Yup, 3 whole days of “Frogging” … rippit, rip, rip … Back story: I was merrily quilting the centre lines and the 2 coloured lines on this Irish chain and was about to put in my 3rd bobbin … and then I really looked at my quilting … and looked at it … I was using a thread colour that matched the big negative spaces and it looked absolutely HORRID. The white thread was too much. It was “HELLO … I’m on your quilt – look at me – plain straight lines … HELLO!”
One of the ladies I sew with is notorious for taking out her quilting. I’m always teasing her, encouraging to leave it in, telling her that when the quilt is washed – it’ll look just fine. And for the most part, I believe I’m telling her the truth! (Now, if she’s reading my blog … she’ll be laughing out loud! … and she’ll have a big grin on her face!)
Well, washing this quilt will not help! So, I spent 3 days taking out the quilting. You can’t really see it in this picture, but the dark blue/black blocks are now quilted with a dark grey. On the lines parallel to the centre line, I’m using a gold thread. Some of them are done. You can see the thread, but it isn’t horrid and it isn’t shouting “HELLO”. And now that it’s done, I’m actually pleased that I spent the time taking the quilting out. 
One day last week, I was walking by a thrift store and they had wooden TV trays out and were asking $3.15 each. I brought one home … my husband repaired a piece that was cracked and I sanded and painted. Today, I covered it with reflective material, batting and the top fabric. It may double as a small ironing board, but mostly I wanted it to sit to the right of my machine for all the pieces that are ready to go through the machine.
Link-ups
To see what others in the quilty world are working on wander over to these blogs:
- Can I get a Whoop Whoop? @ Confessions of a Fabric Addict
- Amanda Jean @ Crazy Mom Quilts on hold until Sept
- Finished or Not @ Busy Hands Quilts
- Let’s Bee Social @ Sew Fresh Quilts
- Happy Needle and Thread @ My Quilt Infatuation
Quilting Gail 
Ripping out quilting is the worst, but if you’re not happy with it you really have to. Especially if it won’t look better after you wash it. 😉
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I’m so sorry you had to take it all out. Normally, I’m like you, leave it in, it’s fine, but there are occasions where it’s just too glaring. I’ve been looking for one of those wooden trays for ages for an ironing board, and now you’ve given me another purpose for it! And I’d like to have drawers underneath it, too. For all the small scraps I use every day. Hmmm. Have to think about how to make that happen.
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I’d like to have drawers underneath mine – makes more sense. Until I think about taking it to a retreat – then I like my table to be free-standing!
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I love your spruced up snack table! Great idea!
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but there won’t be any snacks on it!! 🙂
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Ugh, I can’t imagine having to rip all that, but so glad you’re happy with the new stitching! Great score on the tv table!
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Yes, I was happy with the new stitching. Yesterday, I did a feather wreath in the negative space … it was not good … but it’s out and I’ve adjusted the wreath – so I’m happier … pictures to come in the future! 🙂
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I LOVE the tv table project. I need one of those, too! 🙂 Also love the Irish Chain. The colors are perfect for fall. I understand about ripping out, and can relate. Glad to know I’m not the only one. Happy Quilting!
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I really try hard not to have to rip. Especially quilting! It’s slow ripping!
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Hi Gail,
That was a fabulous bargain, that table for the right of your machine. I am struggling with that myself now that I have a new sewing table. There is nothing to my right and that’s where I stacked my to-be-stitched stuff. I’m sorry you had to rip out your quilting but you have to love or live what you stitched, too. If you didn’t like it, it would always bother you. ~smile~ Roseanne
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I thought the TV tray was a bargain. However, my husband didn’t think so … He took the time to fix a broken piece, then I sanded, and then painted (primer & 2 coats) … in the end it might have been just as easy to buy a wooden TV tay. But I like the fact that I saved something from the dump and finished it nicely! And it’s practical! 🙂
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I hate pulling quilting out! I’m glad you are happy with it now, though. I’m always happiest with the projects that speak to me. I try very hard to listen to them.
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I agree, Jen … in my haste to get this quilt DONE … I did not listen … a lesson learned!
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You will be much happier with the results, I’m sure.
I think I would have cried as I ripped.
Thanks for the idea on the table.
I have an old set that belonged to my mother.
Now, I have another project!
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No, no crying while I ripped … however – there might have been a few angry words running around my head! 🙂
If you already have an old TV tray – it will take you less than an hour to make the top! Good luck!
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