Saturday, June 19, 2010

How Long Does It Take To Finish A Block?

A couple of posts back I wrote that I was buzzing from flower to flower not getting much of anything done. I figured out why. I've been trying to catch up on my Stitchers Garden BOMs and frankly, they are a LOT of work. I'm a progress person - I really enjoy it. But these blocks do tend to test my limits. I'm not finishing them before I start the next one. I've just now gotten to the point where I have 3 completely finished and 4 are almost finished. I'm not sure how many I'm behind.

Here's the lowdown on why these blocks are taking so long. Granted I'm slow but even allowing for that......

Background quilted
Applique
Decorative stitches used sometimes in place of the blanket stitch
See the yarn? That had to be sewn down (we used Bernina Foot #21)
Two frames around the block
My first Yo Yo (which I now notice is off center along with the applique UGH)
This one has additional decorative stitches within some pieces and see the decorative stitching off to the left?
That decorative stitching goes around the whole block. This background is pieced before it's quilted.
All of the blocks have many steps to them. While I am learning a lot it's been a challenge to actually completely finish a block before it's time to prep for the next one.

Next month the background is quilted with a double needle and we're using the cording foot #25 for a flower stem.

YoYos? I must say, I'm not a fan. Just not my thing. If you love them, it's fantastic. Me? Right now I'm just not getting it.

29 comments:

Kathleen said...

The end result looks worth it... they are fantastic. I think I'd be like you though and start another before finishing one... it's soooo hard to wait for a finsh.

Beth said...

I can't believe how much work went into these blocks! They look great!

Maria said...

Oh boy, they are a lot of work. But really pretty.

Siobhán said...

Lots of work, but the end result is worth it!

Anonymous said...

YoYos to you are like hats to me. Can't figure out why people enjoy knitting them, but obviously many people do.

Your projects turned out beautifully and, of course, I don't see any of the flaws you mentioned. They all look perfect to me.

Theresa said...

I love your blocks!!!! Your hard work is well worth it!!

Micki said...

I can see how much work went into those blocks...beautiful!
Micki

Annie said...

These blocks are so great. A lot of work, but I think they are definitely worth the effort. Plus you are learning so much along the way!

Sew Create It - Jane said...

Gorgeous appliqué...I love the idea of using a decorative stitch in place of the blanket stitch. One can get quite creative that way.

Barb said...

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I love your blocks!!

Margaret said...

Wow! They're all gorgeous! So what if your yoyo isn't centered? It makes it unique! I like it that way! I've never made a yoyo, but I can say that I don't think I'd particularly want to either. :D It's wonderful how much you can do with a good sewing machine. Sigh....

Marie said...

Beautiful work girlfriend, take your time and you will enjoy the roses!! Hugs, marie

Littlebit said...

Oh, Jackie! Those are beautiful blocks! I'm SUCH a basic girl, you will laugh when you see my holiday BoM..but I just love simplicity when it comes to quilts..I love the other stuff, too, but I know my patience/limits.

FlourishingPalms said...

Wow. You're really giving that Bernina a workout, aren't you? But more than making quilt blocks, you're learning about your sewing machine and all its possibilities. Hang in there. You're doing great!

Edna said...

Your blocks are looking great! So many great ideas in each one. Is this a "quilted-as-you-go" project? You mentioned quilting the backgrounds first so was just wondering. Can't wait to see the next blocks! Your yo-yo flower block is just fine... nothing in nature is exactly centered or perfect. Just enjoy it.

Pat said...

Your blocks are all stunning, Jackie...they really are. And I didn't think the yo-yo and that applique weren't centered properly. You are being too critical of your own work, as this is all GORGEOUS!!!

Marjo said...

I love all the colors and designs. I am in awe that you have the skill to do all that with the decorative stitches. They are all wonderful.

QuiltSue said...

Stop worrying and enjoy the progress, the process and the learning would be my advice. I'm a great one for beating myself up about lack of progress etc, then I realised one day there's no law which says a quilt has to be finished on a certain day.

The blocks you've shown here are lovely, and I love the colours you're using too.

Kajsa said...

Your progress is really lovely though!

Lori said...

Your blocks are beautiful but Wow, those look like a lot of work, probably more than I have patience for. I like the idea of the yarn trim. It adds another layer of depth to it. I'm going to have to remember that one.

Monica at Buttoncounter said...

Girl! I like your style. (by the way, I could drag out a four patch at least a year or two...lol)

aprilmecheelesdulllife said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I love the quilt blocks. I am going to learn one days how to quilt...
All those different feet & steps.. LOL

Mylene said...

I really admire your patience for the blocks. They all looks gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

Great looking blocks! Congrats on getting so much done.

Julia said...

Your work is meticulous! I am always so impressed with all the precision and detail!

Giovanna said...

Your quilting is gorgeous! And the colours are really pretty. Congrats on these blocks!

woolwoman said...

Jackie I am amazed at how much these "learning" blocks entail. I can see how you can easily get behind but I agree with so many others - you are doing a fantastic job and learning so much - so what if you run across things you don't want to make a career of - you did it and learned it and can move on and concentrate on the things you did enjoy doing. Cheers for your perservance! Mel

Carol said...

Jackie, these blocks are beautiful and so intricate. They are bound to take some time to complete but the end result will be so worth it!! They are wonderful!

kcenya1950 said...

I am so with you on the yo yo thing. i just don't get it either!