Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Getting there

We finally have sunshine! Yay! But now there is 30-40 mph wind gusts. Ahh well, if it's not one thing, it's another. I did manage to photo my new finished blocks.

B-9 Tinker Toy

This was hard for me. I dont think I quite understand how to do the set in seams and had the other seams pressed the wrong way I think. Somehow it came together, though it is a bit wonky. With lots of pressing, I think it will be fine when I add the sashing.


B-7 World Series

World Series indeed. This was a 3 part applique, but I really enjoyed it. The diamonds were a little tough, I think I need to perfect my method. When I trimmed it, one ended up too close to the edge, so I will have to move it at some point, but otherwise I really like it, even with its wonkiness.


B-8 Water Lily

Here is a better photo, in natural light.

B-5 Hot Cross Buns

This is just waiting the appliqué diamonds in the center. I have trouble reverse appliquéing the tiny shapes with points so I decided to add these at the end. Now I just need to get motivated.

Here is my current method for tracking the blocks. Unfortunately I don't have pencils for all the colors and it looks confusing, so I may have to figure something else out. It is working for the moment though.


Some of these are getting tough for me. Since I am so new, some of the piecing is hard. I am sure with experience I will be able to see what to do before hand but at this point I still just see lots of tiny pieces. I am thinking of hand piecing a few of the centers for more control. Maybe I will just do Anina's way first and if that doesn't work, then hand piece. It is all about learning. I work pretty slow though, which is why I have fallen a bit behind. I am determined to stick with it though.
One question Baby Janers. For those of you using a different fabric for each square, are you going to do the same for the triangles, or repeat some. I think I will use a different fabric for the squares but was thinking of using some of those for the triangles to tie it together. How are you all deciding the triangle colors? Just some thoughts. Thanks for your input.

10 comments:

Anina said...

I think you're doing great. I have a feeling most of us will be redoing some of our early blocks as we get better and better with practice.
I'm planning to use all different fabrics for the pieced triangles too, but probably not for the solid ones.

Nanette Merrill said...

Nice job. You inspire me to keep going with Dear Jane. With all my experience your blocks are usually better than mine. Not that I'm comparing. I pressed the heck out of the set-in seam block. Its too small but I figure like you said, it will be ok once its sashed and quilted. Your blocks look great.

Robin said...

Your blocks look wonderful, Stacy! Don't you just love how the iron can make so many things look better? The iron is definitely my friend.

I've been debating about the triangles too. I think I'm going to try for all different fabrics in the pieced ones, and use repeat fabrics for the solid ones. I've got it easy though color-wise-- my triangles will all be green. One of the benefits of doing a two-color quilt. :)

jacquie said...

Keep up the good work Stacy. I'm so impressed that you are tackling this project. What a great attitude you have...it is about learning!

Amanda said...

I have been wondering about the triangles, too. I don't know what I will do!

The last two blocks I have done have been rough. I have had to redo them each 3 or 4 times, which is frustrating. I am learning lots though. We will be pros by the end!

canquilt said...

you seem to be on top of it all. Well done.

Tipper said...

Beautiful blocks! Looks like you do very neat work!

LoriT said...

Fabulous! Not only in appearance, but also because you DID them! I sit around THINKING and need to be more like you and start DOING.

Bloom said...

Your blocks are looking great Stacy. I love the fabrics you have chosen. That set-in seam block was pretty tough. Mine could only be brought back into shape with the iron. And even then, it's not perfect. But it is finished! Keep up the great work!

Rhonda said...

Your blocks look great! Ahh... those pesky set-in seams, I prefer not to do them, but must if I have to.