stitchofclass2

I have been working on a bargello quilt, which I purchased the fabric for probably 5 years ago. This is a huge “lesson learned” for me. I, at first, thought that my problems with this quilt were going to be that, 1. I couldn’t find the pattern directions, 2. I did not purchase enough fabric for the back, and 3. I can no longer get this fabric. Well, those were not my biggest problem. I calculated at least 3 times maybe more (on my calculator) to be sure that I would have enough fabric for my borders knowing that I would have to use one ˝ yard of fabric to piece the back, which was a different pattern than the outer border. Well, my brain must not have been “in gear” because low and behold when I started putting on my last border, I came up 21 inches too short on my last side. Now the only matching fabric I had left was about a 2 ˝ inch strip (41” L) and a 1 1/2 inch strip about the same length. At this point, I had no choice but to sew the two strips together and then cut my last 3 ˝ inch strip, which I did. Fortunately, I had decided to keep this quilt so I am sure no one else will ever notice this stupid mistake. As it is, I am going to have to sew 2 pieces of fabric to the top and bottom of the backing in order for it to be long enough for my long arm sewing person to attach to her machine. That is not the end of the world.

My lessons learned are, 1. I will never feel guilty again about purchasing too much fabric. This is one of those times when I could have used more and 2. Don’t put a quilt away for 5 years without being absolutely certain that you have all the fabric you need because in 5 years it is most likely you will not be able to find that same fabric and pattern.

This quilt is flannel and the flannels are beautiful. This helps as it is more difficult to see the mistake. Another bout of Sometimer’s disease!

Here is the quilt and a pic of a quilt I made for my greatgranddaughter, Edie.

isnthatodd

Can't even see the mistake :-) And you are right, figure out what you might need and then, oh, say, double it to make sure you end up ok. :lol: You can always put the rest in your stash!

stitchofclass2

Touche! Thanks for your support!

Raggiemom

I can't even see the mistake. Both are beautiful quilts.

Quiltforme

I guess I need a magnifing glass to see the mistake. I think you did an amazing job!!

quiltlonger

Oh I bet that flannel will be warm and snuggly Tink's cute I love the purple/blue star print

amma

I bet after quilting, you won't be able to see it at all :D:D:D
DGD's quilt is beautiful, and I love the bargello too :D:D:D

SueDor

Very nice!

feline fanatic

You can't see it at all. Your flannels are absolutely beautiful. Is it possible you did have enough fabric but if you prewashed flannels are notorious for shrinking.

I too am guilty of buying fabs for quilts that sit in my stash for years before I make them into a quilt and yes I have also ran out of some. My problem is I constantly modify patterns or don't have any to begin with just pick block designs I like and build out from there.

stitchofclass2

I didn't prewash any of the flannels. As I said, I couldn't find the directions so it is possible that I added for rows than was called for but other than that, I just don't know. It will be okay. It was just a frustrating day. A difficult learning process. I so want my quilts to be done correctly and have been reaching for that goal. The one thing that I can say is if this worked out then I shouldn't be too upset if something like this rears its ugly head again. Thanks for your support.