April 4, 2008

Anxieties Do-Over

In my previous post about the first block on the left, Oh No! I shared my frustration with the Anxieties block from the Civil War Diary book. I had used the wrong fabric in the center square and only realized it after the block was completed. Since I used the paper foundation paper piecing method ripping it out to fix it was going to be very difficult if not impossible. I received many great ideas on what to do with this block and gave them a lot of thought. As you can see by the second block I decided to make another block to replace the first one. The main reason was that I felt the fabric choice for the arrow looking sections wasn't the best choice. I picked a more solid looking fabric for second block. It really is burgundy in color, even if the photo doesn't show the true color. I am happy with the block now! A quilting friend of mine said I should use the first block as a label on the back of the quilt. I just may do that! I have made some progress on the CWD blocks. I have completed 11 in all now, the first row of the quilt. I will be showing photos of them together soon as I have decided to pieces the blocks with the sashing as I finish each row. I think this will encourage me to keep this quilt going and not let it fall into the UFO pile!

Today I cut the fabric for the laptop case pattern that I have had for a little while. While this is great, I read through the directions more thoroughly tonight. Ugh! I have made quite a few bags and quilts in my time and have thought some directions were hard to understand. The directions to to bag could be much better! There are very few diagrams to show what the pattern designer is talking about in the different steps of construction. That usually isn't a problem for me, but I think it will with this one! Yikes! I believe I will be doing my own thing with some of the construction of this bag and cross my fingers that it will turn out well in the end. The green stuff under the fabric is upholstery foam that will go between the main fabric on the outside and the lining fabric. I haven't done anything like this before. I will keep you posted on my progress or lack there of! *G*

14 comments:

Dineke said...

Hi, those are very nice blocks. Glad to know I am not the only one that makes blocks and finds out after finishing there is a mistake in it.

Purple and Paisley said...

your new block looks so much better! lol...so glad others make mistakes...it somehow makes me feel better...and thank you for stopping by my blog and entering my giveaway! your visits are appreciated!

Unknown said...

Lovely new block, I see the arrow points are going in a different direction from the first block. Hope you manage the laptop case ok. My mum always told me when I opened a pattern and read through the instructions, and complained that I didn't understand. Read one step at a time, if you've done the previous step it's easier to follow. Wow that was long....lol....

Judy said...

Well I do think the fabrics are a better choice this time. Although it would have been fine too if you left it as is. Sometimes I leave things, and others I just have to "fix".

Good job so far on all your blocks!

Wilma L. said...

I must admit, the second block IS prettier! It does make the arrows show up much better. I still think the 1st block is pretty, though, so using it for a label on the back is a great idea.

julieQ said...

Very pretty blocks, I too, like the second one just a little better.

Rhonda said...

I'll be interested in watching the progress on your computer tote bag; our daughter would like a pretty tote instead of the conventional black....

~Bren~ said...

I really did like the first block, but now seeing the second, I like it better too.
I dislike instructions that are not step by step CLEAR. Good luck!!

Anonymous said...

I love the second block. You know best how much a "flub" is going to bother you, and if it bothers you a lot, a redo once in awhle is a good thing.

The laptop tote looks really intersting. Can't wait to see it all done :o)

Carin said...

I really like the new block, the contrast is great! You wil have to post a finished photo of your laptop bag I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Teresa said...

Good job on your second block, and on the first. I do like the second better though - you are right, the fabric contrast really makes the block a standout!

Lea said...

Good girl! I tip my hat for your courage, Marilyn.*S*
It looks very beautiful. Great job!
P.S. You gotta show us your laptop case when you finished!

Tanya said...

Great idea to use that block as a label! In has memories behind it so why not!

Becky said...

So - how is progress on the bag coming along? I think I bought the same pattern, but haven't attempted yet and I'm hoping you have wisdom to share! LOL