Steep Learning Curve

First- I'm all caught up on the Skill Builder blocks.  Here are #26 & 27: wonky fan & wonky star

Second- I'm caught up with the Blogger BOM blocks.  See here for that full post. 

Third- Here comes the ouch- learning hurts sometimes.  :)  I started working on a small diaper bag yesterday.  I've always just stuck to quilts, but have wanted to branch out, and well, I have made quite a few mistakes (some not my fault, but mistakes nonetheless). 

1. I learned that when choosing a tutorial I should have found one that was much more detailed.  I was looking at the pictures more than the actual instructions when choosing which bag I wanted to make.  This particular pattern works great for someone who's made a ton of bags and wants open-ended possibilities.  That doesn't so much work for me since I've never made a bag before.
2. I should of also read the entire thing before starting.  I cut everything out as instructed in the first step and then realized the cutting instructions were for only if you wanted a certain type of pocket (which I didn't).  
3. I figure out measurements for everything on a quilt, so why didn't I think of that with the bag?!  I don't know.  I should have measured the size I wanted for the pockets.  I quickly realized (after cutting the fabric) that the pocket measurements weren't big enough for my needs.  They didn't fit the particular kind of bottles we use.  Sigh.  Luckily, I figured out a way to make what I had already cut out work.  

The pocket sizes gave me so much grief that all I got done were the inner pockets.  It's my first time sewing in a zipper though, so I was all proud of myself.  :)  I would say I'm cranky about the experience, but I feel like I've learned a lot just by going through this, so I feel better prepared for the next time I make something I'm not very familiar with.  I'm hoping to get the whole thing done this week- barring any other unforeseen issues. 

No progress:
Christmas blocks
Halloween Wall-hanging

Stats for the Week:
New projects - 1
Completed projects - 0
WIP- 6

Check out what everyone is up to this week over at Freshly Pieced.