Greetings from South Texas where now that we have a scheduled date of tomorrow to have 2 new roofs installed, the weather forecast says that we have high chances of rain all week. Go figure!
I have not worked on any hand projects for the last 2 weeks – I had a pinched nerve that took a few days out of my life, then stupid Unforeseen Requirements (UFR’s) happened. But through that I have been working on a new quilt and a technique that I had never done before. I have been wanting a challenge and this was a big one!
Here is the book where I found the pattern:
The York Lodge Quilt:
I have the perfect fabric for this quilt and will change the fabric placement for all blocks. The block is made with 1 1/2” strips and then sewing 4 different strip sets together. Then cut them on a 45 degree at 1 1/2” strips – attention has to be paid to this cut or it is hair pulling time – which is why color placement is critical. This is definitely not for the faint of heart quilter as it takes 100% precision! As I made my practice block to see if I really wanted to do this quilt, I learned where I would have problems if I did not take my time. There are 30 blocks in this quilt and I will not be making all 30 at one time. It is just too taxing to work on it from start to finish each without stressing myself to the maximum!
My friend Gretchen gave me some valuable guidance on this project and that was to make a goal of making a block a week. Before I finished my practice block (which took about 5 days (not full-time) I almost gave up on making the quilt. One thing I figured out (Duh) was that each EACH seam has to be pressed open – no exceptions!
Now I feel so much more confident about the block and I know how much time is needed to achieve the desired result, I am going to begin my making either 1 or 2 blocks a week, or one block every other day. Then I will not suffer burnout. The other days will be devoted to other ongoing UFO’s.
Most magazines and books like Quiltmania ASSUME that the quilter knows all there is about quilting techniques. This particular quilt is marked as Intermediate. I do believe that this is an Advanced quilt, based on the precision that it requires for each strip piece, 45 degree cuts, pressing seams flat on EVERYTHING, and matching points precisely. No room for errors or points not matching! Ah my kind of “blowing the mind” time.
This is my practice block. The beige HST corners should be the same color as the crackle fabric, but I grabbed scraps for this one. There are a few slips in this one but I let them go. This block requires working with bias – no fun there – and care has to be taken when sewing the stars strips together. It is imperative to have that 1/4” when adding the corner HSTs and the other 4 points or the effect of the star will be lost!
These are the fabrics that I will be using. I had originally thought I would use them in Star Dancing, but have decided to go with batiks on that quilt.
I have some beautiful White P&B fabric called Grace II that I will use as a background. I do feel that the white will not overwhelm the quilt if it does then I will go to a light beige. The secret is going to be sure that the fabric is matched closely by thread count or there will be Heck to pay! Each block will be made with the same color – not like the pattern. There will be 2 each of the above colors!
I would love to have this one completed before Fall and if it turns out I will enter in the SA show next year. (Crossed fingers)
I am almost through with Nesting – a little embroidery on 2 blocks, and one more Blue Bird to applique. I am thinking that I can work on piecing one day and my hand work another day, but must be careful to not overwork my hands!
I have an update on one of the quilt tops I gave to my cousin Susan. This was my RSC 2017 Challenge quilt. She is a very talented seamstress and here is how she finished the quilt! So creative! Beautiful job Susan! She added the crosses in the middle of each block! This is a graduation present to Susan’s niece and my cousin Kay’s grand daughter who just graduated from high school!
Happy Father’s Day to all the quilter’s husbands and enjoy quilting!
Nanette
Chopin - A Passionate Quilter From Texas 
Wow! You really know how to pick ’em! Love the new challenge, and I know that your piecing will be very good, since you are meticulous and since you did take the time to make a practice block and learn what works and what doesn’t. I like that you are going to pace yourself, too, so that you don’t stress and take the joy out of it!
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Thank you Laura. Still studying fabrics
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I love the quilt you are working on. I think it would be too much of a challenge for me but I know you are up to it. Hugs
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I am determined. It is what I need for me. A challenge. Thx for commenting.
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The blocks have a circular look and I like that. You have a plan and a practice block under your belt. And you do like precision piecing. It will be interesting watching the progression.
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Yup. I will work this quilt along with one that is not so stressful although I am such the Perfectionist 🤔
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Ah I’ve made quilts where I wish someone had warned me to press each seam open 😀 it is going to be awesome!
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This time I wanted no surprises! Thx Tierney.
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I admire the way you have approached this. Test block. see pitfalls… come up with solutions… and decide to proceed… w/o tearing out hair.
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It seems to have worked so far. And I need my hair. LOL 😂
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A well formulated strategy Nanette, an I hope that exercising your hand gently with hand work strengthens it and allows the nerve to heal. Hugs!
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Think the daytime hand work is over with unless I am in the House early afternoon. So I will work on 2 quilts concurrently.
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Thanks for sharing your insights while making block one of this magnificent quilt. I think your block is gorgeous. I agree with your plan to pace yourself with alternating the stitching chores. But do be careful with your hand in all that you do.
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Hand work is best during the evening. I do not like to sit all day. Now to pick a less stressful pattern to do concurrently. May OMIGOSH by Sue Garman. Then I can really go nuts.
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Luv the crosses Susan added to the quilt you gave her to finish…..Try startching your fabrics for the new quilt , it will give you better control of the fabric…..It should be beautiful…..D.
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Thx Dot. I do that now. It is the little things that help us in making a quilt.
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I love your new project. Since you are a perfect piecer, I know it will be perfect. Your fabric choices will be perfect!
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Still studying fabrics. Have a great week!
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🙂
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Both quilts are beautiful! What a great plan to do a block a week; I can see how those would be stressful-but well worth it! I’m looking forward to seeing your progress. If I didn’t have so many projects going, I’d be tempted to start the first one!
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I really need to get some had projects finished too!
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I love the addition of the crosses.
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She made a 4 patch quilt into something that really pops and is beautiful!
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Your practice block is spectacular! Good luck on this–it looks so unforgiving.
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Thank you Kerry! No forgiveness – hum maybe I will call it that – No Forgiveness Stars. I am still auditioning fabrics for the background!
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