Overcoming Patchwork Challenges: My Double Wedding Ring Adventure

The value in overcoming patchwork challenges

If you love patchwork in Cheshire (or just follow along online), you’ll know that sometimes this craft is pure joy, and other times… well, it stretches us to our limits. That’s exactly what happened with my latest make, and I thought I’d share a little behind-the-scenes of how I tackled a project I once swore I’d never attempt.

Today’s post isn’t directly about the Patch-a-Day challenge, but the thought of “patches” got me smiling — because patchwork, after all, is literally made of patches 😉.

This particular project I’m sharing today wasn’t a quick, easy make. Far from it. It required plenty of brain power, buckets of patience, and a few cups of tea for good measure. But oh, the buzz of getting through it!

The Technique I Said I’d Never Do

For years, I told myself I’d never attempt the Double Wedding Ring patchwork technique. Too fiddly, too intricate, too “not for me.” I thought I’d stick with simpler patchwork techniques that felt safer.

But here’s the thing: we evolve. Somewhere along the line, my curiosity won out over my self-doubt. I gave it a go — and I surprised myself.

And you know what? It was actually fun. Immersive, challenging, and, in the end, deeply rewarding.

The Joy of Seeing It Through

This particular Double Wedding Ring quilt block has now been gifted, which makes it even more special to me. I felt so chuffed with how it turned out that I couldn’t resist showing it off a little here (even if it’s just to the three of you reading along right now 😜).

The quilting stage was no less demanding — it required just as much concentration and focus. But that was my choice, and I’m glad I leaned into the challenge.

Click this photo to see a short video showing snippets of my practice work on this project.

Finding Balance in Sewing

What I love about patchwork is how it balances us. Sometimes you need to dig deep, focus, and wrestle with something fiddly and complex. Then, when you’ve had your fill, you can bring it back to the simple joy of sewing one patch to the next — steady, soothing, meditative.

That rhythm between the tricky and the simple is what keeps me hooked.

For now, I’m one very happy bunny 🐇. And next time, I’ll be sharing the finished Double Wedding Ring quilt itself — so stay tuned!

With a grin,

Diane