Not to go all Zen on you, but it has been said that a hand-drawn circle (Enso, in Japanese) is one of the most difficult things to draw. Traditionally, it is a symbol that comes out of a meditative state and results in the character of the creator being exposed. It is possible that I *may* have a tattoo of an Enso that I got way back in The Pearl district in Portland, Oregon before "The Pearl" was cool. I would like to alter the end of the first sentence in this paragraph to: is one of the most difficult things to draw or sew. Confession: The thought of this July InstaBee block stressed me out enough that I waited until July 31st to make it. Truth: It wasn't all that bad but it could have been.
I posted this picture on Instagram. The first person to comment originally thought I was making a pie. Then I wanted pie — strawberry rhubarb, to be specific. This is the sort of block that inspires fear and has a reputation. There may even be support groups for it. Here's what worked for me: freezer paper, glue stick, a lot of Best Press, nearly all the pins in my pincushion and Clover Wonder Clips. I used my 1/4" foot and proceeded slowly, stopping every four or five stitches to adjust, smooth wrinkles that were forming and adjust pins. Also, I realized that it is easier to remove freezer paper when it's slightly damp; I didn't tear any stitches.
I think the second photo is fairly revealing about my character, right down to the ink spot on my cutting mat. The process is the important part, yes? Buddhist monks strive to draw perfect Ensos, yet it is not expected that they succeed. Is it because perfection does not reveal character? This seems like a good mindset to keep while quilting!
