I've been working on la passacaglia for 5 weeks now and this is what I've achieved in that time. I was on holiday for most of that time so I don't expect to achieve this much every 5 weeks.
I'm really pleased with my progress, but can see that it's going to take at least the rest of this year to make this quilt. I don't mind that - I always knew a hand pieced quilt would take a long time.
There are 2 main reasons why it's slow going:
1. choosing the fabrics is very time consuming (for me at least). I plan out a rosette, but after I've stitched a row I change my mind about what fabric I want to use next. I building up quite a little pile of cut pieces that haven't been used yet. I'm learning not to cut too far in advance, and just wait and see what will work as it grows. I also think it helps to have 2 rosettes on the go at once and I can swap between them while I think about the fabrics to use.
2. Hand stitched glue basted pieces is not easy. I'm finding it quite hard on my hands and I can't stitch for long periods of time. I still much prefer the glue basting to hand basting, so will just keep going slowly.
Unfortunately my mind is working way ahead of my hands, and I keep dreaming up great fabric combinations that I'm afraid I will forget. My sewing table is covered in piles of fabric which I intend to use in due course.
Interestingly, these were my initial fabric selections for this quilt.
I've used a five of these fabrics so far, but it's the overall look of the Kaffe Fassett Millefiori in the background that I'm trying to achieve, and I think I'm going OK with that.
In case you're feeling tempted and wondering how to join this craze, I ordered the book, templates and paper pieces from Paperpieces.com in USA. Think long and hard before you decide to start though - it's occupying every spare moment of my time at present.
Oh, and there's a facebook group now too for those making the quilt
- Millefiori/ La Passacaglia English Paper Piecing
You need to ask to join, but they are a friendly and supportive bunch.
I'm linking up with Blossom Heart Quilts and Freshly Pieced this week.
30 comments:
Very cool, very beautiful :)
thanks for showing photos of all you ordered from paper pieces. I mentioned that when I got my book it was damaged and they sent me a new copy that I got today. I was looking it over and will order my templates and paper in the next couple days. I was on the facebook group but accidentally took myself off of it LOL - such a klutz. I will rejoin later after I get started. I am almost done with the main applique project I have been working on and I want to wait to start this quilt until I am done with that top at least.
Absolutely beautiful! Love watching this come together. I think your fabric choices are perfect!
Certainly not a project for the fainthearted, but it's oh so beautiful. You've made a terrific start and I'm enjoying seeing how it grows. It will be a stunner.
Your blocks and progress are great! I love the color combinations you are using here.
Oh Wendy, this quilt is going to be so incredible. Keep go in' girl! You're doing a fabulous job!!
Beautiful, I have never seen this quilt before and don't think I would attempt it. But you are doing a wonderful job and I love your colors.
Definitely a labour of love Wendy. Love the colours, design etc.
Those are gorgeous. I love the geometry. :)
Can you take photos or record your fabric selection ideas in your notebook? Sometimes I take a philosophical approach - if it is a good idea, I will remember it - and HOPE that I just forget the second-rate ideas.
They are coming along beautifully. I love your selection of eye popping fabrics you are coordinating.
I think this looks absolutely stunning Wendy. I can see why you say think long and hard. something I would love to get stuck into if I had more time!
Wow! There is a lot of amazing handwork and thought put into this quilt! It will look stunning in the end :)
Your new project is awesome and love your fabric combo.Have a fun sewing day!
Stunning! your fabric choices are looking great, it's going to be quite an heirloom! Linda
I love your blocks! This is going to be stunning! I just ordered my book today. I decided I had better look it over before diving all the way in!
I saw a video yesterday about stitching with the glue stick. It said not to get the glue too close to the fold of the fabric. A famous paper piecer did the video, but she was new to me. I think it was Sue Dilly? Hope that helps.
Many thanks for leaving a comment, Wendy!
Your quilts and embroidery are so beautiful and pretty!!
Best wishes
erba
Looking gorgeous Wendy,! I know you'll finish it this year cause you're so organised!!!
Waow, great fabrics, and beautiful blocks!
I'm running another fabric giveway, and you are welcome to enter!
What beautiful work you do, Wendy!!
Looking great Wendy! I much prefer glue basting too :)
your passacaglia quilt is amazing, I love your fabric choices.
Wow!! Really beautiful!!
-Soma
I want to make this but I have to finish my current project first. I'm forcing myself!
This is lovely! I just started my own Passacaglia quilt (haven't even finished one rosette yet) but I so empathize with your comments! I've already changed my mind about fabric several times, and also find that I can't stitch for too long or my hands get sore. The pieces are so tiny!
This quilts so belongs on my bucket list, but I have told myself that I need to finish my scrappy hexi EPP project first, before even considering this one. Your fabrics are stunning!
This pattern is so beautiful in the colors you chose! I just started with EPP three weeks ago and am far away from finishing this first project, but when I see your photos I already know what I would like to do next!
Fabulous! I love your fabrics and colours!
Love this quilt you are working on. Just started a small quilt with EPP so not sure I am ready for this but I do love it.
I do a lot of freezer paper appliqué. I have only done one paper pieced quilt but I tried using starch like I use in freezer paper appliqué to turn over the edges-creasing them with a hot iron and it worked beautifully. easy to stitch through. can't wait to start.
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