New York Beauty - Block #3

      I have finished my three test blocks of New York Beauty Block #3.  As you may recall, I am testing out some patterns in anticipation of working on a quilt for my guild's quilt show in September, with the plan to use some bright and cheery Kaffe Fassett fabrics which my sisters generously gave me last year for my birthday/retirement.   I am testing the blocks, and testing my skills, with some left -over Kaffe Fassett material from an earlier quilt.  I am unexpectedly madly in love with the moodiness of these fabrics and how they all go together!  My plan (dictated the size of my fabric selection)  is to do 5 different New York Beauty patterns.
     I am getting much better at the paper piecing of the fan portions, and really like the spikiness of this pattern. I am now removing the paper backing before sewing anything else and also trying to leave a bit more on the sides, since some of my earlier blocks have been a little off.   I am still having some issues with sewing the little bands to the corner piece. Such a tight little curve.

The messy piece before trimming! 

Trimmed! 

 

     Each finished individual block will be 8 inches square.  As I near completion of these blocks, I am trying to decide whether to make a table runner (which would be quite wide) or make a wall hanging which would be 32 inches square.   I have enough fabric to insert setting triangles if I do a table runner.

Auditioning the blocks as a table runner.

Another close up of Block #3 next to Block #1

Trying to visualize the wall hanging! 

      I need to get these blocks finished up since I will have to get started pronto on the quilt if I have any chance of finishing it in time!

     I also was able to quilt and bind three small quilt tops made by another guild member for my guild's charity.   I used a bright varigated Aurifil thread to complement the bright and diverse fabrics in these tops.  I also practiced finishing the binding by machine, rather than hand sewing.  

Two of the three charity quilts.  I must not have taken a picture of the third!  

Happy St. Patrick's Day, and have a good week!  Thanks for visiting my blog!

Take care,
Gretchen