First up is the la passacaglia quilt which I hope do a lot of in 2015. I'm really happy with how these first 3 cogs have started out. I intend to do a bit of fussy cutting, but I think I'll focus more on the colours than the designs in the fabrics. I can already tell there's going to be at least 5 different shades of Kaffe Fassett's Paperweight in this quilt. There are 3 in the photo below. The outside ring of the blue cog is a fabric by Makower.
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| These cogs aren't sewn together because the red and blue ones need to be expanded yet. |
Although I've done English paper piecing before, this quilt is going to take ages. I'm glue basting this time which I've never done before. As a result the fabric is pulled slightly tighter over the edges of the papers and there's not as much room to put the needle through. I do think glue basting will give a neater finish though, and I hate to think how long it would take to tack all of the pieces by hand. I've already had to put the first refill into the glue pen!
The other reason that this quilt will take so long is fabric selections. As you can see above, I just took over the coffee table in the lounge with all my fabrics. I've seen other people saying that choosing the fabrics is the hardest part. I think that the hand sewing is forcing people to slow down and consider all parts of the process very carefully. We all want these quilts to be as near to perfect as they can be, so everyone is taking their time choosing their fabrics.
The paper piecing can be a bit hard on my hands, so I did some embroidery too for a change of stitching.
Mum gave me this cute Santa ornament for Christmas and I've done all the cross stitch on it now, and it just needs the beads to finish it. I hope to do that this week. In fact, I've just seen that Roger Federer plays in the Brisbane final at 10pm NZ time tonight, so that might be excuse I need to stay up late.
I also finished the first panel on the Gingerbread Christmas Etui. I only had to do Santa and the reindeer, but it's one over one so I needed good light and fresh eyes.
I made a start on the Haunted House, because let's face it, Halloween will be here before Christmas. I'ts always good to get the first side of these houses done because then I can picture how big it is, and be sure the other pieces will fit perfectly.
Here's the coffee table in the family room. You can see I took over both coffee tables. And you'll see that I took my lovely pin cushion from Carla on holiday with me. I also took my sweet pouch from Serena, but its not in either of these photos. I'll show you it another day soon. The Possum Magic ladies are all busy as another hand over date is looming. I love seeing what everyone does to the quilts. You can see progress shots on my Possum Magic tab at the top of the page.
13 comments:
Your cogs are stunning, Wendy. The matching of the stripes in the center is beautiful, and I hope the process is relaxing and fun. It will be a delight to see you grow this quilt.
I agree with Yvonne - it is lovely to see how the stripes in the centres of each star line up. My long-tern EPP project (planning but not allowed to start until I finish other stuff) has no stripes. Maybe I should look for some! I think you have found the perfect balance of when to fussy cut and when to not.
I'm really curious to see as you progress - love the fabric choices. Appears as if you are definitely busy with a variety of projects!
Your EPP cogs are stunning! and yes, I agree, the KF Paperweight range is perfect for itty-bitty piecing & blending! Slow sewing is so rewarding, and let's face it.. there's no way you could hurry with this gorgeous project anyway! Linda
You have been very busy and your EPP cogs look great. I've done a coupe of quilts like that and I must say the choosing of the fabrics took the longest. I still have a bag of prepared pieces which in the end I didn't use. Also, I've learned to keep my glue stick in the fridge if it's hot, as it's easier not to spread too much when the stick is harder. But it might not bee so bad at your end, even in the summer.
Get some of the busy fingers needles they are super fine and perfect for glue basting English paper piecing.
Your EPP is stunning! I have not had very much luck with glue basting--hope it works better for you!
The cogs looks fabulous. I'm not sure I have the inclination to do this. I did give it a go and got impatient with the slow progress lol. You always have so many projects on the go Wendy. Love the Hallowe'en house.
Wow you've had a busy holiday! I love seeing all the updates of your beautiful work :)
Passacaglia looks amazing! I googled it when you first mentioned it but didn't think it was my style. I should have known you'd do it in a modern and unique way and make it fabulous! Lovely stitching too, you got a lot done on holiday.
I love all the projects you have managed to get through in your holidays. Such a motivated lady. Your clogs quilt looks great with some fabulous fabric choices. Not an easy task I am sure but you are making it look easy.
I'm going to look for the Passacaglia design; this looks like a perfect slow stitching project. I love your fabric choice for it too. Your "gingerbread houses" are such fun, though I can't imagine looking at frosted buildings in the middle of summer!
Always enjoy seeing your color palettes!! Picking them is the most enjoyable part of the process for me!
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