Tuesday, January 12, 2010

We've all done this.

I'm still doing some stitching on my Susan McCord vine, this one is taking awhile. I have about three branches yet to stitch on this panel.

One day I decided that it makes sense to trim the panels as I go, you know, cut down on the work at the end. That will be sometime this decade for sure. It got pretty distorted from all the stitching on it that even though I put a basting line down the middle, I ended up folding it in half to find the new middle.When this much time has gone into a project, that rule of check twice, cut once applies. I checked more than twice and even marked the cutting line on the wrong side. I was a bit cautious and prayed for no slips of the ruler.

I even cut out all my sashings and borders which will be trimmed to size as I go. I had three inches left, no room for errors.

Now this has got me excited, to see how it will look with the pink. I'm still madly keen about this quilt but I'm realistic, it's a long, slow work in progress. It's not just a quilt, it's a journey that I'm taking.

I showed you two cushion covers I was working on. Yesterday, I finally put the last stitches in the tops. I had a yeee-ha moment. I'm thrilled with how they look, even my amateur quilting thrilled me.

Today, I was looking forward to getting them made up into cushions. I found some nice fabrics for the backs in my stash and had the zips all lined up.
First job is to trim, I checked the measurements in the pattern, had some center lines marked to go by and somehow................my brain did a number flip on me. Check out the photo below.


Bad words were said, more than once, a few times in fact. There is no fixing this, so I resigned myself  to starting again.
Did you get that? I'm starting from the begining.....again!!!
And how come I proceeded to trim the second pillow and made another (slight) error in measurement? Although this one wasn't a really big mistake, you'll never know when I'm done.


Emergency medicinal sedative required here.

I hope you have a better day.

95 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your Susan McCord vine is truly a magnificent journey!!! I LOVE seeing it!!! What JOY!

Uh oh...blue words. Terribly sorry to hear about the cushion. : /

Has the chocolate helped? Maybe a glass of wine too...?!

Jeanette said...

I am so so so sorry! It makes my stomach flip to see that, all that work!

I love her patterns so much, but they are so very FAR beyond my skill level that I will just admire, from afar, all you crazy people who actually attempt them.

I think it's still beautiful though, you should just bind it and make it a wall hanging! I am sure there is someone out there who would still love it, even with imperfections. In my mind that just makes it all the better.

Have fun making your new one!

Karen said...

Ouch! I have certainly cut wrong, but I've never made such a gorgeous applique, never never!

Jocelyn said...

Oh no! And it was so beautiful too! I hope it goes together quickly for you.

Uniquely Yours Creations said...

The Susan McCord vine that you're doing is coming out Beautiful! ooh,
sorry about your slip up.. You know
what? We take the same sedatives!

Barb said...

I truly love whatyou are doing and so sorry for your mishap....gotta love your emergency aid...

Della said...

Your work is stunning and I've made the same mishaps and taken the same sedatives. Must be the quilter in all of us.

Dolores said...

Been there done that - but not that bad. Ohhhhhhh I do feel for you. Can you make a smaller pillow with the boo boo?

SandyN said...

How sad.... I feel for you. All of your work is sooooo beautiful. Go the chocolate..


Sandy N

Melanie said...

I ate some chocolate for you! So, so sorry. I've started that pillow twice now and haven't finished it. To actually get to the end and cut it. Yikes.

Love, love the McCord vine. Another I dream of making. You are an inspiration to the rest of us that just collect patterns and supplies!

Annette said...

Oooo that made me cringe a little. So sorry. So glad it wasn't on your quilt however. It is just stunning! I am enjoying your journey with you...it will be a treasured quilt.

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

Aaahhh Janet, I can hear your curses from here....I've done that too, don't you just wonder how you did that? But all is not lost, have you considered turning that amazing piece into a tote? I think it would look stunning, and it won't matter you lost a little petal!!! Oh, and I adore your vine quilt, this is a work of art. By the way, did the emergency sedation work?, that's always the best medicine! xo

RG said...

Oh Janet!
Love your vine and still love your cushions!
Have you thought about making it crazy now and adding a 'slashy bit' so that it's still 'a thing'??
Such beautiful work and your quilting is delightful.

Big HUGZ!!

Sharon said...

I feel your pain! Can you bind it for a small wall hanging. I thought your quilting was fab on this! and WOW to your Susan McCord, this is a beauty. You're right, it's not a project but a journey. Enjoy it!

