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

My first attempt at using foundation paper

 Well hello!

Hope you are staying cool wherever you are!

I was able to get into my craft room and turn my sewing machine on! It's been so very busy here with our new best good gal Thelma Lou - lots of training, walks, and pool time! She's an absolute dream! But - sometimes you need to just yell "Tag! You're on puppy duty!" and run to your craft room!!

I wanted something easy - yet challenging, and since I am such a beginner in all things sewing and quilting, I figured a very easy foundation paper block would be quick (under an hour) for me, give me a bit of a challenge, but also wouldn't be too frustrating for me.

I decided to try my hand at the 6'' Economy block paper I recently purchased from Fat Quarter Shop. I went through my practice fabric stash and picked a sewing print, a polka dot, and a gingham print. EASY FABRIC MATCH! I was off to an excellent start.

This was so easy! And oh so very satisfying!

After some quick fabric cuts I was ready to start. Nothing about this seemed very intimidating, as I have watched Kimberly Jolly's videos using these papers about a dozen times! I really am pleased with how quickly this block went together, and how confident I was while using the foundation paper.

Here was my piece after I trimmed it down. This probably took me about 30-40 minutes. 

Here is the back of my piece - I feel like it looks pretty good, but definitely welcome y'all to point out any errors! My newbie eyes may not catch mistakes!

Here is my piece after I removed all the paper from the back and pressed it again. Next time I will "fussy cut" my middle piece a little better. Stay tuned for more practice with my Economy block pad - I'm not sure I'm ready to try the other pads I purchased just yet!

As always, thanks for reading, and your tips and suggestions are always welcome!