The red/grey Summer in the Park gave me issues with the sewing machine while assembling, especially starting each block. The block edges are all bias, and it took care not to stretch them, so I couldn't pull on the thread from the previous block when string-piecing. Had to press all of the seams open to minimize bulk. The effect of the diagonal lines is nice, but this pattern probably won't be repeated. Straight-grain borders have been added to give some stability to the outer edge, ready to quilt once backing arrives.
Chisel Braid was a test of the die-cut chisels, using fabric given to me that worked together color-wise. The pattern will be more effective with horizontal bands of color, giving a chevron effect. The top is ready for quilting, and backing fabric is on order. This test top was fun to put together. I drew up a
sample block in EQ so I would be able to estimate size and how many pieces to cut for future quilts.
The Orange Hexie blocks have been sewn together, striped borders on hold until the backing arrives. Learned the hard way that when using the 1/4" foot with the edge on my Bernina, the needle has to be moved one click to the right to get a true 1/4" seam. The triangle sets went together OK. It's getting a flannel back that will be pieced diagonally, using John Flynn's method. Will probably be a gift quilt rather than to charity
Arkansas traveler – drafted my own pattern to use jelly roll
strips; this would be better as a foundation pieced block. My goal was not to
have bias on outside edges. What I did right: using Kona for the background, did not
have to worry about right side of fabric as both sides the same. Still had
problems when putting the second side triangle around the 4-patch diamond, fortunately did
just one block’s worth to test before
chain piecing all of them.
