Sunday 2 February 2014

Patchiqué Blocks 24 and 69

http://www.flickr.com/groups/2445878@N22/pool/with/11776958006/#photo_11776958006

This week I found myself with two blocks that looked interesting but didn’t turn out that way.  Firstly the patched Block 24 ‘Hira izutsu ni kugi’ (translated as ‘flat well curb nail’ - which might as well be Japanese because I still haven't got a clue!).
Block 24 from Japanese Taupe Quilts
The book constructs the center square unit of Block 24 using triangles and trapezoids (templates provided in the book).  But I hate sewing fabric cut on the diagonal so instead I made four half-square-triangles from two green and two beige 3½” squares before trimming them to 3”. 
 
I then placed a 1¾” green square on the inner corner of each block (right sides together) and stitched across the diagonal. 
The corner square was then trimmed and pressed to create the middle block.   It was quick and painless and I'm pleased with how it turned out.  But if I'm honest it was a little dull to make - I'm not sure why as it went together well and all the seams matched up. 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79143602@N04/12275487455/in/photostream/
Patchiqué Block 24 - Patchsmith Style
As for the appliqué block – Block 69 ‘Kawari kazaguruma’ (translation ‘Windmill variation’) – this was a fiddly block to make and I didn’t enjoy it at all. 
Block 69 from Japanese Taupe Quilts
Susan has rated it as ‘easy’ in the book using the turned-appliqué method.  She is either a glutton for punishment or very, very skilled (I would go with the latter looking at her work).  I would rate this block a medium difficulty and that is using quick-fuse appliqué. 

Note, if using fusible webbing - the measurements given include a ¼” for turned appliqué so you need to deduct ½” from each of the squares with the smallest square cut at just ½”.  Thankfully the placement of the pieces was easy enough once the background square has the vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines marked.   
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79143602@N04/12276040236/in/photostream/
Patchiqué Block 69 - Patchsmith Style
The block looks better in real life and reminds me of a snowflake but it was not enjoyable to make and my handwritten notes in the book read “awful, fiddly and not worth it”.  It is something of nothing - maybe it is the fabric I chose - I don't know but it is not one I intend to make again so it stays.  But be warned - you need to be fairly patient making this block, whatever appliqué method you use. 

So there you have it.  Another two blocks on the Patchiqué trail.  Check out the Flickr group for some of the other blocks.   Some of them would make a great table runner if you are joining in with the Across the Pond Sew Along this month.

Until next time ......

3 comments:

  1. You are making me giggle, with those notes you write in the margins! I'm starting to think Susan is not only a stitching genius, but also has a dry sense of humor, with her rating system! The snowflake block is really very lovely, though!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Both of this week's blocks are so pretty, and spot on accurate!
    I goofed on the block 24... I did not read your blog first. I used the templates. My block is too small and the points are covered up in the lighter diamond in the middle. Well, I learnt my lesson to check your blog first!!
    Your blocks are just Patchsmith Perfect!!
    Susie

    ReplyDelete
  3. I just found your blog last month and love this quilt. I finally got my book last week and am starting blocks today with fabrics I bought in Italy last week! I'm in Canada.
    Www.blackeyedsusandesigns.com.
    do you have a list of all the blocks you have done to date?

    ReplyDelete