Sister's Choice Quilts

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A Little Set Back

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I was so excited to have this weekend to finish up my Halloween 1904 blocks.  I began by sewing on the triangle units to the appliqued star blocks.  These blocks are really big, I am telling you.  And so darn cute!  This project has been so enormously fun.

The next step was to attach borders of half square triangles to each of the 16 quilt blocks.  Sixteen quilt blocks, with 24 half square triangles each.  384 half square triangles.  Which I laboriously made using the Star Singles papers.  Lots of trimming, but perfect little half square triangle units.

This is what 384 two inch finished half square triangle units look like after trimming and ripping the papers off.

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384 two inch finished half square triangle units that were supposed to actually be TWO AND A HALF INCHES FINISHED.  For which I used my very cutest black prints.

I need a moment for this to sink in.

My house is the one with the drawn shades and the black wreath on the door.  And sounds of loud wailing coming from inside.  Condolences accepted.

 

120 responses to “A Little Set Back”

  5. Oh no…….I’m wailing over here in Switzerland in sympathy…. Is there any chance of scaling everything else down so you can still use them? Please say yes! Isn’t that just one of those nightmare situations – OK so nobody died, but the frustration is huge. I really truly feel your pain. I would be the one banging her head against the wall…..

  6. Oh no…….I’m wailing over here in Switzerland in sympathy…. Is there any chance of scaling everything else down so you can still use them? Please say yes! Isn’t that just one of those nightmare situations – OK so nobody died, but the frustration is huge. I really truly feel your pain. I would be the one banging her head against the wall…..

  7. Oh no. What a lot of work. Can you use them in a Halloween table runner or something to go with this quilt. I think I would have cried. Is their anyway you can use them by adding something to the design? Condolences sent. Feeling your pain.

  8. Oh no. What a lot of work. Can you use them in a Halloween table runner or something to go with this quilt. I think I would have cried. Is their anyway you can use them by adding something to the design? Condolences sent. Feeling your pain.

  9. OMG. I am SO sorry. What a panicky feeling this is, even vicariously! Think creative. There must be a way to stretch it out to meet the number where it’s supposed to be. Yes, definitely in sympathy for you!

  10. OMG. I am SO sorry. What a panicky feeling this is, even vicariously! Think creative. There must be a way to stretch it out to meet the number where it’s supposed to be. Yes, definitely in sympathy for you!

  13. Oh no!!! All I can say is that I’ve been there. Don’t hit your head too hard against the wall. Is there anyway the 2″ ones could work? Ugh. So sorry.

  14. Oh no!!! All I can say is that I’ve been there. Don’t hit your head too hard against the wall. Is there anyway the 2″ ones could work? Ugh. So sorry.

  15. OH NOOOO! My heart sank for you! BUT>>> I bet you will find a way to make it work!! 🙂
    SO sorry for you!!!

  16. OH NOOOO! My heart sank for you! BUT>>> I bet you will find a way to make it work!! 🙂
    SO sorry for you!!!

  17. I’m observing this tragedy with a moment of silence, if I had a black wreath I would hang it, every quilter reading your blog today feels your pain, including me. There are better days ahead!

  18. I’m observing this tragedy with a moment of silence, if I had a black wreath I would hang it, every quilter reading your blog today feels your pain, including me. There are better days ahead!

  19. How frustrating! I feel your pain but I’m guessing, along with other commenters, you’ll come up with a solution. Meanwhile, don’t be too hard on yourself…we’re our worst critics!

  20. How frustrating! I feel your pain but I’m guessing, along with other commenters, you’ll come up with a solution. Meanwhile, don’t be too hard on yourself…we’re our worst critics!

  21. I sympathize very much! However, is there a way you can use the smaller size instead? You will need more, though. And maybe the scale doesn’t work well.

  22. I sympathize very much! However, is there a way you can use the smaller size instead? You will need more, though. And maybe the scale doesn’t work well.

  23. Is there any way you can fit in one more half square along each side? Or could you fit in a solid square right at the point of the square on the big block? OH, my, what a state of affairs! Good luck.

  24. Is there any way you can fit in one more half square along each side? Or could you fit in a solid square right at the point of the square on the big block? OH, my, what a state of affairs! Good luck.

  25. OMG, I would need more than a moment for that to sink in. I’m so sorry this happened! Set the project aside, focus on something else for awhile and come back to it when you are ready. There is probably a solution that will salvage all or most of your work and with some time away, it will come to you.

  26. OMG, I would need more than a moment for that to sink in. I’m so sorry this happened! Set the project aside, focus on something else for awhile and come back to it when you are ready. There is probably a solution that will salvage all or most of your work and with some time away, it will come to you.

