Monday, March 13, 2017

Sara's Quilt, Block 4



Block # 4, 10 1/2  " x 10 1/2" before being assembled into the quilt.

I made this block for Sara's quilt several weeks ago, but I only got around to writing up the pattern this week. Some people write the pattern and then follow it to sew the project, but that doesn't work for me. When I was teaching I had to have my room completely set up at the first of the year before I could even think about lesson plans and such. Quilts patterns are similar. For one thing, I need to have the photographs and the diagrams ready to go so I can insert them into the text. I can't do that unless I have the finished piece in front of me. I also use that finished piece to double check and triple check my measurements.

Some patterns are more difficult to write than others are. I don't know why, but this was one of the trickier ones. Now and then, I could really use testers and editors to find the mistakes in a pattern. Please let me know if you'd be interested in doing that. Volunteers would have to make a commitment to sewing a pattern in a relatively short time, but they would also receive the pattern free.

I'm feeling very proud of myself. I actually hand stitched four of the center applique pieces in place.  I used the same freezer paper, baste, and starch method that I used in making Block #2, but I wasn't to excited about how the machine stitching on that applique looked. I started this block by machine quilting the flower's center circle, and then I decided that even my less than wonderful hand stitching would be an improvement.

Not perfect, by any means, but not awful, either.
Sara prefers the geometric, pieced blocks in her quilt, so this may be the last one with applique. I love the mix of styles, and this is one of my favorite blocks so far. I played around with the block to see how a quilt made only with these would look. That's another reason I take so much time writing patterns. I keep getting sidetracked.


I'm not sure that I like all of the identical flowers, but what if the background fabrics were all pure white and there were different appliques in the centers of the blocks? It might look even better in a mix of dark, medium, and light fabrics of other colors. Scrappy is always fun. What do you think?
There really isn't any more time for daydreaming about this. I have too many other projects all lined up and needing my attention.

Cooking dinner is first on the list. Food before fun. Seems a bit backwards, don't you think?

Spring begins next Monday!
It may be cold outside right now, but it looks like I'll have daffodils before long.

 
Have a lovely week!

8 comments:

  1. Karen, the new block is lovely, simplicity, but it fits right into the over all quilt. Can't wait to feel better to get it made. I've been down with pneumonia and even the sewing room hasn't beckoned me. I'm on the mend, it just takes time when your older.
    I'd love to be considered for a tester. Most of the time (except for battling things like pneumonia) I can drop all to sew a block.
    Did you put your freezer paper on the back side? or did you try it on the front? I find putting it on the front makes a smoother edge. Just a thought.
    Carole Corn

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    1. Hi Carole,
      I'm so sorry to hear that you've been sick! Pneumonia is nothing to fool around with when you reach a certain age. Have you had the pneumonia vaccine? I know it isn't perfect, but anything is better than nothing. I'd love to use you for a tester. As I said, this wouldn't be very often, at least in the beginning, only when I'm working with a block with a number of pieced sections that need to be measured accurately. If you send me you email, I'll add it to my list. I did put the freezer paper on the back side, exactly like in Block 2. One of these days I'll get up the nerve to try it on the front. Take good care of yourself and get well soon!

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  2. Ive been visiting family out west and just getting around to March emails and blog posts...so far behind. This block is just beautiful. I love it. I would love to help with testing for you. I have done some testing and really enjoy it! Hoping you have room for me to help out, Melissa

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    1. Thanks so much, Melissa. I'll keep your name in mind for a pattern tester.

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  3. Im just settling from a trip out west. Catching up on emails and blog posts. Love this block! And would really like to help with pattern testing!!. I have tested a few patterns and find it so exciting to be a part of the process. Looking forward to helping out. Cheers, Melissa

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  4. Karen, I am so enjoying Sara's Quilt and I have a question. I come here often and I have seen on Craftsy that you have Block #8 there but not on your blog. Am I missing something, the last one on the blog is #4. Thank you for sharing Sara's Quilt it is going to be lovely.
    Carol O
    ottersL@pacbell.net

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    1. I'm sure that this all gets confusing because I've been putting patterns up on Craftsy and on my blog in a rather random order. There are photos of blocks 6 and 8 in today's blog post, but I haven't added any other information about them. I didn't want to put too much into one post, and, since these are both paper pieced, there really isn't much to say about them. Blocks 7 and 9 will be on my blog as tutorials later this week. This the URL for today's post. http://klee2strings.blogspot.com/2017/04/two-patterns-and-light-at-end-of-tunnel.html

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    2. Thank you for the infor.
      Carol O

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