Hello! Mo and I just got home from a long sunset walk, celebrating the Solstice and a glorious sunset on this first day of summer. As I move my sewing work from machine sewing to hand work only on the deck and beach, I am looking at what I have going and I'm feeling a smidge overwhelmed. First up, Temecula Quilt Company's 1880 Sampler. 4 [4 1/2"]" blocks. Here are the most recent.
Isn't my chicken wire window prop cute!
But this past week we were taxed with the assignment of making FIVE crazy blocks, each incorporating an adorable but perhaps intimidating 2" block in each. My mind skidded to a horrified halt.I really enjoy this project. I can usually get one a week done, or four or five at a time. Nine or ten? I'm not so sure and who knows what this week will bring.
These blocks were all fun to make though, so I'll dither along as best I can.
Here they are with their worksheets. I don't follow the instructions though so I only print the barest dimensions.
If we go back and look at the inspiration quilt, there is little or no blue in it, so I am moving to a Hideous [Jamestown by Nancy Gere] palette of poison greens, yellows, reds, double pinks, instead.
I did do one blue star, because I wanted to look through my Turkey red fabrics and fell in love with the center piece here.
Here are all the blocks so far. 19. I'm not sure how many we are going to make, 52 +? or what, so this is drop in the bucket time, also discouraging in a way. I hate falling behind.
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| Pattern photo, NOT my work |
I subbed pineapples for the clunky Tulips. The pineapples could have more color and contrast but I am trying to stay within the parameters of the black and cream original [even though it really was red/ white/ and blue, it seems, on close inspection of the marginally useful photo]. But see how the original Tulips form almost abstract tassels from the shield of the Star center. The fabrics for the PAs and my changes have negated that. Not good.
Now I am doing the Birds in Baskets blocks.
Pattern photo, not my work, below. Fabrics provided in the sewalong are beautiful but dark and dull, above.
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| pattern photo, not my work |
Then there is the handles problem.
You can see that my finished piece exactly matches the pattern, on the original printout, right? Look at the handles. BUT pattern photo shows the handles somewhat set in, with little ears. And truly the handle should be even more. And then the side spacers are set oddly with a short seam and a cutaway. Why? I am annoyed with myself because I knew the handles looked bad and that seam looked awkward but I was following a not at all clear pattern.
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| pattern |
It is crucial in a design like this that each block finishes exactly as intended or the whole thing won't go together. So I didn't fix the handle and with 3 1/2 birds done [think tiny, finicky], I can't see redoing it. It is the exact size, as I perceive what the exact size ought to be...but who knows, it's a Jan Patek pattern.
I always say I never have unfinished projects but this one may be UFO number one, sadly. I'm pretty upset right now. Cute though. And no saltbox house with dog, since it's early.
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Last on the sewing list is my SG Album project with Barbara Brackman. I have a few weeks before I'm behind with that one. No pics. I guess that's on deck for the next rainy day. [October?]. I don't mind getting behind on BB projects, there's no show and tell or competitiveness in her projects.
For some reason I am struggling with my beach sewing, mostly due to the high winds. Tomorrow I plan to prep Bitty for hand quilting, leaving tiny appliques for deck time. And I might...just might!...soon start my all applique Christmas quilt.
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Happy Solstice, Welcome summer.
love
lizzy
gone to the beach....
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I made that Jan Patek quilt years ago. One of the few that went home with my daughter. I love all your bright little blocks. They look soo good. And we've made it through the shortest day. It has been 1C the last few mornings, sunny but freezing. Enjoy your Summer, can't wait for ours to arrive.
ReplyDeleteI imagine your version was beautiful! Any photos?
DeleteIt always surprises me how cold it gets by you, I picture AU tropical and warm
lizzy
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI sent a pic to your gmail ady because I couldn't get my server to send to your msn. I hope it has worked.
DeleteHappy Solstice to you and Mo.
ReplyDeleteYour Temecula Sampler blocks are splendid all together - just keep going at your own pace.
