So I finally quit procrastinating and started work on the rising sun blocks again. The only one I had sewn was the one on the far right bottom. Things were going well, or as well as you can expect with curved piecing, when things started getting interesting.
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| Rising Sun blocks |
When sewing curved pieces, I generally use the one-pin method as in the picture below. Convex side up means the pieces sew together almost by themselves. lol If you look at the top left rising sun blocks, the blades are going in the reverse direction as the others. What I didn't realize is that by reversing some of the blocks {
I only reversed 7 out 12 blocks}, I would end up with a really tricky situation in doing the curved piecing. No matter which way I tried to sew the blades together, I ended up with two options: either sew them from the bottom up (no way Jose!) or sew them with the concave side up (no way Jose!). Arghh! I cannot believe I got myself into this situation! Anyway, long frustrating story later and lots of 'un'sewing resulted in my doing the two reverse blocks with the concave side up whether I wanted to or not. So now I only have 5 more of them to do.
5 more!! Thankfully, it gets a lot easier after I reach the middle pin and fabric isn't constantly trying to get wadded up underneath my needle! But oh! I am not happy about this at all!
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| Some curved piecing |
Also, I've been trying to decide on a setting plan for my Lil' Red Riding Hood blocks. I think this is what I'm going to go with. It is a bit old fashioned, but still allows for the blocks to stand out and do all the hard work. I bought the pink floral fabric for another quilt altogether awhile back, didn't use it and then found it later in the clearance bin. Yep, I bought some more thinking it would work for a backing and then, well, it starting intriguing me as a sashing fabric. You know how I love to play with sashing in my quilts! Love those scattered darker bits of flowers especially and how they will {easily} add just a touch more interest to these mellow, very sweet blocks.
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| Playing with layout |
And of course I'm still plodding along with my circle a day--picking out the fabric. Stitching is starting to be about a three-circle-at-a-time thing, twice a week or so. I am just completely blown away by all the creativity I'm seeing with others circles though! I keep thinking, 'why didn't I think of that?'
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| A few more circles |
I think that's the best part of quilting, taking a project or an idea and making it very personal and unique. It makes our quilts so much more special and meaningful! If you'd like to know more about
Quilty 365, the link will take you to a description of what it's all about. Please feel free to jump in at any time! Love all the interest and support with this project. I think we're getting a good little group to prop us up and help motivate us along the way!
Love those twirling circles. I didn't start my Quilty 365 until Sunday, but for some reason I have managed to do one a day since then. I love this little sew along - thanks for inspiring me.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the curved seams. I did one quilt years ago (a NY Beauty type pattern) with them and haven't tried another since. Swearing helps, as I recall.
ReplyDeleteCurved seams??? Man!!! I still have problems with angles!!
ReplyDeleteAltho' your Circles project has calmed me down as to applique quite a bit--even after only 9 so far, I am relaxing more --so practice does make better!! Certainly not perfect for me, but definitely better--I love your sashing on Lil Red there!! Any fabric with roses on it for me....hugs, Julierose
Your curves, sometimes, it's easier when you start in the middle to one side, then from the middle to the other side. ( I do this with the machine, not by hand) Love this pattern!
ReplyDeletelove your blocks! are you adding the extra ring around them like I am doing? I'm taking a break from mine for a couple days and concentrate on getting my binding done - I too am making several circles at a time instead of one a day.
ReplyDeleteI have wanted to make this block for years. I tried one and it done me in. Must have cut it the wrong way, sewing it the wrong one up. It's cool enough to revisit.... LeeAnna at not afraid of color
ReplyDeleteI find those circle Red Riding Hood blocks oh so interesting. A sweet look.
ReplyDeleteThe predicaments we get ourselves into sometimes! At least there are only five left. I have never done curved piecing in a quilt, but I have one planned. Love your sashing choice.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pain! That's the sort of thing I would do at the start of a quilt, and in the middle, and probably still at the end! The sashing for Little Red Riding Hood looks fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI love the old-fashioned look of that sashing for Little Red Riding Hood and thank you for the reminder to never embark on curved piecing haha! If you are having troubles I can only imagine what I'd do, ugh.
ReplyDeleteI love the old-fashioned look of that sashing for Little Red Riding Hood and thank you for the reminder to never embark on curved piecing haha! If you are having troubles I can only imagine what I'd do, ugh.
ReplyDeleteOh Audrey, that sounds like something I end up doing constantly with angled piecing - not just with curved piecing, spatial dyslexia is the plague of my piecing efforts and the seam ripper is my best friend! My little granddaughter would absolutely love your Little Red Riding Hood quilt with those pink sashings - she's all about pink!
ReplyDeleteWandered your way via "Sane, Crazy Crumby Quilting". Love your Quilty 365 project--oops, make that 366! 2016 will include a Feb 29th! Wonder what creative ideas that date will inspire. I'm in!
ReplyDeleteIt is so funny to see the same exact idea as mine here on your blog. I've been planning the same kind of pink and red rose sashing for my Sweet Hearts quilt (in a couple more years when I finally finish the stitching). It looks good! Good to know. :D My fabric is very similar, maybe a little more faded. I like the insertion of the stripes, too. Ideas are forming... maybe this will get me going again on that one. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe Rising Suns look like peppermint candies no matter which way the blades go. Did you mean to reverse them from the beginning? Or was that a cutting accident? I knew there was a reason I haven't made that block yet...I'm going to learn from your experiences! I like your sashing idea and how the darker parts of the circle aren't all oriented in the same direction. I am almost caught up on my circles.
ReplyDeleteYou always inspire me with your play with blocks, variations applied, and lessons learned. Keep inspiring us!
ReplyDeleteCurved seams don't bother me much, but then I've only done simple drunkard's path type blocks -- no convex + concave in the same seam. Looks like a challenge I'll just skip past. Thanks for the warning.
The pink sashing fabric is a lovely choice. It'll definitely be a girly project when finished.
I would so much rather hand piece a curved seam!! Love the pink floral as the sashing.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I like the blocks or the name better in your Li'l Red Riding Hood quilt. How did you come up with the name?
ReplyDeleteYou are so clever with that curved piecing. Not one of my talents. I will do it when it needs to be done, but only with lots and lots of pins...
ReplyDeletefun twirly blocks. You've really perfected curved piecing!
ReplyDeleteLOve the pinwheels! I think you are very brave for trying all these circle things! The sashing on the Red Riding hood is wonderful and interesting, really commplements the blocks! The pink fab is really sweet. It's funny how those purchases wind up isn't?! cheers!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips on the pinwheels. I made one years ago and have no idea how I did it.:-)
ReplyDeleteYour curved piecing is masterful Audrey! The blocks remind me of some kind of boiled sweet, but I can't remember what they're called. Little Red Riding Hood sashing is lovely, it really does give the blocks a lift. And what can I say about your circle a day, except thank you for the inspiration and encouragement - 3 weeks worth is a great achievement, woohoo!
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