Monday 19 January 2015

Passacaglia with Mr Penrose



Woah, where did the last couple of months go? In my defence, I have been having a wonderful time with family over from Canada for Christmas. That involved lots of culinary preparations etc and then we all had a little family holiday in Yorkshire and, and, well to be honest, my little blog just didn't take priority! But things are back to normal now. My sewing room has seen some activity at last, and among other things I've started a new project!
It is a hand sewn, English paper piecing project. Perfect for sewing whilst enjoying a quiet evening in front of the TV or for snatching a few moments to work on without having to set a block of time aside (or clear enough space in the currently very disorganised sewing room!)
It's a biggie though, and I've set myself the challenge of completing it this year...yes, by the end of 2015!
The project is the last and most complicated quilt in this wonderful book that I purchased before Christmas.


The Passacaglia quilt that I'm making is the one shown on the front cover. Isn't it wonderful? Passacaglia is apparently a musical term. (I had to look it up.....I've also got to learn to spell it without checking each time!) I can certainly see lots of music in this quilt. The eye waltzes around it following the circles. I just hope my version does justice to the name.
Here is a close up of the first rosette that I've completed so far.


The pieces are tiny, and as far as I can tell, they are not a standard size, so there are no pre-cut papers available to purchase in this country. (You can buy them from the US). I've traced the templates provided in the book, and then photocopied them. I'm also basting the templates rather than using fabric glue. That may change as time goes on!
Hopefully I'll have the second rosette to show soon.
I hope you have an exciting project for the New Year too!




12 comments:

  1. I've never tried basting using fabric glue? I always stitch! Although some people online use paper clips?
    Love the pattern!
    Frankie
    Www.knitwits-owls.blogspot.co.uk

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  2. It is supposedly a very quick method and the glue washes out, but I stuck with basting, partly because I like doing it (!?!!) and partly because the fabrics I've used are organic cotton and it seemed wrong to spoil all that organic goodness with a presumably chemical laden glue. We'll see if my thoughts change in a few weeks time :-)

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  3. I am new to EPP but I find I prefer to baste as well. The glue does not seem secure to me. Maybe I do not use enough, but basting is working well. I love your fabrics. Cannot wait to see the next rosette. It is going to be beautiful,

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  4. what a wonderful project to be working on :-)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Deborah. I'm a bit obsessed with it at the moment, but I dare say that will wear off!

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  5. It looks beautiful. I must admit to being tempted but must admit the book looks rather expensive. I rather hand piece than sew over papers, I guess the patterns could be adapted for this. I look forward to seeing how your quilt progresses.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, I'm probably only going to make this one quilt from the book, so it does work out a bit expensive, but it's given me ideas for designing my own!

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  6. Looks a bit tricky but shouldn't challenge an experienced lady like you :)

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  7. Ha! It's my patience and my eyesight it will challenge, Jen

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  8. It looks fabulous! Have you finished your farmer's wife?!?

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  9. You've made a wonderful start! I am pretty sure Amy has just started this project too, I think she just bought the book as well? You will have to compare notes and progress?! I actually like the process of basting too, and if you do decide to use glue, don't buy the EPP glues, they are a waste of money, as so expensive. Pritt Stick works just fine. Looking forward to seeing progress on this one!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for the Pritt Stick tip. I would never have known, and so much easier to get hold of then fabric glue. Quite happy right at this moment though basting away watching Broadchurch!

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