Pansy Patch Progress

Most of the block pieces, cut and ready to go. If only I were so ready!

I'm still convinced this is beyond my skill level - and my practice blocks haven't been getting any better. But if I'm going to finish it, I've got to start it, and there's no time like the present to start. Right?

I had hoped to build confidence by working on other, simpler, projects first and building up my confidence a little bit more. Sounds like a good idea, right? Well, it hasn't exactly worked out that way. I'm not sure I've gained any skill, and worse, putting it off just gave me more time to envision all the ways this could go wrong.

Fortunately, since I bought fabric for the whole pattern (21 blocks) but decided to make either 6 or 3 (depending how frustrating the process is), I have enough fabric to make a few mistakes.

The project has become more difficult to put off now that the pieces are cut. Partly because of the nervous thrill before starting something challenging, but partly because I lose any of these pieces to Momo's rambunctious curiosity or a rogue wind, I'm going to scream. I spent way too long trying to ensure each tiny piece was right to have even one lost in the depths of my office!



Wow, I just glanced back at the last time I worked on the Pansy Patch to see that I had said something about coming back to it in a few days. A few days? A couple months? All the same around here!

Pansy Patch

Nothing like jumping into the deep end without really looking, right?

I'm a very beginner level quilter. But that doesn't stop me from taking on projects way beyond beginner level.

A few months ago my husband and I were walking through JoAnn Fabrics. He suggested I take a look at some of the quilting magazines. I figured it couldn't hurt. I was wrong.

I fell in love with a quilt. Not only that, but I was certain it would make the perfect gift. I ignored the fact that it was smaller pieces than I've ever attempted to sew. I've done a couple log cabin blocks before, but I've never done any complicated piecing or triangle work.

So, I bought the magazine, brought it home, and attempted a practice block.

I suppose it could have been worse.

Ouch.

Worse? That took me nearly 5 hours.

A few months later, I tried again. This time, armed with a rotary cutter, some better measuring tools, and a bit more knowledge.

It's better. Especially if you ignore the dual pink petals where I ran out of the right pink fabric. Most of my petal seams lined up this time, and two of the four green leaf diamonds turned out pretty close to square. I thought this one was close enough for a quick turn so I could practice that other thing I've never done before: hand quilting. In over my head? Why do you ask?

It's better, but still not the quality I want to give.

I mentioned my frustrations to a relative who quilts. In a matter of minutes she whipped this up:

Her square's back is prettier than either of my pansy fronts.

A few weeks later, she told me she had another version and a few tips.

In theory, I'm still working on it. In reality, I haven't had the hours in a row to dedicate to it, so maybe it'll be a Christmas gift. Or a Christmas 2015 gift.

I'm not giving up on it, but I am feeling a little beaten by it I just wanted to concentrate on some things more my skill level first. Also, I got distracted by another project. One I hope to talk about in a few days.