In tears about my first quilt
 

I made about 200 6 1/2 inch nine patch blocks. I had trouble right away placing them in what I thought was a pleasing way. I used about 15 different, coordinating fabrics and muslin. Most of the blocks I made were just 2 fabrics and sometimes I would invert the combination. My aunt, who is a quilt maker, wanted to help. She told me that it would be easier to make a pattern with a four patch (thanks alot aunt). She thought I should take them apart. I said No Way! But she's kind of bossy and eventually she said she would take some apart and help me come up with a pattern. I thought she might just take one of the strips off, so I would have a 3 patch and a 6 patch, but she knows what she's doing Right. Well she designed for me a beautiful quilt top, what she calls a Trip Around the World. As she was explaining it to me I noticed that she had strips of 3 patches and single pieces. I asked her how I was going to put this all together, she never had a satisfactory answer, and then it dawned on me that my quilt was a mess. I have 2 1/2 inch pieces, 5 inch pieces, and 6 1/2 inch pieces. I don't know where to start. Am I wrong in thinking that she got me into a jam. I wanted my first quilt to be simple and easy to put together, now I have mess that all I can see it as is a jigsaw puzzle. What can I do? Where do I start?
Thank you for any help you can give me,
chrisfromtx

Oh, that does sound a mess. While your aunt was trying to help, it didn't turn out that way. Is there a quilt group in your area? Could you take pictures and show us here at QB? There are tons of experts on here, but it's just hard to know without seeing what you have. Maybe others can figure this out without the pictures. I am sorry your first experience led to tears. It will get better.

As we say in TExas...."Bless your heart..." This is not the way your first quilt should go. But we can help. Tell us exactly what you have, and we can help. I don't think you have a Trip around the World pattern going, as each of mine have had the same size pieces. But we can help. All is not lost.

Hang in there and take some pictures.

Dina

I feel terrible for you. I have a relative like that and it took me awhile to learn to push back.

Am I right in guessing that the reason you had trouble placing your original blocks was that some of the blocks had the light/dark inverted? I'll bet you could have come up with a pleasing arrangement on your own in a bit more time.

What,,exactly, do you have now? Did she take all the blocks apart or just a few? A "trip around the world" is a classic quilt design that you can find online. Did she leave you with a drawing to help you proceed? Did she figure out if you have the proper number of squares to do it?

Maybe your original design can still be rescued, and you can design your own trip around the world from the beginning another time. That would be much easier, I think.

Hugs,
Charlotte

First, take a deep breath! It sounds like you originally started with all 2 1/2" squares for your 9 patch units, right? And now you have partially disassembled them into 'pieces' do you mean strips of 1, 2 and 3 squares? Look at the design your Aunt made and also look at google images for trip around the world quilts. I think the easiest way to proceed would be to lay out all your squares on a bed or a floor in pattern. You might have to disassemble some of your pieces to get the colors correct. Then start joining the squares into long rows. Press all the seams from the first row (and all odd rows) to the right, then press all the seams from the second (and all even # rows) to the left.
Take the first and second rows and put a pin at each intersection, matching seams as best you can. Sew the rows together & press to one side (doesn't matter which way). Continue joining the squares into long rows, pressing and adding the rows to the previously joined ones. Just take your time and it will be great.
If you want you can also google 'trip around the world quilt instructions' you will get lots of hits. Take a look and see if any of these help.

Sorry this has turned out to be so flustrating.
I'm a visual learner... so, if you could post some pictures we all might be a better help.
Do not give up. You may have to fold all this up... put it aside and come back another time.

Please post pictures. The individuals on this board can help solve any problem.
Many times I think they should replace some individuals who got elected to offices, because then world problems would be solved.

Personally I think I'd probably just put it away and start something else. You can go back to it and fix it your way after you have a bit more experience.

I just want to say -- this Board is a great resource!! Don't give up hope!! I have come here *hating* what I have done, and these wonderful people have helped me find the beauty!

hang in there . . .

oh chris i am so sorry!

it would be easier to offer up help with some images. but know that most things can be fixed, one way or the other.

