Friday, February 18, 2011

Squares

After hitting "Publish Post" yesterday, I headed to the fabric store for some retail therapy (it was either that or the liquor store, heh). I've been reading a few sewing/quilting blogs, and I've been wanting to try piecework (patchwork?), sort of dip my fingers in the pond, as it were.

I've had this tutorial bookmarked for a while. I figured I could use fabric from some fat quarters I bought last summer, so all I was missing was the linen, the batting, and a coordinating fabric for the inner lining. I'm proud to report that NO fabric stash enhancement was made during this trip (that might have had something to do with Phil being there with me.) Wait - does extra yardage count as stash enhancement? (Insert sheepish grin here)

Here's my first strip:



Can I just say? Cutting wee 2x2 squares is harder than it looks! Sewing them up was no problem at all (well, not after I ripped out about 8 seams because I didn't have the right f***ing seam allowance! *&*?%?!!!), but cutting them took FOREVER! Of course, it doesn't help that I'm completely challenged when it comes to cutting in a straight line. It's like my brain shuts down, I look at all those lines and all I can think is "Huh? What? What am I supposed to be doing here? Whaaaat???" So cutting 24 squares took forever. Well, live and learn and all that.

They're not perfect, of course. The little 2 square-block seams don't quite line up when sewn into strips.


Even so, to say I'm happy with my little (and boy are they little) strips would be a colossal understatement. I am absolutely tickled pink by them. I carried them around with me as I was cleaning up. I put them on the bathroom counter and gazed at them fondly as I was brushing my teeth. I gave them a quick pat on my bedside table before I went to bed... (who me? Unhealthy obsession? Pshaw!)

One guess what I'll be doing tonight.

Happy Sewing, Everyone!

8 comments:

Celia said...

Looks gorgeous so far!

kate-the-enabler said...

bravo padawan...
you are indeed strong in the - you know? this doesn't work in this context at all. They're lovely - you SHOULD be proud. Your corners look really good too. Can't wait to see the next step :)

Knit and Purl Mama said...

That looks like a great start to your project. I like the colors. I can't cut a straight line for the life of me either. I hear ya sister!

I think most of my actual fabric "stash" is from before I ever even started to sew. LOL

Dawn said...

Ooooh pretty fabric! I love the color combinations and I can't wait to see the end result!

Sinéad said...

I love the fabrics, they co-ordinate really well. You're coming on in leaps & bounds as a sewer!

Cynthia F said...

Teehee!! The colours are just great- love it!
Do you have a rotary cutter yet? And clear quilter's ruler with all the measurements marked on it? It helps in a major way- cutting and measuring both- quick and easy!

Jennifer said...

I'd love to make that bag! What a great knitting bag! Hell- I'd love to make a ton of things...but the last thing I need is a NEW stash!

Laurie said...

Love the colors and pattern combination! Seems this sewing thing is good for you.