Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Bars 4 Quilt by Mistake

There are some days I just out-smart myself and this was one of them. Does that happen to you, too? Way back in November I pre-cut strips for Tara Faughnan's workshop. It was a brilliant idea. Really. You see, I had another quilt in mind that used squares the same size as her starting strips. Cutting for both gave me all the fabric choices but less weight to carry into and out of the workshop, and would let me be ahead for my own idea.

But with all the family travails, I forgot this plan. While cleaning and culling the sewing room I found the stack of strips. You may remember I frequently cut too much fabric. And here were all these solid WOFs. I was so annoyed with myself {When will I ever learn to cut approximately the right amount?} but thought I could quickly make one more Bars quilt just to use these up. They all look very similar since only the color choices seem to change so this time I cut the bars much narrower. I did remember liking the dark version of Bars 1 and tried to create that.

Bars 4 quilt in progress
Here it is in progress. As I put the last set on the design wall I remembered what I intended to do with these fabrics. Now they are gone. Darn it.

Enjoy the day, Ann

34 comments:

patty a. said...

The quilt top is so beautiful even though it was not what you intended to do with the fabrics. Write down what you intended to do with the fabrics so you don't forget and maybe more solids will show up in your life and then you can make the top you wanted to.

Julierose said...

the best laid plans and all that--yup, me, too...i think this came out beautifully though. hugs, Julierose

Quiltdivajulie said...

But this top is going to be fabulous -- and if you are like me, there is more fabric in the stash . . .

gayle said...

Ah, well - ending up with such a gorgeous quilt should reduce the sting a bit!
(note to self: make more notes to self...)

LA Paylor said...

I would have no idea how many times I got siderailed... it would be somewhere between a handful and a hundred. I knew I started a batik idea, couldn't find the bits I cut, then found them but forgot the idea, then later remembered the basic idea only to move and it's caught up in the twister of boxes. Only one example. Your bars look very modern and artistic, sort of michael james ish

karen said...

Found treasure! It happens to me a lot. I can usually come up with a new plan for precut fabric. :)

Robin said...

You are too funny. I just say, "any progress toward a finish is good progress".

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

Well, I do like where they have ended up, it's looking great!

KaHolly said...

~wink~

Mel Beach said...

The title cracked me up. I am impressed you were so prepared for the workshop by cutting strips in advance...so much for a well thought out plan!! Now we get to enjoy the makings of a 4th bars quilt!

Millie said...

When I cook something, I invariably find something wrong with it. Last week I was in California and I had just cooked a meal for my son and his family. "Hmm, this isn't quite right," I said aloud. My son gave me a dirty look (I think it is called "the stink-eye" now) and said, "MOM! It's delicious!" So when you tell this story next time DO NOT SAY IT WAS A MISTAKE! I've discovered that I make my best quilts when I don't think too much. This beauty is one of those. Love it!

Janie said...

I like what Millie said, 'I've discovered that I make my best quilts when I don't think too much.'
It's attractive, roll with it!

audrey said...

I hate cutting too much too. Love what you did with the extras though! Maybe we need these 'make-it-up-as-we-go-along' quilts more than we think we do. It really did turn out pretty amazing after all.:)

Ann said...

Thanks, Patty. I'm glad you like it. I do have a written list but forgot to look at it.

Ann said...

So annoying to be so smart on day one and so foolish on day two. Ha.

Ann said...

It will certainly be useful since I always need gifts. And, yes, there is more in the stash. Just not as many solid colors.

Ann said...

Thanks, Gayle. Note to self: READ the notes to self.

Ann said...

I frequently forget the plan if I don't at least get the top made. I guess that's why I don't like to keep extra blocks around. Hopefully you'll find your batiks before you forget the idea again, Lee Anna.

Ann said...

I found an old plan. Problem is: I liked my new plan better. But this one is nice; just not what I envisioned when I cut the fabric. Always good to have a top done though.

Ann said...

It is nice to have something I can easily gift but I wish I'd remembered to use the design idea I had. Thanks, Robin.

Ann said...

Thanks, Linda. It will make a nice gift and I always need those.

Ann said...

Yep!

Ann said...

It's the first time I ever carried a modest amount to a workshop. Usually I bring most of my fabrics. Ha. Having the strips cut made the process much easier, too. I'm going to try to prepare like this again... And remember what the extras are for.

Ann said...

Love the story. Great point; I will remember. Thanks, Lynne.

Ann said...

It is attractive. And it will be useful. Just not what I intended to do with this pull.

Ann said...

Thanks, Audrey. I know some people like having projects in various stages all around but I have trouble with that. Not that I don't have uncompleted projects. My forgetfulness is part of the reason why. I guess I'm on a "color study" roll.

Kaja said...

There's a reason I can only think about/cut for one quilt at a time! Frustrating for you, but what a lovely quilt you have ended up with.

Ann said...

It is lovely but my own idea won’t happen. Ah, well. It will be useful.

O'Quilts said...

It is lovely. One time I had to prep for a workshop...making four patches. I made so many of them, then I got sick and could not go. Ugh...It worked out great. I made 4 quilts..4-patch in orange number 1 thru 4...all with different settings. I loved those quilts.

Ann said...

That’s a great story. I think I’d be happier if this was my design rather than a rework of the workshop.

Quayquilter said...

Welcome to my world!

Ann said...

Thanks. It seems to be a world I inhabit regularly.

susan said...

Love all your quilts! Such an inspiring blog. Im wondering how you went abput cutting these up? I have a bunch of solids that need to be chopped!!

Ann said...

Just choose one size of your ruler (so 3-6" say) and cut the solids WOF. Then subcut by ruler or hand any width you like to make the rectangles. When you sew them, the original size of the WOF will make your units into rows.