(sometimes the fix is a big brown box for the current project and a trip to the quilt store, sans auntie!)

aileen

Yup ... take a deep breath, take pictures of what you have and post them here. We CAN help. You will almost certainly get several ideas as opposed to one (we are different people after all ... not the Borg <g>), but once you see an idea YOU like we will all support that idea and help you run with it.

As for your bossy Aunt ... I'm sure she was only trying to help you. You and she will have to eventually define the boundaries between helping and controlling. The more you learn about quilting, the more you will feel comfortable to do your thing and take her advice only when you are comfortable doing so.

Well, at least you've met the quilt police, and now you know not to listen to her. Follow your own judgment and things will improve. It could be that your 9 patch would have looked really great with some sashing added. And you might still be able to do that. I agree with the others that if you post a picture you can get lots of helpful tips on how to salvage your quilt.

Some people think they own the world, thus push others to comply with their wishes. Those same people never admit they are wrong and never help clean up the mess they made.

Throughout our lives we learn things that we wish we never had to learn. Use this experience to learn how to politely say no and mean it. If nothing else works with her, pack up your stuff and put it away whenever she is around, and don't discuss any of your in-progress projects. When you finish a quilt, show it to her, but be prepared to ignore her criticism. Then just smile and say, "I love it just the way it is." and walk away. That'll be tough to do, but in the long run engaging in a control battle with her is a waste of your time.

The others on the board have given good advice. Give them some pictures to get their minds working on a solution. Who knows? There may be someone who lives close by who can mentor you!

Actually I think you were very brave to let dear auntie try to help. I am too much of a control freak to even consider it, even if it were in my best interests.

Celebrate that you are on the QB. You are lucky to have such resources available.

In other words, reframe the results into a more positive force.

Whatever you do decide to do I would suggest you iron them with Best Press or starch. If you are in an area with lots of bugs around you can put some bay leaves in with the fabric if you starch the pieces. Separate them as yuo are able. Then take some pictures and post them. There are a lot of creative quilters on the QB who would be able to help you.

I'm sorry you feel overwhelmed just now. If these are separate pieces, you could divide them into groups and try making different quilts out of them. Try not to let it throw you. When we can see them, maybe we can help more.

I am very sorry this has happened to you on your first quilt. We can help you if you want some or just encouragement. I guess I am glad no one in my family quilts. Hugs to you and hang in there.

Sometimes it takes awhile for the frustration to disappear... if you have other fabric consider setting this aside till you can pick it up without so much .... emotion. Do post a picture as there maybe a solution... so many creative minds here!

Sorry that happened. I don't know your situation but Auntie didn't do you any favors. Maybe I should just go with "If you don't have anything nice to say.." and leave it at that.
Don't stay upset. It's just fabric and from what I've seen it's pretty forgiving stuff. You can take seams apart and put them back a few times with no lasting harm. It's a lesson I've been learning the hard way. The point is that other than a loss of time and effort there's no real harm done. Continue putting your quilt together your way and be happy. Oh, one other thing: We love pictures. :)
Rodney

Oh dear, I hate to see such frustrations. Your first few quilts will all be a learning process, so dont fret. And being your first quilt, it should go the way you had planned. Your auntie is already experienced and listen to her advice but doesnt mean you have to follow it. The first quilt will have mistakes in it, but is how you learn. It doesnt have to be perfect. Try to keep your peace and respect your auntie for her help, but design your own quilt with what you have in mind. Designing a simple quilt is like putting puzzle pieces together. yuppers, take pics, ladies here are a great help and full of good advice.

I'm so sorry this has happened on your very first quilt. Sounds like you were doing well by yourself without "help." I agree with what cathyvv said. You were brave enough to venture out on your own, so don't let this throw you. You can do this! Hugs to you!

I'm so sorry. I can feel your sadness and some anger, too, and it's understandable. You put hours and hours and hours and HOURS into that many squares. I'd be in tears, too, if someone (albeit well-meaning) "dismantled" mine to make it "better"! I even had a QUILT TEACHER tell me I put 2 wrong blocks in my sampler quilt after she had clearly said, "Make 20 of xyz, and the other 5 will be your choice." So when she told me they were "the wrong blocks," I respectfully stood my ground and said, "They're not wrong. They're my choices, and you've always said 'your quilt, your choices." But still I wanted to cry (and throw something) but I didn't.

