Don't let the difficulties of the present moments overshadow the reality of God's promises. God's promises still stand. And God's promises are stronger than our failures.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Backs Don'tCount...Right?

We stitchers are our own worst enemy. We look at everything we make and think, "there's a mistake there, I should have stitched straighter here, the corners don't match there, I cut off a point here...you get the picture. But I'm here to tell you if you come to my house Do Not Turn This Spring Wallhanging Over! The front is decent, maybe even a little better than decent...cute. But the back, not so much. I made several mistakes - big ones. I ironed the front to fusible fleece. It wrinkled. I blanket stitched the back onto the front. The back stretched and wrinkled. I wanted the rickrack to just cover the white fabric but rickrack wiggles all over the place and stitching it on is a nightmare. I think somebody out there ought to have a tutorial for the best way to put rickrack on the outer edge of something. Anyone know how? I got it on...barely...but in the back it didn't always catch the fabric. And everywhere I trimmed the white fabric or the red rickrack I got fuzzy threads that migrated to the front or stuck out the sides. Doggone it just once I want to make something that's perfect! Perfectly perfect in every way and in every stitch. I've never done it. I probably never will. But I want it. You ever done it? Even now in this picture I can see a little piece sticking out that needs trimming! Now here's another cute thing - a flippy little red and black apron. My friend, Sylvia, made one for her niece and it was so cute that I wanted to try it. Sylvia even cut me out a pattern and brought it to me. It was a simple pattern really. But have you ever tried to turn a quarter inch and then another quarter inch to make a hem on a circle skirt? The whole hem is bias! Can you say nightmare? Not because it was hard; because it twists and stretches! And then when you stitch it that's a curve you're stitching and do you think I could stay just shy of a quarter inch away from the edge? Sure I could....when I wasn't a half inch away or an eight inch away! Thank goodness on black nothing shows...I love black. :)


19 comments:

Marge said...

I think you are too hard on yourself! Both projects look just fine to me! Really cute in fact. And, no, I have never made a perfect project. And it will be awhile before I do because I get my new machine this week, and it will be a pain learning how it works! Getting a Brother QC1000 and I am excited!

Blessings,
Marge

Karen said...

You are too hard on yourself but if you really think it is just too awful, send it my way! LOL!

BrenWall61@gmail.com said...

Oh my all those negatives where I only can see all the positive beautiful work that you did on both of these pieces. The apron is precious. If you just can't stand either one, they can happily have a home at my place. At least you finish things.

Cornfield Quilter said...

I wouldn't have noticed anything wrong with your projects if you hadn't pointed them out! I used to worry about how my stuff looked, but you know what, there is only one person who is perfect, so I am happy to be just the way God made me. (It took me a long time to admit it though) :D

Lindi said...

Even God makes imperfect things, just look at us humans! :) Often it's the imperfections that make something glow with an inner beauty. Your work is lovely just as it is.

Lea and her Mustangs said...

Well, they look perfect to me. If I ever finished anything I started it would be wonderful. And much less than perfect. Don't we all aim for that but then..............

Michelle said...

Honey, they both look great, and I doubt very much that ANYONE makes anything perfect. Sending hugs your way. Michelle

rlbates said...

You are so right, Marge. We (and you) are too hard on ourselves. Beautiful work!

Arkansas Patti said...

Slight imperfections are what makes projects uniquely ours and not a factory result. You can be proud of both projects.
Good job.

nanny said...

OK, I'll take them off your hands and you can make you perfect ones! I think they are wonderful, I love them both!

Phyllis said...

Yep - we are our own worst critics to be sure! I've never made anything perfect to my recollection.

Perfect or not, I love your little wall hanging and may just use your idea for a mini table topper. How cute would that be?

And your apron? Sweet, sweet!

I'm SO glad to be home and getting back into my own routine!

em's scrapbag said...

I just figure my quilts are like my hubby; perfect with lots of character.

Teresa said...

Well its a pretty quilt, imperfections and all - kind of like all of us. I sure am glad God sees us as beautiful, even with all our imperfections.

Now when I get my perfect quilt finished, you will be the first person I will tell, LOL...but don't hold your breath!

Carrie P. said...

sounds like you have had some frustrating moments but the results look pretty good.

Anonymous said...

I sense a wee bit of frustration and your being way too hard on yourself...STOP IT! Looks good!!

julietk said...

We are often hard on ourselves they look lovely to me. Thank you for joining my giveaway Sorry you didn't win this time, Please come and join when I have my next one.

Lea and her Mustangs said...

Its me again. I remember when my grandmother taught me to embroider. She was an artist at it. When I was learning, she made me take it out if the back wan't as good as the front. She would not tolerate it. I learned but also learned to not like to do it. It was too stressful.

Grammy Staffy said...

Your work is beautiful so don't be hard on yourself... but I do know what you mean.... I do the same thing with my work.

I am sending love and best wishes for a Happy Easter your way. Hugs, Lura

Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie said...

Love your work, we would have never known.