I have had an epic failure in my recent Kaleidoscope quilt project. I mentioned that my seams didn't want to line up when I sewed the first two blocks together. Well, it wasn't just those two blocks. Something had gone massively wrong in my cutting.
There are two blocks, one with eight pieces, the other with twelve pieces (those have corner squares sewn on). The seams have to line up in order for the secondary circular pattern to emerge effectively. You can see how far off those seam intersections are in the photo.
I thought, Hmm, maybe if I sew corner squares onto the eight piece blocks things might line up. Not that I wanted to sew corner squares on 32 blocks that I thought were finished, but I had to give it a try, right?
Well, that helped make things kind of sort of line up and match, but as you see, the intersection is way far away from the seam itself. I still had not figured out what my error had been.
Where did I go wrong? I went over the instructions that came with the Kaleidoscope Smart Plate ruler again, and it did clearly say it was important to make your half square triangles for the pinwheel blocks exactly the right size, which meant trimming them down to size. But no where did it say what size half square triangle block you needed for the finished 6 inch Kaleidoscope block. Seriously? Well, of course I could have done the math and figured it out, but I missed it in the instructions and now it's too late.
The instructions for the ruler have a table that states the correct size the finished pinwheel blocks should be, and also notes the size to cut the corner flip squares. No where is the size of the hst units mentioned. I just breezed right past that little detail, much to my dismay. Sure wish I had double checked the size of the finished pinwheel blocks. I might have gotten a clue things were off if I had.
I wasted a ton, A TON of time and a great deal of absolutely beautiful Denyse Schmidt fabric. I am sick over this, and blame myself, but I also blame the ruler instructions too for not being more specific. "Trim the half square triangles to the right size" just did not get my attention.
So what can I do with 63 wrong sized Kaleidoscope blocks? The eight piece blocks do all line up and the twelve piece blocks all do line up, just not with each other. I guess I can use each set to make a table topper. Here is what it would look like with the eight piece blocks.
Kind of cute, but not at all what I was going for.
I still want to make a Kaleidoscope quilt, but am going to have to try different methods. Oh dear, it is like fallilng off a horse isn't it? I just have to make myself get on again.
114 responses to “Unprecidented Fail”
Such a shame. Love your fabric selection…I wonder if you added thin white sashing (finished size 1/2″) between all the blocks if it would blend away the line-ups being slightly off????? Then you could make your quilt. Just a thought.
Such a shame. Love your fabric selection…I wonder if you added thin white sashing (finished size 1/2″) between all the blocks if it would blend away the line-ups being slightly off????? Then you could make your quilt. Just a thought.
Such a shame. Love your fabric selection…I wonder if you added thin white sashing (finished size 1/2″) between all the blocks if it would blend away the line-ups being slightly off????? Then you could make your quilt. Just a thought.
How about if you group the 12 piece blocks in the center and surround them with the 8 piece blocks separated by a thin white border. I know it’s not the look you were going for, but it would put all those gorgeous fabrics in one quilt.
How about if you group the 12 piece blocks in the center and surround them with the 8 piece blocks separated by a thin white border. I know it’s not the look you were going for, but it would put all those gorgeous fabrics in one quilt.
How about if you group the 12 piece blocks in the center and surround them with the 8 piece blocks separated by a thin white border. I know it’s not the look you were going for, but it would put all those gorgeous fabrics in one quilt.
My vote is to make the little toppers and give them to a favorite charity or benefit. When something like this happens to me, I want to throw it in the closet and forget I ever did it.
My vote is to make the little toppers and give them to a favorite charity or benefit. When something like this happens to me, I want to throw it in the closet and forget I ever did it.
My vote is to make the little toppers and give them to a favorite charity or benefit. When something like this happens to me, I want to throw it in the closet and forget I ever did it.
What a huge BOTHER! When you start again, hope you can find an excellent tutorial that will give you complete instructions in a logical format. If the Denyse Schmidt fabric is still easy to find, get some more so you’ll still have the look you wanted.
I agree with Andrea and Sheddy that you might try arranging the blocks together some way. It won’t be the Kaleidoscope quilt you want, but it would be beautiful.
No more kicking yourself – okay?
Big hugs!
What a huge BOTHER! When you start again, hope you can find an excellent tutorial that will give you complete instructions in a logical format. If the Denyse Schmidt fabric is still easy to find, get some more so you’ll still have the look you wanted.
