I should have seen that was coming.
 

So I'm busy snipping and tearing strips for a rag blanket. I'd purchased some PRINTED red and white stripe flannel that had anchors on it. Finally decided on a denim colored flannel for every other strip. Tore both to the right size. Found some PRINTED red/blue/cream plaid for the backing, tore all those pieces. You've probably figured out my problem----------------------the width-wide stripes are so wonky the anchors are starting to slide off. @@

I was making the personal sized quilt for a friend with cancer. But I don't want anyone to see my wonky stripes and wonky plaid------------------so now my DD, SIL and GD have an anchor themed blanket for their boat. A few bounces on the waves and they'll think the lines are just perfect.

So my friend is getting the wood and log ends that CT has in their woodsy flannel collection-----------whenever it gets here.

I can so sympathize with you!! I have had a few " I should have seen that coming moments" myself...its a shame we only "see" them later, eh??..Well, at least now your dd and her family have a great blanket for their boat, and your friend will still be getting a great blanket from you, too...
K

I guess it's some consolation that even old ladies can learn something! I'm making a rag quilt for my GGS who's to arrive in May. The fabric I'm using is another width-wide stripeY pattern. THIS TIME I'M CUTTING.

And you can almost guarantee that a printed stripe will be wonky!

Having one of those moments myself just now......Who in their right minds would use gingham for a backing when doing a straight line quilting design....well, me!!

At least your anchors will be in an appropriate setting....and I'm sure your friend will enjoy a "woodsy" theme when things get stressful.

Here's a thought-----------wonder if I ought to get over my obsession on tearing fabric to get the straight grain? Let me sleep on that!

LOL, just attach a note that your quilt is not to be turned back side up! What the heck! Ignore any quilt police and enjoy what you've done.

GrannieAnnie I am seriously considering quilting back side up.....or am I heading for an even bigger disaster?

What's your pattern on the top? If it's a big concern for you, stitch curvy lines. Personally I'd not worry about the back.

It's a string quilt.....maybe I should do curves....hmmm

Something to avoid straight lines. What the heck---------stylized flowers!

I started on my GGS's CT--Wild ones. The brown foxes are the main piece-----------which I cut to size, then tore all the other pieces. I've got a few more seams to go and then the snipping for the "rag" work. Looks good. On the back of each fox pieced I used a matching flannel that has squares and dots. I tore that too, and it's bit off-----------but the pieces are the back side so I'm not sweating that.

Live and learn!

I'll be starting a the woody CT rag blanket as soon as the fabric arrives. I've got two rag blankets to snip-----------so I'll be a while.

I have never ripped fabric except the selvages off for the back. Why do you do it? Is it so much faster?

#1 it's faster. #2 I can cut one little slit to start tearing a lot more accurately than I can cut a whole strip. And since I'm making a rag rug----the raggedy edges from tearing are no problem. When doing regular cutting and piecing, I seldom tear--------except to establish one end of the fabric as truly square.

OK, the next one you should see coming is that the printed red fabric WILL bleed, right? Just buy the color catchers now! :)

I seldom use red-------except at Christmas. I've finished up 3 rag quilts and have two more ready to stitch. Ends up my May GGS has one, my only GD has one and now I'm working on one for my GS's 12 birthday. The oldest grandson is out in the cold now---------his kiddo will get everything!