Some quilters like to make their templates the finished size so they can mark the sewing line on their quilt pieces. I don’t do this — after adding a scant 1/4″ around each template, I draw the cutting line on the fabric and then just eyeball the seam allowance when stitching the pieces together. Because the blocks Ann selected are complex, I thought they might be nice in just two colors. Of course, I still want them to be scrappy, so I decided to use vintage indigo fabrics from my stash. Also, because the suggested sizes were varied on the four blocks and one has way more pieces than the others, I decided to make them all 14″. It’s probably not necessary to point out that this is a fairly challenging block, and would not be my choice for a first attempt at hand piecing.
When planning how you’re going to put a block together, you want to avoid any sharp curves or inside corners. On this block, I will sew together two basic units (AB and DEFF) and then combine them to make the three colored units you see below. This way I am always sewing a gentle curve when attaching these units to the center C piece. The sewing order will be blue (AB), pink (AB-DEFF) and then green (DEFF-AB-DEFF).
Sew AB (blue unit – make 6)
Sew DEFF (make 6)
Join AB to DEFF (pink unit – make 2)
In hand piecing, you never sew through more than 2 layers. You get right up against the seam, make a back stitch, pass the needle through the seam, make another back stitch right next to the seam, and then continue sewing. This is a nice perk to hand piecing — since the seams are never sewn down, they can be pressed in any direction and you don’t have to make a decision about this until the block is completed.
Sew 2 DEFFs to AB (green unit – make 2)
Now, it’s time to put the circle together. Sew the six units above to the middle C piece, starting with the two blues, then the pinks, and finally the greens.
Finally, join the four corner pieces and stitch them to the circle.
There are several problems with this block that make me unhappy. First, I meant to attach the 4 corner pieces so the grain in the middle C piece was vertical. Second, although the points match pretty well, the center circle is not perfectly round (in my opinion, this is the worst problem). Third, the design is not perfectly aligned vertically. I hope to do better on the next block.
beautiful fabrics and I think the block looks beautiful too
I think your being too hard on yourself
this is a tough block yours looks amazing!
can’t wait to see the next one!
Kathie
We always are the most critical of our own work. I think this is absolutely gorgeous!!
Let’s see… you drafted a VERY complex block while having to recline on the sofa… and this is your very first run through of the block… which you pieced while still being unable to sit for long periods. Definitely not your usual working conditions!!!
I agree with Kathie. You are too hard on yourself and you have done a fabulous job! I know that you pay close attention to detail and that that quality has resulted in absolutely BEAUTIFUL quilts, but while you can see a couple small problems in this draft (which I have no doubt you will solve), don’t forget to feel giddy about what you have done with this block already!!! Seeing it unfold on your blog is quite inspiring – thanks!
What a fantastic result – I love it and want to make one!
Oh wow! Are you kidding me? You drafted such a difficult block and pieced it beautifully! I love your choice of fabrics too.
Just wonderful piecing. 🙂
Thanks for this Martha, it really helps to visualize how the block is put together step by step. It’s such a pretty pattern.
I think it is pretty stunning and I don’t see the ‘problems’, even when you pointed them out. Of course, your critical eye results in wonderful work, but this block is nothing to apologise for! Thanks for showing the steps of how you put it together. It is complex, but very beautiful in the fabric that you used.
Wow – I can’t tell you how impressed I am with this. I started out hand-piecing, because I didn’t have a machine, but didn’t get very good at it before getting one…and now the arthritis is too bad to do it. I am in awe of your skill, Martha. This is really beautiful.
Wow! That is just lovely. There is a romance to a hand pieced quilt that is so appealing. I think that hand stitching involves the maker being so closely associated with the quilt. I imagine that’s why you can see small faults that are not apparent to the rest of us. That is the blessing and the curse of hand work!
This is a gorgeous block! Your explanation of how you sew it together is fabulous!
Awesome! I love this block and thank you for the explanation of making it!
Wow! your work is so stunning, Martha! I’m in awe of your dedication and attention to detail.
Thank you for the peek into how you work with these blocks. Very inspiring 🙂
Absolutely Stunning!
This is lovely !!! Thanks so much for the clear explanation and tips !!!
What a gorgeous block! It’s even my favorite color–blue. This looks like a block that would be perfect to English paper piece. If I make one, I will post a photo on Flickr.