Patchique' Block Talk

Patchique' Block Talk

I can't believe that it is time to share with  you the last two of  the  quilt blocks, for my future Patchique' quilt!   Amanda,  The Patchsmith, and I began our Patchique'  block-making journey in October 2013.  Every two weeks, we tried to create a patchwork block and an applique' block.    

The Patchique Quilt Project

 I wasn't sure that I was going to be able to "keep up" with Amanda's skills, in making  patchwork  and in applique blocks for a quilt.  But I knew I would learn a lot through the experience.

Patchwork block # 38:  Kasuri juji hishi  (which means Kasuri diamond crosses.)

Block #38  by Susan Briscoe  from Japanese Taupe Quilt Blocks 

This block was fun to make.... even though it  is made up of 81 pieces of fabric!!  (I didn't count how many total blocks, until I finished it up!  I didn't want to get scared before I even began sewing it!)  There are good diagrams in the book , to show you how to join the different sections. 

I chose some favorites for the fabrics- a  red tonal and a taupe .

#38 Block  Kasuri diamond crosses                by Susie's Sunroom

I was totally shocked when it came out as  a 9 1/2 inch square!! (Did you hear my big squeal of delight?!)


Applique' block #104: Hachi hon ogi guruma (which means Eight fan wheel)

Block #104   by Susan Briscoe  from Japanese Taupe Quilt blocks 

Block #104  Eight Fan Wheel   by Susie's Sunroom

My daughter says the fan wheels remind her of the paddles on a  nativity scene that rotates around from the heat of the candle flames.

I cannot create the beautiful layout graphics that The Patchsmith made with her blocks, but this is a layout of my  42 blocks.  I will be adding  a sashing around each block. 

The four blocks at the very bottom will be the four outer corner blocks in my quilt .

Susie's Sunroom  Japanese Taupe Quilt blocks

These  four blocks will be on the outer corners....

I think I have the fabric I want for the sashing.  So when I get enough courage, I'll start cutting the sashing strips out and begin to create the rows of blocks.  

If you want to see the whole collection of Patchique' blocks, you can click:
                     here   -   in my blog  Patchique' page 
                     here  -   in my Flickr page

 You can see all of The Patchsmith's gorgeous Patchique'  blocks, (and mine)   - here                 

The Patchsmith's block #106

                                        
                                      Susie's Sunroom's  block #106


I have heard from Amanda that we will  "occasionally" be making some "tricky" blocks in the future... I don't know if I will be scared or thrilled!! ("Tricky" means over 100 pieces in the 9 1/2 inch block.) 
I have grown to love sewing these Japanese blocks and seeing them come to life.   I will consider the "finishing" of  a block,  which contains  100- plus  little pieces,  "a good day for quilting!"  And you may hear a little squealing again!

So keep checking in  to see the progress on my Japanese Taupe Quilt.

I'm off to my sewing room!

November Patchique' Blocks

November Patchique' Blocks

Yesterday I found some time to make four Patchique' blocks.  What a pleasure that was! (I did do "chores" in between stitching.  )   It had been about a month since I made any Patchique' blocks, and I enjoyed picking out what colors that  I thought my future quilt would need. 

Block # 46:  Chigai kaku (which means Different angles)

Block #46   from Japanese Taupe Quilts  by Susan Briscoe

This block has 4 partial seams in it.  But, Amanda, The Patchsmith, explained how she made her block, and I forged my way through it!  The center block section was easy.  It did take me awhile  a half an hour to figure out how to connect the left and right sections, but I did it!  

My block #46-

Block #46    Different angles   by Susie's Sunroom

Next ... block #113:   Tessen ( which means Chinese clematis)

Block #113  From Japanese Taupe Quilts by Susan Briscoe

This was a quick and easy applique' block to make.  I wanted to feature blue and browns on this block.  I used a brown embroidery thread  (Rayon Madeira thread)  to emphasize the  blanket stitch around the edges of the applique' .    I will add some embroidery  on the flower center, after I make the blocks into a quilt top.

Block #113   Chinese clematis   by Susie's Sunroom

The third block- #60  Yotsume guruma (which means Quadruple wheel)

Block #60   from Japanese Taupe Quilts by Susan Briscoe

Wait a minute...Do you hear that pounding??!!  No, it's not a helicopter hovering over your roof ...
That's my heart racing.... I discovered that this block is a PINWHEEL.... simply disguised by the name  " Yotsume guruma or quadruple wheel " !!!  Amanda says it is a "flying kite."  I like that name, too!

Yay!    I spent a lot of time picking out some of my favorite fabrics to make this block.
And here is my sweet  little pinwheel-

Block #60   Quadruple wheel     by Susie's Sunroom

I love this pattern and combination.    Should I use it for pillows  or corners if I need to make my quilt bigger??

The last block for today:   Block #121   Kaku kuyo  (which means nine squares)

Block #121  from Japanese Taupe Quilts  by Susan Briscoe

Here is my block... with the familiar nine patch square!

Block #121 Nine squares   by Susie's Sunroom

I think of moons floating in the night sky when I see mine.   
And this is what they look like all together....

By Susie's Sunroom

My Patchique' Pile....I may or may not have done a Happy Dance through them....

Amanda says we have 2 more blocks to do.  I peeked, and the patchwork one has lots of teeny pieces...  better get out my seam ripper now!!

I'm off to my sewing room!