I think this "oops" gave you lots of creative freedom, which you used very nicely! You ended up with a unique-to-you quilt, and a beautiful one. Personally, playing the "what if" card is something I truly enjoy. There's never a mistake, just a creative opportunity.
Thanks Danna! I have found there are 3 types of people in the comments 1) pivot and make the diamonds, 2) rip it out and start over and 3) make it into a UFO!!! I hadn't even considered that there could have been an option 3! Thanks for watching.
Thanks Cynthia! That was the third option (pivot, rip it out, or add it to the UFO pile), but I was glad to be inspired enough to pivot and come up with something that turned out well. Thanks for watching.
YES, I absolutely learn so much from Donna Jordans videos too! I like that you decided to measure the fabrics that you wanted to use and cut a bit smaller based on the smallest fabric. I would have had hours of time ripping out the stitching and resewing them correctly mainly b/c once I decide what I wanted to do, I probably wouldn't see any other possibility. That said, thank you for showing me a different option! I can't wait to see your kaleidoscope quilt too.
Thanks Marsha! I'm lucky in this case that I didn't have a specific person in mind for these colours - the quilt will be donated to Victoria's Quilts Canada - and I have lots of other fabrics to be able to make a kaleidoscope. Thanks for watching.
Hi Michelle, No way would I unpick those units, not in a million years! I would sew a triangle quilt, which will be amazing anyhow, then I would recut more fabric and make the kaleidoscope quilt. There’s always more fabric! I won’t even let my husband (a mathematical individual) work out how much fabric I need for any quilt. He’s always offering! I just fly by the seat of my pants because I just LOVE ❤️ it when things change, or morph. I find that challenge is one of the most exciting parts of quilt making. I sew hoping I’ll run out of particular fabrics so I’m forced to do something different! Your quilt was not a mistake it was just a wonderful opportunity to think outside the box. 😊
I love this perspective Patricia! This happens to me all the time because I usually design and plan as I go - sometimes it works out and sometimes some problem solving is needed. It's great to challenge both my math brain and my creativity at the same time! Thanks for watching.
As one of my first attempts at patchwork quilting, I attempted this pattern but used the wrong template to cut out my triangles. I ended up with 6 triangles to make the block instead of 8. So I about turned and sewed two darks to one light triangle and two lights to one dark to make half hexies. I carefully laid the blocks out and sewed the half hexies into rows and then sewed the rows together. I was pretty proud that I was able to turn miscutting Donna Jordan’s pattern into a MSQC hexagon quilt until I stepped back and looked at the completed top. The hexagons had disappeared and it looked like I had just laid out rows of alternating triangles much like your first option. The quilt still looked great, just not what I was wanting for that fabric. I love how your oopsie turned out and would definitely not have unpicked all of those seams.
It sounds like you didn't end up where you planned, but still managed to get something useful from your fabric. That's a great start and excellent problem solving for a beginner. Well done Christina!
I got a real laugh out of your oops. Only because I've been there more than once. The diamond pattern is great - it really looks beautiful. And you must send this video to Donna Jordan. I think she'd get a real kick out of it...
First time viewer. Any friend of Bonnie and Donna is a friend of mine. It’s amazing how much we learn from them. I just finished my first 60 degree triangle quilt. Totally improv. It was a little tedious sewing all those rows together but the result is great. I too added a slim border and then took all my scraps and made a piano key border. I used the leftover triangles and made a few kaleidoscope blocks for the backing. I definitely would not have unpicked all those bias edges. Your quilt is beautiful.
Thanks so much Fran! And welcome to my little corner of the internet. I hope you find other interesting videos on my channel. Love that you worked on an improv project - despite my planning, many of mine turn out that way!!
I LOVE your "lemonade" harlequin quilt! It is beautiful! And, not knowing the source of this quote, I nevertheless think it perfectly applies to quilting, and to life: "The person who never makes a mistake never makes anything."
What would I do? First, probably cry 😂. Then come up with plan B as you did. And your plan B is pretty awesome! Love the way it turned out, I like the various background fabrics you used. Looking forward to you doing the kaleidoscope quilt! 😅
Thanks Andree! I didn't cry, but I did leave it for a few days before coming back to it. And I'm lucky I had lots of fabrics to make a kaleidoscope. Thanks for watching.
Hi Michelle! I would absolutely NOT take all those units apart! I would do exactly as you did. Your quilt top is lovely; I love the colors, and I'm a big fan of using a variety of fabrics as background. It's a winner! I agree with you - I love Donna Jordan - I've made several of her patterns, and her videos are great.
I think your quilt is beautiful. I like the variation of backgrounds, they give your quilt depth and interest. As you were showing how you were going to sew your blocks and match up your points, I was screaming at my iPad “no”!!!!!. I’m glad you didn’t hear me because this quilt is perfect with that fabric and background.
Thanks Elaine!! I'm glad you caught on to where I was going wrong - it's funny to me to watch it back now and wonder what I was thinking about to be so distracted that I missed the plot on this. Ah well - it turned out well in the end. Thanks for watching.
I probably would have cried first, been tempted to throw the whole lot in the bin, woken up to myself and made exactly the same decision you did. It turned out beautifully, good job! Can you imagine ripping out all those bias seams? No thank you!
I might rip out a few pieces before I put the whole thing in timeout! I might shed a few tears or lose a few hours of sleep while I search Pinterest for ideas. I'm confident that you made the right decision. It looks great!
Oh my, the kaleidoscope quilt is the next quilt on my list. I too love Donna, she makes everything look so easy and explains things perfectly. I want this quilt so much I would have unpicked all of them. I have to say though, your quick thinking made a really beautiful quilt. Thanks for sharing, it's good to know we all have those oops moments.
Hi Esther! I'm lucky I have lots of fabric and that I didn't have anyone in particular in mind for this project. It was easy to pivot. And the crazy thing is that I have made Donna's kaleidoscope MANY times, and almost always manage to "change" the pattern (unintentionally!). Someday I'll learn! Thanks for watching.
