getting stuck - 1718 quilt-along

I've made some more blocks for the 1718 quilt-along. I've finished most of the April blocks. But I seem to get stuck. The assignment for May has (too) many applique blocks I don't feel like making and I do not feel belong in my quilt. For the april assignment I made some alternative blocks too. Some of the applique is just not my style. But in a way that is exactly why I joined. Because I wanted to make my own twist on this beautiful historic quilt and learn to hand applique. So instead of losing the feeling and getting frustrated on this one, I think I am going to take a brake from it, put it all in perspective.

Let's look at some more blocks I made:

My alternative for pattern 28 a partidge was a free style bird

My alternative for patter 40 four tulips

Patterns 29,30, 39 and alternative for pattern 40 a single flower

Another hand appliqued block 1, this time with a simple background.

I'll be back on this, but now I'm hopping over to the quilt-along for Jen Kingwell's My small world quilt along. You can find more info over at verrykerryberry.blogspot.com.Pin It

back in time again

I joined the 1718 coverlet quilt-along (more info here) mainly because I had never done hand-applique before and would like to try it. I also have a special place for history in a romantic way. I love to go back in time reading historical novels especially those situated in the UK. I have read almost every Tudor novel there is, for example. As I have told you before I am also a great "Outlander" fan. You can read more about that addiction here. This series is often found in the "science fiction" corner of amazon or the library. which I think is total nonsense. To me these are historical novels too. I especially love watching the TV series of it (which is now airing on the Belgian channel on Friday night) while doing some applique. I am still struggling with it a little, but I am getting the hang of it. Though I try, it is hard to keep up with the tempo of the quilt-along. But I do keep making progress. Let's do some pics.

These are the new hand appliqued blocks:

 

 

And these are machine pieced:

 



I love his design, but it didn't come together at once, I'll tell you that!

I made my own paperpiece pattern for this one!

4 blocks together

 

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Don't know much about history

But I do know that I love you
And I know that if you love me too
What a wonderful world this would be

But I am remaking this historical quilt made in the UK in 1718. I've told you about this quilt-along before here and here. I guess I am getting a little up to speed now and I have finished most of the February and March assignments. Though the first blocks are too small (I misunderstood the directions), I will figure out how to deal with this later. And I am in a wrestling match with one big applique block of the assignment and it is not done yet. That is mostly the reason I joined this quilt-along, I have never appliqued before and I want to learn. That is what I try to keep in mind when I want to throw the fleur the lys block out of the window. (LOL)

February blocks, the bottom ones are too small

 I am really finding out how I want to do this along the way. I love most of the blocks, but I am not a round or fussy person, so there are some blocks I do not love. Do I surprise or challenge myself, or follow my gut feeling and stick to my style? I decided no to decide what to do with that until we meet each block in the monthly assignment. For example I did make the Fleur the lys block (round), but not as fussy as was prescribed, simply using a 4 patch as background. In stead of the curved star I made a non curvy star.

march blocks part 1, in comes the green

I am also still figuring out how to go color wise. I started out with navy, light blue and peachy color scheme. I almost never plan out colors this strict in advance, so this felt to much like a cage. In the second month I decided to throw in some apple green to add some liveliness. I've decided to not decide how I will take this further too.

March blocks part 2, not so curved star

Just go with the flow and enjoy the process is my theme for this quilt. Let's find out what's in the april assignment on Sara Fielke's blog
See you soon!
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1718 coverlet - a new project

I couldn't stop myself any longer. I jumped in and joined the 1718 coverlet quilt along I metioned earlier in this post. My main argument was that I like following the quilt-along, it's always such a motivator to have a monthly "assignment" and work along with many others on the same blocks. And since February is already behind us and that was the first month, I jumped in (head first as usual).
Breaking my own rule of first finishing the Farmers Wife quilt and the economy blocks quilt. In Holland we say "de uitzondering bevestigt de regel", which is translated: The exception makes the rule, though I don't know if that is an expression in English too.

I started to make the February assignment which is a small list of blocks. Of most of them you make two. And after making them I noticed I did something wrong.... I've made them 4,5 inch unfinished, and they should be 4,5 inch unfinished (and 5 inch unfinished). I always get confused by these terms. So I will have to make them over later, or find another solution. I am just glad I found out now and not much later. Let's take a look. And a warning before hand, the block names are not as creative or imaginative as the ones in the farmer's wife sampler.....

Two block 2's: A framed square.
The mitered corners are a bit fiddly, but once you get the hang of them...

2 Block 3's: A diagonally quartered square

2 block 4's: A cross

2 block 5's: A small framed square

And 1 block 6: A pointed fleur-de-lys variation
My first needle turn applique block ever! I did cheat on this block and used a four patch background. The alternative was way to fiddly for me.

As you can see I've decided to use navy's as a base color. I love navy, but I never seem to use it. I've also decided to use my much coveted oakshots. I own them in a range of blues. Otherwise I have no color or fabric plan and I will just take it all step by step. How traditional my version of this quilt will be and how far I will follow the pattern remains to be seen too. I love lot's of blocks, but I do not see myself making swans, or people, or dogs. But I've decided not to decide yet. Let's just see what happens.

See you soon!Pin It