First up were the first two blocks of the NY Beauty QAL. I am using a Kona Solid in Hibiscus and a FQ bundle of Kaffe Fassett fabrics for this QAL. Even although these are the first blocks to be done, I am already thinking that I don't have enough fabric! When I read the initial instructions for the blocks the fabric requirements were 10 Fat Eighths of the main fabric and 1 and 1/2 yards of the background fabric, so that is what I bought, but having done the first two blocks (and read the introduction to the QAL again!) I now realise that this yardage is only to make one of each block.
Having seen the photos posted to the QAL Flickr group I think the real beauty of the blocks is only really seen when there are 4 of each joined together. So for the minute I am making one of each block, but I suspect that I will have to go back later to make 3 more of some of them at least.
I really enjoyed the paper piecing of these blocks, I found the rhythm of pin, sew, cut, press quite relaxing, but the curved seams were another business all together! The second of the blocks above came out a good 3/8" smaller than it should have been, which was I think down to a too generous seam allowance on the curved seams. More practice needed I think!
With the backlog of NY Beauty blocks out of the way, the next target on my list was the Craftsy BOM that I have managed to ignore since signing up in January. However, having discovered on Friday that I had won a $25 Fat Quarter Shop gift certificate in Ellison Lane Quilts' Craftsy BOM Giveaway, guilt kicked in and I finally got around to watching the video for the first two blocks, and wondered why I had put off starting this BOM for so long! As I had also promised my son, the recipient of the SH QAL quilt, another, bigger quilt for their bed, this seemed like the ideal time to start another sampler quilt for them.
A quick trip to the factory store and I had my 4 metres of solid fabric in pale turquoise to go with the several metres of Amy Butler Daisy Chain fabric, which I have been hoarding since using them as linings for these bridesmaids bags used at my son's wedding.
Of course now that I have just finished the Sew Happy QAL, there is a gap to be filled, so naturally I have signed up for another project. This time, though, it is not a Quilt a Long but a Sew a Long for Rashida Coleman-Hale's new Book, Zakka Style hosted by LR Stitched I really enjoyed Rashida's earlier book, I Love Patchwork and had debated whether to buy the Zakka Style book when it was published in the UK, so it only took a minute to decide to sign up for the Sew a Long! There are, apparently, 24 projects in the book and there will be 24 different bloggers hosting the Sew a Long, which starts on April 2nd. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I get the book in time.
Linking up to Sew Happy's Manic Monday Link Party, Canoe Ridge Creations Sew Modern Monday and What a Hoot's BOM's away Monday
The bridesmaid bags are adorable, especially the little one with the frame and the one on the right with the large bow.
ReplyDeleteI was drawn to the bags too ... very nice, especially as they are all different!
ReplyDeleteThanks Fiona, I ended up making 10 bags in the end as there were 5 bridesmaids, and I wanted to give them each a choice. Fortunately they all chose a different bag otherwise I would have had to make even more!
DeleteWhat gorgeous blocks,and I really love both the of the solid colours your using in them.
ReplyDeleteI like the look of the Zakka sew along and have ordered my book. I can't wait to see the projects in it.
Love the colors that you choose for the NY Beauty! They're beautiful. Wasn't the Craftsy block easy after doing the NY Beauties? They all look wonderful and can't wait to see the next ones. I'm impressed with the bags since I've never made one before. You certainly have quite the talent. Now you will be busy tackling another Sew A Long. Can't wait to see the results. Our weather has been so warm I'm enjoying being outside more than inside sewing.
ReplyDeleteI love your Beauties background choice! Those are just gorgeous. And yes - those bridesmaids bags are fantastic.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful work you do !! the bags are adorable !
ReplyDeleteI am also making the Craftsy BOM's , I have both Jan & Feb finished but I haven't done March yet, maybe later today! I am using only Batiks for mine.
ReplyDeletewonderful work, especially loving the NYB blocks. great fabric picks :D
ReplyDeleteI love those fabrics you are using for your New York Beauty.
ReplyDeleteyou are my paper piecing hero!
ReplyDeleteYour New York Beauties are beautiful! I've been struggling with mine - but I'm trying to keep up! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat NYB blocks! Love those colours and fabrics!
ReplyDeleteI am also doing the NYB Quilt Along. My first experience with paper piecing, but like you, I am enjoying the rhythm.
ReplyDeleteLove your NYB, and lol about getting guilted into the BOM ;o) I've ordered the book for the Zakka Style, just waiting for Amazon to deliver (which it will probably try and do when I'm in Ireland this coming long weekend...)
ReplyDeleteGreat blocks! Those bridesmaid purses are wonderful. KF's fabrics are going to be a show stopper in your New York Beauty!
ReplyDeleteThose craftsy blocks look great in the color you picked.
ReplyDeleteYay for getting caught up! Your NYB blocks are beautiful. The Hibiscus is gorgeous against all those bright colors! I need to catch up with mine, before it gets too overwhelming!
ReplyDeleteYour NY Beauty quilt is going to be gorgeous, I love the blocks. Love that Union Flag block too! I saw a post about the SAL and instantly joined, then had to go and buy the book! Luckily I had a voucher so I only had to pay a few quid.
ReplyDeletei really wont to learn to paper peirce
ReplyDeleteThe NYB pattern really shows off those gorgeous fabrics!
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