I agree with Andrea and Sheddy that you might try arranging the blocks together some way. It won’t be the Kaleidoscope quilt you want, but it would be beautiful.
No more kicking yourself – okay?
Big hugs!
What a huge BOTHER! When you start again, hope you can find an excellent tutorial that will give you complete instructions in a logical format. If the Denyse Schmidt fabric is still easy to find, get some more so you’ll still have the look you wanted.
I agree with Andrea and Sheddy that you might try arranging the blocks together some way. It won’t be the Kaleidoscope quilt you want, but it would be beautiful.
No more kicking yourself – okay?
Big hugs!
Whoa, how disappointing! It looks to me like the white triangles in the corners of your blocks are too big. They should not stray onto the vertical and horizontal 60 degree triangles (the reddish orange color in your top photo). However, I like the option you showed for a tabletopper (last photo). I realize it is not what you had in mind in the beginning but it is very modern and graphic looking and suits the colors.
Whoa, how disappointing! It looks to me like the white triangles in the corners of your blocks are too big. They should not stray onto the vertical and horizontal 60 degree triangles (the reddish orange color in your top photo). However, I like the option you showed for a tabletopper (last photo). I realize it is not what you had in mind in the beginning but it is very modern and graphic looking and suits the colors.
Whoa, how disappointing! It looks to me like the white triangles in the corners of your blocks are too big. They should not stray onto the vertical and horizontal 60 degree triangles (the reddish orange color in your top photo). However, I like the option you showed for a tabletopper (last photo). I realize it is not what you had in mind in the beginning but it is very modern and graphic looking and suits the colors.
It seems to me that if you trimmed the blocks down to about where the seam is (or 1/4″ from where the yellow/gray/white meet), things would line up. Trim the equal amount off the other blocks. Sounds too simple, but it’s what makes sense to me…am I looking at this wrong???
It seems to me that if you trimmed the blocks down to about where the seam is (or 1/4″ from where the yellow/gray/white meet), things would line up. Trim the equal amount off the other blocks. Sounds too simple, but it’s what makes sense to me…am I looking at this wrong???
It seems to me that if you trimmed the blocks down to about where the seam is (or 1/4″ from where the yellow/gray/white meet), things would line up. Trim the equal amount off the other blocks. Sounds too simple, but it’s what makes sense to me…am I looking at this wrong???
What a shame … I’m so sorry.
I do like the table topper … I know it’s not at all what you were wanting, but at least it would keep your time and fabric from just going to waste.
What a shame … I’m so sorry.
I do like the table topper … I know it’s not at all what you were wanting, but at least it would keep your time and fabric from just going to waste.
What a shame … I’m so sorry.
I do like the table topper … I know it’s not at all what you were wanting, but at least it would keep your time and fabric from just going to waste.
VERY cute table topper! Every project has its trials and tribulations. How else do we learn? Love all your work!
VERY cute table topper! Every project has its trials and tribulations. How else do we learn? Love all your work!
VERY cute table topper! Every project has its trials and tribulations. How else do we learn? Love all your work!
I kind of like Andrea’s suggestion. I would be exasperated, too. Sheesh.
I kind of like Andrea’s suggestion. I would be exasperated, too. Sheesh.
I kind of like Andrea’s suggestion. I would be exasperated, too. Sheesh.
Frustrating to say the least. If you match up the blocks before you add the triangles are they the same size? if they are, then you could figure out the triangle and they would all be the same -right? I am probably missing so,etching. Sorry for,you it sucks!
Mary
Frustrating to say the least. If you match up the blocks before you add the triangles are they the same size? if they are, then you could figure out the triangle and they would all be the same -right? I am probably missing so,etching. Sorry for,you it sucks!
Mary
Frustrating to say the least. If you match up the blocks before you add the triangles are they the same size? if they are, then you could figure out the triangle and they would all be the same -right? I am probably missing so,etching. Sorry for,you it sucks!
Mary
Yikes! This is no fun. Although the small version is cute. I hate it when stuff like this happens. Especially because right now I feel like my quilting hours are so few and far between.
Yikes! This is no fun. Although the small version is cute. I hate it when stuff like this happens. Especially because right now I feel like my quilting hours are so few and far between.
