Mariner's Compass

On Monday I went to a class with visiting Australian tutor, Chris Jurd.  We spent the day making one big 18" Mariner's Compass block.

I'm really pleased with how my block turned out, especially as I made it all from stash!!  I didn't have enough of my favourite green for the background, so Chris encouraged me to alternate it with another green and it's worked out well. 

The fabrics I used were all left over from my Endless Lockdown quilt made back in 2020. The kit I had purchased was very generous with the fabrics, so I could make more Mariner's Compass blocks with different animal centres if I wish.  The fabric was designed by Monika Fosberg for Anna Maria Horner's Conservatory Craft.

Here's some finished examples Chris showed us at the class.  I'm not sure how I'm going to finish my block yet, or if I'm going to make more to make something bigger.  

Now it's time for the Peacock Party.  Feel free to link up a recent blog post below. 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Pickled Fish with Chris Jurd at Symposium

On the fourth day of Symposium I attend a foundation paper piecing class with Chris Jurd.  The aim was to make one block from her gorgeous Pickled Fish quilt.

Chris Jurd's Pickled Fish quilt

The borders and binding were interesting too

I've done foundation paper piecing before, but Chris had a slightly different method.  Fortunately she was fine with us using which ever method worked for us.

I made the pickles OK, but had trouble attaching the scallops at the edges - see below.  I sewed my scallops on, but I knew they weren't centred properly, so I've just unpicked them this afternoon and will try again in the comfort of my own home.

my block - before I unpicked the scallops and tried again

Here's all of the class blocks together on the whiteboard:

I do want to make this quilt, and have some beautiful fabrics set aside for it, so I will persevere and sort out my issues with sewing curves.

If you'd like to buy the pattern you can get it from Chris Jurd's Etsy shop here.

And finally, here's Chris's Road Trip quilt in the Tutors Exhibition.  It was very original, and clever too.  I loved the strong black lines, but also the colour and patterns in the other fabrics Chris used.