It's not you, it's me

I don't remember ever spending this much time on one quilt project.  I knew I was going on a retreat in January, so I cut and pieced pinwheels starting in December to make this awesome quilt, Woven in Pinwheels, designed by Gerri Robinson of Planted Seed Designs.   This is my first time using one of her patterns, but it won't be the last.  The instructions are clear and the diagrams couldn't be better.  I also like her style of designs - lots and lots of pieces but pretty simple components.

I made some epic mistakes with this quilt.  The major one was taking it on retreat and sewing merrily along while gabbing with my friends, not really keeping a close watch on my 1/4 inch seam.  I got home to find that most of the star blocks I assembled were not the right size due to me not using enough of a seam allowance.  I really only had 9 blocks that needed to be remade, so I set them aside and created 9 new star blocks when I got home.

Then somehow, while putting the stars together in vertical rows, I discovered another 9 that did not fit together.  They should have measured 8-1/2 inches and most were 8-1/2 inches in one direction but only 8-1/4 inches in the other direction.  So I'm getting the vertical rows together, remaking the last row of star blocks and finally pretty close to finishing this one.

I hope you won't let my foibles discourage you from trying this pattern.   It is a beautiful and a very clever design and I have enjoyed the process, even though it has taken me much longer than a quilt  project ever should!  I can see the light at the end of the tunnel... I just hope it's not a train!

I'm making Woven in Pinwheels quilt with French General's Chateau Rouge fabrics.  It only takes a fat eighth bundle and some background.  Lucky for me that I bought a fat quarter bundle.   I've used much more than a fat eighth with all the blocks I've remade.  But hey - I have 18 star blocks that I can use for the back of the quilt.... if I can get THEM to fit together!

Blogger Girls Block of the Month, Block 3

Oh my - I haven't updated my blog but once since last month's BOM posting? I am sorry for my poor, neglected blog.  I am now assembling a quilt I've been piecing since December.  I expect that life will settle down for me after 2 vacations and a February full of musical performances, and I will be able to do more sewing and posting!   I am very anxious to be able share the quilt I'm making using French General's Chateau Rouge fabrics.

Without further ado, Monique Dillard at Open Gates Quilts has the third block of her FREE Block of the Month quilt available for download today.  The Blogger Girls BOM is a 6 block quilt.  You can make a small quilt with 6 blocks or make 2 of each block for a larger quilt.  Stop by Monique's blog today and get the instructions for your third block.

I'm using Field Notes, by Blackbird Designs for Moda fabrics.  I struggled this time with picking colors for my blocks.  I made the blue one first and wasn't entirely thrilled with the results.   As I studied the finished block on my design wall, I kept seeing a Churn Dash block in the middle, so with the second block, I tried to emphasize it more with the wine colored fabric.

Please visit my fellow bloggers to see their blocks for this month, and don't forget the Flickr page where you can add your photos even if you don't have a blog.  I really love seeing all the different fabric combinations!

Monique from Open Gate Quilts
Sherri from A Quilting Life
Thelma from Cupcakes 'n' Daisies
Lissa from Moda  Lissa
Denise from Quilter’s  Window
Nicole from Sister’s Choice Quilts