Dena said...

I'm sorry to hear about your cutting error and it was so pretty too. I hope your next one goes together quickly.

PatchworkRose said...

Just love your Susan McCord Quilt. It is TDF. So exciting :-)) It is an amazing Journey and I agree it is a rewarding personal journey. What can I say about the cushions. They were looking fantastic The scrap quilter in me wants to think of a fix so that they are still useable. Surely ???
Cheers
Lynne

taylorsoutback said...

And a gorgeous journey you are taking with the Susan McCord vine...it is all ready exquisite.
I also like what your doctor prescribed as stress relievers...so much more comforting! It sounds like we all have the same mindset.
Have a lovely week.

Dixie Howard said...

When I saw your blog title, I was holding my breath all through your McCord section on your blog because its so beautiful. So sorry about the cushion. Its gorgeous though - can you sew on a border and still finish it even though it would go a bit through the flower? Just love all your projects!

Nat Palaskas said...

Ouch indeed Janet, but look on the bright side (that's me), use it to make many hearts for next Christmas hahaha! I love the vines very much. You are almost there right? Hugs Nat

Kellie said...

Janet don't throw it away!!!! All is not lost. Cut along all the edges just clipping the egdes of the outter most flowers and you will have the cutest little cushion you could ever imagine!

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

Oh No! I can just imagine what you might have been saying!
Your vines are looking great, the pink sashing really works!

Nedra said...

I am so sorry! What a killer mistake. I almost want to eat a piece of chocolate for you. (If I must, I must).
Seriously, my heart just breaks for you!

wishes, true and kind said...

All of your applique is to die for -- the leaves and the very cheerful flowers (which ended up NOT being that cheerful after all). I feel your pain -- truly -- as we have all been there! :(

joan

molly said...

The McCord reproduction is absolutely breathtaking, Janet! We will not mention the other little incident.

Be*mused Jan (who's using her daughter's computer/account)

Lissa Jane said...

Oh No!!! egads!!! what have you done???? I haven't done this - YET..... Your Vine quilt is just lovely, more than lovely, its beautiful.. putting it together will inspire you to keep motivated..

take care ('specially with your rotary cutter!)

Lissa
PS better to be a quilt than a finger :O)

Julia said...

Oh no Janet....!
I have cut slits in the backing and that was bad enough...at least I was able to just stitch it up..
I agree...Chocolate is the best remedy here!
Julia ♥

Anonymous said...

I love the Susan McCord quilt so much, sorry to see you cut the cushion wrong,oh it is done so quick.

cheers
Christine

Unknown said...

I love what you are doing and am hoping to get through some of my many UFO's this year so I can explore applique, especially the more contemproary style, more in the future - that's a direct result of finding Kellie's blog (Don't Look Now) - I've also, in the past, seen some Austrailian applique quilt designers tops, award winning ones, that just make me drool.

antique quilter said...

ohhhhhhh can you make the add a piece of white fabric and then applique flowers over to the edge of the cushions where you need to from the trimming?
rather than start all over?
ah yes chocolate is the cure all

the vines are just AMAZING

mereth said...

You must find a way to salvage that cushion, all that beautiful work deserves to be finished. Why don't you have a give away and offer it as the prize, it seems there are a lot of people with ideas for it!

Deb said...

Duh!! what a pain in the tush!! it surely wakes us up don't it!!
Your Magic vine is gorgeous and when I have "time" I hope to do one as well with just my scraps..what a great adventure you are having with this vine!!

Marit said...

Your vines are beyond beautiful, so exiting to see them with the sashing!

I am so sorry about the cutting incident, but hope the chocolate will help giving you ideas for reshaping or adding more applique to it. To pretty to be put aside...

Please let me know if you'll need more chocolate, I would love to send you some.

Mandy Noble said...

Your work is amazing, I have been looking through your blog with my jaw agape! WOW!!

luv2quilt2 said...

I'm so sorry about the misplaced cut. I can only imagine how upset you were, but I know exactly what you were saying!!
The vine is absolutely beautiful. I love your work and love to visit your blog.

Isabelle said...

Your wine is really nice and very well done !! manycongratulations to you on this beautiful panel :)
isa

Béa said...

