Project 2 - The Boxed Lap Quilt

I tend to imagine big when I'm learning something new. I get excited about something new and just want to burst onto the scene as an expert and create the most amazing quilts with my limited knowledge! I spend a lot of time researching quiltmaking and techniques online, and once I realized there is an easier method to piece the basic 9 patch block pattern I was using this technique as shown on Missouri Star Quilting Company's YouTube tutorial series, I was discouraged with the tedious way I was working on the Christmas Quilt. So I purchased quilt kits, that include the fabric needed to make the quilt top, and moved on to my second project.

I was nervous about making mistakes when I cut the fabric so I procrastinated for weeks before I had the courage to start this project. Once I cut the fabric, and saw that it was good, I relaxed and began to enjoy the process. I literally smiled with joy when I did something new and the process worked! The first time I sewed three pieces of fabric together, the first time I pressed the seams, the first time I completed a block, where all occasions for me to feel exceptionally proud of my achievement.

I was so afraid to start this project and make a mistake that I began a quilt for my mom in the meantime. I took time to decide on a pattern to use, and then had a great time selecting the fabric and the thread. Unfortunately, I did make the mistake I feared and cut the fabric wrong and once again got very discouraged. However, I did learn a valuable lesson about cutting the correct size as dinstructed. I also used a quicker cutting method and cut multiple layers at once.

The inner triangle was supposed to form within the square. Oops. This project sat on the backburner for months after this mistake.

So I started the lap quilt project and celebrated each little success:

 And eventually I completed my first quilt top!