Tuesday, May 03, 2011

Clean Up is harder.....

than preparation, I'm learning this week. At my age, with nearly 30 years of quilts behind me, you'd think I'd know it all...or nearly, right? Well, that's definitely NOT the case. That statement has little or nothing to do with these Rainbow Challenge "almost" finishes for April. I chose to spend my time and effort on things already begun, instead of starting anything new with purple scraps. That worked out fine. This one will need borders, since its only 36 X 48. I wish I had enough to make it one row wider, but I don't. So borders will have to do.
  In early April I had about 8 or 9 blocks made for an all purple scrap Yellow Brick Road pattern. I've brought the count up to 30, which gives me a 45 X 54 top, not sure if I will add borders to it or not. The blocks are ready to be joined up, but haven't laid them out as yet. My back has been acting up more than usual, so bending over blocks on the floor just won't do.
 I did get the machine quilting finished on this one in April, but of course, now I've mislaid the binding strips!! Hope to find them soon and get them sewn on. This one can be a donation quilt if we find a place that needs it.
 
Most of April's quilt related work has taken place at the dining room table, good light there, iron all ready on my right hand, DVD in the machine giving me some company as I work, and lots that needs doing. I did finish making the needed blocks for this Bricks and Stepping Stone(ala Bonnie of Quiltville) top. I don't love it, but then I pretty much never did.Let's call that Lesson#1, it's hard to finish up those you HATE! And Lesson #2 these past weeks is a repeating lesson, soooo many of my blocks come out smaller than they should. I have the "extra expense" 1/4th inch foot for my older Pfaff. It just doesn't do the trick...or does it? What I also learned, or maybe just realized, but lets call it Lesson #3 is that I AM NOT an accurate cutter. For most of my years, cutting has been done standing up at a table or counter. Seldom did I have good light on what I am doing. Often I was cutting late at night, etc, etc, etc. Sound familiar??? Over time the lines on the rulers wear away from the oil in our fingers and they get hard to see. Then lets toss in the ongoing damage to my eyes from a series of eye disorders. That began in 1988, or at least that's when I really began to notice. Hmmmm? I began to wonder and when I pulled out older projects, especially my "bits and parts" I discovered that most of my 4.5" 4 patches were actually 4.25" 4 patches. No wonder my blocks and rows come out the wrong size. I do see an improvement in things I have cut while sitting at the table with good light...another lesson learned! But I have some agony ahead as I finish up the older projects. And I am going to finish them! I have managed to empty 4 rubbermaids over the past week and a half. Besides what I am showing today, I have another set of blocks nearly all joined together. And a finished up set of blocks that need lattice. I've picked my project for the Rainbow Challenge with it springy PINK/ROSE color and have been cutting for that. Onward!
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13 comments:

Nancy said...

You had an extremely productive April. They are all lovely.

Paula said...

I love your scrappy quilts. I really, really do. Something about nine patches still thrill me after all these years of quilting. I've been debating making one and setting it like yours (using only scraps and strips) and using a solid alternate block. Love your purple polka dot.

Scrappy quilter said...

You've been busy there friend. All wonderful as always. Can't wait to see what you make this month. Hugs

ps...I owe you an e-mail however we've been gone house hunting. I'll try to get one to you in the next several days.

YankeeQuilter said...

I find quilting is always a learning process! Have to admit sometimes I wish it wasn't so....

Nice quilts! You got loads done. pat yourself on the back!

Impera Magna said...

Wow... you've been very industrious! WTG!!!

em's scrapbag said...

I often giveaway quilts started that I hate. Because I know I will never finish them. You are on a roll girl. Lots of good things going on at your house.

jovaliquilts said...

Emptied 4 tubs? Wow!! Congratulations!
It must feel great to finish those up. I am charmed by that third quilt down, the very narrow coins. Never seen one quite like it.

Gypsy Quilter said...

You've gotten an amazing amount of work done, no matter what your block size! Someone will love these quilts and be thankful of the generosity of your gift.

AnnieO said...

Lots of wonderful sewing happening at your place, Finn! I'm not that accurate of a cutter either. I've been considering getting a GO cutter because of that, but then think of all the expense of buying the dies, etc and put the thought aside! Love the purple quilt in the first photo!

Magpie Sue said...

Kudos to you for keepin' on keepin' on. Maybe you need a new ruler for Mother's Day? Both my husband and I are firm believers in the adage that having better tools gives better results.

Wish I could come over and hang a design wall for you!

Sara said...

Oh my! Yes, I think my eyesight problems are affecting my cutting too. Certainly it is causing problems with threading the machine!

I'm in an phase of no energy for quilting right now, so it is good to hear that you have gotten you "mo-jo" back, Finn. Might happen to me too.

McIrish Annie said...

good job Finn! plow through those old projects then you can go onto something that you LOVE instead. If most of your blocks are 4.25, just cut down the others and sew them together!

way to clear out the PURPLE!!

doni said...

My knees vetoed working on the floor years ago! Do you have room to pin up a flannel-backed tablecloth from the $1 store? They make an awesome temporary design wall. 2 pin holes is all you need make! Pat those blocks on well and you'll be surprised how well it holds! Great work in April!! Keep it up.

doni @ Oregon coast