It was a surprise when Moreen asked me to test her instructions for the January retreat project. I certainly now understand why she picked me. Not only am I not the most experienced quilter in the Guild but also I’m not a fan of bags and such. I quickly agreed as when she made the request we were about to sit down for Christmas dinner at her home.

It didn’t take me long until I was quite confused; I made notes on where my confusion lay but as each new step came up I struggled more and more. Finally, in frustration, I sent Moreen some photos and questions and she immediately suggested a house call.

Moreen was able to get me sorted out but because of something I had done wrong in a previous step the fabric I picked for the lining of the bag had to be the outside. Not a big deal.

My next struggle was with the tab closure. I was working with less than perfect bits of velcro and once I inserted a mug I realized it wasn’t going to stay closed. So I added another circle of velcro and that seemed to do the trick – until I opened the bag and the circle of velcro came off. Out came my glue gun and I stuck that sucker down so it won’t move.

Moreen adjusted her instructions and passed them along to a second tester – a much more experienced quilter. I overheard their conversation and there was only one point where the pattern needed to be improved so I felt I had done a good first test.

Mission accomplished!