Thursday, May 3, 2007

Shar's Double Wedding Ring course

I did have my Double Wedding Ring course with Sharlene Jorgenson on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. What a long day! I was exhausted by 4:00 p.m. and ended up leaving. I'm sure Shar must have been even more exhausted than I was.

For one thing, her flight had been cancelled due to bad weather. She ended up catching a late flight to Albany, New York as opposed to Burlington, Vermont. She arrived early Tuesday morning, before the sunrise! Unfortunately, her luggage did not follow her and neither did her trunk show. She was hoping it would arrive before the class ended, but it did not make it. It's really too bad as I would have loved to have seen her quilts. I can just imagine how she must have felt. She kept apologizing throughout the class. I felt bad for her as I know that it can be quite an uncomfortable situation regardless of how understanding people are.

I enjoyed the class. I actually learned how to sew with a stiletto. I had never used one before and frankly never understood the need until this course. It truly is an amazing tool!

In wanting to keep with my promise not to start such an intricate quilt, I brought scraps to use. I was supposed to have a white on white background but forgot it at home. No matter, I was there to learn the technique so the burgundy fabric worked well. Shar loved the way the colours played together, "quilting outside of the box" is what she called it! She had an example in the book of a DWR done in plaids. She said someone challenged her by saying that it couldn't be done. I'm guessing she likes a good challenge.

This is not an easy quilt to make and I'm glad I didn't commit to making one. It requires lots of concentration and accurate cutting and piecing. Perhaps one day I'll challenge myself!

Happy quilting!

19 comments:

Kim West said...

I have to say, I really like it better done in the dark colors for the center - good job!

Leigh said...

Well done! I would love to hear more about this. A double wedding ring is one of my main goals. Thanks for sharing and take care :-)

Darlene said...

Wow, that's really pretty! I used to think that quilting was Double Wedding Rings, Log Cabins, etc and sure learned a lot when I finally started. LOL Everytime I see a DWR quilt I think I want to make one and then move on. I could put it on my "someday" list but...

I can imagine how Shar must have felt with her "stuff" missing - what a shame!

I've wondered about all the hoopla with the stiletto, too. I see Eleanor Burns using one on her show all the time. Something to think about!

CONNIE W said...

The first quilt block I could recognize was the DWR and I thought I would like to make one but never did. I like the dark center fabric you used.

Kim said...

I, too, like your DWR with the dark fabric. I've been wanting to make one for the longest time. I have a book--can't remember the name--that's a DWR with applique in the border and I've always loved it. I've never used a stiletto either (well, I've used the seam ripper laid flat to help keep a seam down and straight, but that's as close as I've gotten). Did the stiletto help with sewing the curves? Inquiring minds . . . .

Sew Create It - Jane said...

I love the dark background. I tried a double wedding ring myself and only managed 6 rings and then I sewed them into a mega large bag for carrying quilts during the hand quilting process. I might have another go in the future...which could mean anything :)

Anne Heidi said...

Your piecing is amazing! I would love to make a double wedding ring quilt one day, I already have a stiletto that I bought in a class with Katie Pasquini Masopust ( I haven't used it since...) The darker backgroundcolor is really nice.

Wendy said...

I've started a DWR using Elenor Burns method, only 3 blocks done :-( but I hope to get back to it soon. Your darker background and piecing look fantastic. What a fun class even if the quilts didn't make it.

Pam said...

I like the dark fabric in the centre.

I think that must be why I never started making mine. I knew - deep down -it would be a lot of work, LOL. Thanks for the warning.

Cynthia said...

the DWR is one that i have always wanted to do but i imagine it would be rather difficult. Love the colors you used for your piece even the burgundy fabric.

Greenmare said...

Hey that dark background really sets it off. What a great "mistake". ;-)
I'd like to try a double wedding ring someday too, just not some day soon!

Rhonda said...

You're off to a great start. Was it fairly easy to follow? I'd love to hear from you about the pattern and instructions.

Nicole & Phil said...

looking good so far.
Does the pattern give you a good explanation of how to do the curved binding?
I lost my instuctions for how to do the binding on mine, and it sits in the corner waiting until I am confident to do the binding....
If you could share the instructions, I would be forver greatful (it is my oldest UFO)
Cheers

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

I love your 'scrap' colors, too! I can imagine how frustrating and disappointing it was for Shar to teach without her luggage arriving and the teaching aids she had counted on. It looks like she did fine, though, all things considered... and so did you!

Shelina said...

You did great with the DWR. I really like it with the dark background. It is one of the quilts that I would love to do but am afraid to also.

Libby said...

Using the burgandy certainly makes it your very own - I love the choice.

Unknown said...

I think your first block turned out great and it would be worth finishing it if only with 4 rings or 9. And then you can put some appliqué on the borders. I remember seeing one quilt like that in a book. The red background looks awesome. I made a DWR with the paperpiecing method in pastel colours some time ago, well one is enough! Take care.

Katrina said...

I made a DWR from her templates and method several years ago and it worked out really well. Great job.

Kate said...

I am working on a DWR right now that I started over 6 years ago. I finished the entire top this week-end. Now it's ready for layering and quilting. I do have to say that you are correct about the precision piecing. Did I mention that I'm not that good at it? Funny thing though, I just found and purchased the book that you reference in your post which looks MUCH easier than the pattern that I used. I think the acrylic templates will make a big difference!...........I hope. :)

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