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Quote:

Originally Posted by CompulsiveQuilter

I'm plugging away at a scrappy row-by-row sampler, and with each row I've decided to follow one more "rule" learned from you guys and a multitude of books.
I've learned, YES, starch matters. I even starched the noodles I used.
I've learned, YES, mark carefully. I eyeballed a row of flying geese on the small stars and the result ... well, you can figure it out
I've learned, YES, you must square each block (and sometimes the components of each block)
I've learned that YES, I should test my 1/4" seam and mark my machine. And I thought I knew my machine so well!
I've learned that YES, you should re-check the design wall after a good night's sleep.
I've learned that NO, I'm not an "experienced" quilter. At best I'm a "confident beginner" who got in trouble with being lazy and over-zealous.
What have YOU learned that really matters?

You are so right..... I think a lot of us have gone through the lazy over-zealous phase and discovered that every project, no matter how experienced we think we are, is still a learning experience. Boy, nothing teaches humility better than becoming a lazy quilting.

I agree with SO many of these comments, especially about keeping on sewing when I'm tired. I also learned that I love the Clover seam ripper someone suggested because it is sharp and fits in my hand.

Never sew when you are tired!!

1. I need more light (could be the progressive lenses)
2. Complex patterns with little pieces don't like me
3. It looks worse to me than to others
4. Always try several arrangements of blocks before sewing

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRogers870

I have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy the process, and not be in such a hurry to finish.

This is my biggest lesson also.

I have learned to measure and measure twice before cutting fabric.

A few other things I learned this morning:
YES IT MATTERS to follow the instructions. lol
YES IT MATTERS that right sides go together. lol
YES IT MATTERS that when I'm "splitting the difference," I follow the corrected seam line.
YES IT MATTERS that I set the seam with the iron before pressing it to the side

I have learned that really taking your time to quilt you really put your heart into and it becomes part of you and also gives the quilt life.

I've learned I shouldn't sew if I'm tired, annoyed or distracted!

I've learned patience. Read directions MORE than once, make a sample block first. I've had patterns that were misprinted and cut a whole quilt only to find out one piece was printed incorrectly or there was a typo and one measurement was wrong.