Honest Instructions

     I sometimes give people weird looks when I am asked a quilting question.  If you get that look, it's not what you think.  I am happy to willingly share my quilting knowledge. I have been in the quilting business for several decades and I have many talented friends and associates.  When faced with a question that I don't know the answer to, I am happy to call, drop an email or send a text to ask an expert.  

    About that weird look I sometimes give, it is usually in response to a simple question.  For example: "Do you normally cut all of your pieces before you start to sew?".  That probably seems like a simple question.  You however have to be patient while my brain sorts out how that is even possible.  I can only assume that YOUR normal procedure is to find a pattern, shop and choose fabric, follow the instructions on the pattern, finish the quilt.  That is not MY process.  As someone that creates the pattern I don't have a pattern to follow when I start.  I have projects that were planned for my king size bed that ended up as lovely table runners.  I also have a pillow top or two that I liked so much they are now quilts large enough to snuggle under on the sofa.  There is no way I could cut everything before I start.  I'm never absolutely sure what I need.  I sometimes forget that everyone doesn't work that way.

    Another statement people make is "Do you have instructions for how you made this project?".  Trust me, what you really want is for me to tell you how YOU can make the project.  My details are not your most efficient method. I've already made the mistakes.  There is no reason why you should repeat them!  If you wanted to make my Partial Credit project following my exact process, it would go something like this:

Step 1.  Order a bolt of black pin dot fabric and put it in the closet with your Christmas fabrics.  Forget about it.

Step 2.  Weeks later sort through your original pattern files on your computer and choose one to work on.  Draft the quilt block on your computer.  Contemplate the most appropriate size for the block.  Take fabric width and cut sizes into consideration.  Decide on 9" blocks with 3" centers.  Arrange a layout for 48 blocks.

Step 3.  Decide on a color pallet of scrap fabrics in shades of red, pink, orange and yellow with a touch of purple.  Sort, press and cut a variety of scrap fabrics by color.  Choose the perfect black and white stripe fabric to use as an accent fabric. 

Step 4.  Assemble the pieces for 9 blocks and arrange them on your design wall.  Decide that the idea of a scrappy center square isn't working.  Remove center squares toss them in the small scrap bin.  Choose a purple floral fabric that can be fussy cut.  Make swiss cheese out of the purple yardage fussy cutting 9 center squares.  Realize that this too is a mistake.  Toss purple squares and remaining yardage into the scrap bin.  Go to bed, hopeful that things will go better in the morning.

Step 5.   Study the pieces for the nine blocks on your design wall as you finish your coffee.  Decide that what you need is 9 more blocks to help you see the bigger picture of where this quilt is going.  This may require a trip to the fabric store.  Remember that the nearest quilt shop in 1 hour away.    Make the parts for 9 additional blocks adding colors in addition to the red, pink, orange and yellow and put them on the wall.  Stare at the wall.  Find another project to work on because this one still isn't working.  2 hours later, remove the pieces from the design wall because you need the space.  Stack them neatly on the edge of your sewing table.  3 days later, move the pieces to the cluttered desk area.  1 week later, put them in a bin for "safe keeping".

Step 6.   Once your pieces have spent sufficient time being ignored, return them to the design wall.  Immediately you will see that the red and darker shades are the problem. Remove pieces with the red and dark fabrics and replace them with "bright pastels".  Return to your original idea of using scrappy squares in the center of each block.  Feel encouraged by your success!  This will provide the energy you need to sew the 18 blocks together.  Sew and press 18 perfect blocks.  Do not celebrate, because something is still not right.  Have at least one glass of wine.  As you drink your wine, contemplate a trip to a quilt shop to find the "right" fabric. 

Step 7.  After a good nights sleep, view the blocks with a fresh new perspective.  Remove the scrappy centers and arrange the remaining pieces for the blocks on your design wall.  Study the block pieces until you spy the stack of black and white Lower the Volume fabrics.  Eureka!  You have found your block centers!  To continue the scrappy theme of this quilt, cut 3 1/2" squares from every black and white print in the fabric line.  Except the Christmas print.  You have to draw the line somewhere.

Step 8.  Rejoice in the choice of the Lower the Volume fabrics for the center as you sew 6 blocks together.  Press these perfect blocks and return them to the design wall.  Study the blocks.  Realize that the black and white stripe that was perfect when you began this journey is no longer appealing.  A this point you will seriously consider tossing the blocks and block parts in the trash can.  Have more wine.

Step 9.  Before you commit the project to the trash can, clean up your sewing room.  As you are putting things away, notice the afore mentioned black pin dot fabric.  Cut a section from the bolt, press and cut into strips.  Rip and stitch to replace the black and white stripe with the black pin dot.  Listen carefully and you may actually hear everything click into place, you have achieved perfection.  The black dot against the Lower the Volume prints is exactly what this quilt needed.  The quilting gods have smiled upon you.  This quilt is going to be excellent! 

Step 10.  Make and assemble 48 blocks into a reasonably sized 54" by 72" quilt top.  Toss the quilt top onto the king size bed in your guest room.  Decide that you love it so much that you will make more blocks so that it actually fits that bed.  Calculate that you will need 52 additional blocks to make that happen.  Question your sanity.  Repeat.