Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Mystery Solved!

The mystery of why my Dresden Plate block didn't work out has been solved. As I shared in my prior post, I felt like my seam allowance was too scant. Not so. I'm almost embarrassed to say what the problem was....I had too many pieces! Monday when I came home from work (almost on time) I sat down at the dining room table and decided to try and figure out what was going on. It's rare that I sew during the week but it was nice to get off work at a decent time and G was cooking dinner. So I took all my picked out pieces and started lining them up and then it dawned on me that I had too many! After that, it came together pretty easily. Go figure!

Lesson Learned: Counting is not over rated!
Here is the Friendship block I ended up working on late Sunday night. I was worried about this one with all the points coming together. Even though the centermost seam is off a bit, I'm still pretty happy with the way this came out. There were a LOT of places that my piecing could have gone really wrong.
Here's an update on my Sweater Sampler. I did my first placket (is that what it's called?). Not a great picture but you get the idea. The button hole and the piece that goes over it.
We also knit a sweater pocket. More like the pouch you have in a pullover hoodie. I enjoyed it and it's much easier than I anticipated. You can't see the short rows - they were much easier than my first experience (which was my own fault because first time around I used a dark yarn in fingering weight) and I think I could tackle these again. I never thought I'd say that!
I'm starting to get a little excited about our trip to Arizona at the end of the month. Can you believe I've never been out west? We're hoping to do a little hiking and will be spending most of the time with G's brother and his family. I'm already thinking about what knitting projects to take with me and fretting over getting my Addi's through security checks. Gotta get my knitting bag cleaned out and organized too! Next vacation (in June) is to my parents cabin in the mountains and we're driving. G doesn't know this yet, but I'm going to take my sewing machine then!

24 comments:

Beth said...

The friendship block is *gorgeous* and th dresden plates ain't half bad, either!

Unknown said...

Great blocks, so glad you found the problem. Don't be embarassed, we've all been there! :-)

Simone de Klerk said...

Such great works, Jackie. Your blocks looks gorgeous. Your knitting work looks quite complicated.

Anonymous said...

The quilt is coming along fabulously! Love all the blocks and the fabrics you chose. Your knitting looks great too.

Leslie said...

I just *love* it when my Dresden Plate blocks lie flat. It's like a pat on the back. Good for you for figuring it out. And the Friendship block matches in color! :) You could just pick out the center intersection to a quarter inch or so on each side, pin on both sides of the intersection and re-sew. It usually works...

Candace said...

Now that's something I would have done, too, Jackie - too many pieces! Well at least you figured it out - I always find that walking away for a while and coming back with fresh eyes really helps! I really love the colors you're using and I sure wouldn't worry about that centermost seam - it looks wonderful!
You'll have a terrific time "out west" - lots of wonderful things to see in Arizona! And forgive me - but what are Addi's?
Cheers!

Kitty said...

Well done for solving the mystery, Jackie! Both blocks look fabulous. x

Barb said...

I just love your work, Your dresden plate is awesome. When I did mine, I didn't have enough, so yes, counting is important.

Debbie said...

You are simply amazing. Its a good feeling to come back to something and be able to solve a problem lickety split.

Knitting looks great too.

Your vacation isn't that far off. The west is really pretty. You and G will enjoy your trip.

Susan said...

The extra piece in the block sounds like something I would do...glad to know I'm not alone!

ranette said...

Pretty friendship block and I've done something similar as you with too many pieces...lol...we all do that occasionally!

Enjoy your trip!

Karen said...

You have been busy! Your quilt blocks turned out so lovely and I really like the colors you are using. I haven't tried making a pocket for a sweater yet. Yours turned out very nicely.

Norma said...

You are doing such nice work! I enjoyed the too many pieces story........sounds like something I would have done and figured out in the middle of the night!

I am in Mesa, AZ and the weather is wonderful.....you are going to love it! What part of our lovely (this time of year) state are you visiting? Hope you will catch some of the wildflowers that are in bloom.

Glenna @ Hollyhock Quilts said...

Hi Jackie--

Thanks for the blog visit and note! So glad you like the new block. Maybe I'll actually get the quilt done one of these days!

Love your Dresden Plate! So glad you figured it out. Isn't that funny when we do things like that? Glad I'm not the only one!

Teresa said...

Congrats on figuring out the problem - sometimes the obvious is totally hidden to us. Your friendship block look fantastic too - great job on both projects.

Amy said...

Oh wow, your blocks are gorgeous! I've always wanted to try a Dresden plate. Great colors!! And many thanks for your lovely comment on my blog.

Karen said...

Love the Dresden and Friendship block.

Zlaty said...

I really enjoy how your Dresden Plate came out! Really pretty!
Did you turn the points with another fabric or there are applique? I was trying to figure out and then decided to ask you! :))
I like the friendship blocks too! Great colors!

Happy sewing and knitting!

Zlaty

Sherri said...

I love your Dresden plate block...it is absolutely gorgeous!

Kathi's Kreations said...

Hi Jackie,

Thanks for visiting my blog. I love your work. I mada a small Dresden Plate and loved doing it. I also love to knit and quilt.

Susan Freebery said...

Jackie, I love your Dresden block and friendship block! Did you use a template for the Dresden? I have always wanted to do that pattern, and have hung back. How did you do it? Love that you figured out that there was an extra piece in there. Just yesterday when I realized that I had cut a bag panel wrong, I said out loud, "measure TWICE, cut once..." It seems that every time I deviate from that routine, I end up with mistakes...!

Chris Daly said...

I'm glad you figured out your Dresden plate problem. I hate when that happens. lol

Pamela said...

Jackie, thanks for stopping by my blog - your quilt blocks are gorgeous. How I love pinks!!! I have never tried the dresdan plate - good job figuring out what went wrong. LOL! Pamela

Simplyme5252 said...

Your knits and quilt works are lovely. I am a new knitter and have always wanted to quilt. Look foward to seeing more. :)