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Thursday, May 28, 2009

Thrifting and a New Block


This block is made using Paula Nadelstern's method. I bought her first book a few years ago and decided I should start with that one since it is much simpler. This one uses only 4 triangles to make a block. The second book uses as many as 12. I can already see that this is not my kind of quilting. It's very precise and you end up with Swiss cheese fabric all full of holes which seems wasteful to me, although when I saw Paula's quilts they seemed worth it.
I'm not very satisfied with this one. I should have started with fabric with a different background color because I don't have a large stash of fabrics that include that color. I doesn't seem to have the movement I was trying for. I'll probably try another one using different colors.
I did learn some things though. You can cut two pieces exactly the same if you use a transparent template and draw the design you are cutting on it with marker. Then you can place it on a matching place easily. Silver gel pens are perfect for marking. They show up on most colors of fabric. Sharp scissors are good. I'm more of a Freddy and Gwen type of quilter.


I couldn't resist this needlework book published in the 70s even though I don't enjoy needlework all that much. Maybe it will end up in some avid needleworker's hands. It has everything from basic mending to bobbin lace and tatting.
Here are a couple of sample pages.



This huge rolling pin is destined for the pottery studio. It's made in France and I can't imagine what it was originally intended for. It is apparently perfect for rolling out clay with a nice pattern on it.


5 comments:

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

I'm not happy with the resulting swiss cheese fabric either. I like to do something fussy now and then, but not a whole quilt like that.

Kay said...

That's a pasty rolling pin, I think.

Frances Arnold said...

The rolling pin would be great for wet felting!!!

Clare said...

That is a great embroidery/needlework book. I love the cover. I hear you about Emmental fabric LOL.

Can you take the handles off the rolling pin? I ask because if you can cold water would have been poured into it to keep the pastry cool.

Wanda said...

I am so impressed that you try new things and can admit when you find it isn't your "thing". I think it's pretty but I can see where not everyone would. The rolling pin is neat...maybe it is for some fancy French pastry or something. I have a rolling pin but don't think I've ever used it, even when baking!