  29. oh no! emergency phone call, a 911 to buggy barn….”more cute black prints, please. STAT”. oh, nicole….i feel your pain. like you said, just a minor set back.

  30. oh no! emergency phone call, a 911 to buggy barn….”more cute black prints, please. STAT”. oh, nicole….i feel your pain. like you said, just a minor set back.

  31. Oh, say it isn’t so!!!! Huge consoling hugs to you! No doubt there is a solution that you or someone will think of. What occurs to me is adding a very narrow coping strip around each block so the measurement will add up to the length of the small HSTs once they’re sewn together. Depending on what color fabric you choose for the coping strip, it could look even more fantastic, as if light or fire or …?… was shining between the blocks.
    More big hugs!
    We’re leaving for Eastern Shore soon so will enjoy catching up on Friday.
    Be good to you!

  32. Oh, say it isn’t so!!!! Huge consoling hugs to you! No doubt there is a solution that you or someone will think of. What occurs to me is adding a very narrow coping strip around each block so the measurement will add up to the length of the small HSTs once they’re sewn together. Depending on what color fabric you choose for the coping strip, it could look even more fantastic, as if light or fire or …?… was shining between the blocks.
    More big hugs!
    We’re leaving for Eastern Shore soon so will enjoy catching up on Friday.
    Be good to you!

  33. Oh no! I hate to say it but “been there, done that” more times than I like to think about! But, fabric can (usually) be replaced and I bet the 1/2 square triangles could be used to make a border for an accent pillow (or three) to go with the great quilt that you are making.
    But, I too, had thought about the extra border to make up the difference — or perhaps some kind of corner treatment to make up the space?
    Let us see what you end up doing.

  34. Oh no! I hate to say it but “been there, done that” more times than I like to think about! But, fabric can (usually) be replaced and I bet the 1/2 square triangles could be used to make a border for an accent pillow (or three) to go with the great quilt that you are making.
    But, I too, had thought about the extra border to make up the difference — or perhaps some kind of corner treatment to make up the space?
    Let us see what you end up doing.

  37. I’m so sorry – I hate that when it happens. Had it happen before:( I ‘m thinking that if you put a very narrow border around them it could possibly work? Or save them for another project and then make more. Just think you would have 1/2 the quilt ready to go:)
    LauraT

  38. I’m so sorry – I hate that when it happens. Had it happen before:( I ‘m thinking that if you put a very narrow border around them it could possibly work? Or save them for another project and then make more. Just think you would have 1/2 the quilt ready to go:)
    LauraT

  39. Gosh Nicole you are human after all!!!!!(lol) This sounds like something I would have done because I am known for reading instructions after the fact.
    I am sure that you will come up with the perfect solution after you have come out of mourning .

  40. Gosh Nicole you are human after all!!!!!(lol) This sounds like something I would have done because I am known for reading instructions after the fact.
    I am sure that you will come up with the perfect solution after you have come out of mourning .

  41. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear! How heartbreaking for you. I am sure you will find a way to make it work for you, but I have to agree with Thelma…I would be hanging a black wreath for your situation as well. This quilt will definitely have a story to go with it, when all is said and done!
    Chin up girl. Quilters are resourceful people…you will find a solution..I have faith in you!

  42. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear! How heartbreaking for you. I am sure you will find a way to make it work for you, but I have to agree with Thelma…I would be hanging a black wreath for your situation as well. This quilt will definitely have a story to go with it, when all is said and done!
    Chin up girl. Quilters are resourceful people…you will find a solution..I have faith in you!

  43. So many of us feel your pain… take a breath, take a break, and walk away from it for a while. At least you have the makings for another project…

  44. So many of us feel your pain… take a breath, take a break, and walk away from it for a while. At least you have the makings for another project…

  45. Oh Wa-a-a Nicole. We are all in this miserable heap with you. Thank goodness you have a blog you can “scream” into and not go this misery alone! If you find a solution we will all cheer along, if you make the triangles over again we will coach you onwards and upwards. Yay Nicole! That what bloggy friends are for…

  46. Oh Wa-a-a Nicole. We are all in this miserable heap with you. Thank goodness you have a blog you can “scream” into and not go this misery alone! If you find a solution we will all cheer along, if you make the triangles over again we will coach you onwards and upwards. Yay Nicole! That what bloggy friends are for…

  47. How heartbreaking. I’m sorry that you used your cutest fabrics and made blocks that won’t work in 1904, but hopefully you will use them for something equally fabulous. Don’t give up! Your blocks are fabulous – I especially love your custom applique blocks!

