I received my Buggy Barn Crazy Dog Days booklet, chose my dog fat quarters (from my stash), and made my first dog block, which was not as simple as I had expected. But then, nothing ever is.
First of all, after reading the directions, I didn't have much of a clue how to start, much less finish. I think the Buggy Barn ladies assumed, when they wrote it, that everyone was familiar with their technique. I was not. I combed the internet and finally found a tutorial on YouTube showing the Buggy Barn crazy quilting technique--not for the same quilt, but it helped.
Next, the Buggy Barn lady in the video, after explaining how to stack my fat quarters to cut, said that she cuts eight to 16 layers at a time with her rotary cutter--and usually doesn't start with a fresh blade. I started with a fresh blade, which refused to cut through my 16 layers. So I divided them into to stacks and still had to do quite a bit of sawing to get my layers cut.
Things got a little bit easier after I got my dogs cut. It's a fun technique. Leaving your pieces stacked as they were cut, you remove all the dog pieces from the top of the stack and move them to the bottom of the stack, leaving the background pieces as they are. That gives you blocks that each have two different fabrics.
Sewing the pieces together took time and attention, but it really wasn't too terribly difficult. I only had to pull out two seams and restitch them.
My next problem came when I had finished my dog block. It did not turn out to be the size stated in the instructions, which was 13" x 17". Mine is just a dab over 12" x 16".
I'll see how the rest turn before I toss it though. If they all turn out to be the instruction size, I will make Dog One over. But if it looks like all or most of my dogs are going to be the smaller size, I'll just adjust the doghouse pieces accordingly and have a smaller quilt.
I'm supposed to, according to instructions, use wool for the noses, spots, and bones. If I do that, I'll have to find a source for wool. Anybody know a good one?
I want to make Crazy Hearts next.
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On 11/19/2014, Barbara Anne said ...
Love your Dog 1 and am glad you plan to carry on so your quilt will be whatever size it is. It's just too cute to toss despite the bothers with getting started.
I've heard many quilters head for Goodwill or the Salvation Army for wool clothes that have the colors they need. I'd think that flannel would be a better nose fabric, tho!
This quilt will be a delight forevermore.
Hugs!
On 11/19/2014, sallee said ...
I like Dorr Mill Store. They offer a variety of affordable bundles.
On 11/19/2014, susan said ...
we haven't heard about Miss Sophie's foot lately. is she OK? can she put weight on it now?
On 11/19/2014, Lisa A said ...
That's the beauty of the Buggy Barn patterns. You just trim them all to the lowest common denominator in the end. These are going to be so cute!
On 11/20/2014, Dianne said ...
Susan....Check out Farmhouse Woolens for wool.
http://www.farmhousewoolens.com/
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