Virtual Retreat Aug thru Dec 2015 Info on first post

[loise98]

Ladies--you are all too kind.
Lois--the blocks that make the larger block on the "Y" block--they are the thing driving me nuts. I can't look at the quilt without seeing them and wondering how I quilted it without noticing and ripping it out long ago.
Geneva--thank you for the embellishments but if I add to one block then I have to add to more because you can never have enough embellishments and that would be more work than fixing the block.
Luann--nice try but with all the problems I had making this half-sized quilt--it will be kept to remind me that sometimes it is worth the trouble.
Pam--you would love spending time with the boys--they love to be cuddled.
Oh--and the reason it drives me crazy is I want to be able to show it and I want to win. How's that for vanity?

[loise98]

Those blocks would bug me too on a quilt for showing. Not vanity at all and I don't blame you for wanting to win. Didn't you do this quilt as you go? How about making up a new block first and then if it is good to go, take out the old one and remake. You could always use the old one as a muggie

Just putting some more Minstrels in the M&m's bowl for you.

[loise98]

Ritzy...I would love to snuggle those babies...how very sweet!! I can understand why they bug you, I'll add a few Cadbury chocolate bars to the bowl so you can take a break and eat them while working on it :side: good luck, and let us know what you decide to do.
Geneva...love your blocks! It will be interesting to see how you end up putting them together :cheer:
I am working on another bag for my niece....took her into her first quilt shop, and she absolutely fell in love the Mondo bag, so of course I'm making it for her...she doesn't have a sewing machine :blink: hmy: or the time :silly:
Dorothy

[rehak]

Hi Ritzy -

I think your quilt is beautiful! But if the blocks bother you, you definitely need to fix them in some way. Instead of embellishment, you could think about appliques. You could scatter a few applique stars, for example, over the missed points and then scatter a few over some other parts of the quilt to make it a design decision. Since some of the letters already go behind and in front of the pieced blocks, it wouldn't look out of place to add the applique. If you have any applique in your border, those are the elements you could bring in to the fron. But you really have to do whatever will make you happy when you look at the quilt, because you will always be its greatest critic. BTW, beautiful boys!!

[rehak]

Dorothy,

Isn't it loads of fun, when you're making something for a loved one, and you know they are excited about it too?

Luann

[rehak]

Luann,
I love it, and she is SOOO excited!! I may have started something taking her to the quilt shop lol!

Dorothy

[Jdeluka]

Geneva - I love the blocks - so colorful! Can't wait to see where you go from here with them!
Ritzy - could you applique a very narrow strip in a complementary color down the length of the block to hide the issue (but extend the strip onto the solid color at the base of the block so the eye doesn't notice it - much like you would add a ribbon embellishment? My thought is a narrow applique would not be noticed as much a single piece of embellishment would...I think it would look like an extra asymmetric boarder and I think it would look good with the overall asymmetry of the quilt...good luck. Let us know what you decide to do!

[Jdeluka]

Also the boys are beautiful! I can imagine that they are a handful - but worth every moment. I know how hectic it is with 2 boys of different ages, can't imagine twins Hope both they and mommy are doing well!

[Pemela]

Ritzy we put so much of our precious time into making our quilts, that it's not vanity wanting to show your quilt and win. You know that you are not happy with the "Y" block, there have been some really good ideas for altering/disguising the block. However, I know that you are an accomplished needlewomen and although it would be a more difficult process to remove the original "Y" and make a replacement, it may be the best option for you to feel happy with your finished quilt.
Best Wishes Pam

[Pemela]

I must be a thousand times more dense than Lois, because I still can't see anything wrong with the 'Y' block. :blush:

[anne1]

I think she means some of the points are cut off but I really had to look for it.
Ritzy it is such a beautiful quilt that I would not worry about it.
Here are a few Malteasers to keep your strength up, cuddling those two beautiful boys must be so tiring....NOT!
They are adorable. Congratulations to you and your family.
Anne

[anne1]

Lightbulb moment! :blink: So, it's not the "Y", but the hourglass squares over the top? Yes, I see some points don't line up. I saw it on the close-up. Ritzy, don't you wish I was a judge? I'd have passed those - or do I need new glasses?

Ho hum, hubby is away for 5 days and I didn't even quilt yet today.

[idaho]

Nothin' like a little R&R.... :woohoo: :lol: :lol:

[Scoopie]

RITZY... The "boys" are beautiful, as is your daughter! You have all been blessed! As for your Y block in your quilt, could you possibly put a wider sashing on the left side, to keep those points crisp? And then use that same width of sashing for one of your borders? I know you well enough, to know you are not going to leave it as is, so that would be my suggestion.

ROSEMARY.....thank you for sharing pictures of some of the quilts from the show! So much talent!

TERRIE.....love, love, love the quilt! It just has that special something! And, the quilting is great!

GENEVA......great iPad case! I finally found a magnet for mine, for a cover that will stay closed! And, your quilt will be really fun, once you lossen up a bit and just run with the wonderful scrappy feeling to it! I'm by no means an expert, but find that I try to hard for the matcha-matchy thing, when all I really have to do is relax and go with the flow. A glass of wine helps, too! :silly:

My DH and I took a mini vacation for a few days, to Spokane, Washington. It was a beautiful drive, and once we left the Flathead Valley, the air was clear. So, I'm back home now, and working on my small art quilt. I should be able to post a picture of it next week! Yippee!

Dawn

[Marianne-is-sewing]

What a treat to log in today - just browsed 81 messages and seen gorgeous quilts, blocks, fabrics, babies and so much more. Been away for far too long but hope next week can bring a bit of peace and quiet so I can try to collect my thoughts. Hard to do with the scatterbrain I've got but I will try so I can get my machines running again. They sit so quiet in the corner.
I did bring back some sweets so bring up a plate and a wet wipe so you don't get it on your quilt :whistle:



I didn't even get to eat a single real one while away :huh:
Marianne