Row by Row Experience Part 2 or 3

....depending on how you are keeping track :)

This morning I got up and took my once-a-week-maple-tree picture (I haven't blogged about that yet, I plan to put the 52 pictures into a quick slideshow eventually) before the construction started up on our street (water mains being replaced) and then I went to work in figuring out my Leavenworth Quilt Company's Row by Row pattern.  I had issues already with this row, but I found that there were some directions left off in regards to measurement of the pine tree trunk, the section under the house, and the three patch piece (I always thought it was called delectable mountains block, but I am not finding the block under that name).



I was able to undo a couple of HST's that weren't used to make the three-patch pieces (2), and then I put the rest together.  I actually ended up with two or three extra background pieces that were cut according to the directions leftover, so I don't know what is up with that.  I had to use one to give some more length to a top background piece that wasn't long enough, so it worked out, mostly.  I really think the patterns need to be tested more.  I don't know how they were drafted, but I am glad I am able to think about what to do next in these cases--and not stress about it.

Also, with the water HST's: with the rows measuring at 36" (finished), the 2" water HSTs math worked out fine.  Any longer or shorter, it wouldn't have worked as well.

I am planning to do Attic Windows row next with flying geese.  They remind me of kites in the air (but I think they are suppose to be birds).  I might change the background from black to a sky color instead.


And a final retreat selfie.  Mary describes on her blog the story behind this one.  Rather-Be's is in the background.  What a great place for a quilt retreat.

Retreat Accomplishments

7/24/2014 heading east in eastern Washington, such a beautiful drive!  I left around 7:30 in the morning in rainy weather, to make it over the mountains into sunshine.  The weather was warm but not hot, which I love.  I wish I would have made a few stops along the way to take pics of the beautiful scenery and some roadside sunflowers, maybe next time.

First things first.  I really love the Row by Row Experience and what it's all about.  I really do!  That said, I have one and a half rows completed, and in both the directions there are parts that are really difficult to understand.  I have been quilting for a long time, I can follow directions fairly easily... but in one kit, the background fabric was just barely enough (wasn't quite enough actually, but I eased it in) and the cutting directions for the background for the half square triangles was at 3"--when it should have been nearly an inch smaller.  Considering I have run out of the background fabric, that was a huge error.  The quilt shop did come back with a correction regarding the finished sizes of the HST's, but it didn't change on the cutting diagram for the background fabric.  I ended up cutting all my squares so they would finish at 2" instead of 1.5" (corrected is 1.5" finished).  After realizing my error, I already pieced together the "water" HST's, and I am going to see if it will still work (vs taking it apart and trimming down like I have had to do with the others).



Above is from Leavenworth Quilt Company, a very cute row.  You can really see the size difference in the HST's (the mountain vs the water).  I fudged some land under the house.  It looks a little wider than I wanted, but it was what I needed.  There were a lot of fussy background pieces, and I think some sizes may have been off either in the instructions or in cutting (though I have double checked as I gathered to sew in place).



(that orange is actually a red, not sure what happened in the translation) Ok... I love the Tacoma Narrows row (Calico Threads, Tacoma). It was one of the top shops I wanted to be sure to visit for the row pattern.  But having to use an Angle Play template to make it was kind of ridiculous.  I never did figure out the ruler and ended up paper piecing the sailboats instead.  I need to make the cable lines for the bridge--I am planning to do embroidery for that.  Please quilt shops, please please please... don't require rulers like this to make the row patterns again.  yes, I bought that kit with the ruler.  Yes instructions were included.  Yes I searched youtube for demonstrations.  Yes I was HAPPY someone at retreat had paper that I could use to draft the pattern into paper piecing--which was a breeze.  And finally, yes I gave the ruler away. Also, I had to go stash diving because the kit did not have enough of the lighter grey fabric.


working alongside some Angry Orchard hard cider. Yum.  I think it helped keep pieces straight for this quilt :)


A quick iphone picture of the engagement/wedding quilt I started a couple of months ago.  I have the bulk of the top finished, and now I am thinking about working in an applique design on top for information and to personalize.  This came to me yesterday when I was showing the finished top to the other retreaters.  I am happy with how this top has worked out.  I designed it on my EQ--which took me some time to figure out too :)  Hopefully I will have this one finished before January (as my goal for now).

And finally, heading home out of Cougar Country.  Washington State University is my alma mater, I just love how the whole eastern side of the state supports WSU.  Go Cougs!


I finished quilting the kaleidoscope quilt, and I did pick up a new wool project at the shop we were staying at.  Other than that, I got most of what I had planned to work on finished... and my batteries have been recharged again.  Success!