What a wonderful work, I love all what you made, your vine, your cushions, Lori's quilt ( I made the same ), baskets ( I leave mine...), Your blog is a wonderful source of inspirations, thank you very much. Hugs from France.

Betsy said...

Janet wonderful, wonderful progress on your Susan McCord quilt. The border fabric is perfect for it. I am sooooo sorry about your cutting mistake. Are you able to salvage some of it and make a small tote from it?

Vicki said...

The Susan McCord quilt is amazing. What beautiful applique! Love to see your progress - thanks for sharing. Better the slip on cutting the pillow top rather than the applique panel!

Abby and Stephanie said...

Oh dear oh dear! Is there anyway to salvage part of the pillow top and maybe make a pincushion or frame it? Perhaps a chocolate IV drip to get the sugar into your system faster and at a steady stream. Your vine quilt is simply divine!

Deb said...

Your meandering vine journey is truly beautiful. The pink sashing i perfect. Can't wait to see it. I'm so sad for you about the miscut - the cushions are really pretty. Maybe you could frame it and cover up the edge?

Steffi´s Candy Quilts said...

Uh, I am so sorry! And I feel with you! Hope you can use at least parts of it, like the others suggested.
I think I would need a LOT of chocolate too.
Your appliqué is so beautiful, I totally admire it!
Steffi

Unknown said...

Am loving your vines. Now if that's amateur quilting, I'd love to be an amateur, but oh how upsetting. I'm so sorry for your slip of the cutter. Hope the chocolate helped.

Cindi said...

Oh, that just hurts. I admire you for starting again. I'd be binding it up and saying it was supposed to be that way LOL!

The vine is beautiful. Great fabrics!

Kaaren said...

OMG, Janet! I can't imagine what I would have done or how I'd have felt. All that gorgeous work! Can you salvage parts of it and perhaps make a couple of pincushions or something? If my heart sunk I can just imagine how you felt.

Your Susan McCord quilt is definitely a journey worth taking. It's stunning.

Meredith said...

Ouch cutting wrong is not fun. Maybe still use it or give it away . A lot of your work went into it. your vines are lovely. It is a journey.

alobsiger said...

ARGHHHHHHHHH! I had hoped after the delicious start with the SPECTACULAR vine (SPECTACULAR!) that we had dodged the bullet of bad news. Rats! Your cushion was looking splendid too! Surely the rest can become something???!! Glad to see your, ahem, medicine cabinet is well stocked. ;-) I'm sure it was helpful.

Connie said...

So sorry, It is such a beautiful piece, your work is perfect, I really enjoy your blog!

Anonymous said...

okay janet, seeing the progress of your vine quilt has me more determined than ever to get more done on mine! once i get the borders quilted on my trip quilt, i'm heading back to susan! :o)

looks fabulous!!

ranette said...

I am loving and enjoying your Susan McCord journey. Absolutely breathtaking!

Your quilting on the cushion cover is anything but amateur Janet and I cried over your slip-up....we've all been there I'm sure. I agree with the others, turn it into something else. I'd carry it as a tote or hang it on my wall and be proud!

Nyla said...

Your vine quilt is so beautiful! I absolutely love it with the red!!! So sorry about your mishap, I loved Kathy's suggestion about a tote. Making lemonade. I ate two mini Hershey's on your behalf. Did not want you to overdose!

Barb said...

everytime I see the progress on your SMcC I want to run upstairs and start one too! I love. love. love it!
As far as "cushion gate" maybe the less said the better - I feel for you, I really do.
barb

Unknown said...

OMG! Your vine is just way too beautiful!! I love, love, love it! I know the feeling of being patient and having something done within the decade. Your cushion cover is gorgeous. I am so sad for you that your brain did that awful flip. Mine does that some time too. But, you know I would still use this one. Sew some decorative fringe into the edges (like cording) and the fringe will hide your boo-boo. No one will ever know.

Victoria Findlay Wolfe said...

yep, I have done that. Although I don't know If I would have started over! I'd be over it... and on to something else... They look amazing though! And your vine quilt... sigh.
Divine!

*karendianne. said...

I'm so happy to be along for the journey of your vine. I leaves me speechless and dreamy. Bummed about the other... dang!

Anonymous said...

You are such an inspiration to me!

As far as the slip up...we have all done something like that at one time or another. Surely you can find a use for the mishap. Hate to waste all of your work.

