Finally I get to share....I've been so excited about this book and blog hop, it's been hard to wait!
I'm not exaggerating when I say, I have always shied away from curved piecing ( It scares me, intimidates me....You get the picture) and when I have tried, I didn't much care for the outcome.....
But, I also like to push myself and except a challenge...and when asked to be a part of the blog hop.... This book cover just sucked me in....
Who wouldn't want to create some of those amazing projects!!
As I flipped through my ebook, I fell more in love with Carl's patterns, so I decided
failure was not an option!!
failure was not an option!!
I don't know what clicked, but something finally did, and I am so excited to share my finished project!!
I also wanted to say thanks to CT Publishing for the above photos from New York Beauties and Flying Geese, and for inviting me to be a part of this blog hop, thank you Carl, it has been such a pleasure. I love everything about this book...from the gorgeous sample quilts representing the patterns, to the book's layout...Carl includes lots of tips,
fabric idea and layout plans....
I had such a great time working on my project for this blog hop event, so I know you are going to love hopping from blog to blog over the remaining 10 days seeing Carl's patterns come to life
through all the different bloggers joining in.
On the off chance that someone else struggles with curved piecing...
here's what I did differently this time....I am so sorry I forgot to take a picture....
I found the centres of the first two sections that I was joining, by folding in half and finger pressing. Then I pinned the pieces together at that centre mark. Then I matched the straight outside edges and pinned there, and finally I used my hands to guide and manage the fabric, matching the curves. I had much more success this way then trying to add extra pins.
The other wonderful thing I discovered...the further out in the circle I went the easier the curves are to piece!!! Whoop, Whoop!!! (you probably all knew that already, lol, I can be a slow learner)
I have to laugh at myself...the longest part of the whole building of the blocks, for me, was in gathering and laying out my fabric choices from my stash...but it was so worth all the time...and that is just me...way to picky and an over thinker....
I decided to choose four random blocks from the templates at the back the book, so I could try multiple different styles of the piecing....
And then join them together to make a square pillow. It was also all I had time for right now! I will be making a larger project in the futures!!! And one of those round pillows...they are fantastic!!
And you can lay your blocks out in multiple different ways, which is fun to see...
But, chose the circle for my pillow, so it looked more like the colour wheel I was aiming for.
I quilted the pillow top with one of my go to digital pantos called Malachite!
And used leftover pieces to add a cute flap to the zipper back!!
Well I hope this has inspired you to think about picking up a copy of Carl's new book for your very own and try one of these fantastic blocks or quilts!!
But.....
One lucky blog hopper is going to be lucky enough to win a copy of their very own....
If you live in the US, CT Publishing will be sending you a hard copy of the book, an international winner will receive an ecopy.
Just to make it easier for me to pick a random winner I'm using Rafflecopter, but keeping it really simple.
Leave a comment, anything...what you've liked best so far, are you afraid of curves like me? A tip or trick for curved piecing if you love it......just say hello......lol
And a winner will be chosen at the end of the blog hop, and I am pretty sure every blogger is giving away a copy, so drop each day for the link to the next blogger!!
And just a heads up....
my blog address will be changing in the next few weeks. I will send out one final blog post from here, before the change is final....still some tweaking left to do.....
but I am so excited about the new layout, but nervous about learning a new interface.....hopefully it will all go smoothly!
Following me is always optional, but if you don't want to miss out on any of the happenings and especially the move coming soon, please consider following along by email (in the bar on the right hand side of my blog page) or IG @upstairshobbyroom or Twitter @upstairshobbyrm
or if FB is your thing I have a FB Page
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I also wanted to say thanks to CT Publishing for the above photos from New York Beauties and Flying Geese, and for inviting me to be a part of this blog hop, thank you Carl, it has been such a pleasure. I love everything about this book...from the gorgeous sample quilts representing the patterns, to the book's layout...Carl includes lots of tips,
fabric idea and layout plans....
I had such a great time working on my project for this blog hop event, so I know you are going to love hopping from blog to blog over the remaining 10 days seeing Carl's patterns come to life
through all the different bloggers joining in.
On the off chance that someone else struggles with curved piecing...
here's what I did differently this time....I am so sorry I forgot to take a picture....
