The ugly fabric tempered with some solids and creative stitches could transform from the ugly duckling to the beautiful swan. A certain stitch can transform wonders but you'll never know if you never try. Stitch up those jelly rolls and quilt away until you find your own rythm and style.

We're all rooting for you.
Andie :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Hey, Spring, I hope your move goes well. I sure do understand about moving. I've lived more than 30 different places. It's hard to move, and it always seems to happen after you make some nice connections.

Please remember that you are connected to us in this cyber community and although it's different than a quilt guild, it's also similar in many ways. Wherever you move, girlfriend, just turn on your PC and we'll be there with ya.

And if that quilt still strikes you as ugly, just chalk it up to a learning experience. Look at it objectively, with clear eyes, and determine what it is that you don't like about it. Is the color off? Too bland? Not enough or too much contrast? Pieces too big or too small? Borders not right size?

Then give it away. Someone will love it!

I was Project Linus coordinator for Philadelphia for 4 years, and I've given away a lot of quilts and blankets that I thought were odd color combinations. I'd pack em up and head off to the bereavement camp or children's hospital or foster care center, and there was always a kid there picking the "odd"one that I had thought was the red-headed stepchild!

We all like different things, and variety is the spice of life.

What's ugly about it? I think it's nice, has a very peaceful, "mediterranean" sort of a look!
Like the best time of Summer.

I don't think it's ugly either. I love the oranges and blues in it!

And after you practice your FMQ on the ugly material, give it to your mom, cuz you are right! We moms do love anything you kids make for us!!!!

Its funny because the jelly roll is all my favorite colors, I wanted something in fall colors..I got exactly was I wanted but I don't care for it. The more blocks I make the brighter it gets. Would some plain white sashing help tone it down?

ohhhh I like that..its coming right along...:)

Do you have EQ or another quilting design program? Maybe you can audition it with and without sashing or with different sashing colors to see what you think.

well where to start....
I decided I still was not feeling it for this poor fabric. So I tore out the stitches, sat all the squared out on my bed, locked the door, put on some music. After I seduced my fabric, I fell in love with it. I have a brand new design layout and we are looking forward to evenings in the porch swing, reading by the fireplace, and many many summer evenings at the beach. She has even agreed to be my tissue during those sad chick flicks I watch while hubby is out of town.
Thank you all for the encouragement to keep playing with it until I got it right.

P.S. Be prepared for pics next weekend. Im so excited.

LOVE this post. Love it. :mrgreen:

Looking forward to the pics!

I am so glad you entered into a love affair with your project.
Sometimes it just take getting more acquainted with the fabrics before that magic happens.
I look forward to seeing the finished quilt.

Oh I just love a happy ending!!

Great advise here, I was like you about free-hand quilting, but what is the worse that can happen. Do up the "Ugly" fabric and practice. Or you could always just put on the walking foot and follow the lines that is the best way to get started. That is what I do when I am stuck on how to quilt a project. Just have fun no matter what because that is what this is about.....

How about using the material to make a baby quilt for the Linus project. A great way to practice your quilting & the end product will warm someone's little bundle.


Skip the wine - a martini works better!

My thoughts exactly. You might find that it isn't as ugly as you thought - or that it is even uglier - but it can be gifted, donated, used as a dog blanket... But I would definitely do my practicing on the fabric you don't like.

Cheers, K

Do you happen to still havwe that Fabric Central Neutral jelly roll and wish to sell it? I need some more of it to finish a project. Thanks,
Susan

Did you see this thread? Someone's looking for just what you have.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/search-...p-t197739.html

If you really don't like it maybe this is the answer.

Plunge into it! What's the worst thing that can happen - your quilt not being perfect? That is the whole point of hand made stuff. We are not machines. I love my first FMQ quilt - actually I think it is the best so far. I am sending you all my positive energy. If all else fails ditch the glass and grab the bottle :D

remember sometimes the ugly ones turn out really cool. you just can't mess up on a quilt. I bet you will like it. if you don't depends on the pattern applique flowers by hand or machine.
good luck to ya

Sew up the fabric (good experience) and the quilt (even better expierence) if you still don't like it....donate it to charity and know you will keep someone warm.....what more could you ask.....Quilting/Sewing/ Designing/shopping are all on a learning curve....the more we DO the better we get...and it never stops, I have been sewing for well over 50 years and I still get better with each passing day......DO NOT BERATE YOURSELF......every expierence is a learning tool, some are just better than others......................

What a great sentiment! I agree with the others... sew'er up & maybe you'll be pleasantly surprised. Otherwise, look at it like you've got a gift for when you need one!

Add some of the 'ugly' to fabrics you like - it will disappear. And/or donate it to the guild for charity quilts - others might love what you don't. As for the free motion - practice on paper every day. Your muscle memory will develop and you'll build your confidence. And remember, the great quilters didn't become great overnight. Practice, practice, then practice some more. (btw - Charity quilts are a great confidence builder.)

I don't believe there is any one quilter that produced an award winning quilt the first time out. First quilts are great because each succeeding quilt will be better and better. I don't think you can go wrong doing that strip quilt.

As for quilting it...(before you make your quilt sandwich) using a wash away marking pencil - mark the top with a SIMPLE PATTERN for your quilting stitch line...layer your quilt together and follow the line! Easy Peasy! Check the label of your batting to see how far apart the quilting stitches need to be...I'm guessing about 5" apart.

EVERYONE has to have a first quilt. I think you're on the right track with the pattern you chose.

I have a UFO of this fabric. I loved all the colors but there was/just something about the feel or quality of the fabric that sets my teeth on edge. At least it is just a wall hanging. But I found a jelly roll of it at a clearance store...and bought it?i have just bought a new machine and will use this to practice on.

One of my favorite quilts started out with really ugly fabric. But, it is now my favorite!!