Actually I Like that you have some full diamonds in the pattern. Lovely Quilt! I also would NOT have unpicked those sewn pieces…. Looking forward to the kaleidoscope quilt!
Thanks Iris! I'm lucky that this was not planned for a specific person and that I have lots of fabric to make a kaleidoscope quilt. Thanks for watching.
Hi Michelle I probably would have figured out something that would be way too many pieces to unstitch! Especially after I just unstitched a bunch of pieces that are now in my scrap bin! What you came up with is really pretty.
I now understand the reference to lemons to lemonade! I certainly would not have taken all those seams out! Congratulations on creating a beautiful harlequin quilt. The mix of backgrounds is very pretty and provides interest so it doesn't read flat and boring. Enjoy your videos so much! Jeanne in Nebraska
You did just the right thing, and your quilt is every bit as beautiful as Donna Jordan's Roundabout! That said, I'm with the commenter below whose next project is a kaleidoscope quilt. I REALLY want one in the fabrics I have already chosen, and if I make a mistake I'll pick out the pieces. But hey, I'm retired and have the time, and I don't make that many quilts. I can't wait for your kaleidoscope quilt video once you get to it. Bravo on your diamond pattern 'save'!!
Thanks so much! The kaleidoscope is coming up this week - and I was extra careful. It's a great pattern, but I've messed it up a few times now. Thanks for watching.
Creativity and this came out beautifully! Great thinking! I certainly would not take that many seams apart. BTW I'm still in awe of your website! Thanks so much!
Nicely done! I have made Donna’s Roundabout quilt, love the pattern but am so impressed with how you were able to change your plan. No, I would NOT rip them all out.
Thanks Shawn! The crazy thing is that I've made this pattern a few times in the past, so there really is no excuse for the error - but I'm glad I was able to see a path forward to something different. Thanks for watching.
Well this was a fabulous recovery! No ripping out seams for me -- but I would have probably put them away for a while and thought about what else I could do. Love how your Plan B turned out! And love that you went ahead and used backgrounds that were out of your comfort zone! Well done!
Thanks Judi! It did take me a day or two to come back to it, but I'm glad I persisted and I think I'll take a few more risks with background prints going forward as well. Thanks for watching.
If the quilt would have just said "Diamonds!" out loud at the start, I wouldn't have had a mini meltdown!! 😜 But it turned out well in the end. Thanks for watching.
@bitspiecesquilting right? As I watched you sew the triangles together I thought what's wrong with them...they look perfect! By the way, I love the fabrics you chose.
Michelle - love the plan B quilt you created. Thanks for sharing this and showing us how an oopsie can still become something beautiful. I hope to get there some day. For me as a newish quilter, I still buy fabric for a specific pattern and knowing me, honestly, if I had made this mistake, I would put it my project basket and let it sit for a few days. Then I probably would have put on a movie and started un-picking the seams.
Hi Marta! I hope this gives you some inspiration to pause the next time you make a mistake and give some thought to the options. Or reach out to a quilting buddy - even a virtual one - for some advice! Thanks for watching.
Thanks Shelly! I'm lucky that this wasn't intended for a specific person (it's being donated to Victoria's Quilts Canada) and I have lots of fabric for another attempt at the kaleidoscope. Thanks for watching.
This is lesson I learned. Donna ALWAYS says to make 1 block first before making the rest. This is why. I found out the hard way too. Never again. I will make only 1 block before proceeding. This turned out great.
I almost always make a test block as well. But I was WAY overconfident with this one because I've made the pattern before. Just goes to show that even with experience, a test block is still worth the time! Thanks for watching.
That was the quilt that “needed to be born” since those ideas were swimming in creative juice’s pool .NOW, I would have taken notes so as to recreate this block but I would continue. I am a seamstress by training for over 50 yrs and what you are anticipating as tedious can be your way to really enjoy the deepest moments of relaxation and meditation.. of course take a nice drink/snack. Sit comfortably and go to the “ I deserve this break, I can play and listen to white noise/music or my favorite…CHASING THE MEANING SOUND of SILENCE..at different phases of my life
Love both the planned and different completed quilt. With all of the incorrectly sewn seams being on the bias, you really had no other choice, but to keep the twozies and choose another quilt. su
Thanks Sharon - I hadn't even thought about what ripping out bias seams would do - I would likely have created an even bigger mess! Thanks for watching.
The quilt turned out beautiful. I might have considered making a triangle shape with 3 "twosies" on the bottom, 2 "twosies" on top of that, and a final "twosie" on top of that. I could then explore what a large triangle (made up of the smaller triangles) might work into. It might tax my brain but the creativity could be fun.
What a happy mistake! I love Donna Jordan! Her Stepladder tutorial is how I actually started quilting, after so many years of collecting fabrics and not knowing what in the world I'd really need to make a quilt! I have not made the Roundabout quilt. I look forward to your tutorial! Thanks for your thoughts of how to handle a "mistake" and making into a very beautiful quilt! I enjoyed that. I've not made a harlequin quilt either. I love seeing how to line up the rows and that will be a huge help, should I evert make one.
Thanks Christie! I was so annoyed with myself, especially because I've made this pattern at least 3 other times, so I should have known better. But clearly not focusing. Thanks for watching.
I agree with the other comments in that your oopsy turned into a beautiful quilt! I think I would have gotten flustered (being that my focus and goal was to make a kaleidoscope quilt) and I would have ripped them all out! BUT, you certainly have given me a ‘lesson’ that I could just change it up and create something else just as beautiful! This is why I watch these videos, to learn and I appreciate your honesty in pointing out the mistake and going another direction. You could’ve easily cut that part of the video out and start all over. Thank you! I really do love your diamond quilt and now want to make one myself!
I'm so happy you liked the quilt, I love how it turned out! And I'm lucky that I have more fabric to be able to start over and try the kaleidoscope again. Thanks for watching.
Hats off to you for the end result! First-time viewer here…great video. I hope you send this to Jordan Fabrics…Donna would no doubt be thrilled that your “mistake” spurned a beautiful creation.
