To rip or not to rip
 

There is a definite learning curve to quilting in the hoop and even though I did some practice runs, I still had problems when I got to the quilt. I had the bulk of the quilt on the wrong side and it distorted the hoop enough to cause "shadowing" instead of following the previous stitch lines. I also got one pattern about an inch higher than the other. It's a king-sized quilt and these are on the edge. Some of the quilting lines are triple stitched, so ripping is not going to be easy and if I damage a block I will be sick. Still the perfectionist in me is not liking it. It's a gift to a BFF.

The quilt is even larger than pictured since I've added a narrow black inner border and a 4" outer border of the theme fabric. Very busy. Not sure the "mistakes" will even be noticed by anyone else.

i would not rip it... it looks like a design choice to me... and a nice quilt, too. and as you said, probably won't even be noticed.

Wow, that is a beautiful quilt!!!! The shadowing and being a bit "off" from the others is part of being handmade. Only God and a machine are perfect.

I am by no means a perfect sewer not quilter. My sister is the perfect one. Its my imperfections that she actually appreciates as just part of me. I'm uncomfortable with my errors too, but I get over it. If I didn't, I'd dislike the process.

Ok, that being said, I guess if it bothers you that much you can pull out the stitching. I think the quilt is beautiful and the "imperfections" make it special - handmade.

I think it looks fine! I would not rip it out.

I really like the quilt and the quilting. We are our own worst critics. You are looking at such a small area and thinking everyone will do the same. They won't. If you didn't have the lines there showing where you thought you were going to quilt, no one could tell that any error had been made. I would not rip. If you wash it before you give it to her, I am assuming the lines will wash out, it will continue to be just beautiful.

I love that quilt pattern. Would you share the name?

I don't think I would rip it out. What I think I would do from here on out though, is put your machine in the center of a large enough table so that you could puddle the quilt all the way around the machine. That may help with the shadowing. Beautiful quilt and great choice of quilting design.

Cari

I love the quilt top, it's gorgeous!

Your quilt is beautiful!! I love it and love the design you are quilting onto it. I don't think what you consider mistakes will be very noticeable when all is said and done! Keep going!

Unless your BFF is a master sewer/quilter, it would be best to leave it, IMHO. I tend to be a perfectionist, too, but this looks okay. Your friend probably won't notice and in a few months with a few more quilts done, you'll forget about this one's 'difficuties.'