It's more than irritating to discover in the middle of a quilt block that the pattern is more of a guide/suggestion than an actual pattern. One often feels that patterns are published without adequate editing or proofing. You always make quilts your own by being creatively original so don't stress. The pineapples are delicious in your chicken wire window prop. Such a novel idea. Penny
Hi Penny [I ll do a real email later].
DeleteThis pattern was quite expensive even if one didn't buy the monthly kit! I think $35.oo? That to me implies a professional product, which is stupid of me bec I know what Jan Patek's patterns are like. She always says she is a designer not a shopkeeper or a writer of patterns, but still! I am still angry about the Ohio Sampler that has no measurements AT ALL and I have never had response when I ask for pattern corrections. I do love her designs tho, so I am stupid to be such a repeat customer. Recently I bought two Minick and Simpson patterns and they are beautifully produced for far less money asked! Bitty went together fine, I have not yet used the second but it looks good. [ok, done venting!lol.]
Jan's patterns are a real pain in the patootee!! I'm sorry you are struggling with it.
ReplyDeleteThe other little blocks are super sweet and look darling!
Thanks Lori, about the TQC blocks , they're fun, so tiny and cute! And yes, Jan P's patterns, yet we buy them and love them anyway, I guess.
DeleteI like your chicken wire window, it's cute and works nicely as a display!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the sampler blocks - and who cares if you get a little behind? It's going to be a busy but fun quilt when it's all finished, I can't wait to see it.
If you're not enjoying the Patek quilt I'd say put it away for another time, when maybe you're not working on anything else so don't mind fiddling with the pattern. There's no rush, and you need to enjoy it if you're going to do it.
Yesterday was cloudy and almost cool at 75F, not bad at all but it made me sleepy!
Take care and thanks for sharing!
I like the chekcken wire window too. It's fun!
DeleteCurrently I plan to just make the other four Feathered Star applique blocks [bec they re on deck for my on deck sewing!] and I will revisit the rest at a future point. Maybe. Snow days 2019 and 2020? ;-)
Summer Soltice her in the Midwest was very damp. Oh well. Your Temecula blocks are precious! I like the pineapple blocks. They appear old fashioned, prim to me. The birds in the baskets! Adorable. Blessings to you and Baby M.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement, Sue!
DeleteI love your bright little sampler blocks. Just so spunky looking! And Your Pineapple blocks are dreamy... So sorry the pattern is not working out well for you. That's something that drives me up the wall.:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement! Prob have to redo the pineapples so they form the tassels, but I like these and can use them another way, maybe. I think I will just do the two more sets of applique blocks and stop for awhile. I never do that, but it's worth a try.
DeleteDid you put your Pineapples into a top yet? I am not picturing that, I hope I didn t miss them. Must go check!
lizzy
How cute are those Temecula blocks! I really like the colors.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mel, take a break from the one that you're not feeling. Maybe at another time you'll want to revisit it.
It's been overcast near the coast here for a few days. Sun makes an appearance mid-afternoon-ish. We took the first Aqua-link ride of the season yesterday. WOW! Talk about windy! My glasses almost flew off my head. Good time though :)
Kel
Thanks for sharing the creativity! Your work is always gorgeous and inspiring!
ReplyDeleteWork at your own pace and on what you love ... life is too short to make yourself miserable living up to someone else's time frame (and it would reduce Mo time)!
Again,thanks for sharing all of the inspiration and progress!
L
Hi! But you must understand, hand sewing time *is* Mo time, he really loves his hour or two of sewing on the deck every EVERY! afternoon. And you know how pugs like things just so and on the dot/ schedule!!! It makes him sooo happy to nap quietly with mommy, each in our own deck chair. Mo on the left, me on the right. Of course the ice cream on hot days may be a factor. So the project with the not good pattern is supposed to be our summer on the deck project. Imagine Mo's disappointment!
Deletelove
r
I love those first quilt blocks. Such cheery colors. You amaze me with your skill and your patience. I hope the weather has given you some nice days on the beach. :) Kit
ReplyDeleteHi Kit! I hope you're enjoying your Montana summer! Off to the beach soon?
Deletelizzy
I haven't made one single stitch in what seems like months. You've inspired me yet again.
ReplyDeleteHugs.
Hunter