Yikes! This is no fun. Although the small version is cute. I hate it when stuff like this happens. Especially because right now I feel like my quilting hours are so few and far between.
Oh, I am so sorry! It’s unfair, really. Instructions should be easily understood, that’s what the customer is paying for, isn’t it? (I am thinking of the Fit to be geese-rulers, those instructions are wonderful. Because of your tip a long time ago, I bought these rulers and have now made a beautiful star quilt for my niece.)
I want to make a kaleidoscope quilt in the future, but not with this ruler… As a non-native speaker, I need clear instructions for specialty rulers or patterns. 🙂
Oh, I am so sorry! It’s unfair, really. Instructions should be easily understood, that’s what the customer is paying for, isn’t it? (I am thinking of the Fit to be geese-rulers, those instructions are wonderful. Because of your tip a long time ago, I bought these rulers and have now made a beautiful star quilt for my niece.)
I want to make a kaleidoscope quilt in the future, but not with this ruler… As a non-native speaker, I need clear instructions for specialty rulers or patterns. 🙂
Oh, I am so sorry! It’s unfair, really. Instructions should be easily understood, that’s what the customer is paying for, isn’t it? (I am thinking of the Fit to be geese-rulers, those instructions are wonderful. Because of your tip a long time ago, I bought these rulers and have now made a beautiful star quilt for my niece.)
I want to make a kaleidoscope quilt in the future, but not with this ruler… As a non-native speaker, I need clear instructions for specialty rulers or patterns. 🙂
I completely understand your frustration. I attended a workshop many years ago, from the author of a book, and she was so mathematically “wired” (which I am not) that I still to this day have no idea how to make the pieces in the book. She was not good at explaining things either in the book or in person. . .
I like the little topper you have started. Perhaps if you wanted to make it larger you could put a small border around the center 9 blocks and use the outer blocks as the final border. It would give a different look.
But, I really like the way it is setting now also.
Looking forward to seeing how you resolve the issue.
I completely understand your frustration. I attended a workshop many years ago, from the author of a book, and she was so mathematically “wired” (which I am not) that I still to this day have no idea how to make the pieces in the book. She was not good at explaining things either in the book or in person. . .
I like the little topper you have started. Perhaps if you wanted to make it larger you could put a small border around the center 9 blocks and use the outer blocks as the final border. It would give a different look.
But, I really like the way it is setting now also.
Looking forward to seeing how you resolve the issue.
I completely understand your frustration. I attended a workshop many years ago, from the author of a book, and she was so mathematically “wired” (which I am not) that I still to this day have no idea how to make the pieces in the book. She was not good at explaining things either in the book or in person. . .
I like the little topper you have started. Perhaps if you wanted to make it larger you could put a small border around the center 9 blocks and use the outer blocks as the final border. It would give a different look.
But, I really like the way it is setting now also.
Looking forward to seeing how you resolve the issue.
What a bummer! You should write to the maker of the ruler and find out what the problem is. The corner triangles look too big.
What a bummer! You should write to the maker of the ruler and find out what the problem is. The corner triangles look too big.
What a bummer! You should write to the maker of the ruler and find out what the problem is. The corner triangles look too big.
Lots of good ideas from your readers, but still this is disappointing. I’m going to add one suggestion that is dear to my heart. Might you consider donating some of the blocks to a quilt ministry or other group that makes quilts for good causes.
I look forward to your next quilting adventure.
Lots of good ideas from your readers, but still this is disappointing. I’m going to add one suggestion that is dear to my heart. Might you consider donating some of the blocks to a quilt ministry or other group that makes quilts for good causes.
I look forward to your next quilting adventure.
Lots of good ideas from your readers, but still this is disappointing. I’m going to add one suggestion that is dear to my heart. Might you consider donating some of the blocks to a quilt ministry or other group that makes quilts for good causes.
I look forward to your next quilting adventure.
First of all, kudos to you for blogging mistakes! It is easy to blog success stories but not so much the bloopers…even though we all have them.
Second I really like the look of the table topper and if you can border it with a plain white and then finish with your pieced border with the secondary blocks you have entered the category of “pattern designer” . Making lemonade out of lemons. I mentioned on my blog a while back that, I learn something with every project I do…most times it is a new skill, or new method of doing things and sometimes the only thing I learn, is that I NEVER WANT TO DO THAT AGAIN!
