I ran into a small roadblock that I need to take care of before I can start sewing the blocks together. Two of my blocks wound up slightly smaller (about an eighth to a of an quarter inch) than 10 inches tall, probably due to imperfect cutting and seam allowance of the three fabric strips that make up the block. First I'll try taking apart the strips and checking the seams - I'm hoping I can sew them back together with slightly smaller seam allowances to make up the difference. If that doesn't work, I'll just have to cut a few more strips to start fresh blocks.
This quilt, which will be my first full size quilt, was "started" almost a whole year ago. Last Spring, I chose an easy pattern from an old book and went out and bought the fabric for it. I prewashed it all and began cutting the long strips and sewing them together. Since I was brand new to quilting, I found myself easily distracted by other (less intimidating) projects. I made a few table runners, wall hangings, pillows, and other things while my big project stayed hidden away in the closet. I even made a baby quilt (my first completed quilt - it was a success!) as a gift before pulling this project out again.
I've learned a lot about since quilting since beginning this project months ago, and I see things that I could have done better earlier in this process. There was part of me that didn't want to continue and just wanted to start fresh with an entirely new project that would become my "first big quilt." But I've come around, and I want to see this one to end, mistakes and all. If for nothing else, it will be a record of where I started and how far I've come.
