Posted on by agilejack

Of Course, I Screwed Up the Final Block

Rico was brilliant at his sheep herding lesson this morning. We worked on getting the sheep into the pen. In order to do this well we have to work together as a team. Ideally, Rico will give the sheep plenty of space on his flanks (directions to move clockwise [come by] or counter clockwise [away to me].) Rico has been a little tight on his flanks so we worked on them today and he did such a good job! It was a wonderful improvement over last week!

After Rico’s lesson we stopped by the field with the creek so they could get in a nice run and a dip before we headed home. After a lot of running I was able to get them to sit still and pose for a photo.

And after 30 seconds, they were off again!

They were pretty winded when I got them loaded in the car

It was just two weeks ago that we stopped by this field and the flowers right now are completely different from what was there at that time.

First was this gorgeous pop of color on this red-berried elder.

These delicate little stocks of blooms were all over the place. It’s moth mullein.

And this ocean spray was so pretty and lacy.

Look at these lovely little blooms.

And these tiny little snow berry blooms were so sweet.

To give you an idea of how small they are.

Traffic was terrible on the way home so we took city streets most of the way. So rather that the drive being sitting still on the interstate it was a leisurely meander through city streets.

When I got home I hit my sewing room with the intent of cutting and sewing the final 8 disappearing four patch blocks. And I got them all done in no time…. except…

I CUT THE LAST BLOCK WRONG!!!!! You can see how the two fabrics in the center piece are different widths. Dammit!!!

There is no fixing this block. I’ll have to sew it into a bag eventually. So I dug into my batik stash again and pulled out four fabrics that will work with these blocks. I didn’t sew the final block because I figured my screw up might have been a sign that it was time to stop.

I’ll make a couple blocks with the new fabrics from my stash tomorrow then I’ll put these aside and finish sewing together the X & + quilt top.

I tossed a few more blocks up on my portable design wall just to see how it all looks.

After dinner I took a quick trip to Costco. It’s been a month or so since I’ve been there and I needed to stock up on a few things. My big freezer is starting to look a little empty. I’m planning on going to the grocery store tomorrow.

I’ve been planning on playing pickleball tomorrow but it looks like it may be raining at the planned time. I’ll have to play it by ear. I’m hoping to finish up the X & + top tomorrow.

43 Replies to “Of Course, I Screwed Up the Final Block”

    1. Your energy amazes me. Well done to Rico too.
      What a shame you messed up that final block, bad luck. I usually screw up in the 10 minutes before lunch or supper . Can’t think straight on an empty stomach.
      Just showed the picture to Andrew and he agreed that would be a great option for our anniversary quilt. I’m still considering whether I’m brave enough to attempt a Bargello though…
      2 more Frankenbags completed. I’m getting quicker though did mess up the lining in the last one ( cut the wrong side for the gusset in the bag so had to trim it down which meant the lining was way too big- d’oh!).

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      1. I used to be afraid of things like bargellos. But since I’ve made a lot of the 16 patch quilts, it doesn’t scare me like it used to.

        I love that you’re getting quicker making bags! you’ll be an expert soon!

        Anne

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  2. I really, really like this quilt/block.

    Pattern is sewing 4 layer cakes together then cutting. Could you tell me/give me the cutting instructions. Please and thank you.

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  3. Way to go Rico. Rico and Bender are so cute, so playful. The meadow is pretty.

    Just hate when that happens. Lucky that you had a batik to work with the others. I too, take mistakes like that as a sign that it’s time to quit, I am too tired to think and pay attention.

    The quilt is coming along nicely. It is inspiring me to try one. Right now working on a veggie quilt for a friend.

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  6. Hi Anne, I’m still in love with the batiks!!. Since I’m a “waste not, want not” kind of gal I would flip the 4- paired slices around and use this (mistake-hmmm) as part of the backing for this quilt. You didn’t solicit my input, just a friendly suggestion. Take care and good job with the pups, Deborah

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    1. Beautiful fabrics! I like that there is no background fabric in this disappearing 9 patch. I am wondering about the direction of pressing seams so that there isn’t a pile up of seam allowances.

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      1. I’m trying to keep all the blocks. the same in how they’re pressed, but I’m anticipating it will be chaos once I start putting the blocks together.

        Anne

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  7. Ooohhhh noooo. I feel your pain. And frustration! Sorry about that. However I did get a laugh out loud about the boys photos and the second one… 30 seconds later. Always wondered how you dealt with dirty boys in the car. Now I understand with the cage. That’s quite the kennel. Do you have to bathe them everytime? Definitely going to try one of these 4 patch with KFC.

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    1. the water in the creek is pretty clean and there’s only one muddy spot. So we usually get away just wet and not dirty. and any dirt that’s on them falls of by the end of the day. they don’t get baths very often. Bender gets dirtier than Rico… lots due to the difference of their coats. Plus, Rico is still intact so that makes his coat nicer.

      the kennel is also for their safety in case we get in an accident. Don’t need dogs flying loose around the car!

      Anne

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  8. Congratulations to Rico ( and you ) what fun to work with your boy . Took mine to the farmers market he did well ( only lost his mind once ) our trainer was happy with the improvement. I love the new block sure is coming along quickly , great colors

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  9. Fun to hear about Rico’s lessons and see the flowers. You are going quickly on the disappearing 4 patch. So easy to make a wrong cut!

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      1. Thanks, but, I just made an incorrect cut like you did, and I finally got it corrected. I don’t want to do that again! Susanne

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  12. I’ve seen this quilt block made from 5” charms squares and the 10” layer cakes. Your blocks look great but they are really large, I’m undecided about which size is best. Your dogs look great but I’d sure hate to wash them all the time, I’m just a dog lover, not a dog washer. Your pictures of the wild flowers are great.

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    1. I’m probably going to make one out of KFC 10 inch squares. I think that size will work nicely with those larger prints. I’ve made a couple of table runners with this block and 5 inch squares.

      Anne

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  13. Oh, my! Those are the handsomest boys, love the action shot! Mom got her pictures, let’s run! 🤣 the colors and pattern of your new top are great together 🥰

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  14. Hooray Rico 🥰🥰 Bender and Rico pic’s are so adorable!
    I am loving your pics of the NW vegetation/flowers! I might someday migrate back the the great Northwest! I definitely see a future purse for that unruly block 😊 have a nice easy work week.

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  15. Glad to see I’m not the only one who does “silly” things. Happens to all of us but I’m noticing it more so as I get older (78) next birthday.. Flower pics once ag

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  16. I looked at your photo and tried to see the error. All I could see was the beautiful combination of colors. I don’t think you can make a visible error when you are using batiks. Especially with your talent of mixing colors!

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  17. I thought of you when I saw it

    https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrOE2i0J0be/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
    [341998384_598652532204990_2803905553339540995_n.jpg]
    Miguel Enciso on Instagram: “This will keep you focused and fit for you next #pickleball game! PADDLE UP!”https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrOE2i0J0be/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
    instagram.comhttps://www.instagram.com/reel/CrOE2i0J0be/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

    Thanks,
    Sue Williams

    Sent from my iPhone

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