All that to say, at the very least, you've learned a lot more about quilting than you may have wanted to for the first time! LOL. Listen to others, but trust your instincts. Even what people say on here, take with a grain of salt . You'll grow in confidence by sticking to what pleases you and not what others say is "right" or "better."

Don't worry; it will all work out. It really well. If you're still upset now, put it aside, start something that lifts your spirits, forgive your aunt, and move on. If you're okay to pick it up again right now, snap some photos, give us a chance to offer SUGGESTIONS ONLY! Ultimately, quilting should be a joy. When it's not, do something else.

Take a deep breath and mull it over. You didn't care for the way they were going together as a quilt, and now it's going to be a jigsaw puzzle to make what you've got work together in that size. So...

Since your original pattern has been reduced to pieces, why don't you set your sights on using just some of what you have now in several different projects? If you still want a big quilt, take some of the nine patches and put them into a quilt with solid squares (that you'll cut new) between each nine patch. Use the "leftovers" in smaller wall hangings, table runners, or hot pads. Nothing need go to waste.

Good luck and have fun with it!

Don't let this MESS discourage you. If you need to take every piece apart and start all over, maybe that woud be the best. Look at some books or magazines and get you some ideas. Keep it simple ! ! a 4 or 9 patch is a good idea. Look for ideas for scrappy quilts, you can find them even on line. GOOD LUCK ! ! ! Let us see your finished quilt.

I would put this aside for a while. Your pieces aren't "ruined" for good. Once you've gotten a little more experience with quilting and had time to put aside the frustration, your creative brain will kick in. An easy pattern to start quilting with is the Yellow Brick Road or one of the Gumballs sold by Stitchin Heaven. Dot Collins also has a pattern called Tossed Salad that is very forgiving and fun to make. I can put you in contact with her if you decide you want her pattern. Those pieces will take on a new life as you move along in your quilting journey!

I am so sorry you are experiencing this issue. You have come to the right place to get help. The wonderful members of this board will help you clean up the mess and you will end up with a quilt that you will love and be proud of having made. I know this from experience.

When you are a new quilter it always pays to make something with good clear instructions. You can launch out into the "do it your way" thing later, however we are too late for that now. Please post pictures so the board can help you. All is not lost. It can be fixed. Chalk it up to "tuition", the cost of learning something new. We will be happy to help you. On this board we throw out our best ideas and then you get to choose which one you like best and proceed from there. Cheer up! There is help here.

Sounds like you did a lot of good work, putting the blocks together. I suppose your Aunt meant well, but she should have at least pinned a block together to show you how to make the quilt she was telling you about....to just leave you with undone blocks is ridiculous. Not to worry....our group can help. Tell us how many groupings of the different sizes you have. Did you start out with a pattern, or did you start sewing squares together to make the blocks, then you would decide how you want to arrange them? You may want to cut some 6.5" squares of white, or a plain fabric to place in between your nine patches. You may have enough blocks to make two quilt tops....Depends on the pattern you were trying. Keep posting so we can help.

I agree that you should put this away for a while. Find an actual, simple pattern in a book ( or online) you like and make that. Start small - wall hanging or lap quilt. There are a lot of beginners books and videos. It will really help if you follow some actual instructions as you learn, and then you can modify those directions to suit you. I have a friend who cooks by throwing stuff together and then doesn't understand why it tastes funny. Same thing with quilting - follow a pattern first to use other's trial and error, and come out with a project that fits together and looks right, and THEN wing it. And don't mention the new project to your aunt!!!

That wasn't very nice of her to leave you with a mess. Without photos, I am not sure why the 9 patches didn't come together, were they different sizes? I would bag it in a large zip loc and come back to it later.But, if you feel like you have to complete it now, I would not get hung up on a "pattern". Since she left you with different sizes, is there a way to sash blocks and make them all the same size, then piece them together?

