Friday, February 24, 2012

Flea Market Fancy Progress

My Flea Market Fancy blocks are coming along nicely!


These twinkling star blocks are machine paper pieced and rather slow going, but for the sake of accuracy it is a technique well worth the extra effort.  I drew up my own foundation papers for a six inch finished block, and have since discovered that this same paper pieced design/pattern is available in, and featured on the front cover of this book:

by Nancy Mahoney

This star block is a traditional pattern from the 1930's and isn't unlike a Kaleidoscope block.


I have set up my work area for better work flow; moving the ironing board alongside and at the same height as the sewing machine was definitely a step in the right direction for efficiency.  The rubbish bin for threads and used papers is right at my feet.  Coffee within easy reach.


There are many blocks already at various stages of completion with good intentions to work on creating more on the weekend.

Rita

22 comments:

  1. they're looking pretty great so far!

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  2. Rita I must agree the precision achieved with paper piecing is so worth all the mess and extra handling. Can't wait to see the finished quilt.

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  3. Beautiful Rita. I love a good foundation pieced block! Your are stunning as always!!

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  4. I am loving these blocks. What a fun quilt it will be.

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  5. I love the FMF coupled with the white...it really makes it shine!

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  6. This is so beautiful! I love it!

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  7. Breathe taking Rita. It's gorgeous!

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  8. Beautiful. The blocks are lovely on their own but it's amazing to see the impact of them all together.

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  9. Looking good! Can't wait to see the final reveal.

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  10. I really, really love this!! looking forward to seeing the final product!

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  11. I've only just tried paper piecing, so my hat's off to your efforts! They are truly stunning, and very accurate! :)

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  12. I love bright prints with white! So pretty!

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  13. It's very pretty. You always have such a wonderful choice of colors--that is what makes your quilts so unique and beautiful.

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  14. Delicious blocks, as usual! I really should try that paper piecing technique... love the precision :-)

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  15. Lovely, Rita! The colours add so much to an already beautiful design!

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  16. Totally amazing, can't wait to see it finished. I totally respect anyone that does paper piecing.

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  17. I am always amazed by your seam accuracy and crispness. Does that come with practice or do you have German ancestry? Super work as always.

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  18. What a pretty, artistic picture, Rita. Thanks for the eye candy!

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  19. Rita, your quilts always make me stop and gaze longlingly. Your eye for colour is incredibale and as for talent that goes without saying!
    I made a very similar quilt when I lived in the UK. All hand pieced. It was a design from Paula at Green Mountain in Staines. She was bequeathed tiny original 1930's blocks of fabrics when a relative passed away. All handsewn but not pieced together to form final quilt top. She finished it and then taught us. I love it. Yours is looking stunning.

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  20. I would never have guessed that your gorgeous blocks were from the same pattern as the cover of that book! I actually went searching for a block like yours after your last post and found that quilt from the book, and thought - close, but no cigar.....
    I would just be thrilled if you decided to do a tutorial!! (please, oh please, oh please ;-)

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