Rediscovery

Rummaging around in my studio has its advantages.  I remember how excited I was when I started this project over a year ago.  I love a two color quilt, and the curved piecing is just the sort of gentle challenge that I enjoy.  This quilt pattern is called Winding Ways, and has a super cool secondary circular pattern that shows up when you put the blocks together.

When I rediscovered the project box containing the few blocks I had made, my heart started beating just a little bit faster.  I pulled it out, sat down, and before I knew it, had made several more blocks.  These are really fun to put together!  Moving house and setting up my studio took me away from my projects for way too long.  What a happy thought that now I can get back to finishing up these blocks into a quilt.

Back in February 2011, I used the Marti Michell Winding Ways templates to cut out my pieces.  I love her acrylic templates, because you can just use your rotary cutter and cut around them.  Of course, if you have one of those "Go" cutter things, that works great too.  I still haven't climbed on that band wagon however.

There is  book I am referring to for my block construction method.  It is called Winding Ways Quilts by Nancy Elliot MacDonald.  Once you get a couple of the blocks under your belt, the method is truly "practically pinless" as the author claims.  Each and every block went together like a dream.  Do not be afraid of curved piecing.  Just try it.  After a couple of practice blocks it comes easily.

How wonderful it is to be organized again, and especially to be able to find my books and supplies as I need them.  All my pieces are already cut out and arranged together in the project box, and it was just a matter of moments to pull the book out of the bookcase, sit down, refer to Nancy's diagrams and start stitching.

Now, if I could only remember how big I was planning to make this quilt...

Comments

[Barbara Anne]

Oh! This quilt will be just wonderful and cheers that your lovely studio made it possible to find it once again.

One clue about how large you planned to make it would be by how many blocks your pre-cut pieces make - if you did all your cutting first.

I found another UFO last night. It's a little Bear Paw 4 block with sashing top that was made from the Little Quilts book long ago. I think I quit working on it because I was a new quilter and was miserable I'd lose some points when I sewed on the border. I think it needs to be finished, lost bear claw points or not!

Hugs!

[Karen L.]

Hi, Nicole - I have so many quilt books. I really should edit them. However, I just discovered a new book by Cyndi Walker, Pretty Patchwork Quilts - Traditional Patterns with Appliqué Accents. Have you seen it? http://www.shopmartingale.com/pretty-patchwork-quilts.html?cPath=_&products_id=1246

[Katie*]

Yeay! I will be making this pattern as a wedding gift for a girlfriend eventually. I found an excellent example of this in solid red and white as part of the Red and White Parade that a shop did. But now I'm almost persuaded to have patterns and a mix of fabrics like you have. Bookmarked for future reference!

[Laura @ May Your Bobbin Always Be Full]

I love that pattern! I could see making it in green and white (so they look like little shamrocks) for St. Patrick's Day. Beautiful quilt!

[Wendy]

I love it! I have this pattern as well and it has been on my bucket list for quite some time. I agree with Laura, they look like little shamrocks and I have been trying to come up with a pattern for a quilt to commemorate our trip to Ireland. I want to call it Forty Shades of Green. This just might be the one! Thanks for the inspiration Nicole!

[AnnieO]

Two color quilt in multiple prints--what a great idea! I remember when you started this. Enjoy!

[sillysally]

I remember when you were working on this. Of course, it's out of my favorite color - blue! It will be superb when finished. Have fun while working on your re-discovered treasures.
sillysally aka choc chip addict

[Jean]

I here where you are coming from. I'm all packed up and have visions of my new sewing room. I'll have to take the plunge and try the curved piecing when I can see the light of day.

[Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts]

I remember when you started this one too~ I love the winding ways block! I did make a couple shamrock table toppers with them. :-) I don't think I kept one for myself though. Hmm, have to make another! LOL Have a happy weekend!

[Diane]

I have a winding ways quilt hanging in my dining room that I made several years ago. It's one of my all time favorites - I happened to pick two perfect fabrics and everything just came together beautifully.

I laughed when I read that you can't remember how big you were going to make it. That happens to me all the time! You'd think I'd just write it on the pattern or something by now.

[Mary on Lake Pulaski]

That is going to be so pretty Nicole! What a wonderful treasure to find this again and be so excited about it!

[ina]

We all need to have a dedicated sewing space....this craft requires it. Now, it I could just keep my quilting projects in my sewing room instead of all over the house. ;p

[Deb A]

Amazing how that secondary circle pattern stands out...it's very pretty.

[sherri]

After having everything boxed up for so long, I bet everyday in the studio is so wonderful!

[Grandma Goose]

I remember seeing this pattern when you first started it and and was so fascinated by the pattern that I sent for the book and templates. What size templates are you using for your quilt?

[Bari Jo]

I bet it does feel good to be back in the saddle again, huh? :O) Love the blocks and it is so cool how they make circles when put side by side - I've never seen that block before - way cool! Happy Easter!

[Jan]

What a find! Hidden 'treasure!' The secondary circles are so interesting! Have a great Easter with your family...Eva will love hunting for eggs this year!

[Susan Ramey Cleveland]

Glad you found it. I love blue and white quilts. Happy Easter to all of you, Nicole. Bet there'll be an Easter egg hunt somewhere around your place tomorrow.

[Hanya]

Hi Nicole

Love your quilts and look forward to reading your posts. Especially love your remodelled studio.

[Anita]

Love the secondary circles! I almost didn't notice them until you pointed them out, then I can't miss them. Can't wait to see it done :)