Sunday 29 November 2015

putting your own spin on things


The Emperors Wheel pattern caught my eye some time ago, it's one of Chris Jurd's paper pieced beauties, have you seen it? Inspired by Alison from little island quilting and her colourful version, I ordered the pattern. When it arrive I began reading, and rereading the pattern. I tried to visualise just how it all went together, but actually, I'm really just better off to simply get busy and slowly work my way through it. So last week I jumped right in and made a start. Here's a few progress pics...


a little 'mod corsage' centre block 


a spot of paper piecing


 it's a messy business (sigh!)


After a couple of days break, I came back to it and began playing with the composition slightly
- I remembered that branches do need to begin & end somewhere!


auditioning for the background of my centre block





Centrepiece all completed & background attached


The centre wheel called for a focus fabric, it sets the tone for the quilt and is a good way to feature a larger print. I substituted this with my little bit of improv 'mod corsage.' I also then toyed with adapting the pattern just a bit more. But things have a habit of changing along the way with me, does that happen to you too?

I really did enjoy making these 'flying geese' using the paper-piecing method, so I am going to continue now as per the pattern, 'cos as they say... 'if it ain't broken - don't fix it.' And, I can see heaps of potential for still making this 'my' quilt, putting my own spin on things by pulling fabrics from my AMH scrapbasket, playing with colour choices, and creating contrast. Next week it's onto the surrounding pieces... and linking up with Cynthia for 'oh scrap' over here 



a bit more # 37
if you want to learn a bit more about creating your own 'mod corsage'
 Anna Maria Horner's online course at Creativebug 
live Febuary 2016
... I'm looking forward to it  :)  


17 comments:

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

This is just lovely! :)

Julierose said...

I agree--stunning piece! I have not tried Broderie Perse--but it looks like a fun method for a medallion.
Hugs, Julierose

Raewyn said...

You really are making it your own,Linda - and it looks great :-)

Karyn said...

I like this!

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

That is quite amazing! I wnt over and looked at the pattern. Are you continuing it out to lap quilt size?

Cathy said...

Delightful!

gayle said...

This is gorgeous! I went to look at the pattern - after this stunning start, I can't wait to see what else you do!

Cynthia Brunz Designs said...

Love it! I will be watching this project closely. Thanks for sharing with Oh Scrap!

Ann Marie said...

Wow. This is beautiful. I like how the lighter whites in your flying geese make that ring sparkle, and how you extended the applique beyond the blue ring.

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

Thank you! It was a bit trial & error with the appliqué, a good way to learn, and I’m pleased with how it turned out. New York Beauty blocks up next, lots of room for scrappy play with these! Linda

Julie said...

I love what you have done here - the colours are perfect, and I adore those flying geese. Yes paper piecing is messy, but the accuracy more than makes up for it. Can't wait to see more of 'your quilt' .

audrey said...

So gorgeous! I just love the colors you put together and your very unique style.:)

Megan said...

That is a gorgeous block Linda - the mod corsage works really well.

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

Thanks Megan! Still lots of trial & error!
You know me, I’m wanting a “pretty” look... with quiet contrast, and without it looking too out of control! Linda

Every Stitch said...

Wow - that is not my usual palette but I just love what you have done with the broderie perse centre - beautiful!

Unknown said...

I plan to make this quilt in class with Chris this year, my BIG 2016 project. I love what you are doing with it, so creative, it is inspiring. L

Little Island Quilting said...

Wow - you go girl!