Patchiqué Blocks 38 and 104 - Fabric Crumbs

Patchique Quilt Layout

Here we are, at the end of the Patchiqué trail.  It started nearly 14 months ago in October 2013 when I set out to make two blocks every fortnight – one patched and one appliquéd from Susan Briscoe's wonderful Japanese Taupe Quilts book.  It ends this week with the final two blocks completed making 46 blocks in total – enough for a bed quilt.

Block 38 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

Patchwork block 38 ‘Kasuri juji hishi’ (translated as Kasuri diamond crosses) is quite a complex block made up of 81 pieces.  It doesn’t look like it has so many pieces but trust me – there are 81 small pieces.  In spite of this I have to say that I really enjoyed this block.  The diagram and instructions in the book were impeccable, as always, so it went together really well – and fairly quick too. Okay, my block isn't perfect but it is good enough for me (perfection is so overrated don't you think?)

Patchique Block 38 - Patchsmith Style

So nothing to report except – give it a go, you will be pleasantly surprised and hopefully, very pleased with the end result.

Block 104 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

I was expecting the patchwork block to be quite tricky so I chose a simple appliqué block to mark the end of this journey – block 104 ‘Hachi hon ogi guruma’ (eight fan wheel).  However, this block proved useful for using up some of the fabric crumbs left-over along the way. 

Patchique Block 104 - Patchsmith Style

And so these two blocks lead us to the end of a thoroughly enjoyable foray into the world of Japanese patchwork and applique.  I hope you have enjoyed tagging along.  I have certainly enjoyed the consistent company and skill of Susie over at Susie’s Sunroom as she joined me step-by-step along the trail (be sure to check out all her blocks over at the Flickr group– they are in beautiful hues that blend East with West seamlessly).  

Susie's Chrysathemum Block No. 114

And be sure to check back later in the year when I shall post pictures of the finished quilt bound and quilted.

For 2015 I shall be concentrating on using up some more ‘fabric crumbs’ on the Farmers Wife quilt blocks – nothing organised – just a block or two here and there. And I know I shall also be returning to Susan Briscoe’s “Japanese Taupe Quilts” book to try out some of those really tricky blocks that have over 100 fabric crumbs in a 9½” square. 

Sew until next time .......

Patchiqué Blocks 60 and 121

This is the penultimate pair of blocks as we approach the end of the Patchiqué journey.  Soon it will be time to put all the blocks together, ready for quilting.

Block 60 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

This week's blocks were surprisingly easy.  I say surprisingly because block 60 ‘Yotsume guruma’ (quadruple wheel) uses a template for the patchwork and all triangles are cut on the bias – two of my least favourite ways to construct patchwork.  But it worked really well and the finished block is one of my favourites (you may know this block as Flying Kite).

Patchique Block 60 - Patchsmith Style

To make the finished 9½” block you first create four 5” blocks and then stitch them together.  My block is just shy of 9½” but the sashing should accommodate this small discrepancy.  As I am coming to the end of my fabric stash I had to pick fabrics where I had enough to cut the necessary pieces.  I love making-do and I am very pleased with how this block turned out.

Block 121 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

Next up was block 121 ‘Kaku kuyo’ (translated as nine squares).  This block combines patchwork and appliqué and I patched the block before adding quick-fuse appliqué circles.  Making the block in this way, I had to remember to allow for the block's seam allowance when placing the circles.  

However, the instructions suggest appliquéing the circles onto each patch before sewing the block together.  This is a better way as you can centre the circles without having to take into account seam allowances.  Even so, this is another block I enjoyed as it was very quick and very easy.

Patchique Block 121 - Patchsmith Style 

You will require 2½” diameter circles and I have produced a 2½” circle PDF for you to use.  I traced the circles onto the paper side of my fusible webbing (Bondaweb or Wonder Under) and then fused it to the back of my chosen fabrics.  As you can see I fussy-fused (is that even a term?) to make good use of the fabric print.

Next fortnight will be the last time I post two blocks for this quilt as they will be the last two blocks.  I have chosen patchwork block 38 and appliqué block 104.

Sew until then .............

Patchiqué Blocks 46 and 113

Today marks the final blocks for the centre panel of my East-meets-West Patchique quilt.  First up is block 46, Chigai kaku (translated as ‘different angles’).  This is a fairly easy looking block and so it would have been had the diagram included the additional part-sewn seams that are required.

