Bear Paw Block and Quilt Studies

Remember that Bear Paw block I was working on? You can read about it HERE and RIGHT HERE.

Well, I finally finished the thing and sent it off to the Block Queen Bee.

I've noticed being a part of this quilting bee, that quilters like their half-square triangles. I, on the other hand, can live happily without them.

Don't get me wrong, I love the look of them. I could just care less about sewing them on a machine. I find it tedious trying to make sure all my points and corners are 'on point'.

I think for now on I will hand sew any blocks that call for HST's. It's just too much work trying to do them by machine.

I initially signed up for the monthly quilting bee in order to help me learn the 'proper' rules of quilting. It was part of my self-imposed year long study of learning how to quilt the 'right' way.

There is this saying that goes, "You have to first learn the rules before you can break them."

I thought that by knowing how quilt blocks are constructed, I will be able to take those standards of construction and turn them on their heel later.

In just a short time I have made several blocks and quilts. During that time I've learned that I really don't much care about the rules or the 'right' way to quilt. Is that wrong of me? Shouldn't I be pushing myself to make perfect corners and piece high-quality quilts? I thought so at first. But the more I do this, the more I find escape and relief in my own way of quilting. I have no desire to 'break the rules'. If that happens in my work, it is by chance, not on purpose. 

What this quilt study has revealed to me is my own confidence in how I work with fabric. I no longer feel the need to explain or justify my work. I have several quilts in the works now. I will continue my quilting studies as I have committed myself for the remainder of this year.

Is there something about learning to quilt that surprised you? Is their a block, pattern or technique that is your least favorite?

Nine Patch In Pink

Near the beginning of the year I joined a block swap on the Quilters Club of America quilting forum. My reason behind joining the swap was that I wanted to challenge myself in accurate hand piecing and add to my goal of quilting everyday.

This swap consisted of making 12 nine patch blocks in the colors of white and pink. The blocks measure 6 1/2 inches.

I purchased my pink fabric at the local Jo-Ann's. It's a fun looking fabric and I really like the non-uniform white polka dots scattered across it. The white fabric I already owned. I did not pre-wash my fabric. (Yup, I'm one of those quilters).

My blocks have now been shipped off. Within a couple of weeks I should be receiving 12 different blocks in the mail. It makes me smile to think of getting fabric in the mail.

Jacquie and Joe

Two of my favorite quilters are Jacquie Gering and Joe Cunningham. I've been following their work for a while now. Though their improvisational styles are different, their work is repeatedly beautiful. Below are two Stash Buster videos from Craftsy that show the creative process of both Jacquie and Joe as they tackle the same pile of scrap fabrics and make a quilt block in under and hour.

Jacquie Gering

Joe Cunningham