Petit Four Foundation Piecing

Do you remember this foundation pieced project that was started last fall? It is another Fat Quarter Shop project called Petit Four. It is designed primarily to promote their line of foundation papers, which are actually very good. The quilt itself if more of a table topper, made with four-inch foundation pieced blocks. There are options to make a larger quilt, which is done by using larger foundation papers. A smaller project is just perfect for this quilter, as I have more than enough bed quilts!

I do enjoy foundation piecing and think this sweet blue and white project will be really lovely in January when I crave a simple color scheme after all the color chaos of the holidays.

As with just about all Fat Quarter Shop sew-alongs, there are YouTube tutorials showing tips and tricks to making your blocks a success. I have been watching them on YouTube and find them helpful as well as inspirational.

So here's what I've done so far.


I started out with a bang last October and completed my first two series of blocks: Courthouse Steps and Economy. I petered out and went on to the next new and shiny project, leaving this one by the wayside. I decided to pick it up again and get these blocks done.


I made 12 Log Cabin blocks yesterday. Kimberly said she thought she could crank them out in about 3 hours, but it definitely took me a lot longer than that. Maybe 6 hours, including cutting, sewing, and trimming time.

The thing about foundation paper piecing is that your blocks come out so darn perfect. It is time-consuming, but ever so satisfying. Aren't they pretty?

There are five different blocks total in the quilt top: Courthouse Steps, Economy, Log Cabin, Pineapple, and Snails Trail. They are arranged to form a symmetrical pattern which is very pleasing to the eye, I think.


Here's what's up next: The Pineapple Block. This block is my nemesis for sure. I have made it in the past using a couple of different trim rulers, but got inconsistent results. My friend Thelma made a gorgeous Pineapple quilt using foundation paper and hers turned out perfectly. Go take a look at hers, it is breath-taking. I only need to make 8 of these blocks, but I know it is going to take some time. Check back in with me and see how I do!

 

Comments

[Carol]

LOVE this quilt— yes, the papers are time consuming but perfect. So I clicked the Thelma link—WOW— but then she had a 2013 link back to you— did you ever finish your red pineapple that year? The Fat Quarter Shop’s new star papers would be amazing, but I am committing my time to UFOs for the foreseeable future.

[Joy]

You are always pulling another stunning project out of your stash - so amazing & beautiful!! I love seeing what you are working on - you are such an inspiration! So glad I found your blog - exciting, encouraging & beautiful projects:)!
My Summer in the Country top is finished with borders, now to do a backing & have hubby quilt it - I am so blessed to have a long-armer at my beck & call :)!
Happy sewing, can't wait to see the pineapple blocks.

[Norma]

I did my Petit Four in fall colors. It's the quilt that convinced me to love the perfection of paper piecing. I would love to make a small red and white pineapple quilt some day. I agree that FPP blocks are very satisfying.

[Katherine]

What a lovely pattern and you blue and white blocks are so pretty. You will have a gorgeous table topper!

[Jan]

I gravitate toward using blue after the Fall & Winter holidays. Until it's back to reds & pinks for Valentine's Day. I suppose blue is calming after a few months of bright colors everywhere. Please share your pineapple quilt photos again sometime. Have a restful weekend!

[Diane]

Pineapple blocks have been my nemesis as well, which makes me sad because I love the look of them. I started one years ago and ended up throwing away the blocks I had done and using the rest of the fabric for a different project. I went so far as to give away my ruler, I hated it so much. Good luck with the papers!

[Mary]

You can't beat a blue/white quilt for sure.

It was good to see Thelma's red/white pineapple! I remember when she posted that, and it's inspired me to think I need this quilt in my collection as well. Unfortunately, I have yet to start one.