Twirling, Part One

I mentioned in my last post that I had time to do some fun projects while waiting for Christmas. It was a nice, pieceful (see what I did there?) time and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

While we were in Palm Springs recently, BigJ took me to a quilt shop (love the man) and, of course, I picked up some fat quarters (and a few other things that would fit in my suitcase). They were an impulse buy and not really in my usual color choice range, but I seem to be expanding my stash to brighter, bolder colors. This is one of them. (My son calls it the bacteria fabric – ha!) I like the funky colors and design and thought I could draw some other fun colors in with it. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the name of the fabric line or designer so I can’t share that with you.

I wanted to do the Twirl Me pattern designed by Beth from Cooking Up Quilts. It’s a paper-pieced design, which I enjoy sewing now and then. It was so much fun. The pattern finishes large enough to make a mini from one block (it measures 18″ square), but combining multiple blocks would create a very fun secondary pattern too.

It always takes me a little bit to get back into the rhythm of paper piecing. Which means I usually have to do a bit of ripping at first. Once I get rolling, though, the process goes quickly. I enjoy how well the points come out, and I get so much satisfaction from tearing the paper away when the blocks are done. It just feels like I’ve accomplished so much with that little pile of paper on my table.

The blocks above are right after I’m done sewing them, waiting to be trimmed, with the paper still on the back.

These items really speed my paper piecing along . A small cutting mat, a small rotary cutter, a small ruler and these tweezers. I can sew and piece most of the block while sitting right at my machine. The tweezers really make picking out the little pieces of paper so much easier. (Notice my seam ripper didn’t make the cut!)

Beth’s instructions are so well done. They are clear and easy to understand, and her foundation pieces are easy to follow. Beth is a delightful person, and she’s quick to reply if you find you have a question (even in the middle of a crazy busy Christmas season).

Here’s the top, all sewn together. It’s very bold and bright, but it was very fun to make. I was a little surprised at how much the green fabric took center stage, actually subduing the red fabric more than I anticipated. I just thought it would help tone down the craziness of the red fabric and pick up the green in the fabric. Note: The colors in the photo are nearly as bright as the real thing.

It’s hanging on my design wall, because every time I look at it, I smile. If I could change anything, it would be the blue/brown combo at the corners, maybe opting for a softer brown and maybe replace the blue with the green fabric. The next time I make this pattern, however, I’ll use some quieter colors and give the block a whole different look.

It’s also hanging on my design wall as a reminder to finish it!

I plan to add a thin layer of batting to the top and do some quilting (keep your fingers crossed that it turns out okay). This is going to be a pillow (I think? If not, a mini), so I hope to get a pillow form soon and get this finished. I’ll show you the finished pillow in another post.

Like the pattern? Pop on over to Cooking Up Quilts and give it a twirl!

Happy Stitching,

Wendy