Quilty Updates

Hello!

I've been lucky enough to be able to spend some time with my sewing machine lately, and after my previous successful attempts with foundation paper, my confidence level has certainly grown!

First, I have printed out a lot of the Moda Blockheads instructions - that is, the ones that look beginner friendly. I attempted Blockhead 5 from 2023, as it seemed pretty easy. It's not perfect, but I am pleased with it! I definitely still need to work on matching my seams up.

Now onto foundation paper...

I had been playing around with my stitch length while working with the foundation papers, and it seems that the sweet spot on my machine is 1.2 - and since moving to that, I am much happier with my results, and of course, the removal of the paper.

I wrote a blog post about my first attempt at using foundation paper, and of course I started with the easiest block I had - the Economy block. I made a few more blocks, and I am really happy with them!

These Economy blocks certainly boosted my confidence, so I took a deep breath and decided to give my Log Cabin block a whirl - not expecting much at all, but much to my surprise...

I was very worried about this block, considering the instructions state that the first two cuttings for the middle blocks must be cut exact - and of course, like with all of this, I'm still practicing my cutting! But somehow, this all worked out, and I couldn't believe my eyes!

Am I crazy? It seems it would be difficult to mess up with foundation paper, but then, maybe it's just the way my mind works? Maybe I need to sew on the lines that foundation paper provides, just like coloring in a coloring book. I am definitely more confident with the paper than I am with written instructions and what feels like "free sewing". I know that confidence will build with patience and time.

Now, for my final blocks. I made these the other day, and am considering making an Economy block with coordinating fabric, piecing them together and making a small table runner for my coffee table for autumn. 

The woven star was another one that was very intimidating to me. I rewatched Kimberly Jolly's video demonstrating how to use it, and I am so glad I did. I actually had to break out my seam ripper as I had incorrectly pieced together parts of the star. In the end, it came together, quite nicely, I feel, for the trouble I had with it. Next attempt should be easier, and I did learn something from it! After I finished the woven star, I quickly put together this coordinating Log Cabin block. Like I mentioned, I may make a third block and piece them together for a runner. I will need to find a good backing fabric, as well as something eye catching for the binding. I am really drawn to striped binding, I really think it adds a fun detail. But, my binding certainly needs work and maybe stripes would show too many of the mistakes I'm bound to make!

Thanks so much for reading, and please, I need some wise sewing eyes to please kindly point out any mistakes I may be making!

Stay tuned for more updates! 

-Bunny