I think some of you remember the “cogwheel” type of pattern that I posted about some time ago from my Big Book of Scrap Quilts that I said I would be hand piecing and taking along on our trip out west this fall. Well I have 4 blocks cut out and ready to go, I decided to start one in advance to make sure I like it well enough – after the applecore episode – I needed to give it a try before I cut many out. This is the pattern in the book but I am using my Inklingo collection instead – the fancy Dresden Plate collection has the right pieces to make this easier for hand piecing. The pieces are different sizes and I’m using double the amounts of points but it will work out great. As part of this quilt will be made on our trip west I had several suggestions for a name for this quilt last month and this one “Wagon’s West” stuck in my mind – I love the history of the 1800’s wagon train era heading west – kind of suits it.
Easy hand piecing I found.
I got this part done in just a little over an hour of sewing on Tuesday night.
And I added these on Wednesday while I was watching a little bit of the news. Right now I am using a layer cake from Cotton & Steel by Moda. I am not sure if I will only use this line in the quilt blocks or if I will add others to the mix. Each block will be made with two or three colors and of course must go with these blocks – maybe not the same line but same style.
Now should I make all the blocks the same using the pattern I have above or vary it up a bit and use these four and others to complete the whole quilt? There are so many designs in this one collection I can make them many ways. I’m not sure – I need to make up my mind soon as I need to get more blocks printed out on fabric – with as quickly as this first block is going together I will need more ready. I think I will applique these circles to the back ground square instead of piecing it – I have a feeling it will be more accurate for me. But I will wait to do that part until we get back home from our trip or even until a lot more blocks are done. I was thinking an all white background which would change the look from what it is in the book which is very scrappy indeed – the white background would in my opinion make each circle of pieces stand out more than being lost in the scrappy background.
The Caswell Quilt now has 3 blocks done. I soaked the center block in water for several hours to see how the wash away applique fusible soften and what would happen with it. I had no migration of paper fibers, after the block dried I ironed it and trimmed to size. You can feel where the paper is in it but it is softer now than it was when working on it and I like how it turned out. The next applique block will have a darker background fabric like this one has but a different print. I have a lot to choose from so there will be a great mixture of background colors.
I got 3 sides of the 3rd round of blocks sewed yesterday to Winter Wonderland. I was going to push through to get the last side done but I changed my mind – I just didn’t feel like it! As I stated this quilt will be a large queen so there are more rounds to go. Just estimating I think I will end up with six rounds of blocks around the embroidery – this is just guessing – I will measure after each round of blocks is in place. I am linking to My Quilt Infatuation today.
No work was done on Floral Fantasy on Tuesday night – I took the night off from quilting!! but I did plan on doing some quilting last night so there should be another update soon.
I absolutely love your new block! I’m anxious to see it come together. I also love how your Winter Wonderland it turning out.
Kristie
Hope you enjoy your cogwheels, they are such an interesting block. I found them much easier than I thought they would be! Glad to hear the applique paper is working out. A great idea to test it before you went any further.
caswell blocks…be still my heart. just gorgeous !
I like the idea of the cogwheel blocks on a light background to have them stand out. They are alot of work so you might as well let them pop! 🙂
That cogwheel block is going to be spectacular. And I think appliqueing them to a white background is going to make a much more spectacular quilt than using a scrappy background like the pattern called for. You didn’t really ask, but I’ll offer my two cents worth: I think you should make those other blocks, too. 😉 Good thinking to check on the applique paper rather than waiting until they were all done and then find out that they kept the fabric too stiff.
The block from Wagon Wheels is beautiful. I think I’d make the quilt with the various block designs. They all look lovely. This is going to be a wonderful quilt. I really like it! The Caswell blocks are pretty. I’m glad to hear the fusible for the applique has worked ok. I think I’ll try some on my next applique project since you’ve given the ok on it.
Wagon’s West is going to be great….love that name, by the way!! Cannot wait to see if you do all the blocks the same, or mix them up….I know whatever you decide will be awesome!
I really like the idea to use a light background….that will really make the blocks pop….
The Caswell blocks are looking good!
Love seeing Winter Wonderland continue to grow!
Love that cog wheel block. And I think putting in variations among the blocks is a good idea, especially since you are keeping the background fabric the same. The variations will help keep you sane, too, when you are stitching the umpteenth block!
I like the wagon wheel blocks! Will you hand or machine quilt Winter Wonderland?
I love those wagon wheels! I’m surprised to hear that they are going quickly for you because they certainly LOOK like they would be more difficult and time consuming! I like the idea of mixing more than one style wagon wheel in the quilt. I think it will look interesting that way, and be more likely to hold your interest throughout the project if you vary it a little.
“Wagons West” is a great name for that quilt. I’m hand piecing a block for the first time, and finding it very soothing. Not sure why, but I always thought it would be tiresome to hand piece a quilt. I may have to change my machine only mindset.
Those Caswell blocks are gorgeous! Your applique quilts are making me want to try my hand at making something larger than a small wall hanging with applique.
Love the name Wagons West and love that block you have made so quickly and precisely too… lovely progress… and Winter Wonderland is looking totally excellent!!! Hope you enjoy your trip in just a few weeks 🙂 Kathi
I love Wagon’s West, think it will be fab. Yes to white background and yes to mixing the blocks, but it will look good whatever you decide. ? x
Love your ‘wagon west’ blocks! There seems to be a lot of scope here for variety, look forward to seeing just what you decide to do!
I love your Wagons West block! I think all the same design but different fabrics would be very pretty. I love your Winter Wonderland also, it’s gorgeous. I’m still ing plugging away hand piecing my tumbler block and loving it. I keep thinking of yours and that keeps me going. Hugs,