Friday, April 10, 2015

Measure Twice, Cut Once


I am a slow learner.
I've heard the 'measure twice, cut once' mantra all of my life -
particularly from my mother
when she was teaching me to sew my clothes
when I was in the fifth grade.
So, it's been going on for a while now.

I was happily working away on my
12 x 12" Art Beyond the Surface challenge piece
for this month.
It measured well beyond 12 x 12,
but when I applied the pillowcase backing,
and then snipped the corners,
it measured only 11-1/2 x 11-1/2".
I had forgotten my math.
If I hadn't clipped the corners,
I could easily have ripped out the seams
and ended with a cute little 12 x 12.

Here's the too small piece


I still had more stitching to add to it,
but thought it was time to back it.
Oh well........
For some reason,
I wasn't even upset with myself.
I was in the rhythm, or flow, or whatever,
and I was listening to a great book
(more about that later).
I turned around to the cutting table in my sewing room,
spied the ginkgo fabric shown in the top image,
and decided that it was a far more attractive piece in the first place.
So, I was off....
but this time measuring about 15 times before cutting!

The book:
I am in love with Ann Patchett's writing.
I first read "Patron Saint of Liars",
her first novel,
about a month ago.
What a terrific book!
I am now listening to
"This is the Story of a Happy Marriage",
and it is fantastic.
I can't stop listening.
My knitting requires all of my attention right now,
so I cannot listen and knit,
so sewing is a wonderful way to listen.
Patchett reads the book,
and she is an excellent reader.
It is available on Audible, if you decide to give a listen.

Thanks for stopping by.

Peace to you and yours........

ad remember: measure twice, cut once!

9 comments:

Jeanne Aird said...

Both pieces are very beautiful, but I love the way the colors and patterns gently overlap each other in the top piece. I also like the warm vs. cool colors in it.

Cate Rose said...

Whatever final size they are, these are two awesome little quilts. Have a great weekend! xo

Jeannie said...

Love them both, but I am partial to ginkgo leaves. My tree just started putting out those cute little baby fans. Thanks for the book reviews. I'm going to start listening to books on tape, so they will go on the list. Have a happy!

Carol said...

That's a catch phrase for book binders too, Judy. Measure twice, at least! Beautiful quilts, gorgeous fabrics. What's not to love?

Martha said...

Dang, Judy! So annoying when this happens. It has happened so, so many times to me too. It is so lovely though. And what about the first picture? It's gorgeous too. I want to know more!

Meg Fowler said...

Love Ann Patchett! I just finished "State of Wonder." A tad strange, but good. Have you read "Bel Canto?" Amazing!!!
Two wonderful quilts. Sad the grapefruit didn't work out!

Gerrie said...

Love the gingko leaves. good choice

Cas Holmes said...

Leaves room to inspire new ideas. When you make a mistake

Maggi said...

Oh how many times have I done that when adding a facing!! I do love that Ginko piece