Saturday 18 July 2015

Measure Twice......

Thank you everyone who weighed in with an opinion on my Dear Jane dilemma.

I decided that it would be nice to have a quilt on display that fitted the space, so after some deliberation, and knowing the width of the space, decided that I would change the layout.

I knew that if I had the blocks just 10 columns across that they would fit in the width of wall that I had available.  Great!  So I would remove the other three columns and use them to create four more rows, with just one more block needed in order to do that.

I created this block.  Totally unlike the Dear Jane blocks in execution, this is fusible applique with a little FMQ 'embroidery'.

I'm happy that it shows something that represents my family (I was pregnant with my first daughter when I started this quilt, now I have two wonderful girls of 12 and 10).  It records the time that it took to make the blocks on the front of the quilt not just on a label on the back.

I sashed around this block with new sashing fabric to denote that it was different to the others.  I re-jigged the other blocks to make my new rectangular quilt.

Just one error.  You are probably familiar with the phrase 'measure twice, cut once'?  Unfortunately, in my head I knew that the new wall under the window was HUGE, but the problem is that in real life it's not as huge as my quilt!!!  Doh!

I'm still laughing at myself!

I've carried the quilt top around the house, and I still haven't got anywhere else big enough to put it up!

I'm going to end up with a 'Jane in Two Parts' - there will be two rows above the new window, 15 rows below.  It is, I admit, an even more unconventional layout than I was thinking of earlier in the week (!) - but at least I get all the blocks on one wall.

Rods and brackets are ordered - I just need to get on with unpicking a seam and adding some more border strips so that I can get my (two for the price of one) quilts backed, basted, quilted, bound and finished!

I might just go and measure that wall again before I set to, though!

Wish me luck!

6 comments:

  1. What a lovely idea for a block Plum and in your favourite turquoise as well! Hope all goes well on the re-measuring.

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  2. Oh Plum, I'm so glad I'm not the only me who does that! Lisa and I, years ago, measured (twice!) the space available in the bottom of her wardrobe, assured Brian no we weren't going to ask him to do anything as we knew exactly what we were doing, went to ikea, bought and assembled a new chest of drawers, and then realised the way the wardrobe doors opened meant the opening wasn't as wide as the interior! So we did need him to take the doors off, and it did give him years of gloating rights! The extra block is fab - but I don't think I've ever seen you in a dress!!!!!!

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  3. I should make a wall hanging with that saying - it happens too often here. Maybe if I saw it every time I am in the sewing room, I'd remember and practice it. Just last night I cut some strips the wrong size. Your solution is brilliant. Look forward to seeing your two quilts up on the wall. Thanks for coming by Applique Tuesday.

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  4. I should make a wall hanging with that saying - it happens too often here. Maybe if I saw it every time I am in the sewing room, I'd remember and practice it. Just last night I cut some strips the wrong size. Your solution is brilliant. Look forward to seeing your two quilts up on the wall. Thanks for coming by Applique Tuesday.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I should make a wall hanging with that saying - it happens too often here. Maybe if I saw it every time I am in the sewing room, I'd remember and practice it. Just last night I cut some strips the wrong size. Your solution is brilliant. Look forward to seeing your two quilts up on the wall. Thanks for coming by Applique Tuesday.

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  6. Love your additional block! Also really rather fancy the idea of the split layout around your window that's going to be cool and unique. :D I wish family members would stop getting married and all so I could get around to quilting my own Dear Jean! ;D *P.S. - isn't it wonderful having all daughters? I truly love it.

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