Confession time. I was getting quite frustrated with the Web Sampler Challenge and closed up my project box and put it away. I was even considering dropping out of the Challenge I am doing with Perry, Cindy, Carol, and Lisa. Let me tell you why, and what happened to make me pick it up again.
I made my first block before going on the retreat in April. All the blocks were cut out and ready for me to sew. My plan was to make a big dent in the sewing while up at San Damiano with my friends. Two things got in the way of that plan. I got sick (with the 24 hour flu) and could barely make it out of my bed, much less do any sewing. Also, these sampler blocks take a LOT of concentration. There are tons of itty bitty pieces labled from A to Z and it is so easy to get fabrics mixed up if you get the slightest bit distracted. While at the retreat I attempted to start on block number two, and made such a mess of it, I had to throw it away! My fault entirely. I just could not give this project the full concentration it needs.
Part of the problem was that it was difficult to focus while in the midst of happy conversational friends. The other issue was (and I apologize to the pattern designer, Paula Barnes, for what I am about to say): the instructions are not that great. The blocks are gorgeous, don’t get me wrong. However, I have discovered several editing issues that if clarified or corrected would make things ever so much easier. The A/E, J/H, C/E instructions are confusing, the pressing directions are inconsistent (some times mentioned, other times ignored), and the number of units to make is sometimes mentioned and other times not. With one of the blocks, I ended up with four left over flying geese units. I thought I must have screwed up, but Lisa said the same thing happened to her. I have to say that is a bit sloppy.
Thank goodness for the color copies of what the finished block is supposed to look like that were provided by Common Threads (Block 6) and Back Door Quilts (Block 7). If all the shops had done that it would have been so helpful. In one case I accidently got the color placement wrong (Block 2, my problem child). I could have referred to the web page that shows all the blocks in color, but it just wasn’t as convenient as having a color picture right there with the pattern.
Maybe I shouldn’t be so quick to blame the pattern instructions for my foul ups, but I just have to say that I have had many more goofs and errors with these block patterns than others I have used. But, after all, it is supposed to be a "Challenge", right? It has been for me!!
I have been feeling tremendously guilty, having committed to this project and to regular postings. Some of the other women have completed all their blocks alreay. I do love the fabric, and I am happy with the finishing kit I chose. So, what could I do to recharge my interest in the project?
Today I took the box out and opened it up. I mentally forced myself to at least make one block. As I started to sew, I groaned to myself at the number of tiny half square triangles to be made for each block. The instructions said to draw a line diagonally on a gazillion two inch squares. What? I wanted to SEW, not fiddle around with a pencil and a ruler.
Then, I had an Ah Ha! moment. Remember me posting a while back on a tool called the Angler 2? ( I posted on it on Aug. 30, 2007). This little gizmo changed everything for me. I taped it place on the throat bed of my sewing machine and started stitching away. With the Angler 2, you line your stitching up with clearly marked guide lines, and you do not have to draw any darn lines!
I finished three blocks in about two hours and I love them! I’m back in the groove girls!
So what’s the message? Don’t give up. Find a way to do it smarter.
52 responses to “Web Sampler, Resurrected”
That sounds very frustrating. I hate when instructions are unclear or just plain wrong. I have shelved more than one project because of it. I’m happy with the Patchwork Party’s instructions. The only thing is you pretty much need to buy the Marti Mitchel templates, and they use different ones for each session.
Those blocks look really nice, the fabrics are very warm and welcoming.
That sounds very frustrating. I hate when instructions are unclear or just plain wrong. I have shelved more than one project because of it. I’m happy with the Patchwork Party’s instructions. The only thing is you pretty much need to buy the Marti Mitchel templates, and they use different ones for each session.
Those blocks look really nice, the fabrics are very warm and welcoming.
I’m with you…I think these blocks have been a real challenge…but I love them when they’re done…very labor intensive and time consuming. The ones with the color photos were so helpful…thanks for the Angler tip…I’ve fussed over every drawn line. Blogland friends are the best!!
I’m with you…I think these blocks have been a real challenge…but I love them when they’re done…very labor intensive and time consuming. The ones with the color photos were so helpful…thanks for the Angler tip…I’ve fussed over every drawn line. Blogland friends are the best!!
The Angler 2 is the best quilting invention since the sewing machine!!!