I found the centres of the first two sections that I was joining, by folding in half and finger pressing. Then I pinned the pieces together at that centre mark. Then I matched the straight outside edges and pinned there, and finally I used my hands to guide and manage the fabric, matching the curves. I had much more success this way then trying to add extra pins.
The other wonderful thing I discovered...the further out in the circle I went the easier the curves are to piece!!! Whoop, Whoop!!! (you probably all knew that already, lol, I can be a slow learner)
I have to laugh at myself...the longest part of the whole building of the blocks, for me, was in gathering and laying out my fabric choices from my stash...but it was so worth all the time...and that is just me...way to picky and an over thinker....
I decided to choose four random blocks from the templates at the back the book, so I could try multiple different styles of the piecing....
And then join them together to make a square pillow. It was also all I had time for right now! I will be making a larger project in the futures!!! And one of those round pillows...they are fantastic!!
And you can lay your blocks out in multiple different ways, which is fun to see...
But, chose the circle for my pillow, so it looked more like the colour wheel I was aiming for.
I quilted the pillow top with one of my go to digital pantos called Malachite!
And used leftover pieces to add a cute flap to the zipper back!!
Well I hope this has inspired you to think about picking up a copy of Carl's new book for your very own and try one of these fantastic blocks or quilts!!
But.....
One lucky blog hopper is going to be lucky enough to win a copy of their very own....
If you live in the US, CT Publishing will be sending you a hard copy of the book, an international winner will receive an ecopy.
Just to make it easier for me to pick a random winner I'm using Rafflecopter, but keeping it really simple.
Leave a comment, anything...what you've liked best so far, are you afraid of curves like me? A tip or trick for curved piecing if you love it......just say hello......lol
And a winner will be chosen at the end of the blog hop, and I am pretty sure every blogger is giving away a copy, so drop each day for the link to the next blogger!!
And just a heads up....
my blog address will be changing in the next few weeks. I will send out one final blog post from here, before the change is final....still some tweaking left to do.....
but I am so excited about the new layout, but nervous about learning a new interface.....hopefully it will all go smoothly!
Following me is always optional, but if you don't want to miss out on any of the happenings and especially the move coming soon, please consider following along by email (in the bar on the right hand side of my blog page) or IG @upstairshobbyroom or Twitter @upstairshobbyrm
or if FB is your thing I have a FB Page
New York Beauties & Flying Geese Blog Tour: Schedule
Mon. May 1:
Wed. May 3:
UpStairsHobbyRoom: You Are Here
Thurs. May 4:
Fri. May 5:
Mon. May 8:
Tues. May 9:
Pink Door Fabrics: Instagram @pinkdoorfabrics
Web. May 10:
Thurs. May 11:
Fri. May 12:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I don't find it easy, but I love the look. I just find I have to slow down. Your colors are outstanding. Turned out wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWhen I have sewn curves, I have the convex ( outward shaped curve) on top of the concave one ( that curves inward) One pin at the centre, one at each end, and gently ease the top fabric as you sew. Some people use a gathering thread, and ever so slightly gather to ease it into the bottom piece.Your fabrics and curves, and the finished piece are " absolutely fabulous ". A new blog address, like your studio room, all go at your place. The overhead photo was great.
ReplyDeleteI don't sew curves but have always wanted to make a new york beauty block/s.
ReplyDeleteI also love flying geese!
I normally avoid to sew curves...! But I am a total fan of flying geese and this book looks awesome! Your pillow also looks great and makes me want to make one too. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI love the rainbow effects in these blocks. I used to avoid curves but have done a couple of things with curves and am a little more confident now.
ReplyDeleteI'm okay with curved piecing - but the cover of the book sucked me in. Your pillow looks great!
ReplyDeleteI don't mind doing curved piecing. I think I acquired the technique when I was making clothes for many years and putting in sleeves. The drunkards path quilt I made gave me lots of practice.
ReplyDeleteCurved piecing still scares the snot out of me!!! I hope to try it some day, though, so maybe this book will help me out? Thanks for the chance to win a copy! (lynnstck[at]yahoo.com)
ReplyDeleteI don't mind curved piecing. The projects in this book are very inspiring.
ReplyDeletewow your pillow is great. good for your for taking that sewing machine by the needle and just doing it. LOL thanks for your tips and help. Me? I am intimidated by curves also. Will have to get over this
ReplyDeleteLove the colors and polka dots used in your quilt. I especially like the blue/green pillow shown on the cover of the book.