I have been following your blog for awhile but never commented before. Took a while and read through all of your archives. Beautiful, inspiring work! Thank you for blogging and sharing so much.

Lori said...

I'm breathing a sigh of relief that you didn't trim the vine quilt wrong! It's stunning and it is oh so pretty with the pink border between.
So sorry about the pillow! Good thing you had emergency supplies to calm yourself!!

Ann Champion said...

When I saw the blog entry title I held my breath as I read. I thought "no..not the vine quilt!" I adore that quilt. It looks wonderful with the sashing. I'm so happy the slip..if it had to happen..wasn't on that one.
I agree with everybody else..try to salvage the cushion cover? The quilting and applique are so pretty!
Several years ago I went to snip a thread on a quilt I had spent months hand quilting, and nipped a hole in the fabric. I'm still not over it. :( I guess these slips happen to all of us if it makes you feel any better?
(((hugs)))

Anonymous said...

The only comfort I can give is that we have all done it. I am not a "blue" word person, usually, but I have had occasion to spew them, as well. When it's all said and done though, it's not all that important in life's picture. Just be very careful on the cutting for the McCord quilt. It is stunning. I want to begin one of those journeys myself.

Jen said...

WOW!! Both projects are just amazing.

Terrie Sandelin said...

Your Susan McCord quilt is absolutely stunning. You seem to be making pretty speedy process on it! And, oh, the pillow! That's a heartbreaker! Perhaps you could cut up what remains and make lovely little pincushions? In any case, you do such extraordinary work -- thanks for sharing it all with us!

Janet said...

Amazing! Beautiful! Outstanding! These words are not enough to say how great you Susan McCord Vine is coming along.

The cushion is still wonderful and you are much more dilligent then I would be. I think I would trim up the other sides and make it a design element. :)

I do have a question about your Mary Maneeke pattern. Where did you purchase the pattern? I contacted DAR and was told that they only ship within the United States and since I am in Canada they could not send me one. Any ideas?

Unknown said...

I couldn't believe my eyes!!!!! Oh my goodness!!!! Its amazing how in an INSTANT we make these huge mistakes after hours of work~all we can do is begin again~ Your work is super fantastic~I cannot get over that vine border...be careful with that cutter now....

Thimbleanna said...

Oh, OUCH!!! I hate it when that happens!!! Your vine is coming along beautifully -- that would take me the rest of my life to do!!!

Susan said...

Heartbreaking mistake! I hate it when things like that happen! Better luck on the next try.

Loris said...

1. I agree, the vines and the pink look beautiful!
2. Your applique flowers however are so gorgeous they deserve to be in a book or something that everyone will buy and hope to make too. Honestly, your piece is inspiring and new.
3. Bummerrr the edge got cut but if the other edges are close or cut it will look like it was supposed to go beyond the edge anyway. I know, I know, it hurts. Been there, done that. But you will think of something. You are obviously already a genius :-)

VikiVictoria said...

Happy! Happy! Happy! is what I feel looking at your stunning work...

Rosa said...

Such beautiful quilt, a really awesome aplique quilt.

Jan said...

Wow, I am mad for it, too! Don't you wonder how Susan McCord made hers, and kept it straight? Your applique is always so beautiful.

Janet said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE your Susan McCord quilt! Maybe I need to start one this year - the more you get done on yours the more I want to make one too.
That is really too bad about your cushion. It is so beautiful - I know your next one will be equally lovely - hopefully you can make something else with the slightly damaged one.

Sherri said...

Love your Susan McCord...and about the cushion...my heart skipped a beat...there has to be a way to use it though...it's still gorgeous!

Doris said...

Oh, Janet, I gasped aloud when I saw that photo...I can so feel the pain!

The McCord quilt looks just lovely!

Danielle said...

The vine is stunning! Deep breaths, chocolate, rinse, and repeat! I've made the same kind of mistake before, you are not alone!

Browndirtcottage said...

Oh your vine quilt is just stupendous....what an adventure and experience it is for you!!

Ok....about 'THE cushion'...I'm having a moment of silence........
..................................................now where did I hide
that chocolate...?????

LeKaQuilt said...

I'm so sorry for your cushion, and to sympathize I eat an whole chocolate!
Your work is so beutiful, your VINE quilt is so gorgeus and fantastic wounderful. And I love your beutiful applique on the pillow. I do understand your need for using those word !!!!!