  48. How heartbreaking. I’m sorry that you used your cutest fabrics and made blocks that won’t work in 1904, but hopefully you will use them for something equally fabulous. Don’t give up! Your blocks are fabulous – I especially love your custom applique blocks!

  49. Oh My! Feeling your Pain. 384 is a LOT of HQS. I know you will figure out a way to use them somehow , someday.

  50. Oh My! Feeling your Pain. 384 is a LOT of HQS. I know you will figure out a way to use them somehow , someday.

  51. Oh no! So sorry, and I’ve definitely been there before…… I’m thinking that with the help of a certain friend’s amazing math skills, you can still use them somehow. Maybe with the addition of a square in the corners of the sashing??? I think the two of you can come up with something! Think positive!

  52. Oh no! So sorry, and I’ve definitely been there before…… I’m thinking that with the help of a certain friend’s amazing math skills, you can still use them somehow. Maybe with the addition of a square in the corners of the sashing??? I think the two of you can come up with something! Think positive!

  55. OMG so sorry…I have done similar things and felt so bad, like Dagwood with the black cloud over his head (remember him?). Treat yourself especially well today and do only things that you love…hug that granddaughter, and Ozzie, too….this too shall pass. Hugs and sympathy.

  56. OMG so sorry…I have done similar things and felt so bad, like Dagwood with the black cloud over his head (remember him?). Treat yourself especially well today and do only things that you love…hug that granddaughter, and Ozzie, too….this too shall pass. Hugs and sympathy.

  57. Wow, I think we all share your pain, what a bummer 🙁 I too am thinking maybe you might be able to make it work, just play with sewing up a few around the block to see how short you are, or maybe add a square or two to make up the difference…you may end up liking it better and it will be completely your own 🙂 Also, way good excuse to buy more of that gorgeous fabric!

  58. Wow, I think we all share your pain, what a bummer 🙁 I too am thinking maybe you might be able to make it work, just play with sewing up a few around the block to see how short you are, or maybe add a square or two to make up the difference…you may end up liking it better and it will be completely your own 🙂 Also, way good excuse to buy more of that gorgeous fabric!

  67. Oh, that is so sad. I’m sorry. It sounds just like the things I do all the time. I think the hearts of quilters everywhere are reaching out to you today.

  68. Oh, that is so sad. I’m sorry. It sounds just like the things I do all the time. I think the hearts of quilters everywhere are reaching out to you today.

  69. That reminds me, I have a couple of boxes of wrong-sized HTSs hidden away somewhere… I feel your pain and frustration and well-duh-ness.
    As everyone has already stated – condolences sent and empathy felt. We’ve all done something like it, and while it totally sucks, you’re going to get a little – or maybe not so little – bonus baby out of it! Two Halloween quilts! Now get busy and go make the size you need so we can see the finished quilt!

  70. That reminds me, I have a couple of boxes of wrong-sized HTSs hidden away somewhere… I feel your pain and frustration and well-duh-ness.
    As everyone has already stated – condolences sent and empathy felt. We’ve all done something like it, and while it totally sucks, you’re going to get a little – or maybe not so little – bonus baby out of it! Two Halloween quilts! Now get busy and go make the size you need so we can see the finished quilt!

  71. I am going along with trying extra two inch hst”s and a small border. We will be on the edge of our seats until you tell us how you worked this out!

  72. I am going along with trying extra two inch hst”s and a small border. We will be on the edge of our seats until you tell us how you worked this out!

  73. OMG, I can’t imagine how you must feel. Hopefully, you can use these half-square triangles in another quilt. Myself, I think I would put them away in a box where I couldn’t see them. Out of sight, out of mind, and move on.

  74. OMG, I can’t imagine how you must feel. Hopefully, you can use these half-square triangles in another quilt. Myself, I think I would put them away in a box where I couldn’t see them. Out of sight, out of mind, and move on.

  77. Oh, No…..I know you are just “sick” and how often have all of us done this?? Someone will have a good solution! I’m so sorry! Can you replace the fabric?
    Gloria

  78. Oh, No…..I know you are just “sick” and how often have all of us done this?? Someone will have a good solution! I’m so sorry! Can you replace the fabric?
    Gloria

  81. Oh man!! I feel your pain and I hear your wailing! My heartfelt condolences to you and your too small triangles. ;(

  82. Oh man!! I feel your pain and I hear your wailing! My heartfelt condolences to you and your too small triangles. ;(

  87. Still very usable, you just need to do a little math and maybe use some spacer strips/blocks. Once you calm down and dry your eyes, you will see the solution. Good grief, I was doing 1/2 sq tris on paper Fri night, got them sewn, then cut on the completely wrong line. Saturday they were salvageable! Give yours a day or two.

