Foundation piecing is a technique I have been longing to master since embarking on my quilting journey. I have tried more than a few times to master the art with varying degrees of success, most of the attempts have ended in the rubbish bin they were so bad. My brain would just not comprehend the reverse/mirror image thing and sewing on the foundation side etc etc. We even had a tutorial given at the class of a paper pieced Hunter's Star, which is a lovely block. It would have made a lovely Christmas Quilt but mine was doomed to failure - I think I eventually did make the block but I cheated and pieced it as normal not on a foundation.
Having spent a lot of last year making Charity Quilts and using simple blocks I was determined I would try something more challenging and a bit different for the start of the new year. I save images from various internet sites and browsing through them once again decided on 'the one' but was dismayed to discover it was all paper pieced. I jumped in with both feet - I ordered the pattern which duly arrived and I have spent hours looking, admiring, pondering, looking for the right foundation paper and the fabrics. The instructions are well written and it even gives you the measurements to cut each piece of fabric. I did chicken out though and decided against purchasing all the rainbow fabrics. My stash has plenty of fabrics calling. These are the ones I chose, only because they have been hanging around on the shelf for a long time.
I decided to make just one segment of the pattern to see how I managed. After much head scratching, and a few stitching lines unpicked the first one was complete - it was all a bit stressful.
Perseverance and determination overtook the stress and I am pleased to say this one's a keeper!
The segments have even made it to the design wall!
I am so enjoying this now I have mastered the concept, why did it take me so long to overcome this particular hurdle? There is no going back I really don't think this quilt will be ending up in the UFO box.
Sometimes you just need to give yourself that little extra push to try something different and then you discover a whole new area to enjoy. Enjoy whatever you will be making this week.
No comments:
Post a Comment