Nebula Block 5

I just completed 4 variations of Block 5 for my Nebula Block of the Month sew along. 

I cut 2 practice blocks... supplementing with Homemade fabrics.

And then began block 5's kit:

Alas... I got a bit too confident sewing strip sets and completely flipped things up :(

I did not see it- until it was on my quilt wall...

so, seam ripper made its reluctant return :(

Thank goodness for that hangpin technique, my roller, and determination...

And finally:

Nebula Bocks: 5

English Paper Piecing 1 2 3 4 5

I think I may be addicted! Alas, this is probably not the best hobby in the world for someone with arthritis and bifocals... 

BUT- I DON'T CARE!

I cannot remember the last time a new project seduced me like this one. 

I am determined to keep up with my blocks of the month... But- just 2 more weeks to go on my free motion quilting challenge and then I can give this nearly all my attention 😁

🎼So, let's start at the very beginning...

A very good place to start 🎼

(Oh wait, that's the Sound of Music- but- quite a bit of this reminds me of playing with my kids and those old A & C projects in our Barney Bag.)

I spent far too much time on line mesmerized and just trying to make that first decision. Eventually, I spotted a pieced center another quilter used on a block and I was inspired to grab my Tula Pink fabrics and my TP Nebula pattern pieces and acrylic pieces and finally give it a go.

English Paper Piecing meant the purchase of more "toys" than I have treated myself to in a very long time! So excited. I needed to update my cutting wheel since after 5+ years its nicks were a problem. I needed glue sticks, needles, threads, something to help thread those damn needles, a scissor I could travel with... the shopping list grew longer the more I explored chat boards! 

Finally, after completing multiple online Utube shares with Tula and others I began.

New blade in my TP rotary cutter- with my acrylic pieces centered over design... I took a deep breath- hoped my geometric math was right and went for it.

And: Not perfect- But I was thrilled!

The prep work- (once you finally choose the fabrics) is SEW much fun. I love picking the spots to cut... and then gluesticking to the card stock. I feel like I am back in diorama construction!

My handstitching is s-l-o-w... but steady. I feel like it will only improve. (Hopefully with both matching points & not showing. Speedier may be too much to wish for?)

I find it so exciting to watch the designs form in a way it just wasn't visible before I actually sewed it in to place!

Since I was about to fly off for family visits... I prepared as many blocks as I could in advance so I would have plenty of EPP to keep me busy on the planes and at the house.

I placed each set in its own ziplock bag and created mini kits easy to pull out and sew on the go.

Here is me sewing on the plane!

By the time I flew 🏡 home, I had created many stars and a few full blocks.

And then- I proudly layed out my work for a pic and spotted my error 😬

ARGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

2 of those buggers are facing in!

Thankfully, Row 5 had not been sewn in place yet!

Me and my seam ripper bonded and I spent the weekend in reboot mode... Eventually- I was back 

Tula says to remove the cardstock once fabric is sewn in place on all sides.

I'm half way through sewing ring 5 in place. 

My stitchwork is defiantly improving... 

it is very tricky getting just the right amount of glue stick... thread in the corner... and piecing the edges.

But I am getting better!

&

I AM LOVING E.P.P.

AND

check it out.

In Florida-

I got an early score on a shop owners newest Tula release 

Curiouser and Curiouser!

Flora & Foliage Week 3 & 4: Free-Motion Quilting Challenge

I traveled to LA last weekend & Florida this week... so my sewing time has mainly been spent on EPP.

But I have managed to keep up somehow with my Flora & Foliage free-motion quilting challenge.

Weeks 3 & 4 were: 

Getting "Curvy" & jumping "peddles"... 

Her videos always share the technique "how to and that offers only a jumping off point for wherever my quilters fancy guides me.

Week 3: the Flower Meander

Her video tape reminds to:

• Keep the Petals the Same Size

• Fill in the Gaps

• Use the Petals to Move Around

Week 4 was all about the PEBBLES!

Her video shared the following Tips

 for Machine Quilting Pebbles

• Aim for Smooth, not Perfect

• Find the Right Speed

• Travel, Travel, Travel

Somehow-I am keeping up.

&

EPP is def becoming an obsession!!!