I would have left them alone for a day or two, calmed down,let go of original idea and then do as you did! Well done, the result is lovely! An exercise in all manner of useful ways iof thinking when a glitch occurs. Its how penicillin was discovered!
Thanks for sharing! It turned out beautiful! NO WAY would I unpick the seams, i love all triangle quilts and I would have done exactly as you did. NGL it was refreshing to see a project that didn't go as planned, was fun to see your creative process, thanks for sharing, I'll subscribe 😀
Thanks Betty Lou! This definitely did not go as planned!! Welcome to my little corner of the internet. I hope you find other interesting videos. Thanks for watching.
This was not a mistake; it became an opportunity. I love the different background fabrics and, really, they are not that much different. They do play well together. (Watch some of the videos from Inspired Quilting by Lea Louise to see a true variety of backgrounds.) No, I would not have picked out all those pairs. I love the look of diamonds or Harlequins, as you called it. To me, it’s almost argyle, perfect for a man or Jason. Congratulations on your ability to turn “a sow’s ear into a purse,” if you have heard that expression. Thanks for sharing your own new pattern. Maybe you can make this pattern again with different fabrics so you can see how beautiful it truly is. ❤️
I can only imagine your disappointment when it dawned on you 🥹 That being said, I think the end result is gorgeous 😍 I am not a fan of the pinwheel block or any of its variations. No offence to Donna’s beautiful free kaleidoscope pattern. That Harlequin pattern is right up my alley & your quilt turned out breathtaking. I know colors don’t come across the same on different devices, your quilt colors came across to me like a tropical ocean, like what I would see if I was scuba diving 🤿 It was a winter vacation for my eyes! Congratulations on an amazing quilt 🙋♀️🇨🇦
Thanks so much for your kind words! I was thinking tropical sea when I was looking at the colours together, so I'm glad that vibe translated through the screen! Thanks for watching.
Hi Linda - Thanks so much! Using a standard square or rectangle ruler to cut a 45 degree triangle should be possible, but I haven't quite figured out the trick of it yet. Something to work towards, I think. Thanks for watching.
It looks fabulous. I would have put it all away and let it "marinate" until I come up with a solution. .. Which would be a new quilt. I like the tonal difference in the background.
There are no mistakes in quilting. Quilters sometimes make creative choices that deviate from the original pattern. Your variation looks great! There is zero chance I would have unsewed but you could have chosen option 3: leave your twosies 'closed' and use your ruler to slice off the seam allowance. You would have ended up with a smaller triangle and smaller quilt. That being said I would have also re-designed my blocks to accommodate the design variation. That is kind of the fun of quilting - I tried to border a baby quilt 3 times and kept cutting the fabric wrong (dang seam allowance) so I just kept modifying until it worked. My border variation looked great and maybe better then my original plan. Well done! BTW - No rules say the same fabrics can't touch - I think those few instances where your dark fabric touches the same dark adds interest to the quilt.
Thanks so much Amy! I love the idea of design variation! Cutting off the seams was an option, but I didn't have enough fabric to get it to the size I wanted, and even those pieces felt like a lot of waste. So the "variation" was born! Thanks for watching.
Nice save, Michelle! I definitely would not have picked out all that work but in days gone by, I might have stashed the whole works away. These days I am trying to be more creative and thrifty so I would have probably tried the layout you did. It looks great, as always 🎉
😮 I don’t know! Because I stick with a pattern I May have ripped each pair. But seeing what happened to you it makes me realize that I could have another option! I like what you did with your pairs! Love your videos.
I have made quite a few kaleidoscope quilts, but watch Donna's video before I do cut and sew. Mistakes make us become creative as we adapt and overcome....you made a great quilt. I usually use mixed fabrics for backgrounds so it is not a problem if I run out of one fabric. When cutting triangles from strips I always start with a cut that gives me a half triangle with seam allowance so that I can make a straight edged patchwork because I always play with the scraps. Or I can sew the half triangles together if I need another full triangle. xxx
Hi Alexandra! I almost always make a test block, but I was WAY overconfident given I had made this pattern before (and messed it up before), so off I went on my merry way and made a mistake AGAIN! Ah well. And I agree - cutting those first pieces a tiny bit big allows you to piece them together for scrappy blocks. Love it. Thanks for watching.
Well that oops turned out beautiful. I would have pivoted too, but don't think I would have been so calm about it. But no way I would have ripped out all those blocks. Thanks for sharing that we all make mistakes, but we just need to find the beauty that can be created by those. Have a blessed week ahead.
Thanks so much Diana! I did have a moment of disbelief at my mistake, but I was making the quilt for Victoria's Quilts Canada (so no pressure for a specific design) and I have lots of fabric, so was able to start again on the kaleidoscope. Thanks for watching and your kind words!
It's such a beautiful quilt, dear Michelle, it is definitely worth the error. Don't be mad at yourself, I have often felt like that, looking forward to making a new project, and then being so disappointed that I had been so stupid. Not implying that you are!😅 We are so deep into the project ... 😂And the kaleidoscope won't run away. I love those triangle quilts and made them a few times. They look pure and modern, no matter what background fabric!All the best for the new year, I love your tutorials! Andrea from Germany
Thanks so much Andrea! For your encouragement and kind words! I do feel a bit silly because I have made this pattern before, so should have known better. Another viewer called it a "design variation".... I think I'm going to stick with that!! Best wishes to you for 2025!
I’m with you, I would have created something new. I really like the piece you came up with in this case, it’s lovely. What a fun journey from a simple mistake. And it gives me some new ideas. Thanks.
Your finished quilt looks beautiful! Sometimes mistakes turn out great! NO! I would not have ripped out all those seams! I would have probably been mad and sad and then tried to do what you did! Thanks for one and a half tutorials in one!
Thanks Sherry - there was a moment of disbelief and maybe a moment of frustration, but then I realized I have lots of fabric for another attempt at the kaleidoscope. Thanks for watching.
