Originally Posted by
Jan in FL
I have been quilting a year. I am learning with each new project and can see improvements. I tried so hard to have my cutting and my seams perfect with my latest project - and am so proud that they are! I just knew that this was going to be my best quilt so far. I am making a quilt called Shadowplay. The instructions have you sew pieces together and then "trim down" to 8 1/2" blocks. I did it so carefully...taking my time....not rushing, eventhough I couldn't wait to start sewing blocks and rows together.
When you trim down those blocks to 8 1/2" squares, there is absolutely no way to have them all centered exactly the same and now, my perfectly sized, perfectly cut, perfectly sewn blocks do not match up with each other and the whole quilt is not going to go together like it should.
It is so discouraging, I haven't been in my sewing room for over two weeks. I feel like I am just not capable of improving.....
My DH said to just throw the fabric and the pattern out and start over on the next project. And I was surprised that he said that so I know he is really supportive of me, bless his heart. I just hate failure. And the fabric was so pretty and I was so excited and proud.
I don't know what I want to do at this point. Have you ever been in this spot?
Do NOT throw them away. Everything you do is a lesson to learn. There are no mistakes just creative possibilities. (That was my mantra) So, do take pics and post them for us to see, but I'm betting you need lessons on squaring up. When I first started squaring up I never used the long markings on the inside of the rulers - the ones that make you square up square - yes, those. I needed someone to show me how, then I got it. You will use these blocks, good or not, put together they will look fine for a back. Or someone will love it as a donation quilt. Don't give up. And chin up. We've all been thru big disappointments and learned from them.