Block 46 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

One of the strengths of the Japanese Taupe Quilts book has been the diagrams.  The diagram for block 46 showed the two part seams at the centre.  However, there are also another two part-seams which were not shown.  I have circled them in red below. 

This is the first omission I have come across in this book which is remarkable when you consider the detail and diversity of the blocks.  What you can’t see so well from the book photo is that the two interlocking squares are different fabrics.  

Patchique Block 46 - Patchsmith Style 

I went for green interlocking squares and it worked out fine and will fit in nicely with my other blocks. 

Block 113 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

The applique block, Tessen (‘Chinese clematis’) required the background circle to be patched into place!   I wasn’t about to piece a circle so I created a 7½” circular cut out from the background square.  I then quick fused the clematis onto an 8” square and lay it behind the cut out so that the clematis is showing through.  

Patchique Block 113 - Patchsmith Style

It turned out very pretty and looks much nicer than the photo.  But be warned – if you copy this method you will need to use a lot of pins to make sure the circle doesn’t move as you stitch it in place.  In fact, if I were to make this block again I would fuse and stitch the clematis onto a 7½” circle of fabric and then fuse the circle to the background square – this would be so much easier. 

Just four corner blocks left to make!

So there you have it.  The main body of the quilt is complete.  Next fortnight will begin the corner border blocks with blocks 60 and 121.  In the meantime I shall be searching out a lovely border fabric – very much like the green in the diagram.

Sew until then .....................

Patchiqué Blocks 13 and 93

The Patchique Project - Quilt Layout 

When I started the Patchiqué project is was with a view to combining both patchwork and appliqué in one quilt.   What I didn’t expect to find however, was that I enjoy the patchwork more than the appliqué.  But I do.  I lose myself in the patchwork with each block taking about an hour at most (including cutting).  This week I created block 13 – Yottsu masu (translated as ‘four square measures’) and I really enjoyed myself. 

Block 13 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

This block begins with the stitching together of three one inch squares which gave me the impression it would be a fiddly morning. But I was wrong; once the initial centre square is completed the rest of the block is pure fun as you add courthouse steps.  Unfortunately I initially created block 13 without reference to my previous Patchiqué blocks and when it was done, I realised that it was too fussy and didn't quite fit in.  

A tad too busy for the Patchique quilt 

So I redid it.  But this was no hardship – it was just more playtime.


Patchique Block 13 - in true Patchsmith Style 

Once the patchwork was done, I moved onto appliqué block 93 – Hosoneji kiri guruma (‘elongated paulownia wheel'). 

Block 93 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

Quite straightforward appliqué – nothing much to report, aside from the leaves being back-to-front on account of my use of the quick-fuse appliqué method. 


Patchique Block 93 - Patchsmith Style 

The pattern called for stem stitch to link the small flowers to the center but I found it too heavy for the fabrics and changed it to a rustic running stitch. 

Much more Patchsmithian don't you think?.  Next fortnight will be the turn of blocks 46 and 113.  

Sew until then ........

Patchiqué Blocks 45 and 70

The weather here in England has been glorious and I’ve been out and about cycling around the country.  But there has still been time to continue with my Patchiqué project.

Just like the last days of summer, my Patchique trail is also coming to an end and I find myself on the home-straight as I complete another two blocks.  Want to see the proposed layout for the whole quilt?  Of course you do.

Patchique Quilt Layout
(the blank squares are the last eight still to be completed)

 

This week I added patchwork block 45 ‘Komochi kume igeta’ (translated as ‘grouped well-curb whirlpool’). 

Block 45 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

The notes I've added to my book read “very easy – very nice”.  This block was a delight to make as it went together really easily. 

Patchique Block 45 - Patchsmith Style 

The block includes a part seam in the middle but this was simple to do as the book has clear instructions.  (One of the high points on this trail has been the piecing diagrams in the book – follow them exactly and all will be well.)

However, the appliqué block 70 ‘Shikishi’ (translated to ‘calligraphy cards’) didn't work out quite so well. 

Block 70 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

All appeared to be going well until I photographed my finished block and I noticed one of my little squares was out-of-alignment (bottom right-hand corner).  Do I redo it?  Do I heck as like (translated as ‘not a chance’).   

