Sunday 6 April 2014

Patchiqué Blocks 12 and 90

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Patchique Flickr Group
This week has seen a lot of sewing on the Patchiqué trail.  Looking at the blocks you might think the patched block, Block 12 was a lot of work – but you’d be wrong.
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Block 12 from Japanese Taupe Quilts
Block 12, ‘Atsuita koshi’ (translated as “Noh robe check”) is made up of 61 pieces but I found a quick and easy way to make this block.  Firstly I cut 20” x 1½” strips from each of my two chosen fabrics and stitched them together along the 20” length.  I then sliced these strips into 1½” sections as shown. 
From here it was a simple case of stitching the pairs together. 
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Patchiqué Block 12- Patchsmith Style
For the darker grid borders I used a scant ¼” seam and I’m glad I did.  My block measures a perfect 9½”.    

So if it wasn’t the patchwork block that was a lot of sewing that can only mean one thing – it was Block 90 ‘Yayuki’ ("snow arrow").  This block looks quite simple but it involves a lot of pieces. 
Block 90 from Japanese Taupe Quilts
All those leaves – thirty six of them!    In fact there were too many and I left off the twelve smallest leaves.  I like the way the largest of the leaves are set at right angles to the stem.  However, the other leaves have to point upwards or they will not fit.

If I were to make this block again I would fuse  and stitch the stems and leaves into position before adding the heart flowers.  This would save having to start and stop for each pair of leaves - something I found very tiresome. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.  
https://www.flickr.com/photos/79143602@N04/13675818585/in/photostream/
Patchiqué Block 12- Patchsmith Style

I would also recommend you pick one colour thread that will suit all your leaves and stem – this will save you having to change the bobbin for each section.   

Even though this block was a lot of stitching, I absolutely love it - it reminds me of a folk art panel. 

So there you have it, another day on the Patchiqué journey.  Be sure to come back in a fortnight when I shall be tackling Blocks 30 and Block 85.

2 comments:

  1. You have managed to make these complicated blocks look simple!! I am so glad that you have figured out the "plan" for construction for each one , before I try making them! I really do love the block 90 in your fabrics! It is quite charming and does look like folk art! These are beautiful additions for your quilt, Amanda.

    Susie

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  2. I think this pair is my favorite so far - both are exquisite, and the little red hearts are adorable.

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