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Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Stepping Stones UFO

When I dug into this project, I almost put it back.  Thank goodness I'd posted it as a UFO I planned to finish or I would have returned it to the deep, dark UFO pile.  This pattern is called Stepping Stones by Judy Niemeyer.  I took a three hour class to make this quilt but you know only so much can be done in 3 hours.  There are 3 different blocks titled J, K and L, and you make 12 of each block for the quilt.   The teacher reminded us that we would sew one black strip to block K and I was sure she said to the beginning of the block.  Of course it was the end of the block, the last seam not the first!  I had sewn all 12 K blocks with the black strip first so I had to rip...grrr.  In addition to this mistake I had sewn an extra strip to all of the L blocks, so that had to be ripped too.  

You sew the J, K and L blocks together to make one unit for the setting.  I ripped and sewed to make this unit.  I had to have a little satisfaction at the end of a frustrating sewing day.
I decided on the layout and pinned the blocks together in sets of three.  You can see some of the K blocks have been ripped and just need to be sewn back together, and some still need to be ripped out. I will finish each set, one at a time, which includes more ripping and sewing.  I put this away until next Monday.  Stay tuned.




24 comments:

  1. Hi Kathi! I am so sorry you are being frustrated by this project, but WOWEE it is stunning. That little thumbnail on Susan's website drove me right over here to see this. I can't wait to see it all finished AND you will one less UFO plus a fabulous finished quilt. Hang in there! ~smile~ Roseanne

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  2. Thank you Roseanne. I do love it but will be happy when it's finished.

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  3. It's going to be gorgeous! I remember seeing something like this from Ardvark quilts years ago.

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  4. Oh my goodness, such a labor-intensive project but the outcome is totally worth the effort. It looks like sharp combs or over sized fangs to me. It is okay to take a break. I am sure it will be easier when you return to it with fresh eyes.

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    1. It is labor intensive and I really prefer quick and easy. It's a challenge.

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  5. I too have a stepping stones unfinished - I used 2.5" strip packs from a line that did not cut accurately and therefore I really have to scrimp and squeeze to get the cuts that I need. I need to get it out of its box and start doing just one block a week - maybe then I can get it finished!

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    1. There was a lot of scrimping in this pattern too and I cut my own 2.5 inch strips. I don't think it was your strips. You should pull yours out. I'd love to see your colors.

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  6. I can see why you're putting this off till Monday, especially since it involves un-sewing. But once your done, it'll be great!

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    1. Yes, it's my Monday project. I have 5 UFO's and I'm working on one per day for an hour.... we will see how that works.

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  7. You're almost there, and the quilt's going to be beautiful. I've come to the conclusion that developing quilts turn into UFOs because there is a problem with them, sometimes challenging, sometimes frustrating, that kills our enthusiasm. Congratulations on dealing with it's issues and soldiering on.

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    1. Exactly! I am realizing this as I work on these UFO's.

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  8. Those are really cool looking. I hope they stop being so frustrating!

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    1. Once they're all ripped and sewn together the frustration will be over....right;-)

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  9. One of my favs! A similar one is called willows by another designer. One day.......

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  10. Well it looks like you are making progress and it will be a beauty in the end. Good luck with the rest of the ripping.

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    1. Too much ripping....between un-sewing and taking the paper off the back;-)

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  11. Good for you for sticking with it! You'll be happy you did when it's finished.

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  12. It is beautiful. It also looks like one of those quilts that I am glad I made, but would never make again! You are well on your way to getting the top finished, keep up the good work. Thanks for linking with Design Wall Monday.

    Judy

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    1. I might make it again...the right way the next time;-)

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  13. Quilting sure can keep us humble! I have spent more time with my seam ripper than I care to mention, but it's worth it in the end. Your quilt is going to be a beauty! Love all of your bright fabrics.

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  14. I've never done a Judy Niemeyer quilt, but more than one person has told me they can be a challenge. Best wishes on "unsewing" the remaining blocks and making some progress on this beautiful WIP. : )

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