Oh, and by the way, count me in for the two color quilt project. I’m doing black and tan.
The Angler 2 is the best quilting invention since the sewing machine!!!
Oh, and by the way, count me in for the two color quilt project. I’m doing black and tan.
Your sampler quilt looks very good. I can understand the frustrations you have been feeling. Not every designer knows how to write good directions. But you are overcoming the problems in good style!
Your sampler quilt looks very good. I can understand the frustrations you have been feeling. Not every designer knows how to write good directions. But you are overcoming the problems in good style!
Well, you went and got me motivated now!!!! I think I am going to ditch what I am working on now and start working on the Web Sampler again, even though I vowed to finish my current project first. Now look what you have gone and done!
I know I have one of those angler things somewhere so finding that is the first in line. Oh, what block was it that had the extra flying geese? I don’t think I have done that one yet. Your blocks are looking good, Nicole! Nancy in WI
Well, you went and got me motivated now!!!! I think I am going to ditch what I am working on now and start working on the Web Sampler again, even though I vowed to finish my current project first. Now look what you have gone and done!
I know I have one of those angler things somewhere so finding that is the first in line. Oh, what block was it that had the extra flying geese? I don’t think I have done that one yet. Your blocks are looking good, Nicole! Nancy in WI
I love the Angler 2 too! And what a pretty quilt.
I love the Angler 2 too! And what a pretty quilt.
Your quilt is very pretty. I have never heard you grumble before so the pattern must have been bad because thats not like you to grumble I am glad you have sorted it out.Happy Quilting.
Hugs Mary.
Your quilt is very pretty. I have never heard you grumble before so the pattern must have been bad because thats not like you to grumble I am glad you have sorted it out.Happy Quilting.
Hugs Mary.
you are so right about doing it smarter. i have found pattern after pattern that if i just sit down, read the instructions first and visualize what it’s asking me to do, then i can make changes that make me happier. and frequently, the math in the instructions is wrong so i just go ahead and make notes and cross things out and do it the way i like.
you are so right about doing it smarter. i have found pattern after pattern that if i just sit down, read the instructions first and visualize what it’s asking me to do, then i can make changes that make me happier. and frequently, the math in the instructions is wrong so i just go ahead and make notes and cross things out and do it the way i like.
You are so correct Nicole, these instructions were very inconsistent and one of the blocks in my quilt is not put together properly because I followed the instructions and not the colored photos. I definitely love how this quilt turned out and I will definitely do Web Sampler III. So hopefully someone will be reading your blog and past our comments on to have better instructions for the next quilt.
You are so correct Nicole, these instructions were very inconsistent and one of the blocks in my quilt is not put together properly because I followed the instructions and not the colored photos. I definitely love how this quilt turned out and I will definitely do Web Sampler III. So hopefully someone will be reading your blog and past our comments on to have better instructions for the next quilt.
You go girl – glad you didn’t give up. I have never tried the angler – I might be missing something :).
Hugs – karen
You go girl – glad you didn’t give up. I have never tried the angler – I might be missing something :).
Hugs – karen
After all the frustration, I am so glad of your working smarter inspiration! You go girl! You CAN do it and better!
After all the frustration, I am so glad of your working smarter inspiration! You go girl! You CAN do it and better!
Frustration level is very high on this quilt, but I’m glad you powered through. Looking good, my friend, looking good!
Frustration level is very high on this quilt, but I’m glad you powered through. Looking good, my friend, looking good!
I love the Angler 2 also. Especially for making lots of HST’s or flying geese.
The blocks do look wonderful! Sounds like quite a challenge to sew – I giggled at your small print describing the crux of the problem!!
I am thinking about your 2 colour quilt challenge – I think I have some fabrics and a pattern idea that will work. I’ll let you know for sure if I can figure it out.
I love the Angler 2 also. Especially for making lots of HST’s or flying geese.
The blocks do look wonderful! Sounds like quite a challenge to sew – I giggled at your small print describing the crux of the problem!!
I am thinking about your 2 colour quilt challenge – I think I have some fabrics and a pattern idea that will work. I’ll let you know for sure if I can figure it out.
Great advice! I need to get the angler 2. I hate all that drawing!
Great advice! I need to get the angler 2. I hate all that drawing!
