I’m notorious for giving gifts late. More often than not, Christmas and birthdays are accompanied by IOUs. I have good intentions and big ambitions for homemade presents but unfortunately, I seldom deliver. At least on time.
My friend Shannon’s baby shower gift was no different. A few weeks ago we gathered in the Portland sun to celebrate her little boy, who’s due this Friday. When she reached for the “It’s a boy!” bag from me, I had to warn her: “Sorry, it’s not finished. I have to take it back!”
Well, now it’s finished!
This baby quilt gave me a lot of trouble. I had a grand vision of chevrons in a variety of greens and creams to evoke the outdoors. But after I’d cut out a million diamonds, I realized I’d mismeasured. The sides didn’t match up. I started looking into a fabric cutter machine at QuiltersReview.com by this point, but figured I’ll make the purchase for my next big quilting project.
I took a break from the quilt. I was frustrated. Then I came back, figuring I’d just cut the diamonds into strips and make a scrappy string quilt. But because the edges were cut at an angle, the strips were all wavy and wonky. I took another break.
Finally, I figured I’d just go with the wonkiness. Somehow, it turned out! I’m happy with it now, even though the dimensions of the quilt are a little strange.
Lessons I learned:
- Stepping back from a project gone wrong can open you up to new ideas. I ended up really liking the finished product despite it looking nothing like my original vision.
- Making your own bias tape for the binding is a huge pain. I’ll probably just buy the premade tape from now on.
- Flexibility is key, especially when you’re making up a pattern on your own. I’ll try not to be so rigid next time.
Happy (belated) shower, Shannon! I can’t wait to meet your little guy!
The quilt looks amazing lady!
Thanks dear!