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.
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
ReplyDeleteThe 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.
ReplyDeleteThe fabric you have chosen looks very pretty & a lovely way of using up your stash.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love your project.. So colourful.. I have not used this method before. Very interesting.. Thanks.. God bless you ,,,
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a very fun project. Best of luck,
ReplyDeleteMeredith
Just the word "picnic throw" makes life less gloomy.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful quilt and looks like fun - excuse such a basic question but how do you stitch all the squares together?
ReplyDeleteI 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.
DeleteI 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. :)
ReplyDeleteLove 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.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a nice project. I really want to try paper-piecing sometime. It seems really satisfying to me.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying this too, lots of people recommend glue basting , but I have stitched them down first. Your fabrics are so spring like.
ReplyDeleteI just love pansies, so I really like your pansy fabric. So cute for a picnic.
ReplyDeleteYour picnic blanket is looking very pretty already, lovely to see flower prints on these chilly days.
ReplyDeletehave fun
Helen x
What delightul and happy colors for a picnic blanket. I can't wait to see the finished product :) Hugs!
ReplyDeleteHello Lorraine
ReplyDeleteWhat 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
Wow, you have made such a great start already!!! So many squares already made. I look forward to seeing more! xx
ReplyDeleteThe 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
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this post! Thanks for the step-by-step how to... it looks rather easy. I love how paper piecing makes it portable :)
ReplyDelete