I'm sorry you're having such a difficult time with your first quilt. The people on this board have already offered some terrific advice. By the way, welcome to the board!

Sorry for your frustation on your first quilt, but all is not lost. Hopefully none of the squares were cut again by your Aunt. Do show pictures. I am by no means an expert but there are many on this board that can offer great advice and have shown beautiful quilts they have made. To me all quilts I make are like putting a jigsaw puzzle together. I love that process. I thoroughly enjoy sewing the block pieces together then arranging them, not particularly fond of cutting them all but that is part of the process.
I agree with others, you might want to put it all aside for now and start a new quilt with instructions, then get back to this one later. There are tons of patterns of any type you want on You Tube, from books at quilt stores or on line and just about anywhere. The 10 minute block might be a choice- find that on You Tube. I also have a very easy and quick block pattern I have used, and if you PM me I will gladly share the directions. Just don't give up, you can do this. After all quilting should be fun and not a chore, so relax and get someone else to give you pointers on what you have. Good luck and welcome to the board.

If your Aunt did not pull all of your niners apart, can you resew them? Then you can put them together with a small sashing between them if you need to separate them for visual effect. We would love to see what you have and what you come up with in the end.

sorry, this happened to you.
my advice to anyone making a 'first' quilt is just to 'git er' done'. the first one is never the 'most', the 'prettiest' , the 'best'.
it's the satisfaction of having a completed project done. as you improve, you will realize what a great thing you did, by just getting it done.

IF I WERE YOU. at this pt in time. I would lock the door. and sew it ALL back together, the way you want to, to get it done. then find someone that will quilt it and layer it for you for $40. and be done, and enjoy it
the next one will be easier and better. but you will always love and cherish this first quilt

somebody said something about sashings. I have seen say like 9 blocks (3 x 3) sashed together with amazing results. or something like that. but just 13 blocks by 15 blocks will give you a 78 x 90 in quilt plus boarders will make it even bigger.

LOCK THE DOOR AND GET IT DONE.

I'm sorry that you are in tears and so frustrated about the situation surrounding your first quilt. My first quilts (2) were simple 4" squares. I used pencil, a yard stick and scissors. Half way through it dh said "You need professional help" and encouraged me to take a quilting 101 class at a lqs. Needless to say both of those quilts look really odd. Half of each have poorly butted seams and the other half are pretty decent.

There has been one quilt that I've been working on for years. Whenever it got beyond my skill set, I put it in a storage zip lock bag. I'm close to being done. I've got the whole top done. Just need to figure out when to sew on the prairie points; wether before or after I quilt it! Might just take it to the professionals for that! The odd thing is, I don't even like it anymore. How our tastes change!!!

Good luck with whatever you decide to do dear.

So sorry that your aunt intruded in this way. I think the suggestion to make a scrappy 9-patch block or even larger, set together with sashing is a good one. Please share pictures. To sew that much and then have it ripped out would be discouraging, but that is sure how we learn about quilting/relationships and a lot of other things. Good luck to you and let us see what you come up with. You CAN salvage this!

My first thought was to put the nine patches back together and put a narrow black sashing between them. I see other have the same idea. Let the colors fall where they may and enjoy the scrappiness. Sashing is just a narrow strip separating the blocks. There are several easy ways to do it. Ask here if you are interested. You could do the same thing with four patches, but it's your quilt and you wanted nines.

I'm sorry your aunt wasn't more supportive and didn't keep in mind that this is your first quilt. A scrappy TATW isn't as easy as it sounds. If you like the TATW quilt, save it for your next quilt and look up Eleanor Burns directions. It's an easy quilt but only if you start out making that one.

Welcome to the world of quilting.

Put the quilt pieces away. Start over with a beginner baby quilt pattern and go from there. In time you will pull out the mess and have a good laugh over your first attempt. Here is a simple quilt pattern to start with: http://www.quiltmaker.com/patterns_d...er/patt230.pdf

I use the pattern for pieced backings for my quilts.

If she took it apart without your permission, I'd ask HER to put it back together, the way she found it.