Dolly said...

I'm sorry, but I think that the quilting fairies decided that you can't be perfect at EVERYTHING YOU DO !

With that vine quilt as testimony to your skill and talent, they just had to take you down a notch !

So sorry.........I can imagine how sick that made you. But bravo for the kahunas to just start all over again !

Anonymous said...

What a great discovery I have made from your blog - I did not know of Susan McCord - thank you!!!! I love the vine... simply gorgeous...

And the cushion - just put a border on, and let it overlap some of the other flowers, and it will look like the flowers were supposed to go off into the edge... a design decision!!! beautiful work.. thanks

FabricandFlowers said...

Beautiful work! I'm inspired each time I visit your blog. Even with the boo-boo you can salvage and make a beautiful something.

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

The Susan McCord vine quilt is so beautiful.......I hope you peacefully enjoy the journey with this. It is so wonderful. I'm truly sorry for the mistake beyond fixing. This happens to everyone, I am convinced.........I hope you find a use for that piece. It is lovely.

Jantine said...

Oh, what a shame, you have to start again. I wouldn't have been so brave and start straight away!

Corrie said...

wow everything is so beautiful, the fine detail in the vine pattern

poor you and the mistake, it does make me want to cry, all that work! Chocolate does solve everything. Today I was so exhausted and searched high and low for something to keep me up...a pack of chocolate jaffa biscuits was just the trick!

hugs, at least you won't do it again not that it's any consolation!

corrie:)

Crispy said...

Oh Janet, it just made my heart sink to see that. I'm sure I would have reverted to some blue words and chocolate too!! The vine quilt is going to be so very lovely.

Crispy

Lynn E said...

Oh your vine is fantastic. I don't applique but appreciate the time and effort.
Oh to see the pillow top cut. I just have to go to the bakery and get a chocolate torte with fudge icing and eat in sympathy for you.

Robin said...

Oh, my. That is a serious bummer. My stomach is in knots just thinking about it. I'm so sorry!!!

It may not be workable for your original intent, but at least you should be able to use it for something else at some point (when you can bear to look at it again, that is!). Because even with a flower chopped off, it is still beautiful. :)

Anonymous said...

Oh Janet! My heart went pitty pat with the photo of your vine with the sashing. Magnificent. An heirloom quilt for sure.

My heart also went pitty pat in a different way when I saw the boo boo on the cushion. There are no words!

gina tx said...

Your mistakes just make you human plus it makes a person like me, novice, have hope because I do make mistakes all of the time and hopefully my work will become beautiful like yours. Fabric shops love me. Can't wait to see the finished projects. Question, what kind/brand of iron do you use?

Kim D. said...

The vine quilt is gorgeous. So sorry for the mishap, I feel your pain. I hope the chocolate makes you feel better.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

So sad. Chocolate heals.

Darlene said...

Now, how did I miss this post? grrr!

Well, I absolutely love your vines - fabulous.

I'm so sorry to read about the cushion - huge sigh! Did the chocolate help?

QuiltedSimple said...

your vine quilt is absolutely lovely, and so is the cushion - really! i think you'll never notice it once it's put together - it's way to beautiful to scrap.
kris

Rose Marie said...

My goodness .... how I feel for you about the cushion!!!!

But on a bright note, sure do love your Susan McCord vine ...

Blogless me said...

Please, please, please, do not throw it away - it is such a beautifully done applique. If you cannot live with it because of this slip of the cutter, consider the possibility to offer the cushion for "adoption". I am applying for custody ;-)

Beth Karese said...

The Susan McCord vine always stops me in my tracks for a few minutes while I admire it... start thinking about doing one... then remember I already have plenty in the works. I might have to close my eyes next time you post more pictures! ... just kidding, it's fabulous, Janet.

I know the end of the story of the cushion mishap. Great save!

cottonreel said...

This whole blog is awesome. I have never used this word before. i must keep visiting--cottonreel

Jenni said...

The vine applique is absolutely lovely. The patience you must have. I'll have to make a star pincushion too.

Gisele said...

Hi Janet
Have been admiring your creations from afar & have finally come out of the shadows to comment. All your applique work is stunning & I've particularly fallen for this vine quilt by Susan McCord,so beautiful.....another added t my 'to do' list one day. I am very new to quilting and am learning alot from blogs like yours, thank you for posting your tutorials & projects.