Hi Your Sampler is Gorgeous!! And I am going to get myself that Angler Two!! Love your blog, someday I am going to get in one of those swaps, Hugs Mary
Hi Your Sampler is Gorgeous!! And I am going to get myself that Angler Two!! Love your blog, someday I am going to get in one of those swaps, Hugs Mary
love your Sampler it is Gorgeous!! I have to get that Angler Two, Hugs, Mary
Love your Blog!
love your Sampler it is Gorgeous!! I have to get that Angler Two, Hugs, Mary
Love your Blog!
Unfortunately, not all instructions are written in such a way as to be easy to follow. I’ve had the same problem as you with kits or patterns or blocks of the month. I’ve even “thrown out” the directions and done it on my own from just looking at the picture. The worse is when you purchase a kit, hold on to it for a while, get it out to do, only to find that the shop didn’t cut the fabric correctly and you need more. Then you find out it’s out of stock. Oh, well…..Luckily that is the exception rather than the norm. I know that most of the quilt pattern designers spend hours proofing and even have proofers proofing their proofing! Whew!
I’m with you. I love the Angler. It’s a Godsend! Glad your back in the groove!
How is my man, Ozzie doing?
Unfortunately, not all instructions are written in such a way as to be easy to follow. I’ve had the same problem as you with kits or patterns or blocks of the month. I’ve even “thrown out” the directions and done it on my own from just looking at the picture. The worse is when you purchase a kit, hold on to it for a while, get it out to do, only to find that the shop didn’t cut the fabric correctly and you need more. Then you find out it’s out of stock. Oh, well…..Luckily that is the exception rather than the norm. I know that most of the quilt pattern designers spend hours proofing and even have proofers proofing their proofing! Whew!
I’m with you. I love the Angler. It’s a Godsend! Glad your back in the groove!
How is my man, Ozzie doing?
I love the colors in this one. I will have to research the angler. Does it work if you don’t have your machine in some kind of cabinet or case? Love your blue tape, too. =)
I love the colors in this one. I will have to research the angler. Does it work if you don’t have your machine in some kind of cabinet or case? Love your blue tape, too. =)
I think I have an angler buried in a drawer somewhere – I think I’ll dig it out! Thanks for the tip. I bought a quilt kit one time and the instructions were so bad I just put it together the way I thought it should go – but I was so wrong! So then I cut it into fourths, rearranged the fourths and sewed it back together. Told everyone I planned it that way. 🙂
I think I have an angler buried in a drawer somewhere – I think I’ll dig it out! Thanks for the tip. I bought a quilt kit one time and the instructions were so bad I just put it together the way I thought it should go – but I was so wrong! So then I cut it into fourths, rearranged the fourths and sewed it back together. Told everyone I planned it that way. 🙂
So can I say Im happy I decided not to do this one?? LOL!!! but yours is gonna be pretty when Its done then I’ll be jealous.
So can I say Im happy I decided not to do this one?? LOL!!! but yours is gonna be pretty when Its done then I’ll be jealous.
Well, I think it looks great. I love the colors, too. I am proud of you for not quitting!
Well, I think it looks great. I love the colors, too. I am proud of you for not quitting!
I will have to agree that not all patterns are created equal, and if you are a bit foggy can lead you storing the project safely at the back of the cupboard, out of harms way.
I will have to agree that not all patterns are created equal, and if you are a bit foggy can lead you storing the project safely at the back of the cupboard, out of harms way.
Very pretty progress! Sometimes if I have a rest from a project, it helps to get me back on track. And I absolutely hate directions that don’t work…
Very pretty progress! Sometimes if I have a rest from a project, it helps to get me back on track. And I absolutely hate directions that don’t work…
Very pretty progress! Sometimes if I have a rest from a project, it helps to get me back on track. And I absolutely hate directions that don’t work…
Very pretty progress! Sometimes if I have a rest from a project, it helps to get me back on track. And I absolutely hate directions that don’t work…
I used this same angler tool while sewing the four squares on my gingersnap blocks. It’s a dream come true, isn’t it?
I used this same angler tool while sewing the four squares on my gingersnap blocks. It’s a dream come true, isn’t it?
I love the Angler 2. It makes half square triangles, snowballs, and flying geese perfect.
I love the Angler 2. It makes half square triangles, snowballs, and flying geese perfect.