Monday, June 11, 2012

Work in Progress......a Weekend of Paper Piecing


I've been flirting with doing some paper piecing, printed out some New York Beauty patterns from EQ7, did a practice piece with some scrap fabric, and then found a Mariner's Compass pattern from Cindy Edgerton that I forgot I had bought. 

This was a good project for someone who hasn't done foundation work for a while, because the base pieces were fairly big, and Cindy gives great cutting directions for fabric pieces that allow for a bit of leeway.

I've got the center medallion done:



I spent most of Saturday morning organizing my batiks, so I could start this project without totally destroying my batik bin looking for matching colors:




I got all my flatfolds in one bin, and my fat quarters, 2 1/2-inch strips, and charm squares in a drawer.  It's so much easier for me to make decisions when I can see everything laid out in front of me, especially with batiks, that have so much variation, even within colorways:



I bundled up all the odd scraps and threw them in a plastic bag for string piecing, applique, etc.


I'm always happier in my sewing room when I've made some attempt at organizing before I start a new project.  Do you like to "clean up" before you start something new?  I should be so fussy about my house......... 

Today I'm piecing flying geese borders:  smaller pieces, lots of pressing, lots of trimming.  It's a pain, but I keep reminding myself that the accuracy that results makes me very happy.  This is another exercise in patience for me......it's the opposite of power-sewing 4-patches and 1/2-square triangles.  It's a good way to start the week.

Have a good day today; if it doesn't rain I'm going to get my swim in this afternoon.

Kathy


9 comments:

Gail said...

Nice job, and I love the fabrics and color choices!

1achord said...

I always make sure the kitchen sink is empty of dirty dishes before I start cooking supper. Does that count?
The star on the compass piece is gorgeous!

Angie in SoCal said...

I wish I was more organized! I do leave a shiny sink each evening before I go to bed. Your batiks collection is marvelous. I love the colors you are using in your mariner's compass.

Cherie said...

That's a great way to organise things and so much better to start before sewing! Love the block pattern =D

Bonnie said...

wow! your medallion is fabulous. I love the colors you chose. Hum, keeping things in the studio neat and clean. Not so much. Until it drives me crazy and I put things away. I seem to be forever under deadlines and thus the cleaning part is put on the back burner.

Pattilou said...

Really nice block and I loved reading about how your organized everything.

viridian said...

Your star block is beautiful and look s so complex! Great work.

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

What a beautiful block! Love all your batiks and yes I like to start out with a organized room before a new project too! Thanks for sharing!
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Terry@ a quilting blog said...

Love your block (and love those batiks!). I also have to clean up after each project before starting a new one. TFS