Practice patchwork piecing
One of the reasons I signed up for Around The Block was to have the opportunity to learn about patchwork and quilting from women who were way more experienced than me. I haven’t had the opportunity to do any quilting courses, so am relying on books and the internet. Before I make blocks using anyone else’s fabric, I intend to practice them first using some of my own. Then I’ll end up with a sampler quilt of everyone’s chosen blocks in addition to the blocks that everyone in the quilting bee will make for me.
Considering how little patchwork I’ve done, I thought I’d better practice with my scraps even before practicing on my own “good” fabric. I started off by giving paper foundation piecing a go, and ended up with this block.
It’s actually a combination of four foundation pieced blocks (following the instructions here) and then I just added strips in a courthouse steps pattern to get it up to size (I’m making all these 12.5 inches just in case I want to join them together for a scrappy sample quilt eventually). Then I gave birdhouses a try.
I really like paper foundation piecing! Can’t wait to try some more. But it was time to move off paper and on to log cabin blocks, since our first Around The Block participant has chosen log cabin blocks for her quilt.
I followed some instructions I found here for this one, with a 3.5 inch centre block and 2 inch strips. Unfortunately, I didn’t do the maths myself – this gives a 12 inch finished block rather than 12.5 inches – no seam allowances to join it to the other blocks. So I made another, this time with a 4 inch centre block.
12.5 inches square, yay! I am really enjoying cutting bits of fabric out to join them back together again. Next blocks on my practice list – some Wonky Houses and then maybe some Wonky Log Cabins.
I really like the birdhouses. You look like you’re chomping at the bit to get started. I am too! Can’t wait to see what you try next.
Oh. I meant to add a suggestion on your log cabins for next time too! Rather than add the 1/2inch to the center, add 1/4″ to each block in the outer row. That way when you seam them to other blocks all of your strips will appear exactly the same size instead of losing 1/4″ around the outer edge strips.
I’m no expert, but I think that’s how I’d do it.
Amy
They look wonderful Lara. I love the scrappy fabrics & I think you really should join them up.
I tried the quilter’s cache method this afternoon but stuffed it up – I think I know where and will try again soon – though I used printer paper for the foundation and when I ripped it off, it pulled some threads which is not good! What did you use?
I’m so impressed!! Patchwork is like a big scary land with monsters in it (to me)… Good on you for learning something new!
I had to smile as I recognised so many fabrics that I know “in another colourway…” 😉
I love all the different blocks. It would look so good all joined together. There are so many options in the Patchwork it does boggle my mind a little. Love them all.
I love paper piecing too! And I love improvisational work, how do those two things go together.
To respond to the comment made before me, I use freezer paper for my paper piecing. I don’t like to put it through my printer, but I do trace my patterns on to it quite easily by hand.
Lara, I think you are a natural, they look fantastic, and looks like you’re having fun with it . yeah
My, what lovely scraps you have!
Lara, they look fantastic! And I must say, you have some fantastic fabrics in those blocks!
These all look great. I need to have a little practice too – thanks for putting all of the ideas and links in one place.
They look sensational Lara. You’re going to make beautiful quilts. I’m so impressed that you are pretty much self-taught.
You go girl! These look great! I’ve never seen the birdhouses before…I love them!
Lara those birdhouses are fabbo! Love them. I remember doing log cabin blocks in high school and making a cushion. So easy and the blocks grow so quickly!! Great stuff.