Friday, December 4, 2009

I KNOW better

Have you ever been working on a project and know it's just not going to fit together?? Last month when I was visiting my BFF we traveled all around Holmes County for the Amish Shop Hop. I found this table runner kit that I fell in love with. So my BFF and I decided that we would make them.

I used her little Jem machine to do the piecing, but when I went to put the tablerunner together, well it was all catywampus :-( So in re-evaluating the whole project, I realized that her machine did not have a true 1/4" foot. So even though her tablerunner turned out beautifully, mine was in need of unsewing.

This is what I brought home.

It was a discouraging sight. I had sewn the whole tablerunner together before I realized it was just not going to work. I thought about trimming it, but I was just not happy with that solution. So I got out the old seam ripper, and started taking it apart.



Today is a very wet and cold day (yes even here in Florida it gets cold - sometimes), a good day to work on reworking.

I pulled out my trusty old Featherweight, with a true 1/4" foot (with guide).
I started by resewing the HST. I did not want to take them apart because I knew they would stretch out of shape.

Look at how much difference there is from the original seam line.

For every one that was off, it all adds up and before you know it, your block is nothing like the pattern says it should be.

One block down -
Two to go -

I'll let you know when I get this all put together.

17 comments:

Crispy said...

I've often heard it's hard to use someone else's machine, I guess this proves it. I love my little featherweight too, so reliable :0).

Crispy

karen said...

Looks good to me. Good luck and have fun.

Anonymous said...

I think I saw your name somewhere today for another win. Did they contact you?
I'm liking your latest runner!!

Terry said...

Love the first block! The table runner is going to be beautiful! :0)

Rae Ann said...

I have had that happen to me and you will be happier in the end by unpicking. The finished block is beautiful! Can't wait to see it all finished!

Heidi said...

Any quilt would be an extra joy to make if you have a featherweight. You are so lucky! The tablerunner is going to be beautiful. It is so good that you are not discouraged and are resewing it.

I am originally from near Holmes county. Oh my! That seems so long ago and far away. :-)

Hugs ~
Heidi

Cindy said...

Even if you own more than one machine- one machine can be so different sewing a quarter inch seam. Ask me how I know...LOL

That being said, your "renewed" block looks perfect.

Carol said...

What a cute little table runner. Too bad you had to re-do it but I'm sure it's better sewn together now. I want a Featherweight. I've heard they are good little machines.

fabricartist21 said...

Yes I have done the same thing you did and it sure is frustating. Well we get aquainted with old "jack the ripper' that way. Let us know when you get out of the mess.LOL

Darlene said...

It's a cute tablerunner - love the blocks! I'm glad you were able to get it together.

Shirley said...

I bought a Jem to take for classes and groups and I'm really not crazy about it. It's a shame cause my 6600 is way to heavy to lug around... although it does have a case on wheels. I bought it so I'll keep it for emergencies. Your runner will turn out just fine.

Nat Palaskas said...

I love the machine though and I have one just like it. Hope your table runner works out at the end - Hugs Nat

marlene@ByTheSeam said...

What a shame you had to do all of that but the re-sew looks good. Nice fabrics.

MARCIE said...

That is a huge difference in seams! What a cute table runner that will be!

Unknown said...

As you know from an earlier post of mine ... I am well familiar with that RIPPER!

Pretty piece you are creating Jocelyn. Love the colors together.

We had our first snow today ... 4 - 5" & it snowed all day, into tonight ... it was a fairy wonderland ... hot tea, a good book & just enjoy those breathtaking flakes floating gently to the earth.

Have a beautiful Sunday. Hugs, TTFN ~ Marydon

Allie said...

That is soooo pretty! What a joy your featherweight must be. Too bad about all the unsewing...I hate that part....but it's turning out so lovely!

QuiltyBee said...

This will be very cute when finished. Best to do it right (sigh!).