First of all, kudos to you for blogging mistakes! It is easy to blog success stories but not so much the bloopers…even though we all have them.
Second I really like the look of the table topper and if you can border it with a plain white and then finish with your pieced border with the secondary blocks you have entered the category of “pattern designer” . Making lemonade out of lemons. I mentioned on my blog a while back that, I learn something with every project I do…most times it is a new skill, or new method of doing things and sometimes the only thing I learn, is that I NEVER WANT TO DO THAT AGAIN!
First of all, kudos to you for blogging mistakes! It is easy to blog success stories but not so much the bloopers…even though we all have them.
Second I really like the look of the table topper and if you can border it with a plain white and then finish with your pieced border with the secondary blocks you have entered the category of “pattern designer” . Making lemonade out of lemons. I mentioned on my blog a while back that, I learn something with every project I do…most times it is a new skill, or new method of doing things and sometimes the only thing I learn, is that I NEVER WANT TO DO THAT AGAIN!
I, too, appreciate you sharing your frustrations as well as your quilting success stories! I agree with Wendy’s assessment…sometimes what we learn is we don’t want to do that again! Breathe in; breathe out; move on…
I, too, appreciate you sharing your frustrations as well as your quilting success stories! I agree with Wendy’s assessment…sometimes what we learn is we don’t want to do that again! Breathe in; breathe out; move on…
I, too, appreciate you sharing your frustrations as well as your quilting success stories! I agree with Wendy’s assessment…sometimes what we learn is we don’t want to do that again! Breathe in; breathe out; move on…
Oh no! Such a shame after all that hard work and beautiful fabric. I have a similar project that’s stuffed away because they didn’t line up. It made me just sick; so much so that it hasn’t been touched in 2 years.
Oh no! Such a shame after all that hard work and beautiful fabric. I have a similar project that’s stuffed away because they didn’t line up. It made me just sick; so much so that it hasn’t been touched in 2 years.
Oh no! Such a shame after all that hard work and beautiful fabric. I have a similar project that’s stuffed away because they didn’t line up. It made me just sick; so much so that it hasn’t been touched in 2 years.
I HATE when that happens!! Quilting is hard enough without the ruler messing up!! But look at the bright side…that is one dang cute quilt top!! I LOVE IT!! Can’t wait to see what the other topper looks like!! :o))
P
I HATE when that happens!! Quilting is hard enough without the ruler messing up!! But look at the bright side…that is one dang cute quilt top!! I LOVE IT!! Can’t wait to see what the other topper looks like!! :o))
P
I HATE when that happens!! Quilting is hard enough without the ruler messing up!! But look at the bright side…that is one dang cute quilt top!! I LOVE IT!! Can’t wait to see what the other topper looks like!! :o))
P
Thanks for sharing your mishap. Sometimes we read blogs of other quilters and think everything goes smoothly for them. It’s good to hear that others have problems too. I would write to the ruler and company and let them know what happened. Feeling your pain. I do love the table topper.
Thanks for sharing your mishap. Sometimes we read blogs of other quilters and think everything goes smoothly for them. It’s good to hear that others have problems too. I would write to the ruler and company and let them know what happened. Feeling your pain. I do love the table topper.
Thanks for sharing your mishap. Sometimes we read blogs of other quilters and think everything goes smoothly for them. It’s good to hear that others have problems too. I would write to the ruler and company and let them know what happened. Feeling your pain. I do love the table topper.
I haven’t gone through the other comments to see if this was suggested, but it looks like to me – if you cut the blocks down a little (or used a bigger seam), that you could get those intersections to line up. Try stitching two together at a 1/2” seam (which you could take out if it didn’t work out). Then, if that worked, you know that you could trim off 1/4” on each side of the blocks to get them to line up….
I haven’t gone through the other comments to see if this was suggested, but it looks like to me – if you cut the blocks down a little (or used a bigger seam), that you could get those intersections to line up. Try stitching two together at a 1/2” seam (which you could take out if it didn’t work out). Then, if that worked, you know that you could trim off 1/4” on each side of the blocks to get them to line up….
I haven’t gone through the other comments to see if this was suggested, but it looks like to me – if you cut the blocks down a little (or used a bigger seam), that you could get those intersections to line up. Try stitching two together at a 1/2” seam (which you could take out if it didn’t work out). Then, if that worked, you know that you could trim off 1/4” on each side of the blocks to get them to line up….
