Saturday 10 January 2015

English Patchwork

As soon as I had finished typing my last post, I had decided on a picnic throw.  I had lots of fun going through the fabric stash and have lots of ideas for some of it.  I picked some fabric out which I think is perfect for picnics, bright and cheerful, with a spring/summer feel to it.


I had also decided to hand stitch, making it a more portable project.  I have decided to use the English patchwork method also know as paper or mosaic patchwork.  Each patch is folded over a paper template.  I had some paper templates which I was able to reuse from making patchwork quilts for my Grandchildren, so that saved me hours not having to prepare the template.   You can buy pre-cut templates in a variety of shapes,  it certainly makes life easier for a more complicated shape.  I was thinking a hexagon throw for the rocking chair in the guest room for another project.  I told you rummaging through the fabric was quite inspirational and really got me motivated.

The folded edges are stitched down using a basting/tacking stich or can be glued down but I prefer to stitch them down.

The two folded edges are then stitched together, a very satisfying portable project that I can now dip in and out of. 

I have made a start and I am pleased with the progress made, there is no rush, no pressure just a bright and cheerful piece of work to enjoy through the cold/rainy/windy days of winter. 
 
Now I need to decide on my next crochet project and sort out the yarn stash which seemed to grow yet again over Christmas with some wonderful gifts.
 
I have discovered some wonderful on-line printing shops for my photographs at a much lower cost than locally so thank you for your help with that.  I  have decided to buy the ink next time I go to town and print the Christmas photos this time and try out the on-line services next time.  I am keen to make a start on the Christmas scrapbook.
 
Thank you for all your lovely comments and a warm welcome to new followers, I hope you enjoy my little adventures from the craft room and garden on the East Coast of England.
 
See you soon.
 
 

20 comments:

  1. What a lovely idea to make a picnic blanket. Every time you work on it it will remind that spring and summer are not far away! I love your choice of fabrics and the paper piecing! X

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  2. The fabrics you have chosen look wonderful and you've made a good start. A patchwork tablecloth is one of the things I want to work on this year. Maybe I should follow your excellent example and get stuck in rather than dithering about it. I hope you have an enjoyable and productive weekend.

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  3. The fabric you have chosen looks very pretty & a lovely way of using up your stash.

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  4. Oh, I love your project.. So colourful.. I have not used this method before. Very interesting.. Thanks.. God bless you ,,,

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  5. I am not a quilter, as you know, but I do remember my grandmother making the little hexagons for her quilts using that same method. Brought back fond memories. I do especially love that sweet pansy print. Portable projects are great to have on hand, and yours are lovely!

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  6. It looks like a very fun project. Best of luck,
    Meredith

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  7. Just the word "picnic throw" makes life less gloomy.

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  8. A beautiful quilt and looks like fun - excuse such a basic question but how do you stitch all the squares together?

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    1. I have just read through the post and can't believe that I missed showing you that I will show you a picture in my next post. It is a simple overstitch.

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  9. I love your new project. You are so talented! I was going to ask the same question as Christine...How to stitch the squares together. Thanks. :)

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  10. Love the materials you have chosen, I have a hexagon hand pierced quilt on the go now for 18 months! It is so peaceful to sit there by the window doing those tiny joining stitches.

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  11. This is such a nice project. I really want to try paper-piecing sometime. It seems really satisfying to me.

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  12. I'm trying this too, lots of people recommend glue basting , but I have stitched them down first. Your fabrics are so spring like.

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  13. I just love pansies, so I really like your pansy fabric. So cute for a picnic.

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  14. Your picnic blanket is looking very pretty already, lovely to see flower prints on these chilly days.
    have fun
    Helen x

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  15. What delightul and happy colors for a picnic blanket. I can't wait to see the finished product :) Hugs!

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  16. Hello Lorraine

    What fabulous coloured fabric you have, and a brilliant idea to make a picnic blanket.

    I'm looking fowrard to seeing the completed blanket.

    luv
    irene
    xxxx

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  17. Wow, you have made such a great start already!!! So many squares already made. I look forward to seeing more! xx

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  18. The materials you have chosen are so pretty, Lorraine. I have not taken the time to figure out how paper piecing works, so I am interested in seeing how you do it. I have hand stitched a little nine patch pillow and want to hand stitch a whole quilt but have not cut out the squares yet. Thanks for posting! xx

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  19. I really enjoyed this post! Thanks for the step-by-step how to... it looks rather easy. I love how paper piecing makes it portable :)

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