Sunday, January 4, 2015

Patchique' Block Talk

Patchique' Block Talk


I can't believe that it is time to share with  you the last two of  the  quilt blocks, for my future Patchique' quilt!   Amanda,  The Patchsmith, and I began our Patchique'  block-making journey in October 2013.  Every two weeks, we tried to create a patchwork block and an applique' block.    



The Patchique Quilt Project


 I wasn't sure that I was going to be able to "keep up" with Amanda's skills, in making  patchwork  and in applique blocks for a quilt.  But I knew I would learn a lot through the experience.

Patchwork block # 38:  Kasuri juji hishi  (which means Kasuri diamond crosses.)


Block #38  by Susan Briscoe  from Japanese Taupe Quilt Blocks 

This block was fun to make.... even though it  is made up of 81 pieces of fabric!!  (I didn't count how many total blocks, until I finished it up!  I didn't want to get scared before I even began sewing it!)  There are good diagrams in the book , to show you how to join the different sections. 

I chose some favorites for the fabrics- a  red tonal and a taupe .




#38 Block  Kasuri diamond crosses                by Susie's Sunroom

I was totally shocked when it came out as  a 9 1/2 inch square!! (Did you hear my big squeal of delight?!)


Applique' block #104: Hachi hon ogi guruma (which means Eight fan wheel)


Block #104   by Susan Briscoe  from Japanese Taupe Quilt blocks 


Block #104  Eight Fan Wheel   by Susie's Sunroom

My daughter says the fan wheels remind her of the paddles on a  nativity scene that rotates around from the heat of the candle flames.





I cannot create the beautiful layout graphics that The Patchsmith made with her blocks, but this is a layout of my  42 blocks.  I will be adding  a sashing around each block. 

The four blocks at the very bottom will be the four outer corner blocks in my quilt .


Susie's Sunroom  Japanese Taupe Quilt blocks



These  four blocks will be on the outer corners....
I think I have the fabric I want for the sashing.  So when I get enough courage, I'll start cutting the sashing strips out and begin to create the rows of blocks.  

If you want to see the whole collection of Patchique' blocks, you can click:
                     here   -   in my blog  Patchique' page 
                     here  -   in my Flickr page

 You can see all of The Patchsmith's gorgeous Patchique'  blocks, (and mine)   - here                 


The Patchsmith's block #106


                                        
                                      Susie's Sunroom's  block #106


I have heard from Amanda that we will  "occasionally" be making some "tricky" blocks in the future... I don't know if I will be scared or thrilled!! ("Tricky" means over 100 pieces in the 9 1/2 inch block.) 
I have grown to love sewing these Japanese blocks and seeing them come to life.   I will consider the "finishing" of  a block,  which contains  100- plus  little pieces,  "a good day for quilting!"  And you may hear a little squealing again!

So keep checking in  to see the progress on my Japanese Taupe Quilt.
I'm off to my sewing room!


5 comments:

  1. I love your blocks Susie. Your fabric choices are so much more in keeping with the Japanese theme than my 'English Garden' ones. The colours you have chosen add a 'pretty' touch to each and look stunning all laid out together. Now we just have to piece it all together, quilt it and bind it - phew. That might take a while ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Soon you'll see the reward - it's hard to believe you started it that long ago. You've come a long way, baby!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Susie, I have been fascinated watching you do this project. Just looked at all your links and you and Amanda are amazing! I'd be dancing around if I got that 81 piece block to come out right. Looking at the Flicker page with all the completed blocks is inspiring. You even did Sashiko on a few of them! Just beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  4. 81 pieces of fabric!?!?! I am not sure what would be worse....the cutting or the piecing. You were smart to not count pieces until you were finished!! I have enjoyed seeing you make these blocks and think this is going to be a beautiful quilt!! Get those borders cut, I can't wait to see it put together!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I NEVER count the number of pieces! LOL!! Great job, Susie!! Really love the blue-brown fabric combination in your blocks. This is going to be an amazing quilt.

    -Soma

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting and taking time to write a comment!