I would set all of those aside and start over with the kaleidoscope. Once done I would sew into diamonds- they are a girls best friend after all! For me personally, if a certain pattern is in my mind, I have to follow through on that task. I’m so happy you went with the diamonds. Beautiful! Tfs
Thanks Katie! I'm lucky that I have lots of fabric and wasn't set on a blue/green kaleidoscope. Your approach is one I hadn't thought of - but I think cutting off the seam allowance would have made them much smaller and I didn't have enough fabric to get the quilt to the size I wanted. Thanks for watching!
Oh yes, I would've done exactly what you did; from making the mistake of sewing them wrong originally, so the loud, frustrating grunts, and deciding it just wasn't worth my time to unpick each one of those seams. My guess is that the only sane person who deciding to unpick each one of the seams was someone who had promised a Kaleidoscope quilt to a customer with those exact fabrics and wasn't able to go back and buy some more fabric of those fabrics to start over again. You did a great job making lemonade today for all of us - with just the right amount of sugar! 😄😄
Thanks New Bee! You attract more bees with honey and I was lucky that this was not intended for a specific person. It will go to Victoria's Quilts Canada and I have lots more fabric to make another quilt. Thanks for watching.
Love your "lemonade" quilt! There's no way I would have taken apart the blocks either, partly because of the bias edge that could easily be stretched, but every piece would have to have every piece of thread removed and then press every piece again. By that time I'm not having fun anymore.
I loved your about turn. I've made many triangle quilts but only one kaleidoscope in my almost 50 years of quilting. I also struggle with background colors..loved what you did with this.
You did exactly what I would have done (and did, interestingly enough on a Donna Jordan pattern) where I cut the wrong angle on a flip strip. It was supposed to mirror and mine didn't but by golly it looked great.
Hi Jodie - I almost always do too, but was WAY overconfident because I've made this pattern before. Of course, I've messed it up before as well, but that didn't stop me from running off in the wrong direction! Thanks for watching.
I think this "oops" gave you lots of creative freedom, which you used very nicely! You ended up with a unique-to-you quilt, and a beautiful one. Personally, playing the "what if" card is something I truly enjoy. There's never a mistake, just a creative opportunity.
Love that - a creative opportunity! A great motto to sew by! Thanks Linda.
Well those blocks would have been put in the time out corner if I did that! Beautiful recovery Michelle.
Thanks Danna! I have found there are 3 types of people in the comments 1) pivot and make the diamonds, 2) rip it out and start over and 3) make it into a UFO!!! I hadn't even considered that there could have been an option 3! Thanks for watching.
Your harlequin came out beautiful! Thank you for sharing! Looking forward to seeing your kaleidoscope quilt!
Thanks Suzanne! It's coming soon.
Honestly, I would probably have put it all away in a drawer and forgot about it. But, you came up with a new plan. Good for you. Thanks for sharing.
That is exactly what I would have done 😊😊😊😊
Thanks Cynthia! That was the third option (pivot, rip it out, or add it to the UFO pile), but I was glad to be inspired enough to pivot and come up with something that turned out well. Thanks for watching.
YES, I absolutely learn so much from Donna Jordans videos too! I like that you decided to measure the fabrics that you wanted to use and cut a bit smaller based on the smallest fabric. I would have had hours of time ripping out the stitching and resewing them correctly mainly b/c once I decide what I wanted to do, I probably wouldn't see any other possibility. That said, thank you for showing me a different option! I can't wait to see your kaleidoscope quilt too.
Thanks Marsha! I'm lucky in this case that I didn't have a specific person in mind for these colours - the quilt will be donated to Victoria's Quilts Canada - and I have lots of other fabrics to be able to make a kaleidoscope. Thanks for watching.
What a nice way to save the day. Your harlequin-style quilt looks great.
Thank you! 😊
I would have done exactly as you did! I really like your finished quilt! Well done!
Thanks Dinah!
Hi Michelle, No way would I unpick those units, not in a million years! I would sew a triangle quilt, which will be amazing anyhow, then I would recut more fabric and make the kaleidoscope quilt. There’s always more fabric! I won’t even let my husband (a mathematical individual) work out how much fabric I need for any quilt. He’s always offering! I just fly by the seat of my pants because I just LOVE ❤️ it when things change, or morph. I find that challenge is one of the most exciting parts of quilt making. I sew hoping I’ll run out of particular fabrics so I’m forced to do something different! Your quilt was not a mistake it was just a wonderful opportunity to think outside the box. 😊
I love this perspective Patricia! This happens to me all the time because I usually design and plan as I go - sometimes it works out and sometimes some problem solving is needed. It's great to challenge both my math brain and my creativity at the same time! Thanks for watching.
Nice save! The harlequin solution worked really well ❤
Thanks! 🍋
I made her roundabout pattern the first year she did videos. Did it all blues, creams, maroons Jordan fabrics is in my hometown! Love them
Hi Diana! Your roundabout sounds beautiful! It's a great pattern - I just hope I can pay attention long enough to get it right!!!
Love the harlequin layout!! And your fabric choices!
Thanks Debbie! It was an adventure that turned out well in the end. Thanks for watching.
As one of my first attempts at patchwork quilting, I attempted this pattern but used the wrong template to cut out my triangles. I ended up with 6 triangles to make the block instead of 8. So I about turned and sewed two darks to one light triangle and two lights to one dark to make half hexies. I carefully laid the blocks out and sewed the half hexies into rows and then sewed the rows together. I was pretty proud that I was able to turn miscutting Donna Jordan’s pattern into a MSQC hexagon quilt until I stepped back and looked at the completed top. The hexagons had disappeared and it looked like I had just laid out rows of alternating triangles much like your first option. The quilt still looked great, just not what I was wanting for that fabric.
I love how your oopsie turned out and would definitely not have unpicked all of those seams.
It sounds like you didn't end up where you planned, but still managed to get something useful from your fabric. That's a great start and excellent problem solving for a beginner. Well done Christina!
I absolutely would have done what you did and made a different quilt. Your quilt turned out beautiful! And, it has a fun story attached to it 😊
It does make a good story! Remember that time when I sewed ALL those pieces together incorrectly.... and discovered a whole new project!! Thanks Joni!
I got a real laugh out of your oops. Only because I've been there more than once. The diamond pattern is great - it really looks beautiful. And you must send this video to Donna Jordan. I think she'd get a real kick out of it...
