Sunday, November 14, 2010

A New Project

I know, I know...I don't need a new project...but I couldn't resist. I got a bundle of Park Avenue and it's been calling to me for weeks...I resisted as long as I could and today I caved...Rosettes by Fig Tree Designs. I'm going to really have some fun with these blocks...I also discovered as I was playing with the fabric, that Maison de Garance looks really nice with Park Avenue...so I'll be mixing them up and have lots of choices for combinations.

Yesterday's mail brought this month's installment of the Designer BOM from the Fat Quarter Shop...as soon as I saw the pattern I knew I wanted to do this block right away......it was so much FUN! This is going to be the cutest quilt!

I also tried...tried being the key word here...to do Month 10 of the Civil War Tribute BOM...the best description I can come up with is NIGHTMARE! I thought last month was bad...there were partial seams and set in seams in those blocks. This month the block looked pretty easy when I first looked at it...then on further review I realized that there were set in seams again. Well I followed all the directions and got all my parts together, then the directions said something like refer to month 9 for set in seam directions...well, I've been at this quilting thing for a lot of years, and for the life of me I can't get these blocks together...I just can't do it. Somehow I think for the price of this BOM we could get a bit better directions. My solution is that I'm pitching the block parts that I did, coming up with my own blocks to fill those 2 spots. OK, sorry...that was a rant and I really do try not to do that...but if you're doing this BOM I wanted to make sure you had a warning! Or maybe someone has figured this one out and you can let me know what I'm missing here.

Hope everyone has a great week!

55 comments:

Kate said...

I hate when pattern instructions are less than helpful. Good luck with it!

Loving your Park Ave block.

Darlene said...

I'd be frustrated too!!! AARRGGHH!!! You'll find blocks you prefer and your quilt will look fabulous.

Love your Rosettes block - so pretty.

Melanie said...

Aggravation overflows-- I know just what you mean. I love the Fig tree Block.... Crisp Piecing. You're doing a great job...

Lori said...

I'd really like to see a photo of block #9 gone wrong. Isn't that frustrating when people cannot write so others can understand!! I do that frequently, but I also don't write quilt block directions!! LOL

Karen said...

Carol, I feel your rant! I had such high hopes for this BOM, and it is the bane of my existence. I wish I had asked more about it before jumping in because I loved the fabrics when I saw it at my LQS. Had I known....oh, well (no need for ME to rant on YOUR blog, lol. so i'll just say never again and leave it at that.
I completely support your making your own blocks and not fussing anymore with the given ones. The quilt will truly be yours that way. I do love your Park Ave block. That fabric line is scrumptious and you will have something in the end that is not only satisfying as a quilter, but just plain gorgeous!!

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Beautiful block! I love Park Avenue. :-) Sorry your other BOM was such a test, I'm sure you'll find a perfect block with much less frustration. Have a happy week!

Karen said...

Rosettes is really pretty. Joann F. usually has very simple directions to complete a block that looks like it would be harder. Did this follow the flow?
Sorry about your Civil War block going sour. Your solution will work fine. Just fill up that space.

Michele said...

I love the block for your new project! I love mixing fabric lines too! I think it usually gives the quilt more pop than it would have if only one fabric line was used. I have two small quilts that I recently posted pictures of where I mixed fabric lines. It is sometimes a challenge to see how well you can make them work together! Yours will look great!

Sherri said...

Your Rosettes block is gorgeous...and I love the FQS stocking...I've got mine cut and ready to sew too...I just love the design!

annieb said...

How frustrating-best to walk away!! I love Park avenue too and your block is just beautiful.

Dandelion Quilts said...

Oh Carol, that sounds frustrating and I am sure you aren't the only one who is frustrated...you are such a skilled quilter. YIKES!

Linda said...

I love the first block with Park Avenue and that pattern! Maison de Garance fabrics DO look really nice together with Park Avenue. The stocking block is just so cute. That quilt will be very sweet when finished. Now Carol, don't even get me started on CWT BOM! That quilt will drive the finest quilter in the world to drink!! No need to apologize for the rant, it's more than justified! Initially, I thought it was just me, but I realized it wasn't. Well, misery loves company!!

Juliann said...

I don't think I would do a pieced BOM for that very reason - I get so easily frustrated. I like your solution to make up your own blocks.

Allie said...

Oh my goodness that's going to be a beautiful quilt - love the fabrics! And I love the stocking block, you're right it's going to be a darling quilt.

Good for you on deciding to make your own blocks. I'd have to do the same.

Barb said...

I just love both blocks...sorry you are having troubles....

Loris said...

Sorry to hear those CW blocks are so much trouble. Great idea to just do something different.
The Park Ave is beautiful though and I love the stocking block. I love the idea of mixing in the Maison de Garance...that is a gorgeous line.

Yvette said...

Those to blocks are fantastic!

Oh no, now I am worried about starting my Civil War tribute.

John'aLee said...

So sorry you are having trouble. Nothing worse than a bad written pattern. I noticed you have the book Sarah's Quilt on your reading list. Did you read the first book....and if you have read this one...how did you like it. It's the one of the book's I kept out to read with me on my move across country.

Lissa Jane said...

Carol
I am doing this BOM as well (um well I have the packets not yet started) I did read the instructions and the set in seams annoyed me, so I put it in the 'too hard' basket.. I am doing another BOM that has NO instructions what-so-ever, grrrrr!!!!

Jeanne said...

