Monday 24 June 2013

Paper Pieced Linked Squares Block...


I've done some more paper piecing; again, pattern testing for Juliet, over at Tartankiwi. The first time, Juliet trusted me to test her 5" ladybird block and this time, the linked squares block you can see here. I really am testing the process from a beginner's perspective, as the only other paper piecing I have ever done, was a Mariners Compass at a class I attended.


Initially, I looked at the pattern and thought... how do I even begin?  It was 6 months since I'd made the ladybird block and I couldn't remember a thing about paper piecing!!! And, of course, I'd left it till the last minute. Just as well I work well under pressure... LOL!!!



A quick read of a site I used last time, Christine Thresh's Paper Piecing Primer and it all came back to me. That's not to say I didn't use my seam ripper several times... LOL!!!

The photo above shows the last mistake I made. Just after midnight, when I thought I was finished, I saw that with the last seam I had not lined up the points in the middle and it was VERY obvious. Of course I redid it.

Juliet has suggested Perfect Points and the Positioning Pin for further reading. I'll definitely give this a go next time.


Once I started, it all came together surprisingly quickly (even including the time it took to redo my mistakes.) I really did enjoy making this block and am keen to do more, but there is no way I could make a whole paper pieced quilt. The pattern does show you how to, though.

The hardest and longest part of the process, was choosing the fabric. I pulled fabric from my stash and ended up with fabric everywhere, trying this and that together. I am happy with the combination I ended up using.

The design of Juliet's linked squares block Juliet is stunning!!! It really catches the eye and consequently, I LOVE the block I've sewn!!! The pattern is available for free, in the Tartankiwi Pattern Store, over at Craftsy.

... Pam

14 comments:

  1. Looks fabulous Pam well done and congrats to Juliet on designing such a great pattern!

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  2. The quilt block looks amazing! The red, black, and white color scheme is very dramatic.:)

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  3. Cool block! Haven't done a lot of paper piecing, but it looks like you can do a lot more detailed blocks. Love the colors too.

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  4. I LOVE black and white with a touch of red. This reminds me that I need to get back to work on the b/w/r quilt I started. Thanks for the motivation!

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  5. This is a really cute block! I actually saw it on Pinterest just this morning and thought how striking it was :)

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  6. your block looks fab, so neatly done and great colour choices!

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  7. What a beautiful block and you did a great job on it! I have only done a few PP projects but enjoy it. Thanks for sharing.
    Freemotion by the River Linky Party Tuesday

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  8. This pattern looks so complicated. Don't you enJOY how paper piecing makes hard looking stuff, easy?

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  9. Oh wow, that's beautiful! Quilting is such foreign hobby to me. I'd love to make a black and white one one day though!

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  10. looks great! I agree...choosing fabric is always the hardest part!

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