Kind of like childbirth!!

And I think I tend to admire and love my quilt more if I had problems but was able to work through them and end up with a beautiful quilt. I then more appreciate what went into it and feel closer to it. This could end up being your favorite quilt! I know however you decide to do the circles, it will be beautiful!!

Nancy

Barb, I think it is important to share "tales of woe" from time to time. I know it's important to stay positive but it is also important to know that these beautiful quilts we are all attempting to make take lots of working through learning how to manage so many things and developing the skill that's required. My mother use to say when people would gather together and complain, "Misery loves company." I think that's fine just as long as you don't get stuck in the complaining. It's so nice to know that I am not the only one who has days like the one you described above. I seldom remember the trouble a project has caused me or the seemingly endless time it took to get done. In fact, sometimes I wish I had a better memory about those things. I line up new projects as if I will live forever. But then, I also believe that will also contribute to longevity. So here's to a long creative, productive life, everyone! Cheers! And happy sewing because "it's a new day", you know.

or perhaps you need a fly swatter to get them to behave

Bugs?? LOL!! As Ricky says...."just iron the snot out of 'em and they will be fine!"

What a wonderful place this forum is - caring, supportive people with great advice, just love it!!

I walked into the sewing room this morning, and there are all my little relaxed circles, looking like a bunch of dead bugs on their backs with their tiny feet in the air. Can't you just picture them?

Haven't figured out what I'm going to do. I really wanted to learn all the new techniques I could, but I also want an end product that doesn't make me wince every time I look at it. So am going to let this sit for a bit while I take a step back. I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut the templates from card stock and can easily do that again, if that's my solution.

I'm grinning now, better than last night - thank you all for your replies!

Movin' on Barb

There are always different ways to do each technique....we just have to find what works for us!

And yes...it looks like there will be a lot more circles to do in this project, but they always add a lot to the finished product!

I am doing raw edge appliquéd circles in my version. I will blanket stitch them down. I am using the double blanket stitch which gives a lovely smooth edge around the pieces.

Barb, hang in there! Giving yourself a day off to regroup mentally might help you to get your BOM mojo back. In a project this big, we're all going to stumble somewhere...ask me about ripping out every strip set in month 1!

PosyP wrote: That would be my prefered technique too! Very easy, best results. If the freezer paper is cut accurately, then the circle can only be perfect.

Andrée

Oh Barb, what a tale of woe.

I have to admit, if I was doing this quilt with all the little circles I would be inclined to use the technique that Alex demonstrated on one of the shows a while back. Make a template from 2-3 layers of freezer paper & press onto the fabric. cut out leaving seam allowance. Paint the starch onto the seam allowance only and then turn the edge in using a long pointy thing and press the edge only with the tip of the iron, all the way around before pressing the rest of the seam allowance down. Then remove template and do what ever else you want to do with them.

Okay, I wish to go on record to say that circles are IRRITATING. Margo, your video instructions are fabulous, but I have managed to introduce lots of wrong stuff that I'll share in case others are tempted to do the stupid things I did.

Here's my list:

1. Don't use Bottom Line or any other 60 wt. thread for basting around the circles. The fine thread is hard to see, tie off, pull up, you name it, just hard to work with by hand.

2. Put the assembly of batting, Stable Stuff, and template on each circle (without pulling up the thread) before spraying with starch to be sure you have a little margin between the assembly and the basting thread, because the fabric needs that margin to 'roll' up over the assembly items. Otherwise, you end up with a wad on your hands. If there isn't a margin, re-baste, or cut a new fabric circle slightly larger.

3. Don't spray starch on the templates. They wilt. (Yes, I really did this.)

4. And most important of all, after all your hard work, after you have nifty little circles, after you have pulled out the threads and removed the template and are ready to press them, do not, repeat DO NOT, spray with starch before you press the circles. Guess what? They relax and open up, and all your hard work is down the drain.

I am seriously considering raw edge circles. Wonder if they would look terrible when all the rest of the applique is turned? I cannot imagine doing more circles, and it appears from the photo that there are lots more to come.

Sigh. Very grumpy about this tonight.

Barb

Thank you all so much for sharing, it is wonderful to be part of this discussion group. I learn something new almost every day.
Much appreciated folk
Gail in Oz

Thanks Ritzy. I have not seen such a tool but will keep an eye out for it now. I agree that everybody is very generous in sharing their tips and tricks. And I am particularly grateful for them as I am rather cut off here on my little island.