A new project

I started working on my next project. I’m going to make this pattern Prism by Zen Chic. Look at all that wonderful quilting space! I got it as a downloadable pattern from Pink Chalk Fabrics. This pattern only needs 1 layer cake, so I ordered Botanics from Fat Quarter Shop. I want this quilt for my guest room, so I want it to be a bit sophisticated (just a little) and gender neutral. There’s a couple of pieces in the layer cake that I didn’t like, but I was able to replace those. This is what my pallet looks like  There were a few things that I wasn’t crazy about with this pattern. This is a paper pieced pattern, and the blocks are around 9 1/2″. This means for each block, you have to print 2 parts (paper is only 8 1/2″). With 44 blocks, this was 88 pieces of paper being printed. That’s a LOT for such a simple pattern. Anyone who knows me knows I hate to waste.  But I sucked it up, and moved on.  I trimmed the extra paper before I taped each block together   To get the pieces to line up properly, I use a light under my acrylic extension as a light box. This pattern also calls for using a template to cut the shapes. I feel that this makes for too much fabric waste (again with the waste!).  Look at all that unused fabric! Don’t worry, I’m saving the bigger pieces. I’ll find some way to use it.   I put a piece of double-stick tape on the back of the template to hold it in place and I was able to easily cut 6 layers (a fresh blade made this easier).  I used my cutting ruler to make it easy to cut with my rotary cutter and not cut into the template plastic. I didn’t get very far with the cutting yesterday. So I hope I can squeeze some time today to get more of that done. The piecing will be pretty simple and straight forward. I really like the design of the quilt, and I look forward to seeing this all come together.

Next up for quilting is a Quilt of Valor. I’ve been quilting quilts for this organization for over 8 years. I’m fortunate to work with a woman in the Portland area, who makes nice tops. I’ll share pictures when that’s done.