When my kids were little there was a series of irreverent kids books called Captain Underpants. I'm not kidding. Who would make that stuff up!!?? There was one title that particularly hit our collective family funny bone. Are you ready? "Captain Underpants and the Wrath of the Wicked Wedgy Woman". I'm not kidding. Anyway I will explain this blog title later, but keep that in mind.
As previously posted, I'm finishing off a very old block of the month UFO called The Flower Garden Quilt from Newport Quilt Shoppe. The shop has been closed, according to my google search, and the pattern is discontinued but It's very eye catching indeed and I was drawn to it and bought a quilt kit years ago through a local quilt shop.
This quilt has been by far the most difficult piecing project I've ever done and I've thought a few times of either throwing in the towel, modifying it to simplify it by maybe paper piecing instead of templates. I've even though of appliqué, and I'm not a fan of appliqué. But I'm not a quitter either and I am actually quite a determined soul so it's not natural for me to let a pattern get the best of me. So I persevered. And I persevered some more.
Today was the day to tackle this block:
What I didn't realize, because I didn't read the fine print (duh!), was that there are two blocks in this pattern package. That would explain the bazillion template pieces for this one. I decided to start with the biggest one, which is the two birds in the bird bath. Here are the two bird blocks under construction.
Not for the faint of heart. One shows the finished bird block. The other shows the back of it. You will notice the ever popular Y seam, only Barbie doll clothes size. How wonderful (not!). Anyway, I conquered the beast. It's not perfect and I'm not totally thrilled with it but I figure I can quilt out the sins. Here are the birdies which I have named Gertrude and Emily splashing in their bird bath.
Next on to the second smaller block called the flying bird.
I didn't name this one.
At least they measured correctly (small mercies). Now the only thing remaining are the floral borders.
Where did the little birdie go!!?? Oh there he is!!
And now Gertrude and Emily are also wrapped in flowers. I'm glad they are happy little birds.
And now for the title explanation. I was the angry bird lady today. I was very aggravated putting together this block. I figure with that much emotion involved, I needed to name these darn birds. I immediately thought of the game Angry Birds, but they weren't the angry ones. I was. So there you have it : Gertrude and Emily and the angry bird lady. That's me. But I'm angry no more, because my birdies are now drinking from their bird bath and the blocks for the quilt are coming together. I stood back after putting some on my design wall and I am very pleased.
We're getting there. I have a few completed blocks still to frame. I have three blocks still to construct and frame and then it will be on to completion. Has it all been worth it? Absolutely yes! All of the challenges we endure in our quilting projects make us grow our skills. There is something very satisfying in crossing the finish line. It's even a sweeter victory when the journey has been a difficult one. I am also recovering for surgery so I am building not only my skills, but my stamina and leg muscles.
We'll see if tomorrow's block(s) are easier. I expect they will be.
Until next time,
Mavis
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