My first thought was the same as Sheddy’s comment…. put maybe nine of the same blocks in the center, then a white containment border. Then surround that with the second block, followed by a border. Keep going until the blocks are used up. It would make a sort of medallion quilt. Oh oh, maybe even use an appliqued piece in the center. Oh, the possibilities! If I wasn’t so busy, I’d say to send them on over to me and I’ll do it for you!
My first thought was the same as Sheddy’s comment…. put maybe nine of the same blocks in the center, then a white containment border. Then surround that with the second block, followed by a border. Keep going until the blocks are used up. It would make a sort of medallion quilt. Oh oh, maybe even use an appliqued piece in the center. Oh, the possibilities! If I wasn’t so busy, I’d say to send them on over to me and I’ll do it for you!
My first thought was the same as Sheddy’s comment…. put maybe nine of the same blocks in the center, then a white containment border. Then surround that with the second block, followed by a border. Keep going until the blocks are used up. It would make a sort of medallion quilt. Oh oh, maybe even use an appliqued piece in the center. Oh, the possibilities! If I wasn’t so busy, I’d say to send them on over to me and I’ll do it for you!
Your triangles look way too big to me. When you are sewing them on the block they should be the same size as the piece you are sewing them on. I am not explaining my self well! Also when you are arranging them every other one should be rotated so they are not all oriented like a cross. I think you may have sewn half the triangles on the wrong corner. I made a kaleidoscope quilt years ago so this is calling up some old memories.
Your triangles look way too big to me. When you are sewing them on the block they should be the same size as the piece you are sewing them on. I am not explaining my self well! Also when you are arranging them every other one should be rotated so they are not all oriented like a cross. I think you may have sewn half the triangles on the wrong corner. I made a kaleidoscope quilt years ago so this is calling up some old memories.
Your triangles look way too big to me. When you are sewing them on the block they should be the same size as the piece you are sewing them on. I am not explaining my self well! Also when you are arranging them every other one should be rotated so they are not all oriented like a cross. I think you may have sewn half the triangles on the wrong corner. I made a kaleidoscope quilt years ago so this is calling up some old memories.
I feel your pain. Totally sucks when you spend a lot of time and beautiful fabric and you don’t make it to your final goal. Been there. Done that. :[
I do like the table topper idea. Those blocks at the end look really good together.
I feel your pain. Totally sucks when you spend a lot of time and beautiful fabric and you don’t make it to your final goal. Been there. Done that. :[
I do like the table topper idea. Those blocks at the end look really good together.
I feel your pain. Totally sucks when you spend a lot of time and beautiful fabric and you don’t make it to your final goal. Been there. Done that. :[
I do like the table topper idea. Those blocks at the end look really good together.
Could the triangles be on the wrong corners? I am really sorry to read about all these problems~ and I was going to follow your lead and make this quilt! 😮 Did you write to the ruler/pattern author? I think I would. Thanks for the info! I hope you can salvage things by making some toppers.
Could the triangles be on the wrong corners? I am really sorry to read about all these problems~ and I was going to follow your lead and make this quilt! 😮 Did you write to the ruler/pattern author? I think I would. Thanks for the info! I hope you can salvage things by making some toppers.
Could the triangles be on the wrong corners? I am really sorry to read about all these problems~ and I was going to follow your lead and make this quilt! 😮 Did you write to the ruler/pattern author? I think I would. Thanks for the info! I hope you can salvage things by making some toppers.
So sorry you encountered this setback, Nicole! I don’t think you should donate your blocks; I think you should save them and figure out another way to show them off to their best advantage, especially because you love the fabrics so much. Marti Michell (whose Kaleido-Ruler is the one I use for my blocks) has a wonderful book out called Kaleidoscope ABCs (self-published — her website is http://www.frommarti.com) with some really lovely ways to use kaleido blocks.
So sorry you encountered this setback, Nicole! I don’t think you should donate your blocks; I think you should save them and figure out another way to show them off to their best advantage, especially because you love the fabrics so much. Marti Michell (whose Kaleido-Ruler is the one I use for my blocks) has a wonderful book out called Kaleidoscope ABCs (self-published — her website is http://www.frommarti.com) with some really lovely ways to use kaleido blocks.