Thanks Vickie! I agree that it's pretty funny - especially because I've made the pattern before and should have known better!
Been there done that. Liked how you thought outside the box and came up with a beautiful quilt 🎉
Thanks Joy! I'm really pleased with the results.
First time viewer. Any friend of Bonnie and Donna is a friend of mine. It’s amazing how much we learn from them. I just finished my first 60 degree triangle quilt. Totally improv. It was a little tedious sewing all those rows together but the result is great. I too added a slim border and then took all my scraps and made a piano key border. I used the leftover triangles and made a few kaleidoscope blocks for the backing. I definitely would not have unpicked all those bias edges. Your quilt is beautiful.
Thanks so much Fran! And welcome to my little corner of the internet. I hope you find other interesting videos on my channel. Love that you worked on an improv project - despite my planning, many of mine turn out that way!!
I LOVE your "lemonade" harlequin quilt! It is beautiful! And, not knowing the source of this quote, I nevertheless think it perfectly applies to quilting, and to life: "The person who never makes a mistake never makes anything."
OMG Michelle, I feel your pain! Great save!
Thanks Paula!
What would I do? First, probably cry 😂. Then come up with plan B as you did. And your plan B is pretty awesome! Love the way it turned out, I like the various background fabrics you used. Looking forward to you doing the kaleidoscope quilt! 😅
Thanks Andree! I didn't cry, but I did leave it for a few days before coming back to it. And I'm lucky I had lots of fabrics to make a kaleidoscope. Thanks for watching.
Hi Michelle! I would absolutely NOT take all those units apart! I would do exactly as you did. Your quilt top is lovely; I love the colors, and I'm a big fan of using a variety of fabrics as background. It's a winner! I agree with you - I love Donna Jordan - I've made several of her patterns, and her videos are great.
Thanks so much for the kind words, and for sharing your experience with Donna's patterns, they're great!
Like the diamond quilt but I also saw Donna pattern and want to try it thanks😊
It's definitely worth trying Delwyn! Just read Donna's amazing instructions carefully. 😜 Thanks for watching.
I think your quilt is beautiful. I like the variation of backgrounds, they give your quilt depth and interest.
As you were showing how you were going to sew your blocks and match up your points, I was screaming at my iPad “no”!!!!!. I’m glad you didn’t hear me because this quilt is perfect with that fabric and background.
Thanks Elaine!! I'm glad you caught on to where I was going wrong - it's funny to me to watch it back now and wonder what I was thinking about to be so distracted that I missed the plot on this. Ah well - it turned out well in the end. Thanks for watching.
I would have done what you did as well. It turned out great and I love the look of the mixed background and main fabrics!
Thanks Kristina!
❤ the harlequin pattern.
Thanks Helen!
I probably would have cried first, been tempted to throw the whole lot in the bin, woken up to myself and made exactly the same decision you did. It turned out beautifully, good job! Can you imagine ripping out all those bias seams? No thank you!
Agree! Thanks for watching!
I might rip out a few pieces before I put the whole thing in timeout! I might shed a few tears or lose a few hours of sleep while I search Pinterest for ideas. I'm confident that you made the right decision. It looks great!
Thanks! I did leave it for a day or two before coming back to all those pieces. But I'm glad it turned out in the end. Thanks for watching!
Oh my, the kaleidoscope quilt is the next quilt on my list. I too love Donna, she makes everything look so easy and explains things perfectly. I want this quilt so much I would have unpicked all of them. I have to say though, your quick thinking made a really beautiful quilt. Thanks for sharing, it's good to know we all have those oops moments.
Hi Esther! I'm lucky I have lots of fabric and that I didn't have anyone in particular in mind for this project. It was easy to pivot. And the crazy thing is that I have made Donna's kaleidoscope MANY times, and almost always manage to "change" the pattern (unintentionally!). Someday I'll learn! Thanks for watching.
Actually I Like that you have some full diamonds in the pattern. Lovely Quilt! I also would NOT have unpicked those sewn pieces…. Looking forward to the kaleidoscope quilt!
Thanks!
I love what you did! I would not take apart that many pieces. You are wise to adapt and complete.
Thanks David! I'm glad I have other fabric for another attempt at the kaleidoscope quilt. Thanks for watching.
I would have unpick or not,depending how important the kaleidoscope is for me in the moment. I like your beautiful quilt 😊
Thanks Iris! I'm lucky that this was not planned for a specific person and that I have lots of fabric to make a kaleidoscope quilt. Thanks for watching.
Hi Michelle I probably would have figured out something that would be way too many pieces to unstitch! Especially after I just unstitched a bunch of pieces that are now in my scrap bin! What you came up with is really pretty.
Thanks Jean! I have lots of fabric, so I'm glad I didn't have to seriously think about ripping it out. Thanks for watching.
This quilt is very pretty, and all the colors are very well organized together. Love it
Thanks Patsy!
I now understand the reference to lemons to lemonade! I certainly would not have taken all those seams out! Congratulations on creating a beautiful harlequin quilt. The mix of backgrounds is very pretty and provides interest so it doesn't read flat and boring. Enjoy your videos so much! Jeanne in Nebraska
Thanks Jeanne! I'm glad you're enjoying the videos!
You did just the right thing, and your quilt is every bit as beautiful as Donna Jordan's Roundabout! That said, I'm with the commenter below whose next project is a kaleidoscope quilt. I REALLY want one in the fabrics I have already chosen, and if I make a mistake I'll pick out the pieces. But hey, I'm retired and have the time, and I don't make that many quilts. I can't wait for your kaleidoscope quilt video once you get to it. Bravo on your diamond pattern 'save'!!
Thanks so much! The kaleidoscope is coming up this week - and I was extra careful. It's a great pattern, but I've messed it up a few times now. Thanks for watching.
This is great. Many times our oops turn into something spectacular. You did it here. I would do what you did.
Thanks Landa! Thanks for watching.
Definitely would do like you have done. No wasting time. ❤
Thanks Gloria!
