Patience and Anticipation
A funny thing happened last night that I was reticent to talk about without the approval of my spouse. I asked her only because I am making fun of both of us, but didn’t want to offend her by including it in my post. She of course approved of my using it because she’s fantastic.
I had to do some work from home last night and knew that I wouldn’t be able to do too much on the quilt that I’m finishing. All of the blocks are together, all that’s needed is to piece the blocks together to make the panels and then sew the panels together. Two of the panels are complete, but rather than have the expectations of finishing during the week, I’m trying to be realistic and have the patience to finish this weekend when I have more time.
After my work was completed and dinner was finished, we went back into the sewing room for the last hour of the night before we went to sleep to get a little sewing in… After I’ve sewn my first strip to join two blocks together, I realize that I’ve sewn the strip on the wrong side of the block (with this pattern there is no way I could leave it in and make it work). Now I have to say that on occasion this happens to me, but with this quilt… let’s just say that it is chronic. It was at this point that Kay looking over at me and my “new” difficulties and makes fun.
Kay suggested that I give it up for the night and laughed a little at the continuing difficulty that I’ve had with this quilt. Sewing blocks and strips to the wrong sides, forgetting to use the 1/4″ selection of the machine, and other trials I’ve faced while making this quilt. I was thinking (you could actually see the gears move) of something pithy to reply to her when I looked down and saw that she was using the wrong sewing foot for what she was working on!! What ensued at that point was nothing less than storm of cursing at our machines and the collective fate of our two quilts.
We could have given up at this point, but given our nature we hunkered down, brought out two seam rippers, and proceeded to “fix” our mistakes. Rather than stopping afterwards, we completed what we had started before finally going to bed. I had finished another panel, number three out of eight. I realized though that I’m kind of enjoying the time that it’s taking to finish this quilt. I happen to be making it for myself and think that as I use the finished quilt this Autumn, I will appreciate it that much more knowing as I do the time and patience I’ve had to have with it. All of the effort I’ve put in leaves me feeling a great anticipation for what this quilt will be when it grows up.
Books quilts and sewing 
Well, I’m really liking your ongoing quilting stories! As a quilter, I can share your pains and also rejoice when the quilt is finally “birthed!” (Quilt in a Day lady used this term.) When is is grown up, I guess it is well used by then.
Once –a very long time ago when I was a young mother and making lots of dresses,– I got into too much of a hurry and sewed in a sleeve upside down. The shoulder connected to the armpit. I didn’t realize my mistake till time to try it on!! what a laugh. You just have to laugh so much it keeps you in stitches.
Thank you for your kind words, understanding and encouragement! I love doing this a lot and writing about it allows me to get my thoughts, joys, and frustrations out.