ReplyDeleteMuch like you, I'm afraid of curved piecing, so am anxious to try your method. Any chance you might make a how-to video showing your method? In any case, I'll have your post up when I attempt to make my first curved block unit! I'd love to get a copy of this book - thanks for this giveaway.
ReplyDeleteLove your pillow!!! I have issues with curved piecing but those designs look too good to let it get to me! Really love your fabric choices!!! Awesome work!!!
ReplyDeleteI've never tried curved piecing-not afraid,(well maybe a little apprehensive.) One on my to-try list for sure! Thank you, Susan
ReplyDeleteI have yet to try curve piecing. You did an amazing job!
ReplyDeleteI have only done curves twice, first was with a pattern and I had no problems, but second was part of a guild challenge and with no pattern my block suffered, did it 2-3 times til the fabric was gone.
ReplyDeletecork at pa.rr.com
Love this!
ReplyDeleteI haven't done curved piecing much, but have done it both by hand and by machine. But it was a long time ago. I have seen some tutorials that I think will be helpful when I do it again. I think pinning and stitching slowly are the key.
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog.
ReplyDeleteThese are gorgeous! Love all the circles; and I don't think I would have even thought I could do this if I hadn't read your blog post! Love the circles!!
ReplyDeleteI don't mind curved piecing. "Baggy bottoms" is what I learned many years ago. Biggest piece goes on bottom when you are sewing.
ReplyDeleteI use several pins to help distribute the curve fabric. I believe I am the one needing tips. Your pillow is fabulous.
ReplyDeleterozz01 at cox dot net
I like the pillow you made. I see you have a Janonme sewing machine. I was wondering what model it is.
ReplyDeleteI love the look of these patterns made in all the vibrant colors!
ReplyDeleteWow, curves still scare me but wow I want to try those
ReplyDeleteI learned to use lots of pins for curved piecing.
ReplyDeleteI fold my pieces in half, match the middle, pin, match the sides, pin and sew slow.
ReplyDeleteThis book is on my wish list! I'll be looking for it on a shop hop I'm going on with friends later this year. I like piecing curves and paper piecing is fine too. Your pillow is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI understand your fear of curved piecing! The book looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your lovely pillow. I like rainbow colors and your fabric choices are so nice.
ReplyDeleteyoyopattycakes at hotmail dot com
Bring on the curves, love them. lol
ReplyDeleteI need to improve my skills regarding curves! Love your pillow!
ReplyDeletenikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
Your pillow is gorgeous! I've sewn curves quite often. They are not always perfect, but a hot iron and dense quilting can make them look better :). Thanks for the fun!
ReplyDeleteHOLY HEck Hermione. These are beautiful. It makes my palms sweat and my heart go pitty pat to think about making something this complex.
ReplyDeleteI love the look of these but curved piecing is scary!!
ReplyDeleteI love the look of New York beauties, but have never worked up the nerve to make one!
ReplyDeleteI love the look of New York beauties, but have never worked up the nerve to make one!
ReplyDeleteI'm getting up the nerve to make a New York Beauty...never done the curved piecing so it's quite intimidating. Thanks for the inspiration and giveaway!
ReplyDeleteakronne17@gmail.com
I have a tough enough time with regular flying geese, too scared to try curves! lol!
ReplyDeletelstangl482 at aol dot com
The blocks look great.
ReplyDeletemy grandma used to have round pillows on her sofa-- but they were not as cool as the ones pictured
ReplyDeletesharongalli@gmail.com
Hello! I haven't tried piecing, yet. These are so pretty I might have to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteI love New York Beauty and this book looks amazing
ReplyDeleteNo curved piecing tricks. This book looks fabulous.
ReplyDeleteI've not tried any curved piecing yet, very intimidated. But those pillows look fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI love my Curvemaster foot for curved piecing. It made it so easy that I lost my fear!
ReplyDeleteI love the rainbow of colors you used!
ReplyDeleteHi! I start my pinning in the middle and one on each end, if I need to I add some more splitting it up as I go until I probably have too many pins, but much better than none at all!
ReplyDeleteCT Publishing, and Carl, thank you so much, I am thrilled to be the winner, this will be a book to treasure, read again and again, and then decide on which beautiful project to start on. Thanks Sandy for the email. Batiks, look out, you will be sorted and placed in readiness!!!
ReplyDelete