The reason I joined my first virtual quilting bee as well as the subsequent ones was to stretch myself. It's an opportunity to use fabrics that I wouldn't normally choose and to work within someone else's vision. Before I took off for spring break I wanted to finish all of my bee commitments. I came close. First is Lynn's for Common Threads. Lynn gave us carte blanche with her fabrics. She did suggest mini quilts within a block and that's where I took the blocks.
I've never done a whirlygiggle without background fabric. I loved playing with the placement of the fabrics and I really like how the whirlygiggles spin off the edges.
I also did a mini stacked coins for Lynn. Again, it was fun to place her fabrics and play a bit with sizes of the coins. Thanks Lynn. This is going to be one great quilt.
Over the last few weeks I've been playing with piecing circles and arcs and pushing myself into the realm of curved piecing. Just in time too, because Kristen, in my Block Party bee, challenged us to solve her quilty math problem. You can see her challenge here. I drafted a pattern for this oval...I went ahead and added a border to make it into something, though it was simply a first draft from scraps. I do really love this oval block and it's definitely going to be a quilt in the near future.
This is my first solution to Kristen's challenge. I'm not sure if I'm satisfied with how it works. Very different fabrics for me, but I enjoyed giving it my all. Her second block is still on my sewing table half way there. I'm glad I have a second try. It's been a long process, but this is the kind of push I love. Thanks Kristen.I'm sure I'll have a GIANT stack of blocks in the mail when I get home, so if you've send anything for project improv and haven't seen it posted here...don't fret. I'll be back on Friday!
43 comments:
Both of these are stunning - where do you get all your inspiration and motivation???? Love the oval
Kris
those are wonderful blocks - you've done a great job!
Enjoy your break!!!
What an accurate piecer you are. I love the circles
Everything you showing today is gorgeous! I love working with curves it is a lot of fun, gives a great effect and can be challenging. Pieced curves like yours are even more interesting. I love yours.
All projects and challenges look gorgeus!! I love the fabrics!
I love finding the different whirlygiggles in the block.
I love all of the blocks. I think your curved piecing is paying off.
Nice Projects ... love the fabrics
This is my square dance
http://sandyquilts.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-square-dance-quilt.html
Still unquilted.
You might be interested in this Square Dance quilt
http://chrissquiltinguniverse.blogspot.com/
We did them last fall as an online class.
Oh, goodness...*love* the whirlygigs minus the background. I have never seen them that way! Your oval block is screaming out for some funky embroidery....may just have to start practicing that tone!
Both quilt tops are beautidul. I never looked at orange quilts before, but lately it is a color I am using more and more in my quilts.
love the circular quilting.....I'll have to try it one of these days. Any tips for the newbie? Thanks, Autumn
Oh Jacquie. These are so wonderful. I love each creation. Applause on the curved piecing. Someday I'll be right with you. It is challenging I have done 1 curved piecing and I ran the other way after it!
I really like the whirlygig block. I've been tempted to make mini in that style. which pattern / tutorial, if any, did yo use?
Enjoy your break!
Love them all! Whirlygigs are my favorite.
I love them all but the whirlygigs are definitely my favorite. Silly question - how do you get involved in a virtual quilting bee? Were you asked to participate? It sounds like so much fun!
Love, love, love the whirlygiggle block! I think this will be on my "to try" list!
You have done beautiful work. I love the oval.
Everything is amazing...I just love your choice of fabric and color!
Love all....:)
You did a great job as always.
I wanna try the mini coin, seems easy to make. Have a fun day, Jacquie!
oooh I like your style!
Love the whirly-gigs, I've never done them, but this makes me want to, and the curved piecing is great!
I just linked my way over to your blog, and I must say your work is just beautiful. I will enjoy reading more indepth over the next few weeks, and am tempted to join project improv as it sounds fun and would be wonderful to participate in the charity project. debe27@aol.com
ut-oh, you'll be doing double wedding rings next....you'd better be careful dearie
Love the interlocking whirlygigs and the basket solution to Kristen's challenge is very cool.
Wow, the oval is quite striking, and I love your color palette. I've never tried curved piecing, but something like this is compelling me to, now.
It seems you really love the whirlygiggles and I do like how they spin off the fabric. I wish my drive was as high as yours to get some projects done. I need to go have breakfast with Mom then back to quilting. If your ever in the OP Jo-Ann's I work in the Viking Sewing Center. Come see me.
lovely blocks! i'm scared of curved piecing, but it's something i'm going to try to tackle soon.
Jacquie, i love, love your whirlygiggle block! Very original! The colors are fantastic and that border fabric is soooooooo cute!!
Love your curves :) they aren't so bad - just have to take it slow!
I love the way whirlgigs spin off as well. All of these look great - I could not pick a favourite.
The stacked coins would be the only one I would ever attempt though - the others are scary!
loving your curved piecing on the DS-esque blocks!
If you ever want to share any tips, I would love to read them. The DS single girl pattern is on my quilt wish list this year
I love the blocks you did for the Common Threads bee. The colors Lynn picked are so pretty together. I am loving the orange / green combo.
Again you have inspired me to try something new. I haven't done whirlygig or curved strips yet but your choice of fabrics and colors are so striking that it makes me want to try these ideas soon.
Those ovals are fantastic! Way to push yourself, they look great!
Also love the whirlygigs without a background -- lots of movement!
I just love your quilts, you never cease to amaze me at how you are able to create such beauty!! I love the whirlygig, the fabrics are beautiful together. So many of your fabrics I would never choose to put together and they look so wonderful in the finished quilt! I also love your green/teal circle quilt. Wonderful!!
More beautiful work - and so diversified!
Hope you can put everything behind you and enjoy a relaxing vacation. Have fun!
Love the circle design very good , wonderful,
Take care
It's all just lovely.
I'm totally in love with the whirlygig pattern. It's great without one particular background fabric. All of your blocks are great Jacquie!
I LOVE LOVE the turquoise circle block, I think it is time I tried it out...you have inspired me.
Love your little quilts. The whirly-gig is stunning - tricky to piece accurately and it looks marvelous! Love the oval piecing as well. You are such an inspiration. Thanks for sharing!
I love the whirlywig blocks and the way you "hid" the pattern in some of the blocks by using fabrics that were close in value.
i love that first block. i got a pottery barn magazine today ans there is a quilt in there designed by denyse schmidt that has these same blocks in it. have you seen it? i am in love and want to try to make one someday!
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