So sorry you encountered this setback, Nicole! I don’t think you should donate your blocks; I think you should save them and figure out another way to show them off to their best advantage, especially because you love the fabrics so much. Marti Michell (whose Kaleido-Ruler is the one I use for my blocks) has a wonderful book out called Kaleidoscope ABCs (self-published — her website is http://www.frommarti.com) with some really lovely ways to use kaleido blocks.
I can only second Jacque’s suggestion: If you trim the seam allowance on your 12-pieces-blocks to 1/4″ measured at the point where the seam from the pinwheel and the triangle meet and this results in blocks of a consistent size you should be fine. Then just cut the 8-pieces-blocks to the same size and join your blocks. They probably won’t come out the size you planned but you would keep the overall impression.
Btw a table of required sizes for your ruler can be found here: http://www.punchwithjudy.com.au/shop/skin/common_files/pages/en/smartplateinstructions.pdf
And just a warning from my own experience: There’s a lot of seams coming together when you join the blocks – maybe cut the seam allowance generously so that you have a bit of wiggle room.
Hope you give it a try and I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.
I can only second Jacque’s suggestion: If you trim the seam allowance on your 12-pieces-blocks to 1/4″ measured at the point where the seam from the pinwheel and the triangle meet and this results in blocks of a consistent size you should be fine. Then just cut the 8-pieces-blocks to the same size and join your blocks. They probably won’t come out the size you planned but you would keep the overall impression.
Btw a table of required sizes for your ruler can be found here: http://www.punchwithjudy.com.au/shop/skin/common_files/pages/en/smartplateinstructions.pdf
And just a warning from my own experience: There’s a lot of seams coming together when you join the blocks – maybe cut the seam allowance generously so that you have a bit of wiggle room.
Hope you give it a try and I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.
I can only second Jacque’s suggestion: If you trim the seam allowance on your 12-pieces-blocks to 1/4″ measured at the point where the seam from the pinwheel and the triangle meet and this results in blocks of a consistent size you should be fine. Then just cut the 8-pieces-blocks to the same size and join your blocks. They probably won’t come out the size you planned but you would keep the overall impression.
Btw a table of required sizes for your ruler can be found here: http://www.punchwithjudy.com.au/shop/skin/common_files/pages/en/smartplateinstructions.pdf
And just a warning from my own experience: There’s a lot of seams coming together when you join the blocks – maybe cut the seam allowance generously so that you have a bit of wiggle room.
Hope you give it a try and I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.
Looking at your photos, I can see that you have made the blocks incorrectly. When you sew the 8 triangles together, you should have an octagon (8-sided) shape. The base of triangles should match up around the octagon. To get the square block, you add triangles to four of the sides. Just like making a square-in-a square block. You can save theses blocks by cutting the the correct shape first and then adding the corners. Would be a shame to waste all your hard work.
Looking at your photos, I can see that you have made the blocks incorrectly. When you sew the 8 triangles together, you should have an octagon (8-sided) shape. The base of triangles should match up around the octagon. To get the square block, you add triangles to four of the sides. Just like making a square-in-a square block. You can save theses blocks by cutting the the correct shape first and then adding the corners. Would be a shame to waste all your hard work.
Looking at your photos, I can see that you have made the blocks incorrectly. When you sew the 8 triangles together, you should have an octagon (8-sided) shape. The base of triangles should match up around the octagon. To get the square block, you add triangles to four of the sides. Just like making a square-in-a square block. You can save theses blocks by cutting the the correct shape first and then adding the corners. Would be a shame to waste all your hard work.
How troublesome. I’ve never used the ruler, so don’t know the exact problem. Could you not make more eight-piece blocks, and then more 12-piece blocks to make two quilts? That fabric is just too gorgeous to waste. Good luck, whatever you decide.
How troublesome. I’ve never used the ruler, so don’t know the exact problem. Could you not make more eight-piece blocks, and then more 12-piece blocks to make two quilts? That fabric is just too gorgeous to waste. Good luck, whatever you decide.
How troublesome. I’ve never used the ruler, so don’t know the exact problem. Could you not make more eight-piece blocks, and then more 12-piece blocks to make two quilts? That fabric is just too gorgeous to waste. Good luck, whatever you decide.
