This post is part of the Quilter’s Mixology Sew Along. For more details and schedule, click here!
Today’s post is from Jacey of Jacey Craft. Jacey is an avid crafter, and lately she’s been posting a lot of gorgeous paper-pieced projects to her blog. Hop over and check it out!
Hi, I’m Jacey, of Jaceycraft. I’ve dabbled in curves. There was the (unfinished) Single Girl, which I started in 2011, without a curvy clue. Later that year, I had a curves success with a Drunkard’s Path pillow. And this year, with a much greater confidence, I finished a do.Good Stitches improv curves quilt (blocks were made by me and my circle) and a mini for a friend. In all my years of sewing, those projects do not add up to much curvy experience.
Enter Angela’s book. The designs are fresh and lovely, and there are plenty of good tips for sewing curves. One of my favorite bits is that Angela indicates which direction you should press your pieces. That is so helpful, as pressing a curve incorrectly can make it a little wonky.
I picked a really fun pile of prints for my version of the Tennis Match quilt. I included a couple of Sarah Watts Cotton + Steel prints, a Cotton + Steel Basics print, two prints from Leah Duncan’s new Gramercy collection, a Micro Mod print, and the pale pink Lizzy House pearl bracelets. I had intentions to incorporate a solid or two, but I just couldn’t resist this combination of prints.
To sew my curves, I pinned the center of each, and then glue-basted the two edges. Temporarily securing the start and finish helped me ease the fabric into place. I also used my Janome’s quarter-inch foot, which really helps me keep that seam allowance consistent. And I’ll say that my curves aren’t perfect.
I am very proud of them, and of this project, but I still have things to learn! I hope to continue to do so, with help and inspiration from Angela’s book!
When I committed to making this project, I intended to make a baby quilt. Since these blocks are so large, that meant a four-block quilt. But as I finished sewing the four blocks together, I realized there was no way I could give it up. And so, with more fabric on the way, this is slated to be a keeper. You might notice that I omitted the skinny sashing between blocks, and honestly, it was an accident. But I tend to avoid sashing, so I’m leaving it this way!
Thanks to Sara and Angela for allowing me to be a part of this book release!
I love those small circles and I love that they are not centered in the square. They look like little bouncy balls.
I still need to try curves! One day…..
Its always good to know you aren’t alone in the avoidance of something. i know I just need to find the right thing to make and I will take off with curves. I used to avoid paper piecing and now i seek it out, so I know its just a matter of the right method or class or maybe ruler.