  88. Still very usable, you just need to do a little math and maybe use some spacer strips/blocks. Once you calm down and dry your eyes, you will see the solution. Good grief, I was doing 1/2 sq tris on paper Fri night, got them sewn, then cut on the completely wrong line. Saturday they were salvageable! Give yours a day or two.

  91. Oh, Nicole, been there, done that. I get so frustrated when I do something like that. I really do sympathize. Let us know what you decide to do.

  92. Oh, Nicole, been there, done that. I get so frustrated when I do something like that. I really do sympathize. Let us know what you decide to do.

  93. OMG!! I am SO sorry! I feel for you! I’m having the same black cloud over here. I’m making the simplest Olivia the Pig quilt you have ever seen; 4 patches and straight sewn lines and I’ve had it apart twice! I can’t figure out what in the world is going on!!! Forge onward Nicole………..

  94. OMG!! I am SO sorry! I feel for you! I’m having the same black cloud over here. I’m making the simplest Olivia the Pig quilt you have ever seen; 4 patches and straight sewn lines and I’ve had it apart twice! I can’t figure out what in the world is going on!!! Forge onward Nicole………..

  95. Did you hear our collective GASP when we read your punchline?? Oh wow… So very unfortunate and it happens so easily! I always say–I learn something new with every quilt I make. There’s a lesson here somewhere… I think I would have to step back and work on something fun for awhile before I could face starting in on any more HSTs. “Oh well” if it is not finished for Halloween. My condolences.

  96. Did you hear our collective GASP when we read your punchline?? Oh wow… So very unfortunate and it happens so easily! I always say–I learn something new with every quilt I make. There’s a lesson here somewhere… I think I would have to step back and work on something fun for awhile before I could face starting in on any more HSTs. “Oh well” if it is not finished for Halloween. My condolences.

  99. Been there, done that (well, at least an error very close to that). Some day when you need 2″ HSTs, you will be very happy, right? But it is hard to think about that day now 🙁

  100. Been there, done that (well, at least an error very close to that). Some day when you need 2″ HSTs, you will be very happy, right? But it is hard to think about that day now 🙁

  101. I’m soooo sorry this happened to you. But a part of me is rejoicing. I’m not the only one that makes these catastrophic mistakes.
    Sometimes good things come from mistakes. I bet you’ll make a great little quilt with all the “mistake” pieces!

  102. I’m soooo sorry this happened to you. But a part of me is rejoicing. I’m not the only one that makes these catastrophic mistakes.
    Sometimes good things come from mistakes. I bet you’ll make a great little quilt with all the “mistake” pieces!

  105. Isn’t it nice to know that so many quilters feel your pain! I think we have all had one those slap your head moments before. Chin up

  106. Isn’t it nice to know that so many quilters feel your pain! I think we have all had one those slap your head moments before. Chin up

  107. Ouch….I certainly feel for you. I know I’ve done things like this before. That is why I always buy extra fabric. At least, that’s why I tell myself I buy extra fabric. I bet those triangles would be beautiful incorporated into a pieced back or another border.

  108. Ouch….I certainly feel for you. I know I’ve done things like this before. That is why I always buy extra fabric. At least, that’s why I tell myself I buy extra fabric. I bet those triangles would be beautiful incorporated into a pieced back or another border.

  109. i to feel your pain have done the exact same thing so tragic to be so close to a finish and have to start over im so sorry !!!

  110. i to feel your pain have done the exact same thing so tragic to be so close to a finish and have to start over im so sorry !!!

  111. Oh Nicole, I kept reading to see if it was a typo. I have been there but not with 300+ hst. That must be sooo painful. I’m so sorry.
    Good thing is that hst unit can easily be incorporated in another project, so it’s not all for nothing. Not that i would be able to appreciate that for a bit. How are you recovering from this?

  112. Oh Nicole, I kept reading to see if it was a typo. I have been there but not with 300+ hst. That must be sooo painful. I’m so sorry.
    Good thing is that hst unit can easily be incorporated in another project, so it’s not all for nothing. Not that i would be able to appreciate that for a bit. How are you recovering from this?

  113. Well I hate to say I’ve done this before but I have. I would then proceed to use every swear word I knew on myself. But then you russle up some more fabric and move on. Good luck.

  114. Well I hate to say I’ve done this before but I have. I would then proceed to use every swear word I knew on myself. But then you russle up some more fabric and move on. Good luck.

  117. I actually felt nauseated when I read your blog. I am so sorry! All I can say is onwards and upwards!!!

  118. I actually felt nauseated when I read your blog. I am so sorry! All I can say is onwards and upwards!!!