Patchiqué Blocks 25 and 125

I lost my way on the Patchiqué trail this week because I just couldn't see the path.  No matter how hard I looked I just couldn't see the pattern of Block 25 - 'Chigai igeta (staggered igeta).  I could see the grid but what I didn't realise, until I went to cut the fabrics, was that there were two different fabrics used in the grid, giving an additional pattern.  This was not helped by the photo in the book.  Can you see two different fabrics used for the grid?  I can't.   

Block 25 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

So I looked to the construction chart - but that didn't help because, it seemed to me the chart didn't differentiate between the two different colours either.  This led to an error (the circled patch should be dark brown)!

And I didn't even realise my mistake because I couldn't see the different patterns within the grid.  It wasn't until my daughter came in and said 'you've got that wrong'.  Phew - thank goodness for geeky, science-loving daughters.  She told me immediately that the pattern was two grids, one on top of each other and she labelled the construction chart for me so that I could place the fabrics correctly.

Patchiqué Block 25 - Patchsmith Style

Was it worth the effort?  I have to say Block 25 is not one of my favourites and I wouldn't make it again.  (I have used distinct fabrics so that you can see how the block should be.  The darker brown is Fabric A and the taupe is Fabric B. )

I immediately moved on to the applique block for this fortnight - block 125 - Kano rinpo (Kano treasure wheel). 

Block 125 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

And straight away I ran into difficulties. I could not understand what the construction details were telling me to do!  It reads "Cut out the larger circle.  On the cutout piece, mark and cut out a 5" circle around the petal applique. Insert the B circle into the A square.  Cut out a 4" circle from the block center and insert the circular petal unit".  I have reread it and I still don't get it.  To me the block photo looks quite straightforward - a cut out wheel with a flower in the middle and detailing around the outside of the wheel. 


Patchiqué Block 125 - Patchsmith Style

So I traced a 7" circle onto the paper side of my fusible webbing (using a 7" side plate) and then I centred a 4½" circle (using a cooking cutter) within the 7" circle.  I cut out the circles creating a 7" doughnut.  I positioned the doughnut onto the background square, arranged the petals in the middle and tucked the outer wheel points under the circle.  Simple. 

It has to be said that this is the first week that I have encountered any problems with this book which is not bad at all seeing I have completed 32 blocks. 

So there you have it.  I may have been lost briefly on the Patchiqué trail but I am well and truly back on the path now.  Sew until next time when I will be tackling patchwork block 18 and appliqué block 109 .............