The Learning Curve

So, I was excited to try my first quilt. I decided to try a small coin quilt. Honestly, I should have tried a DOLL quilt - but I went with a lap-sized one. Lesson number one...start with pre-cut squares. I should be able to cut 4" squares right? I thought I did. And I should be able to sew 1/4" seams. I thought I did. Long story short, my "coins" and sashing didn't exactly match up. Okay. I can live with that. They weren't that far off. Lesson number 2...you can't stitch in the ditch if your ditches aren't matched up. My plan was to quilt 1/4" from each seam. Well, my seams weren't lined up, which made that experience, well, an experience. I'm not too good at stitching a straight line without a guide (a straight seam would have been nice). Let's just say that the quilting on this is beyond horrible. Thank goodness for gorgeous fabrics - because to the untrained eye (i.e. my husband), it looks great. Lesson number 3 - don't skimp on the basting process. I didn't make my backing and batting big enough and I didn't tape the backing to the floor. So, I have some nice puckers in my quilting as a result. Hopefully washing the quilt will hide some of the imperfections. And Lesson #4 - When the quilting experts say to start quilting in the middle, listen to them! In my defense, I really did forget about this rule. I should have remembered it when I saw some of my squares going wonky on me. sigh. Still have to bind this one too. Finished size will be 32" x 39 - which isn't a standard sized anything but my girls won't care!



Quilt number #2 has been started. I used (4) pre-cut charm squares in Wonderland (which I adore!) to make a block and then put a strip of natural colored cotton in between each and the same fabric for the sashing. I finished piecing the top yesterday and am almost done with the back. I had some extra blocks left over that I'm going to piece on the back. Finished size on this one will be about 45"x52" and it will be going in my family room.

I haven't decided how to quilt this one. I was going to do the 1/4" from each seam again, but once again, my blocks aren't completely lined up. I might outline each block 1/4" from the seams. But then I don't know what to do with the sashing. Or, I may try straight line stitches evenly spaced. I'm just worried about my inability to stitch straight! I'm open for suggestions!