Creativity and this came out beautifully! Great thinking! I certainly would not take that many seams apart. BTW I'm still in awe of your website! Thanks so much!
Thanks Sheron! That's so kind of you to say. Thanks for watching.
Nicely done! I have made Donna’s Roundabout quilt, love the pattern but am so impressed with how you were able to change your plan. No, I would NOT rip them all out.
Thanks Shawn! The crazy thing is that I've made this pattern a few times in the past, so there really is no excuse for the error - but I'm glad I was able to see a path forward to something different. Thanks for watching.
Well this was a fabulous recovery! No ripping out seams for me -- but I would have probably put them away for a while and thought about what else I could do. Love how your Plan B turned out! And love that you went ahead and used backgrounds that were out of your comfort zone! Well done!
Thanks Judi! It did take me a day or two to come back to it, but I'm glad I persisted and I think I'll take a few more risks with background prints going forward as well. Thanks for watching.
my philosophy is that this is the quilt that wanted to be created... The quilt whisperer LOL
If the quilt would have just said "Diamonds!" out loud at the start, I wouldn't have had a mini meltdown!! 😜 But it turned out well in the end. Thanks for watching.
@bitspiecesquilting right? As I watched you sew the triangles together I thought what's wrong with them...they look perfect! By the way, I love the fabrics you chose.
Michelle - love the plan B quilt you created. Thanks for sharing this and showing us how an oopsie can still become something beautiful. I hope to get there some day. For me as a newish quilter, I still buy fabric for a specific pattern and knowing me, honestly, if I had made this mistake, I would put it my project basket and let it sit for a few days. Then I probably would have put on a movie and started un-picking the seams.
Hi Marta! I hope this gives you some inspiration to pause the next time you make a mistake and give some thought to the options. Or reach out to a quilting buddy - even a virtual one - for some advice! Thanks for watching.
Take them all out whaaaa? Absolutely not! Great save and the quilt is beautiful. Love the kaleidescope too ❤
Thanks Shelly! I'm lucky that this wasn't intended for a specific person (it's being donated to Victoria's Quilts Canada) and I have lots of fabric for another attempt at the kaleidoscope. Thanks for watching.
This is lesson I learned. Donna ALWAYS says to make 1 block first before making the rest. This is why. I found out the hard way too. Never again. I will make only 1 block before proceeding.
This turned out great.
I almost always make a test block as well. But I was WAY overconfident with this one because I've made the pattern before. Just goes to show that even with experience, a test block is still worth the time! Thanks for watching.
Nice save!!!
Thanks Wanda!
That was the quilt that “needed to be born” since those ideas were swimming in creative juice’s pool .NOW, I would have taken notes so as to recreate this block but I would continue. I am a seamstress by training for over 50 yrs and what you are anticipating as tedious can be your way to really enjoy the deepest moments of relaxation and meditation.. of course take a nice drink/snack. Sit comfortably and go to the “ I deserve this break, I can play and listen to white noise/music or my favorite…CHASING THE MEANING SOUND of SILENCE..at different phases of my life
What a great way to look at all the steps in the process - even the unsewing step, when needed! Thanks!
Never would I have unsewn the pieces! Great solution!
Greetings from Germany
Birgit
Thanks Birgit!
Yes! I would have changed design. Otherwise just to much picking 🤣
It's still beautiful!!
Thanks Pam!
I would do exactly what you did. You still have a great quilt and learn what not to do when you do the kaleidoscope quilt in the future.
Hi Iris! I've made so many mistakes on kaleidoscope quilts! I'm lucky I have more fabric and more time to keep sewing. Thanks for watching.
You did the best job! Quilt is awesome! I would never unpick them
Thank you so much!
Love both the planned and different completed quilt. With all of the incorrectly sewn seams being on the bias, you really had no other choice, but to keep the twozies and choose another quilt. su
Thanks Sharon - I hadn't even thought about what ripping out bias seams would do - I would likely have created an even bigger mess! Thanks for watching.
The quilt turned out beautiful. I might have considered making a triangle shape with 3 "twosies" on the bottom, 2 "twosies" on top of that, and a final "twosie" on top of that. I could then explore what a large triangle (made up of the smaller triangles) might work into. It might tax my brain but the creativity could be fun.
Ooooo!! What a cool idea!! Thanks Cindy.
What a happy mistake! I love Donna Jordan! Her Stepladder tutorial is how I actually started quilting, after so many years of collecting fabrics and not knowing what in the world I'd really need to make a quilt! I have not made the Roundabout quilt. I look forward to your tutorial! Thanks for your thoughts of how to handle a "mistake" and making into a very beautiful quilt! I enjoyed that. I've not made a harlequin quilt either. I love seeing how to line up the rows and that will be a huge help, should I evert make one.
Thanks for your great feedback! I'm glad Donna Jordan's tutorial helped you get started.
I would of freaked out if I made a mistake like that. And I would definitely gone with option 2. And your quilt came out beautiful ❤
Thanks Christie! I was so annoyed with myself, especially because I've made this pattern at least 3 other times, so I should have known better. But clearly not focusing. Thanks for watching.
I agree with the other comments in that your oopsy turned into a beautiful quilt! I think I would have gotten flustered (being that my focus and goal was to make a kaleidoscope quilt) and I would have ripped them all out! BUT, you certainly have given me a ‘lesson’ that I could just change it up and create something else just as beautiful! This is why I watch these videos, to learn and I appreciate your honesty in pointing out the mistake and going another direction. You could’ve easily cut that part of the video out and start all over. Thank you! I really do love your diamond quilt and now want to make one myself!
I'm so happy you liked the quilt, I love how it turned out! And I'm lucky that I have more fabric to be able to start over and try the kaleidoscope again. Thanks for watching.
Hats off to you for the end result! First-time viewer here…great video. I hope you send this to Jordan Fabrics…Donna would no doubt be thrilled that your “mistake” spurned a beautiful creation.
Thanks Joanne and welcome to my little corner of the internet! I hope you find other interesting videos on my channel! Thanks for watching.
I love this - gorgeous!!
