things I learned today

Recently, I decided to join an on-line quilting group.

It was a snap decision, and something I have never taken part in before, but thought "could be fun"... The other 11 members appear to be rather proficient with their sewing machines. Thinking to myself that I need to become better acquainted with Elvis,  I joined in.

The first little package of fabrics arrived from Elaine yesterday, so machine was set up, instructions were read, re-read, checked on the internet and then I set off.

This is what I was making:

This is what I learned:

1. I am not very good on the sewing machine. As a hand piecer, I pin, pin, pin, match seams and intersections, check and sew. I followed this procedure with my machine pieced blocks, but my machine has a mind of its own and more than a few seams required taking apart and re-sewing to make the intersections acceptable.

2.  The carpenter's mantra "measure twice, cut once" - something my husband has been saying the 25+ years I have known him, does not only apply to timber. Just as it is not advisable to run with scissors, one should never, never take ones eyes off the rotary cutter, it too has a mind of its own. 

O-kay.
(see? evil rotary cutter...where on earth did that extra cut come from?)
Lets try that again...

Turn the little logs around...

Here's hoping my on-line quilting bee friends are tolerant of a learner machinist.