Patchique Block 70 - Patchsmith Style 

When placing your squares make sure that one whole side of the smaller square is covered completely by the larger square to its left (look at the placement diagram and you will understand what I mean).  The notes added to the book for this block, even before I noticed my mistake, read “boring - add stitching to central star”. 

Only eight more blocks to go which should take me to the end of October. Next fortnight will be the turn of Blocks 13 and 93. 

Sew until then ......

Patchiqué Blocks 2 and 106

I almost went right back to the beginning for the Patchiqué patchwork block this weekend – but not quite! 

Block 2 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

Block 2 - 'Shima ichimatsu' (stripe check) is created using thirty-six 2” squares – but not for me – I thought I'd take a shortcut!

I cut three strips from each fabric measuring 13” x 2” and then I stitched the six strips together, using a SCANT ¼” seam to create one piece measuring 13” x 9½”.  Next I cross-cut this piece into six 2” strips before stitching them back together as shown.

This method requires accurate cutting and stitching and I cannot stress enough to use a scant ¼” seam. (I didn’t have graduated fabric so I used two contrasting fabrics to create a checkerboard effect.)

Patchique Block 2 - Patchsmith Style

So onto the appliqué block 106 entitled ‘Ken giku’ (sword-petaled chrysanthemum) – what I would call a Dresden Plate. 

Block 106 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

Now I have seen a lot of Dresden quilts – none nicer than this one by Amy over at Amy Made That. 

Amy-Made-That Dresden Plate Quilt

But I had never made one so this was a first for me and I have to say - I didn’t like making it.  I stitched the petals together using ¼” seams but it still seemed a bit baggy in the middle so I re-stitched some of the seams.  It looks okay – but not perfect.  My points are uneven and it doesn’t lay totally flat.   But more importantly, I didn’t enjoy making it.  I cannot even put my finger on why – but I just didn’t.  So this is the first – and I suspect the last, Dresden this Patchsmith will make.

Patchique Block 106 - Patchsmith Style

Next fortnight I will go for a simpler appliqué block – Block 70 – which is made up totally from squares to create a pretty little star.  This will be accompanied by patchwork block 45 which introduces our first inset seam.  But more about that next time ........      

Patchiqué Blocks 18 and 109

If you get the sense that you have seen block 18 before you would be right – it is very similar to block 17.

Block 18 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

The only difference is the centre square ......

Block 17 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

So it was a pleasure to make this block 'again' and, like block 17, it was an easy and relaxing make. 

Patchiqué Block 18 - Patchsmith Style

When I first got this book the patchwork blocks looked tricky and complicated.  But I have found them to be relatively straightforward.  In fact, I have enjoyed making the patchwork blocks more than the appliqué blocks.

Block 109 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

Talking of which, appliqué block 109 ‘Asa no han’ (morning flower) presented a challenge for my quick-fuse appliqué method.  This block is constructed in a similar way to a Dresden circle.  Each petal is made of two fabrics.  (I cut my rectangles slightly larger than the book stated as 4” x 2”.  Once stitched together the patched block measured 4” x 3½”).  That part was easy enough.  But then came the slight adjustment. 

 

The author, Susan Briscoe, has used needle-turn applique whereas I prefer the quick-fuse method.  So a slight adjustment was needed.

 

I traced the dotted line on the template onto the paper side of my fusible webbing.  I also marked the centre line and the dots on the tracing.  When I cut out the tracings, instead of leaving ¼” around the whole tracing I only left ¼” around the top of the petal (the rounded section).  I cut accurately along the traced lines on the bottom and sides, up to the marked dots (as shown below).   

I fused the tracings onto the back of the patched petal blocks, matching up the line with the centre seam.    

Next I cut out the petals accurately along the top curved section and the bottom but I left ¼” seam allowance on both sides of each petal.

Patchiqué Block 109 - Patchsmith Style

From there is was relatively easy to construct the flower.  I stitched the sides together as instructed in the book.  Once the whole flower was stitched together I removed the fusible webbing paper from the petals (trimming the side seams as necessary) and I positioned the finished flower on the background square.  Finally I fused and stitched the flower in place before adding a fussy-cut center circle.

It sounds a lot of work but, in my opinion, it isn’t as fiddly as turning 1/8” on those curved petals.   

So there you have it – another two blocks done – only twelve blocks to go.  Next fortnight it will be the turn of patchwork block 2 and appliqué block 106 (a Dresden circle).

 
Sew until then .....

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 .............