Thanks Rhea! I'm pleased with it - and lucky enough to have fabric to make the kaleidoscope quilt. Thanks for watching.
I would have left them alone for a day or two, calmed down,let go of original idea and then do as you did! Well done, the result is lovely! An exercise in all manner of useful ways iof thinking when a glitch occurs. Its how penicillin was discovered!
Thanks Ruth! I'm glad I have more fabric for another attempt at the kaleidoscope and really liked the result, in the end. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for sharing! It turned out beautiful! NO WAY would I unpick the seams, i love all triangle quilts and I would have done exactly as you did. NGL it was refreshing to see a project that didn't go as planned, was fun to see your creative process, thanks for sharing, I'll subscribe 😀
Thanks Betty Lou! This definitely did not go as planned!! Welcome to my little corner of the internet. I hope you find other interesting videos. Thanks for watching.
Laughed out loud! No, I would not take all of those blocks apart.
I'm glad it entertained you Phyllis! It was a moment, for sure and looking back I find it funny too. I was so clueless! Thanks for watching.
This was not a mistake; it became an opportunity. I love the different background fabrics and, really, they are not that much different. They do play well together. (Watch some of the videos from Inspired Quilting by Lea Louise to see a true variety of backgrounds.)
No, I would not have picked out all those pairs. I love the look of diamonds or Harlequins, as you called it. To me, it’s almost argyle, perfect for a man or Jason. Congratulations on your ability to turn “a sow’s ear into a purse,” if you have heard that expression.
Thanks for sharing your own new pattern. Maybe you can make this pattern again with different fabrics so you can see how beautiful it truly is. ❤️
Thanks so much Gail! It really is the lipstick on the pig!! 😜 I'll definitely check out Lea Louise - thanks for the tip. Thanks for watching.
I like this better than a kaleidoscope! Great video. Thanks for the wonderful shots, instructions and peeks inside your head for thought processes!
Thanks Linda!
I can only imagine your disappointment when it dawned on you 🥹
That being said, I think the end result is gorgeous 😍
I am not a fan of the pinwheel block or any of its variations. No offence to Donna’s beautiful free kaleidoscope pattern. That Harlequin pattern is right up my alley & your quilt turned out breathtaking.
I know colors don’t come across the same on different devices, your quilt colors came across to me like a tropical ocean, like what I would see if I was scuba diving 🤿 It was a winter vacation for my eyes!
Congratulations on an amazing quilt 🙋♀️🇨🇦
Thanks so much for your kind words! I was thinking tropical sea when I was looking at the colours together, so I'm glad that vibe translated through the screen! Thanks for watching.
No I wouldn't take them all out. I would do as you did and make an entirely different quilt. Love the quilt you made.
Thanks Virginia! Thanks for watching.
There are no mistakes! It’s a wonderful quilt. I’m going to try doing it without a ruler.
Hi Linda - Thanks so much! Using a standard square or rectangle ruler to cut a 45 degree triangle should be possible, but I haven't quite figured out the trick of it yet. Something to work towards, I think. Thanks for watching.
I think the quilt looks terrific. Like an argyle knit sort of
Thanks Kelley! Once I got over the fact that it wasn't going to be a kaleidoscope, I really enjoyed the project.
It looks fabulous. I would have put it all away and let it "marinate" until I come up with a solution. .. Which would be a new quilt. I like the tonal difference in the background.
Thanks Ann! I love the idea of letting in marinate! Thanks for watching.
There are no mistakes in quilting. Quilters sometimes make creative choices that deviate from the original pattern. Your variation looks great! There is zero chance I would have unsewed but you could have chosen option 3: leave your twosies 'closed' and use your ruler to slice off the seam allowance. You would have ended up with a smaller triangle and smaller quilt. That being said I would have also re-designed my blocks to accommodate the design variation. That is kind of the fun of quilting - I tried to border a baby quilt 3 times and kept cutting the fabric wrong (dang seam allowance) so I just kept modifying until it worked. My border variation looked great and maybe better then my original plan. Well done!
BTW - No rules say the same fabrics can't touch - I think those few instances where your dark fabric touches the same dark adds interest to the quilt.
Thanks so much Amy! I love the idea of design variation! Cutting off the seams was an option, but I didn't have enough fabric to get it to the size I wanted, and even those pieces felt like a lot of waste. So the "variation" was born! Thanks for watching.
Nice save, Michelle! I definitely would not have picked out all that work but in days gone by, I might have stashed the whole works away. These days I am trying to be more creative and thrifty so I would have probably tried the layout you did. It looks great, as always 🎉
Thanks Sandra! I did leave it for a few days before switching directions. I needed a moment!
Love how you quilt! You are one of the few TH-camrs that quilt like I do.
Thanks Sandra! You know my videos are authentic, because who would purposefully make all these mistakes!?!?! 😜💖 Thanks for watching.
Congratulations for hanging in there! Mine would have ended in the "to do" another day basket!
Another UFO?!? I was tempted to put it away but glad I pushed through!
😮 I don’t know! Because I stick with a pattern I May have ripped each pair. But seeing what happened to you it makes me realize that I could have another option! I like what you did with your pairs! Love your videos.
Thanks so much Claire! I hope this inspires you to "think outside the pattern" from time-to-time. Thanks for watching.
I have made quite a few kaleidoscope quilts, but watch Donna's video before I do cut and sew. Mistakes make us become creative as we adapt and overcome....you made a great quilt. I usually use mixed fabrics for backgrounds so it is not a problem if I run out of one fabric. When cutting triangles from strips I always start with a cut that gives me a half triangle with seam allowance so that I can make a straight edged patchwork because I always play with the scraps. Or I can sew the half triangles together if I need another full triangle. xxx
Hi Alexandra! I almost always make a test block, but I was WAY overconfident given I had made this pattern before (and messed it up before), so off I went on my merry way and made a mistake AGAIN! Ah well. And I agree - cutting those first pieces a tiny bit big allows you to piece them together for scrappy blocks. Love it. Thanks for watching.
But oh what a learning experience. Give me a picker. I’ll help. ❤
Thanks Mar! Always good to have a sewing friend to help you correct your mistakes! Thanks for watching.
