Sunday, October 28, 2012

Quilting Along with Leah Day - Week 37

We have gone from Flowing Lines to Jagged Lines. I find when the lines flow, my work flows, but when the lines are jagged so is my work.

Whenever I am forced to confront a new pattern that doesn't come naturally to me, I begin by doodling it on paper. I did this for 10 - 15 minutes and still couldn't get the hang of Jagged Lines. Since this was an assignment that would be done on a practice sandwich never to be seen again I bit the bullet and moved to the sewing machine.

Front Side of Jagged Lines Practice Piece

Perhaps if this had been week 2 or 3 or I would have been happy with the results of Jagged Lines. Instead I found myself struggling with a sense of ineptitude. What is it about getting from point A to B with jagged lines that is so, so, SO much more difficult for me to plan for than doing the same thing with flowing lines? For now, I have opted to accept that it is.

Back Side of Jagged Lines Practice Piece

On the plus side, I feel my ability to execute straight lines and 90 degree angles has improved greatly since the early days of attempting circuit board. My lines are straight, my angles crisp and there are few hesitation knots on the back. Also, despite some navigation issues around trying to create gaps, I did well at turning the pattern along the 45 degree angle I marked at each border corner. Although I am not satisfied with the piece, I am pleased to note that I continue to improve. That is the point, after all.

7 comments:

  1. I kinda take the approach that some of these designs will never 'click'. Maybe it's a personality thing....who knows! But there are so many other options that these exercises stretch my "bonding" with my machine but may not be used on anything in the future. It's all ok, though! Your pieces look so good to me and you are so faithful in following along! Hugs, D

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    1. Precisely, Doreen. Since so many of Leah's patterns come naturally to me, I thought it a good window for my readers to realize that I have some I struggle with. Practice is never wasted. There could be a time when straight lines and right angles are the way to go.

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  2. Gwyned, I find that I have more trouble with the jagged lines. I think that I am pulling the fabric. I will work more on jagged lines and Lost Data. Your work looks good even if you aren't satisfied.

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  3. It seems like it took me forever to learn gentle curves (all that stippling)! Every time we switch to straight lines and angles, I cringe. I don't really want to go back there! However, this pattern is easier than zippling was! As you said practice... Yours looks great and I'm sure there are places you may find to use this design. Thanks for sharing your struggles, it helps us newbies. ~Jeanne

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    1. Yes, Lost Data, will be one more way to practice those pesky straight lines and right angles. Thank you, Jeanne and Donna for sharing your thoughts.

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  4. Don't feel bad. Mine didn't work out so well either;) But I like your attitude. You looked at what you HAVE improved on! I'm hoping Lost Data will give me some redemption!

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    1. Moi aussi, Danielle. I will tackle Lost Data later today. I keep watching Leah's video to better grasp how to incorporate the gap sections. That is my hang up.

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