Is it really Monday again? I did not complete any new stars this week. But, I did get a pile of pieces basted and ready, and that’s totally progress when you’re talking about English paper piecing.
I am trying to be more disciplined than usual with this quilt. Normally I would choose a few fabrics at a time, baste a few pieces, make one star, then repeat. But this time I want to get most if not all of my fabrics selected first, and mostly cut out and basted, so there’s no unhappy surprises at the end. It’s a small quilt, so there’s less room to hide something that doesn’t work out as envisioned. And less room for all the pretty stuff I want to fit in. So I’m making sure it’s right before I sew it all together. One thing I love about English paper piecing is that it’s so easy to play around with the basted shapes and see exactly what the finished piece will look like before you commit! I’m bringing in some tan fabrics to give the pretty colors space to breathe, and the deep marine blue to ground all that sweet bright color.
Linking up again to Monday Morning Star Count over at Life Under Quilts!
Jessie Aller 
This looks as though it’s going to be amazing. Is there a sketch?
Only in my mind is there a sketch, Linda! Thank you!
On Mon, Jan 20, 2014 at 1:29 PM, Jessie Aller
I totally agree that getting pieces ready to sew is a big step when it comes to EPP.
Looks like you got a lot accomplished this week.
I am happy with what I got done! EPP is all about the process, right? And I really love basting new shapes. It goes nice and fast and I barely have to look at the pieces while I work.
On Mon, Jan 20, 2014 at 2:09 PM, Jessie Aller
Totally impressive progress! I think being able to play with the layout and design as you go is one of the best parts of EPP.
Totally true, Adrienne! And we’re not even distracted by seam allowances like other kinds of piecing. Yay!
On Mon, Jan 20, 2014 at 3:35 PM, Jessie Aller
very pretty!
Thank you!
On Mon, Jan 20, 2014 at 3:38 PM, Jessie Aller
Wow! You have a nice pile already basted. I’ll look forward to seeing this one come together.
It does look more dramatic in a pile, doesn’t it? I bet it wouldn’t be so impressive if I took the time to stack them neatly. 🙂
On Mon, Jan 20, 2014 at 10:28 PM, Jessie Aller
Yes, progress indeed. Love the blue, it sets it all off quite nicely.
Thank you, I’m pretty excited about the blue myself!
On Tue, Jan 21, 2014 at 2:29 PM, Jessie Aller
I, too, love the marine blue. It really adds excitement to the warmer tones. You are right about playing with layouts. That is half the fun!
The blue is going to be an amazing color to complement the others. I get so excited when I have a pile or box of basted pieces ready to design with! It is so totally progress! Looking great!
That star is beautiful! Now if you name her Esther that will be too weird to both have a Bea and an Esther. Although Astrid is a beautiful star name, too:)
Looking forward to seeing you at the show!