Your mystery blocks are so cute! My sister is doing that one, too. I totally agree with you about the Civil War Tribute Quilt directions or lack of them. We did solve the problems with Month 9 and 10. Month 11 was fine. If you want me to try to explain what we did, let me know.

Thelma said...

Rosettas, I just love that block! So many different families of fabric would work with it, it's officially on my To Do list.

I've yet to even get my FQS Mystery BOM in the mail, and you're done!! I think I'm now 3 behind...well once I get the latest one I'll be 3 behind, which will probably be later today. I do love this month's pattern!

I'm no help with your Civil War block problem other than to say, hang in there, I know you can do it and Good Luck!

Diane said...

I have a few quilts that turned into nightmares. I hope you can easily replace those two blocks so that you can still enjoy your quilt.

Your new block is beautiful. It will be wonderful to see the whole thing put together.

Thimbleanna said...

Oooh, I love that first block -- very pretty!!!

Michelle said...

How big is that Park Ave block? I LOVE IT!!!

Rita said...

I've been doing the Civil War Tribute BOM also and I feel your pain. I'm a few months behind. I just finished the kit that had 8 blocks in one month...good grief...I thought this was A block a month.

Barb said...

what a wonderful pieced block - looks lovely.

Angie said...

That stocking block is just the cutest, Carol!!! And your Rosette quilt will be a lovely Christmas quilt.

Nancy said...

I love your new project. I am at least five months behind on the civil war quilt and I have already heard from one of my friends that it is a pretty difficult block. I may have to pull it out and check out what awaits me. Oh boy.

Nicole said...

I made Rosettes and found it to be very fussy. Stick with it though. You will love the results and your fabric choice is wonderful. And isnt' that Christmas BOM adorable? Wish I could look over your shoulder and help you with those set in seams!

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh I love that Rosettes block! Can't wait to see more!

Kelly@ Charming Chatter said...

Oh Carol - that Rosettes quilt is going to be beautiful - and I love that you're combining fabric! And, the stocking block is so CUTE!! Goodness, that would be frustrating - I know you'll find some really cute replacement blocks to make!!

Cheryl said...

I was just at a quilt retreat and there was some ranting going on about that BOM....please!! So expensive and bad pattern..no excuse! The Fig Tree Block and Fat Quarter block so wonderful!!

bobbie said...

Love your Park Avenue block!! I am also doing the CWQ and am only on block 7, what a nightmare it is. I am all for substituting for an easier block. Hang in there.
Bobbie

julieQ said...

Sorry about those instructions giving you fits...I have been known to substitute a block when it is just driving me crazy!!

julieQ said...

Sorry about those instructions giving you fits...I have been known to substitute a block when it is just driving me crazy!!

Red Geranium Cottage said...

Love your stocking block. I've got to get busy on mine. I havent made one yet.
Your Fig Tree block is great too.
I'm sorry your other project didn't end up too well. I remember lots complaining about that last year.

Cornfield Quilter said...

First I want to thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment! Second I agree with you on some of those BOM blocks. I have had the same experience and so I haven't done anymore BOM's since. :( The bright side is, I have so many quilts I want to make that I won't have enough lifetimes to do them all! :D

StitchinByTheLake said...

Hey I hear you're having a birthday - I'm wishing you a wonderful, blessed day. And I have given up on BOMs for the very reason you're talking about. You don't know ahead of time that the directions aren't good - it's just not worth it to me. blessings, marlene

*karendianne. said...

...and now for a Happy Birthday and a wonderful Happy Thanksgiving wish to you as well. Blessings, *karendianne.

Linda said...

Happy Birthday Carol! I hope it's just as wonderful as you are!!

Nicole said...

Happy Birthday Carol!

paulette said...

Hey, Carol, a little Dazed Birdie told me that it's your birthday!! SEW have a good one!! I think you deserve a sewing day...topped off with lots of presents and a ooey-gooey cake! Have a good one!!
Paulette

Sherri said...

Happy, Happy Birthday, Carol!!! Hope your day is just perfect!

Kim said...

Your blocks are beautiful. Just stopping by to wish you a happy birthday. Hope you have a wonderful day and Happy Thanksgiving :)

Quilter Going Bananas said...

The stocking block is so cute! The BOM is delightful, I love the colours :^)

Sorry about your Civil War BOM troubles, maybe you'll come up with something better and easier to sew up?!?

As for the Fig Tree pattern, it's beautiful, simply beautiful.

Happy Happy Birthday Carol :^))

Jocelyn said...

Hey Carol, I hear it is your birthday! Happy Birthday and Happy Thanksgiving :-)

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

A little gang of Wabbits told me it was your birthday - hope it is fine and dandy!!!!

Jeanne said...

Carol, I heard it's your birthday. Have a wonderful day and also a Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow. Word travels quickly through Blogland!

~Laurie~ said...

They say it's your birthday! WOOHOOOOO!! Hope it's a great one :)

Becky said...

Happy Birthday!!! I love birthdays!!! Hope you have lots of cake and ice cream!

Lori said...

A little birdie told me it is your birthday!!! I hope your day is filled with many blessings!!

joan said...

Happy Birthday again! I love your block and I know what you mean to find a block to fit in the one that just gives you a big headache... I did that on one BOM I was doing a while back and my quilt turned out beautiful and I felt good about it.
Happy Thanksgiving too.

Shakerwood said...

You're not the first person to toss a block in frustration. I think that was me!! LOL

Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Wendy said...

The blocks look great.
Happy Birthday to you!

Dandelion Quilts said...

What pretty blocks!!