Looks like a snowman :) My fav!

So, I'm working in my latest hand sewing project.  It's a pattern called "Shelly" by Esther Aliu and I felt compelled to do it *even though* they obviously misspelled the name.  :-)  I've done some of her patterns before and have enjoyed them.  Aside: because this is a smaller square project, the size is problematical for me.  It could be a nice baby quilt or a table topper or a wall hanging.  None of which terribly interest me.  :-)   But, how could I resist that name??  :-)  

So, I'm working on it to use up a charm square pack that I picked up somewhere along the line.  I've augmented the charm square pack with a layer cake of the same fabric line.  5" charm squares are the perfect size for the clamshell template!

For this pattern, you take a square of fabric, typically WOF by <whatever>, draw a big X on it so it is divided into diagonal quadrants.  In each quadrant, you then applique a triangle of clamshells, comprised of overlapping rows, in each quadrant.

This is the first time I've frolicked with clamshells.  I was under the mistaken assumption that because I had done a lot of EPP previously that I knew how to deal with clamshells.  I proceeded merrily along my way.  At this point in the project, all 4 quadrants have their respective clamshells basted in place.  One quadrant is even appliqued in place.  I'm now working on appliquing the other 3 quadrants,

I'm noticing that it's kinda bulky in some places and decided late last night to see what tutorials YouTube had to offer.  Well, holy moley.  I'm doing it ALL WRONG.  I mean ALL WRONG.  Dismally wrong.  Demoralizingly wrong.

The final visual effect is pretty but now that I have been educated on how to properly deal with clamshells, I now realize that *this* project really is worthy of a "first, misguided attempt".   LOL   I kinda want to re-do it properly so the top will be flat (right now it flat but *bulky*) ... BUT at this point, it's gonna stay as it is.  I'm not unstitching all those danged clamshells and re-working them.  Like I said, it LOOKS pretty.  Non-quilters will never realize what a total debacle this is.  You quilters may simply chuckle and be amused.  :-)  

I'll know better the next time I work with clamshells.  If I ever do.  LOL!

The photo below shows the project.  The outer band of purple clamshells looks weird because 1) i didn't make enough of them (haven't a clue why) and 2) there is a pieced border that gets attached.  I don't want to cut it off until I have the border ready.  It would be just my luck to muck it up .... better to be safe than sorry.  :-)