Here are the first forty blocks completed in the "Bible Study" workshops that Quiltkeemosabe and I are conducting (for each other) on a monthly basis. We're working concurrently on constructing, and writing up instructions for, the 200+ blocks in Rosemary Young's
Quilt Block Bible. (The book is inspiring, it offers beautiful photos of each block and includes a CD for printing block diagrams but doesn't offer any instructions.) With my latest "homework assgnment" just finished today, I've now worked out about twenty percent of the book! We'll meet again on Wednesday for our next session. These blocks measure 6" (finished) and each presents its own set of challenges. I've been able to use specialty rulers on some of the blocks, with excellent success; I'm particularly pleased with
Deb Tucker's Studio 180 tools, the "Wing Clipper" and "Tucker Trimmer" have already proved themselves indispendsable. A few blocks have been straight-forward rotary cutting, some have required templates and others foundation piecing as the best construction method. So far I've found myself falling back on every construction technique I've ever learned; except applique, that is yet to come!
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After displaying all the blocks on the neutral toned design wall I decided to audition them on a mocked-up dark background, simulating a 1" sashing, to see if I would like this better; I think I do.
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This block, Aunt Nancy's Favorite Star, was paper pieced. Deb Karasik's Perfect! Piecing Paper was recommended to me and I can't say enough good things about it. After drafting this block and exploding the diagram into sections for foundation piecing, I copied those sections onto Perfect! Piecing Paper which I had loaded into the printer; the results were crisp and clear; it was effortless to stitch through and easy to tear away! I'm sold on this product, and will keep a package on hand from now on. Our objective as we make each block is to write up clear instructions that produce accurate results. So far, so good; I may only be twenty percent done but I'm one hundred percent happy!
Life is Good!
4 comments:
I can't believe we've done 40 blocks so far. My homework's done too so I'll be ready for Bible Study. They are addictive....
I have that book and have been tempted ... but I don't understand why she only put diagrams on the CD and not written instructions. Hmmmmmm..... Your blocks are beautiful ... what a challenge (that I have no doubt you'll step up to and master). Good for you! Linda
Beautiful, meticulously made blocks! I am not surprised that you do your homework so well. : )
This is a beautiful set of blocks, and I appreciate them even more with the email conversation we've been having today over email about technique building blocks and rotary cutters!
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