This mistake is easy to fix since you have more fabric in the eight piece blocks than you need. You can fix this by trimming the background fabric diagonally so that it is even with the print fabric. You should then have an octagon rather than a square. Once you have your octagon, then add the corner HST to make the block square. Same thing for the 12 piece blocks only you will have to unsew the corners and then trim and add the corners back on. Love the DS fabric and I know this will be exactly as you envisioned when you correct the mistakes.
This mistake is easy to fix since you have more fabric in the eight piece blocks than you need. You can fix this by trimming the background fabric diagonally so that it is even with the print fabric. You should then have an octagon rather than a square. Once you have your octagon, then add the corner HST to make the block square. Same thing for the 12 piece blocks only you will have to unsew the corners and then trim and add the corners back on. Love the DS fabric and I know this will be exactly as you envisioned when you correct the mistakes.
This mistake is easy to fix since you have more fabric in the eight piece blocks than you need. You can fix this by trimming the background fabric diagonally so that it is even with the print fabric. You should then have an octagon rather than a square. Once you have your octagon, then add the corner HST to make the block square. Same thing for the 12 piece blocks only you will have to unsew the corners and then trim and add the corners back on. Love the DS fabric and I know this will be exactly as you envisioned when you correct the mistakes.
I like the single blocks you have put together :). I keep looking at the other blocks and think there may be a way to save them either by ripping out the triangles and adding new ones or cutting both blocks down smaller. I don’t know if either would work, but they look fixable to me. I made a kaleidoscope many years ago and remember lining up my ruler on the correct line made everything off so I had to redo them. Eventually I finished it, but it was a learning experience for sure 🙂
I like the single blocks you have put together :). I keep looking at the other blocks and think there may be a way to save them either by ripping out the triangles and adding new ones or cutting both blocks down smaller. I don’t know if either would work, but they look fixable to me. I made a kaleidoscope many years ago and remember lining up my ruler on the correct line made everything off so I had to redo them. Eventually I finished it, but it was a learning experience for sure 🙂
I like the single blocks you have put together :). I keep looking at the other blocks and think there may be a way to save them either by ripping out the triangles and adding new ones or cutting both blocks down smaller. I don’t know if either would work, but they look fixable to me. I made a kaleidoscope many years ago and remember lining up my ruler on the correct line made everything off so I had to redo them. Eventually I finished it, but it was a learning experience for sure 🙂
Argh, I know what it’s like to feel that way.
So sorry. Hang in there.
Argh, I know what it’s like to feel that way.
So sorry. Hang in there.
Argh, I know what it’s like to feel that way.
So sorry. Hang in there.
I’m so sorry for the disappointment and vexation. I’ve been so interested to see where you went with your beautiful modern fabrics. I’m sensing this is a detour, not a dead end. Although you haven’t ended up with the quilt you imagined, I hope you can salvage the blocks in some way. I really like your proposed table topper — it looks like the start of a Schnibbles Parade. Maybe you can re-envision the others, too. Or, if they’re giving you too bad a feeling, then banishing them from your life by donating them to a good cause might be the answer. Whatever the case, there are many more fabulous quilts in your future — including a Kaleidoscope quilt, I’m sure. Thanks for sharing.
I’m so sorry for the disappointment and vexation. I’ve been so interested to see where you went with your beautiful modern fabrics. I’m sensing this is a detour, not a dead end. Although you haven’t ended up with the quilt you imagined, I hope you can salvage the blocks in some way. I really like your proposed table topper — it looks like the start of a Schnibbles Parade. Maybe you can re-envision the others, too. Or, if they’re giving you too bad a feeling, then banishing them from your life by donating them to a good cause might be the answer. Whatever the case, there are many more fabulous quilts in your future — including a Kaleidoscope quilt, I’m sure. Thanks for sharing.
I’m so sorry for the disappointment and vexation. I’ve been so interested to see where you went with your beautiful modern fabrics. I’m sensing this is a detour, not a dead end. Although you haven’t ended up with the quilt you imagined, I hope you can salvage the blocks in some way. I really like your proposed table topper — it looks like the start of a Schnibbles Parade. Maybe you can re-envision the others, too. Or, if they’re giving you too bad a feeling, then banishing them from your life by donating them to a good cause might be the answer. Whatever the case, there are many more fabulous quilts in your future — including a Kaleidoscope quilt, I’m sure. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been going through all my stuff because I anticipate I will be moving soon. It’s so fun to come across some quilts I initially didn’t care for after I made them. Give it a couple years and they look great now. I love your alternative” quilt!
