My first quilting square!

I decided to begin my "ode to nerd-dom" quilt (it's a working title) with Harry Potter! Who doesn't love Harry Potter? Owls, witches, quidditch! There are so many things from Harry Potter that can be used to represent the wonderful world of J.K. Rowling! I decided my first patch would say "Owl Post" and have an adorable little owl embroidered on it! I still have the patch because it was my first one ever and my first attempt at embroidery, however, I don't think it's going to make the final cut when it comes time to putting all of my squares together.

Not only did I get pen stain on it because my fabric pencil sucked but it looks hideous! But this is a learning process right? And that's why I'm here, to share my mistakes and my progress in the hopes that it helps you out! (Your project also doesn't have to be in the realm of "nerdy" for these tips to come in handy either!)

So I started out doing it free hand, I had no knowledge that various types of "stitches" existed and my owl (which is meant to resemble Hedwig) looks like it flew into a window and is need of some serious veterinary care! My second square which was the Hallows symbol also wasn't much better because I was still unaware that there were different types of stitching techniques I could be utilizing. You must be asking yourselves, hey why would you go into this with no knowledge of stitches, or quilting? Well, because I'm me and that's what I do!

This was my second patch and it is slightly better than the first, but again it could have been much better if I had known then what I know now, months into my project. (These first 2 squares are going to be re-done eventually). The third square and final square I did with no research or knowledge was a lightning bolt, this one turned out decent by pure happenstance and nothing more:

This one still looks a little rough but it could be worse. I am more concerned with the pulling of the fabric than the actual design. I haven't decided yet if these 3 will make the final product or not. I may re-do them or replace them with something different or I may decide to use them as a reminder of my humble embroidery beginnings.

Next Post: Various stitches I learned and how you can to!