Sunday, July 12, 2009

I'm Determined

As I've posted previously (here and here) Y seams have not been my friend. I had accepted that the 2nd attempt at my Turkey Tracks block would be my last. I went to cut it to size when I realized that it was too small! Today my LQS The Olde Green Cupboard had something called "The Doctor's Are In The House" where you could go in and get some help on any project you were stuck on. So off I went! Boy did I ever benefit from the specialized help today! Part of the problem was a cutting issue on my part. It was my first time using templates. As a result, my dots that were marked on the fabric were in the wrong place. Also, Faye showed me her technique for Y Seams (which are the same ones in the book but I just couldn't get it) and it made SO much more sense! Here is the partial block I worked on. Faye did one side, I did the other. I feel so much more comfortable and as a result, a third attempt is in progress! I'm determined to master this block! It was a fun few hours. Everyone had different needs and it was fun to be in a quilting classroom again. Of course, I spent more time chatting and looking at everyone else's projects than I did working on my own things.
I decided to take BOTH quilt classes I mentioned in my prior post! I saw this sample quilt and fell in love with the fabric. (Bubblegum Basics) I bought what my LQS had and then ordered a bit more (including the backing) online. I'm going to use this for the Jack and Jill quilt - I'm doing the Jill version. It will be much scrappier and brighter than the sample. I'm going to make it a lap quilt and give it to a special little girl.
This sample quilt at my LQS inspired me to buy the fabric!

There's not much knitting progress. I'm still working on the shawl I showed you in my prior post. It's still in the boring stage and will be for some time. I'm also working on the Christmas gift I can't show you. Actually, the first one is finished and I'm working on a 2nd one for someone else. I'm purposely not casting on for something else as the Dragon Melody Shawl is a big project and I'm taking a lace shawl class at the beginning of August. That project is so big that the yarn will come on a cone!

I weighed in yesterday at WW and I only have 1.2 pounds of my vacation weight left to take off. I didn't hit the gym at all the weekend as I bailed out yesterday (now I wished I hadn't) and was plagued with stomach issues all last night and a portion of today. This is my third weekend of sticking to program 100%. During the week it has never been a problem but I had started having lunch Saturday off plan. Then Saturday night. Then it ended up being the whole weekend! It's very easy to backslide.

I hope you all had happy stitches this weekend!

18 comments:

blushing rose said...

Beautiful fabric design. You go, you'll make it with the weight. Good for you ... TTFN ~Marydon

Chris Daly said...

What a beautiful looking block!

Anonymous said...

HI Jackie -I so enjoyed reading your posting about those Y seams. A few years ago I followed Jackie Robinson's free BOM for a year - she said we would be able to do set in seams when completed and she was right! But it took most of the 12 months for me :o)! Yours are looking nice so keep up that determination. BTW - you are right - taking time to relax is very rewarding.Thanks for dropping by my blog today & come again soon!

Debbie said...

Your determination has paid of. Your Y seams look great. Pretty fabric too. Sounds like you will be happily busy with your upcoming classes and knitting projects. Looking forward to seeing your results.

Micki said...

The fabrics that you used are lovely! The block is so gorgeous as is the quilt.
Micki

QuiltSue said...

Those Y-seams are great, you've done a wonderful job with them. I love the Bubblegum fabrics you've chosen and will look forward to seeing the quilts from your workshops.

Diane said...

Congratulations on the y seam mastery! The block is darling. I don't blame you for taking two classes - the samples are darling (love the RWB with the boats).

Anonymous said...

Your Y seams look great! Both sides look exactly the same to me. All the classes you take look like so much fun! I love the Bubblegum Basics fabrics too. Thanks for the link to see them up-close. What a joy it will be to work with such cherry fabrics.

em's scrapbag said...

I have yet to try Y seams they scare me so I think you are very brave. Your block looks great! I love bubble gum basics. It is such a fun line. I made my last design out of it.

Jeannine said...

Ooooh - Dresden Plate - that is SOO much fun! Nifty trick to that - and no, I'm not telling - I'll make you wait! LOL!

Karen said...

Your lap quilt is going to be beautiful;)

Anonymous said...

This quilt is stunning. All the fabrics look so lovely girlie. Love the block too.

I'll have to go favorite on your flickr.

Candace said...

Yippeee....I'm so glad you got some mentoring on your Y seams, Jackie! You'll also love both classes! Hope your tummy is better soon!
Cheers!

ruthee... said...

Congratulations on the loss...you are doing so amazing!!!

I love your attitude and approach to your quilting dilemmas.

Teresa said...

Congratulations on your "Y" seam success - persistence pays!

Simone de Klerk said...

I admire you for your - in Dutch we say 'doorzettingsvermogen' that is, where you don't just give up. I love the fabrics you used for you block. And wow, ow projects you signed up for. Look forward to see their progress soon. Love the fabric line you got!

Jodie said...

Now that sure is one gorgeous block!!! I love the bright colours in this quilt, you've done a fantastic job...

Take Care
Jodie :)

woolwoman said...

Jackie I'm so glad you got some special help at the class at OGC - sometimes it just takes seeing and having someone who is patient and really knows their stuff to help us thru new things.

I admire you for being so persistent with your WW goals - Hope you have lots of fun at the midnight knit! Mel