Well that oops turned out beautiful. I would have pivoted too, but don't think I would have been so calm about it. But no way I would have ripped out all those blocks. Thanks for sharing that we all make mistakes, but we just need to find the beauty that can be created by those. Have a blessed week ahead.
Thanks so much Diana! I did have a moment of disbelief at my mistake, but I was making the quilt for Victoria's Quilts Canada (so no pressure for a specific design) and I have lots of fabric, so was able to start again on the kaleidoscope. Thanks for watching and your kind words!
It's such a beautiful quilt, dear Michelle, it is definitely worth the error. Don't be mad at yourself, I have often felt like that, looking forward to making a new project, and then being so disappointed that I had been so stupid. Not implying that you are!😅 We are so deep into the project ... 😂And the kaleidoscope won't run away. I love those triangle quilts and made them a few times. They look pure and modern, no matter what background fabric!All the best for the new year, I love your tutorials! Andrea from Germany
Thanks so much Andrea! For your encouragement and kind words! I do feel a bit silly because I have made this pattern before, so should have known better. Another viewer called it a "design variation".... I think I'm going to stick with that!! Best wishes to you for 2025!
No resewing for me, love the way you finished it. Thanks for sharing, very pretty fabric.
Thanks Jeane! 🍋
I LOVE lemonade! Thanks for sharing the humanity of quilting! I probably would have done the exact same thing you did!
Thanks Kevin!
I’m with you, I would have created something new. I really like the piece you came up with in this case, it’s lovely. What a fun journey from a simple mistake. And it gives me some new ideas. Thanks.
I'm so glad this was a bit of inspiration Patricia! Sometimes an accident can turn into something unexpected! Thanks for watching.
Gorgeous quilt!!! Love the harlequin design!! 👏🏻😂🧵🪡✂️❤️
Thanks Sandra! A happy accident, as they say! Thanks for watching.
I love your happy accident! It is beautiful 🎉❤
Thanks!
Your finished quilt looks beautiful! Sometimes mistakes turn out great! NO! I would not have ripped out all those seams! I would have probably been mad and sad and then tried to do what you did! Thanks for one and a half tutorials in one!
Thanks Sherry - there was a moment of disbelief and maybe a moment of frustration, but then I realized I have lots of fabric for another attempt at the kaleidoscope. Thanks for watching.
I would set all of those aside and start over with the kaleidoscope. Once done I would sew into diamonds- they are a girls best friend after all!
For me personally, if a certain pattern is in my mind, I have to follow through on that task.
I’m so happy you went with the diamonds.
Beautiful! Tfs
Thanks Sally!
If I was still set on a kaleidoscope quilt, I would have cut the seam off and made it a bit smaller. I really like what you've decided on.
Thanks Katie! I'm lucky that I have lots of fabric and wasn't set on a blue/green kaleidoscope. Your approach is one I hadn't thought of - but I think cutting off the seam allowance would have made them much smaller and I didn't have enough fabric to get the quilt to the size I wanted. Thanks for watching!
Love the harlequin design even though it was an oops. It's stunning!
Thanks Annette! I'm lucky I have more time and more fabric to keep sewing and make the original design with different fabric. Thanks for watching.
@bitspiecesquilting Thanks for the content!
Hi Michelle. The right decision looks awesome. No way would I of unpicked . 😊
Thanks Charlotte!
Love your recovery! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Meyrick! I was disappointed at first, but the final quilt makes me happy! Thanks for watching.
No way i would pick those out! I like what you did, always a "plan b". Very nice.
Thanks Jan!
Oh yes, I would've done exactly what you did; from making the mistake of sewing them wrong originally, so the loud, frustrating grunts, and deciding it just wasn't worth my time to unpick each one of those seams. My guess is that the only sane person who deciding to unpick each one of the seams was someone who had promised a Kaleidoscope quilt to a customer with those exact fabrics and wasn't able to go back and buy some more fabric of those fabrics to start over again. You did a great job making lemonade today for all of us - with just the right amount of sugar! 😄😄
Thanks New Bee! You attract more bees with honey and I was lucky that this was not intended for a specific person. It will go to Victoria's Quilts Canada and I have lots more fabric to make another quilt. Thanks for watching.
Your quilt is lovely. I would have done the same thing you did, change direction.
Thanks Janice!
Love your "lemonade" quilt! There's no way I would have taken apart the blocks either, partly because of the bias edge that could easily be stretched, but every piece would have to have every piece of thread removed and then press every piece again. By that time I'm not having fun anymore.
Agreed! And excellent point about the additional challenge with bias edges. All the more reason to stay with the new plan! Thanks for watching.
Love it. Too many to pick out.
Agreed! Thanks for watching Sarah!
I love it!
Thanks Julie!
I would absolutely make lemonade!! And your harlequin design is gorgeous!
Thanks Silver Raven!
Beautiful
Thanks Linda!
I loved your about turn. I've made many triangle quilts but only one kaleidoscope in my almost 50 years of quilting. I also struggle with background colors..loved what you did with this.
Thanks Cheryl!
No way would I have unpicked them- I love the quilt you ended up with
Thanks Jo-Anne!
On no! What a disaster! I would not pick them apart either. Good save Michelle.
Thanks Susan! Definitely not a kaleidoscope, but still pretty. Thanks for watching.
You did exactly what I would have done (and did, interestingly enough on a Donna Jordan pattern) where I cut the wrong angle on a flip strip. It was supposed to mirror and mine didn't but by golly it looked great.
Thanks Michael! I'm glad you were able to make the most of your happy accident as well! Thanks for watching.
Nice recovery plan. I probably would have done the same thing after a good cry . But it turned out to be a beautiful happy accident . Good job!
Thanks Cindy!
I always make one block first before I chain piece. I liked the pivot! Probably would have done the same once I stopped stamping my feet lol
Hi Jodie - I almost always do too, but was WAY overconfident because I've made this pattern before. Of course, I've messed it up before as well, but that didn't stop me from running off in the wrong direction! Thanks for watching.