  Although I’d love to move on to another quilt, this is a great one to build my skills, and I think if i hustle I might be able to get it done for my nephew’s christmas gift.

When I decided that I didn’t like the lime, I went to a couple of different fabric stores to try to find a grey.  I found that it was too overwhelming, so I sent an email to my favorite local craft haven, Fancy Tiger.  I was so excited when Jaime emailed be back with a recommendation for Kona Cotton in Medium Grey.  I absolutely would recommend this tactic if you’re faced with a situation where you’re trying to match something really specific.

I have been working on a few really awesome projects, so I hope to have some great pictures and posts soon.  Please let me know if you have any questions about my quilt in progress or anything else!

Muah!

CV