The Rowdy Flats Library Quilt has been on my bucket list for a few years now. I patiently waited to figure out how to buy the pattern, then found a friend who had it and was willing to sell it to me. A few short months before COVID started, the pattern was in my hands. However, once I received the pattern, I had another problem. I read through the instructions for the first block, and dread sunk in. I found that I didn't really understand most of the instructions. They're written at a level too complicated for me. Having only finished one major applique quilt in my time sewing, I realized pretty quickly that I was out of my depth.
Undaunted, I picked out fabric and washed all of it. I bought quite a bit of background that I thought would work well. Then I washed all of that! I cut blocks and border fabrics, and started making templates for the first block. Then it sat. I was at a standstill because I didn't have step by step instructions to guide me. I'm still a beginner at applique, even though I know how to do the stitching well. For some reason, in my mind, I can't get straight which pieces are put down in what order.
I worked on block one for a while, off and on for six months of trying to figure out how. This January, I cut my losses. I decided to finish the one block, set the pattern aside until I'm more experienced, and finish the one block as a wall hanging. Finishing the block was easy once I simplified the design to suit my skill level. When the snow came this week, I knew it was time to layer the quilt sandwich and start hand quilting the center!
For the center circle, I've chosen to quilt a tiny crosshatch! I look forward to working on the quilting of the rest of the project. It's good to back on familiar territory! I look forward to the day when I feel like I can tackle the Rowdy Flats Library Quilt with some success. I really feel right now that the pattern and my needs as a beginner applique student don't match!
It also feels good to let go of expectations for the larger quilt. I'm thankful to have had the chance to work on it and to purchase it. When I'm ready, I'll tackle it again, perhaps with a different background!
I hope you're able to repurpose something that has been stuck for a while in your unfinished bin. I can't tell you how good it feels to be able to let go of those undone items, and to more towards finishing other quilts! Happy Sewing!
Stacy
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