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Thursday, January 17, 2013

Practice

One of my favorite quilts still, is my Kaleidoscope quilt, which I made along with Elizabeth/Don't Call Me Betsy over a year ago. It lives on our family room couch, and is the first thing I reach for if I get a little chilly. At the time, it was a real stretch for me, both in technique and fabric selection. But overall, the quilt-along was a really positive experience. So I knew when I saw Elizabeth's Lucky Stars block of the month club, that even though it  consisted of entirely foundation paper pieced blocks - not really my comfort zone - it would be worth doing. And I couldn't resist the opportunity to brush up on my skills, or at the very least, keep them active.

First up was a practice block, which I finally got around to facing last night. I understand the purpose of having a 'practice' block, but there's no way I'm considering this block any less special than the other 'lucky stars' I will eventually make this year. It's just plain cool.

Anyway - I have a palette in mind, and that would be loosely following that of Architextures.
I don't have the whole line, but I have several, and did purchase a charm pack of Architextures coordinates. I plan on using a bit of all of the above stack plus other prints from my stash as I go along. You can see I've already added in that bottom print from Juggling Summer.

Here is my first block, with the background I intend to use throughout. It's called "Swirling Star" and measures 6 1/2". It's great that the patterns we get have two options - this smaller block plus a 12 1/2" block. Since so many of the blocks I seem to make are the larger size, I decided to go with the smaller for this project. They may end up together in a quilt, or used in small projects as I go - not quite sure. But I do know I can't wait to try the next one!

29 comments:

  1. Wow - that block looks amazing Debbie! Love that you are using the Architextures fabrics too!

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  2. These blocks are going to be fantastic! I kind of wish I'd joined! I love paper piecing!

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  3. Beautiful, Debbie! And I agree, this one is too fun to just be a practice block!

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  4. Well that is the most beautiful 'practice' block isn't it? No wonder you want to use it in the quilt!

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  5. It looks fabulous, Debbie!! Love that background fabric you picked from Architextures, I love that print :)

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  6. That looks great, and love the background choice! I haven't sussed out where my Architextures is going yet...

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  7. That is a lovely block, you are going to do fine with the blocks. I love the fabric choice too.

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  8. Nice job, Debbie! I'm drooling over the Architextures. I really need to buy some.

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  9. Oooh, how awesome is this going to be with Architextures as the background! Great choice!

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  10. So pretty, Debbie!
    What a great idea to use Architextures for these stars!
    I am completely in love with these paper pieces stars, and can't wait for Feb 1st to make the next one!!!

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  11. This looks great Debbie. I don't mind foundation piecing, but tearing off the paper.......

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  12. Wow it is amazing! Ironically I just purchased almost all of that same line and a coordinates jelly roll for a new project I'll be starting in a few weeks! Love it!

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  13. Amazing block, Debbie! Great fabrics, too!

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  14. Wow, totally cool. I love the not-totally-solid neutral background. I never think to do stuff like that!

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  15. Very nice!! I'm in the BOM too! So fun!

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  16. Looks fantastic Debbie. I haven't gotten around to my practice block yet, but I agree, it is way too cool to be considered anything but special! Still deciding on fabric selection, but hope to be ready to jump in soon.

    Amanda

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  17. Absolutely gorgeous. And I love the fabrics.

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  18. Wow this block is amazing and I love this Architexture fabric!

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  19. Fabulous, Debbie! I love your fabric choices -- especially the one you're using for the background!

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  20. Great fabric choices, love the first block!

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  21. Debbie, your star block is fantastic! And of course I love those fabrics - wish I had some in my stash! Great choise for colours! x Teje

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  22. One of my favorites by far, love the bright green in the middle, and the block overall.

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  23. Love the movement from the sketch print. And Architextures. How do I love thee? This is an awesome block!

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  24. holy hell debbie! this is amazing! i love the movement in the block it looks like it is spinning with all of the color!

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  25. Definitely too good to be practice! Look forward to seeing the rest of the blocks.

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  26. I was wanting to do a neutral print for the background combined with colorful prints for the stars. I showed my fabrics to people and they looked at me like I was a little cray cray. Now I'll just show them yours and say, see-it so works! Thanks :)

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