Monday, 7 September 2009

Read the instructions!

And I thought it was only men who embarked on a project without reading the instructions first, or at least without reading them properly. Not so. I am taking part in a bag swap and decided to do the bag that came with a tutorial on the site. My first attempt took quite a long time as appliqued the circles by hand and also hand quilted it. It was meant to be a sort of boxy type bag but I didn't read the bit about making it boxy, hence the second attempt. I like the first one though; it was inspired by my Circles Little Gems so I will keep it as it will be handy to take small supplies to any classes.

This is the one that went wrong



And this is the second attempt which will be going to America once I have searched out some goodies to put into it which won't increase the postage by too much.



I have also finished my JQ for August for Popular Patchwork which was using the bleached piece I posted about before the FOQ. I added some weeping willow leaves made from organza, some of which are wired and just did the minimum of quilting. It is missing a wired leaf at the moment as I just found one on the floor when I was tidying things away so will have to attach it later. Just September's to do now before the October issue comes out.



I have changed my internet service provider and the increase in speed is really noticeable. Perhaps now I will be able to keep up a little better, I certainly need to as my OU starts again on October 3rd and I have four workshops this month with Ferret, Barbara Chainey and two with Janice Gunner.

Thank you to all of you who sent kind wishes about my back - all is now in working order so until next time. Happy sewing.

Maggi
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19 comments:

  1. Jane7 September 2009 at 21:06

    I like the colours of the first one. My dad always read the instructions when things went wrong, lol. I am sure the revised version will be much appreciated.

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  2. Robin Mac7 September 2009 at 21:22

    I love them both Maggi, sometimes instructions are very confusing anyway! Sogald your back is much better. Cheeers, Robin

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  3. Corryna7 September 2009 at 21:30

    This is so funny. I made the same mistake a while ago. And I knew how to do it, but did it wrong anyway. But I agree with Robin. Both bags are looking good. You should not see it as a mistake, but as a new way of making your own design. LOL.

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  4. Jean 7 September 2009 at 22:20

    I like both bags, though I have to chuckle since you had to make 2! Your partner will love it.

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  5. suzanengler7 September 2009 at 22:41

    The willow leave are great. I love the life and movement that it gives to the JQ.

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  6. Beena7 September 2009 at 23:25

    Two great bags, and I love your JQ quilt. The rippling effect of the fabric is so wonderful!
    Enjoy your improved internet! You sure deserve it after all the cyber troubles you have had!

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  7. Sue8 September 2009 at 01:44

    Oh no! Maggi, I did exactly the same thing with my first swap bag too. The silly thing is I knew how to do those corners already but just rushed headlong into it without thinking. I ended up chopping off the bottom, which made for a very short bag. They are tiny anyway.

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  8. Shirley Anne Sherris8 September 2009 at 13:09

    I wonder which one your partner would like - they are so different.
    You are not alone re reading the instructions first. We all do it. We think we are saving time but it usually turns out that it takes twice as long as a result.
    Cheers

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  9. Frances Arnold8 September 2009 at 13:32

    Maggi, I love the water and leaves. That was the perfect use for the bleach discharge. Did you prepare that fabric specifically for this piece or did you have it on hand?

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  10. Heather8 September 2009 at 17:03

    So glad your back is better. Both the bags are lovely - very smart yet practical too. The weeping willow quilted piece is beautiful - I love the way you have used the fabric to suggest reflections. Good luck with the OU course.

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  11. Linda Vincent8 September 2009 at 19:48

    Just had to say the second bag is totally fabulous. The colours and patterns are stunning! In fact I have to go back for another look.....

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  12. Gillian Cooper8 September 2009 at 20:21

    I love the journal quilt - that blue fabric is fantastic, so sea-like

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  13. Micki9 September 2009 at 10:32

    The bags are just beautiful!
    Micki

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  14. quiltkunstquilt9 September 2009 at 12:10

    I am very excited by your pleached piece with the willow leaves!Lovely!
    Bleaching fabric is one of the things on my "to do list". Once I tried to bleach fabric but the result was not satisfying. I think the bleach wasn´t the right.I will soon do an other try.
    And thanks for you allways nice comments on my blog.
    greatings
    Christiane

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  15. Julie10 September 2009 at 20:31

    Beautiful bags Maggi and I love the weeping willow leaves. Glad your back is better.

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  16. Kerstin12 September 2009 at 13:49

    Hi Maggi, fantasic bags youre Swap Partner will love it. If I knew before I would have joined. I love bags.


    Kerstin

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  17. MyCretanlife13 September 2009 at 14:12

    I think we are all guilty of not reading instructions before we start something. We all seem to know better! Thanks for stopping by my blog. The bookcase is really lovely, big and chunky. He has done a really good job, just like you with the second bag.

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  18. Sew Useful Designs19 September 2009 at 01:53

    What an incredible work of art, Maggi! :-)

    Both your bags look great to me! :-)

    Hugs! Vikki x

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  19. Laurel H.28 September 2009 at 21:08

    As the recipient of your second tote, I have to say I LOVE it! The first one, by the way, is beautiful as well. In case it is lost on anyone, my new tote is made of Laurel Burch fabrics--and my name is Laurel. :) Again, thanks SO much!!!

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