Passacaglia Progress

This days I'm trying to making progress on my newest Passacaglia. It has been much easier this time around because I've just pinned it on top of my previous Passacaglia quilt. This time its mostly reds, brown, creams and pinks, fussy cut of course, pieced with a simple and efficient running stitch.

I'm also working on a border for another one of Willyne's quilts. This border is my design. Can you guess which quilt this is from her first book?

Til next time...Piece out.... Hee hee.

Millefiori Quilt...La Passacaglia Again!

I've got a stack of rosette pancakes almost 6 inches high ready to be assembled.

These rosettes are addicting!   I love how delightful each fussy cut block shines when sewn together. I got a little carried away and have five rosettes extra that will be waiting in the wing if needed.

Auditioning star legs

Using the black and white setting on my camera to check for adequate contrast. 

Rosette 

Star border

Viola!

Another Millefiori Quilt

Wall flowers...I'm attempting another one of Willyne Hammerstein's quilts. I took a long break over the summer but now I'm determined to finish it in the next few weeks

I'm so pleased to have captured a picture with dog food on the floor and the laundry basket in the background. Pippen only cares about the new quilt though. I'm flattered she approves.

Willynes's original 'Wall Flowers' quilt from her book, "Millefiori Quilts".

My version is creams, beiges, browns and purples....hopefully incorporating some depth compared to the original.

One of Blue Moth's postings has inspired me for the border.

I just love the center piece with the lighter fabrics!

English Paper Piecing vs. American Piecing

When it comes to choosing between the two methods, I am very biased, and it isn't because I'm American.
Hand piecing is slow enough, why drag it out with the extra step of cutting out exact paper pieces (yes, I realize you can buy them) and then sewing hundreds, if not thousands of pieces of fabric to or around thousands of pieces of paper.  That takes a huge amount of time, before you can even begin sewing your quilt together. I am a local quilt guild member and every chance I get I am demonstrating the simple old American method. Cut your pieces accurately, draw your seams accurately (or stamp them on, or print them, or trace them) and sew on the line. It's SO much faster.
Did I mention you can drop the entire paper step?
I made a super short tutorial video demonstrating the basics of the American hand piecing method. http://youtu.be/JMYHDZlrWI4 Then I continued it with a few more super shorties...http://youtu.be/4cugqRLbWNU  and here  http://youtu.be/avbSn6oe7WQ.

This quilt was done using the old fashioned method of american hand piecing, not english paper piecing, just stitching on the line and not sewing into the seam allowances.