I am swamped by this Storm at Sea quilt! Help needed, please!
 

I am working on a queen size Storm at Sea for my daughter--from the fabric used as table toppers on her wedding reception tables. I originally used a pattern for a 12 1/2" block from a Guild BOM class--but realized that the "sashing" on all four sides would cause it not to have that wonderful circular optical illusion that is what makes a Storm at Sea. So I altered it and took out 2 sides of "sashing" and it has the circular illusion--but I also decided to use my Tri-Recs tools for the diamonds and sides for the sashing--and didn't want the middle seam in the diamonds--so I folded the fabric strips over and then cut--and it looked good--until I started putting them together--and the diamonds are about 3/8" too long. also in the process I'm losing the sharp points.

What a mess! Besides the hours spent cutting , and cutting and trimming, etc, I'm now out of the fabric! When I went from a 12 to a 9"finished block I had to almost triple my centers and sashing strips---I'm exhausted with this quilt! If it wasn't for my DD I would be hiding it away. Obviously I should have actually one a complete block or two to trouble shot this--but I kept putting it off and then felt "under the gun" so plunged in---darn it!

So now I'm trying to rethink what I should do--do I take apart the 400 "sashing" pieces, cut down the center diamonds and side triangles or what? I would like to have it done by mid-Sept for their 1st anniversary---but also have some other stuff needed by end of Sept for customers. The rest of the block works--any other remedies?

Without a photo visual, I'm doing this by ear, but it would seem to me, reducing the diamond shapes so you can salvage the points would be the only option.

I agree. I think you have three choices:


1) Live with it, with the points cut off.
2) Take it apart, cut down the diamonds, put back together.
3) Start from scratch with new diamond segments.

Based on your written description, it might be worthwhile to give them the gift a bit late.

I totally get the rushing bit. I always regret that. I've found that now I need to take the time to write out my entire plan, step by step, if I'm in a hurry. I need to mark which pieces get turned under for my applique or I get on a roll & turn everything under & then get frustrated when I have to yank stitches & deal with the thread breaks.

The other day I made two mistakes back to back -- I traced all the bodies for my Sunbonnet Sue applique backwards & cut it that way. Didn't realize it until I went to stitch it on & it didn't fit; Sunbonnet Sue looked like some kind of contortionist. That same day I was supposed to trace out 6 Sues & 6 Sams on my center blocks. Well, I started with the Sues & just wanted to hurry up & finish ... and traced all 12 as Sues. So I had to remove my marks, dry, press & start all over again.

I do not have time to keep re-doing anything if I hope to be done in time for the quilt show. So far the list seems to be helping. Other than a couple times I have sewn my applique to my pants, I've been good. Oh, the trouble we get ourselves into when we are in too much of a hurry!

i agree. Put on a good movie, pour a glass of wine and start unpicking. I did a Storm at Sea and love it as you will when done. I checked and I do not have a seam in my diamond. I remember I used both a Deb Tucker tool (so I could cut down) and the SAS tool to get it to work for me. Good luck. I agree with Bree123 to not put a deadline on it but I would not put it in a UFO pile or it might never get done. Just plug along!

Would sewing a seam down the middle of the diamond allow you to take up the extra fabric without unpicking everything and starting over? Just fold the unit in half and sew a 3/16th seam (to total the 3/8 you need to take in). I know you didn't want a seam there, but maybe it's the easiest option now?

This is a more difficult pattern than most quilters realize. Sometime it is easier to use paper pieced section when making this quilt.

The Deb Tucker "V" tool is great for part of your problem. Ask me how I know!!

think I must have been channeling what all of you were saying last night while I slept. Got up this morning, picked apart one the of diamond units, cut down the diamond, re-sewed and measured with my breath held--it worked and I have points!! So after going with my daughter shopping for a nephew's wedding (where I also told her she might get the quilt on her 2nd anniversary!), I plopped in the recliner, with a glass of wine, and started ripping. I'm sure glad I heavy starched the fabric so it's not losing shape! So as of now, I have 100 un-sewn---only 300 left to go! Promise to post pictures once I get the top together.

One positive today--I found a great dress for the wedding, plus shoes--both on sale and at the first store we went to--which for someone who hates to shop (except for fabric)this felt like a huge victory!!

Just keep on sipping and ripping, you'll get there! Good Luck!