So this was the second week at my patchwork quilting course and I thoroughly enjoyed it again. This course has not been what I expected at all – so far we haven’t used a sewing machine at the course – only at home! We have learnt to cut out and hand sew pieces of fabric which are sewn together to make up 12″ ‘blocks’. Each block is made up differently using varying techniques. Out of the 6 blocks needed, so far I have two blocks finished and two half finished.
One of the nice things about learning techniques by hand sewing is that it is very relaxing and quite therapeutic to have to sit and sew, away from normal life . It’s also easy to listen to the tutor whilst sewing by hand. I now have several squares, hexagons, diamonds and hearts made up, some of which are to be used as applique on top of background fabric. I have taken some pictures as I sewed at home for putting together a tutorial on some of the techniques I have learnt. I will be uploading these in the next few weeks but for now here is a peak at what I have been doing.
Starting to sew hexagons together
As the weather has been so warm and sunny I have been sitting in the shade at the bottom of the garden sewing up all my fabric pieces! – Bliss! Here is the hexagon doily first row after the centre completed
Hexagon Doily – one more round to sew yet!
We have ‘homework’ each week which has meant a lot of sewing. Before the next lesson I have to buy some more fabric to use as the backing. Oh the hardship! A trip to buy more fabric :). But more about all that and the rest of the course in a future post, now I am off on my weekly trip round the crafty blogs over at Handmade Monday!
I have a box of blue diamond shapes packed away in a box, they still need sewing up, after seeing this post I may have to have a search for it 🙂
Jan x
I have diamond shapes in 3 colours – it gives the illusion of a box – you should get them out and make them into something!
Hi there! I found you through Handmade Harbour. I tried quilting once, when I was a teenage but didn’t have the patience then. Any tips?
hi – the techniques we are learning need patience definitely but if you fancy easier quilting just make a quilt which is lots of coloured squares – you can buy them ready cut (charm packs) or use strips of fabric and cut later!
Hand sewing also has the advantage of being able to be done outside as well 🙂 Looking forward to seeing the finished bits. 🙂
It’s lovely sitting in the garden sewing – even if only for a short break from housework (boo) etc!
How lovely. I really like a bit of hand sewing too. Looking forward to seeing the finished quilt.
Thanks, I will post a pic when it’s done!
Glad you are enjoying your course! There is a studio near-ish to me that runs something similar and you make me wonder whether I should sign up….
I would definitely recommend it!
what a lovely course to do! I’m sure you’re going to love the end result and how fantastic to have a load of new techniques under your belt too 🙂 x
Yes it’s been very good investment!
It looks lovely, can’t wait to see the finished quilt. Hope you have a good week.
Thank you, more sewing this week!
I started to make some patchwork hexagons a while ago and started to sew lots of the together – really need to get round to sewing more of them together – just not sure what I’m going to make with it!
If you sew them into rounds like my picture you can make a mat, tray cloth etc out of them – or sew them together then onto background fabric and make a rectangle/square tray cloth/runner .Nice chilled out sewing task!
It sounds like your having a wonderful time on the course. I love the butterfly fabric you’ve chosen. I haven’t dipped my toe into quilting but I like the sound of sitting in the sun and doing a bit of hand sewing. Hope you don’t find the fabric shopping too stressful. 😉
Ali x
Thanks yes I am! Having to fabric shop – such stress eh?!!
🙂
Poor you having to do fabric shopping!
Can I come too? 🙂