I’ve been going through all my stuff because I anticipate I will be moving soon. It’s so fun to come across some quilts I initially didn’t care for after I made them. Give it a couple years and they look great now. I love your alternative” quilt!
I’ve been going through all my stuff because I anticipate I will be moving soon. It’s so fun to come across some quilts I initially didn’t care for after I made them. Give it a couple years and they look great now. I love your alternative” quilt!
My first instinct would be to add thin sashing & make it a completely different quilt. The fabrics are lovely & it would be a shame to lose all that hard work.
My first instinct would be to add thin sashing & make it a completely different quilt. The fabrics are lovely & it would be a shame to lose all that hard work.
My first instinct would be to add thin sashing & make it a completely different quilt. The fabrics are lovely & it would be a shame to lose all that hard work.
$&@/? Yes, insert some bad words! All that effort and beautiful fabric!!!! I too feel your pain. BUT, put it on the back burner and let it simmer for awhile. Go find your most beautiful fabric collection, something that makes your heart sing and get busy! I am personally so tired of pattern and gadget errors. I am working on a pattern made by a well known designer with yet another mistake.
kerry
$&@/? Yes, insert some bad words! All that effort and beautiful fabric!!!! I too feel your pain. BUT, put it on the back burner and let it simmer for awhile. Go find your most beautiful fabric collection, something that makes your heart sing and get busy! I am personally so tired of pattern and gadget errors. I am working on a pattern made by a well known designer with yet another mistake.
kerry
$&@/? Yes, insert some bad words! All that effort and beautiful fabric!!!! I too feel your pain. BUT, put it on the back burner and let it simmer for awhile. Go find your most beautiful fabric collection, something that makes your heart sing and get busy! I am personally so tired of pattern and gadget errors. I am working on a pattern made by a well known designer with yet another mistake.
kerry
You might be able to rescue them and make them into smaller blocks. what if you take the corners off the blocks with 12 pieces and trim them down so that you have a straight line plus 1/4″ across the red pieced edges. In other words, the shapes of the red pieces match the shape of the grey pieces before you add back the white triangles in the corners. Does that make sense? Go back and look at the original quilt you liked — see how the shapes of the triangles are the same? Now look at the shape of your red ones — they have extra little sides on the bottom. Once you get the 12 pieced blocks right, you should be able to trim down the 8 pieced ones to match.
You might be able to rescue them and make them into smaller blocks. what if you take the corners off the blocks with 12 pieces and trim them down so that you have a straight line plus 1/4″ across the red pieced edges. In other words, the shapes of the red pieces match the shape of the grey pieces before you add back the white triangles in the corners. Does that make sense? Go back and look at the original quilt you liked — see how the shapes of the triangles are the same? Now look at the shape of your red ones — they have extra little sides on the bottom. Once you get the 12 pieced blocks right, you should be able to trim down the 8 pieced ones to match.
You might be able to rescue them and make them into smaller blocks. what if you take the corners off the blocks with 12 pieces and trim them down so that you have a straight line plus 1/4″ across the red pieced edges. In other words, the shapes of the red pieces match the shape of the grey pieces before you add back the white triangles in the corners. Does that make sense? Go back and look at the original quilt you liked — see how the shapes of the triangles are the same? Now look at the shape of your red ones — they have extra little sides on the bottom. Once you get the 12 pieced blocks right, you should be able to trim down the 8 pieced ones to match.
Oh, what a shame! I do like Sheddy’s idea, or maybe you could sash each block, which I know doesn’t give you the look you were after, but you’d still get to use the blocks. You’re very brave to get back on the horse. My heart is with you.
Oh, what a shame! I do like Sheddy’s idea, or maybe you could sash each block, which I know doesn’t give you the look you were after, but you’d still get to use the blocks. You’re very brave to get back on the horse. My heart is with you.
Oh, what a shame! I do like Sheddy’s idea, or maybe you could sash each block, which I know doesn’t give you the look you were after, but you’d still get to use the blocks. You’re very brave to get back on the horse. My heart is with you.