Monday, September 7, 2009

Single Girl Quilt Block

Rachel from Second Avenue Studio  correctly guessed what I was working on last week  to break in the new Bernina!

I absolutely adore the Single Girl Quilt designed by Denyse Schmidt and have been working on a test block for a few days. I am determined to make this quilt, and have tested the pattern with White Kona Cotton as a background.


I do love how the crisp white fabric contrasts so brilliantly with the vividly colored printed fabrics. I am however considering using a grey or beige solid fabric instead and have been perusing the Kona Cotton color charts.

When I received the patterned I was most surprised to find that the arcs are pieced by individual templates rather than a foundation pieced arc. There are four arcs that make up each circle and each of the four arcs are different and require the making of up to 8 templates. Each circle has a total of 32 templates and just copying, cutting and pasting onto colored lightweight cardboard was an effort in itself.


Now I just need to make up my mind about the color for the background fabric and I will be all set to go. I am looking forward to having a more long term project that I can work on as I feel like over the next few months. There are bound to be many distractions though, including some much anticipated school holidays!

38 comments:

  1. I recognised the hint too, and am very interested in your progress. I have used a bundle of Ingigo, pewter and honey range by Judi Rothermel along with 16 other repros to go on a background of soft golden tiny floral. I have cut out sufficient for a king sized (nothing like doing things in moderation!) and quite enjoyed the cutting and pasting template part of the process. My practise block is 1930's on a buttery yellow linen and looks good enough to make up more for a cot sized top. Don't forget that there is a 1/2" seam when sewing the 4 arcs together, I guess its included to allow for fudging those blocks just enough to kiss it's neighbour.

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  2. It may take a bit of work but it will definately be worth it.

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  3. Oh yes, stunning. I can't believe how much work is involved though, it will certainly be a quilt to treasure. Aren't the Kona colours wonderful? xo

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  4. I'll be anxious for your review... I'd like to make one of these for my guest room...

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  5. I love your new quilt! That would be great for using up scraps too I guess. I Love quilts with loads of white. I think I really like the stitching mostly. You've done a fabulous job of getting the curve nice and flat - good for you!

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  6. This is so different for you to be sewing, Rita - I'm sure you will really enjoy it! I love Kona cotton, but not a lot around here (as usual) - I intend going to a LQS about 60k away tomorrow, to check out which colours they have and to have a look at their Kaffe's!
    Hugs - Lurline♥

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  7. Such a gorgeous quilt and I really like the idea of grey contrast fabric, will be sure to set of the prints beautifully!

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  8. I love the DS quilts, but her patterns are far more complex than they need to be. Such a bold effect in the end.

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  9. It is fab, too bad it is so labor intensive!!!

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  10. oooh how exciting, the practice block looks fab. I'm looking forward to following your progress as I want to make one of these for a wedding present. But I'm struggling to find the pattern - where did you get yours? Good luck!

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  11. I've always admired this quilt, but it looks so very difficult. However, I'm sure you have its measure!

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  12. I only just bought this pattern from the lovely Bella and Vintage last week. I can't wait to see how it turns out, I'm too scared to attempt it just yet. I did noticed though that Pottery Barn is selling the completed quilts on their website. They're so pretty.

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  13. i've wanted to make this quilt.. but now that i see how the pattern is written i'm not to sure... hrm.

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  14. oh...my...i love the single girl quilt...but i'm not sure i'd have the patience...it would most certainly have to be a lil here lil there project....i'm a little tired just looking at all the template papers...

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  15. Sounds like a complicated process but it might serve to slow you down a little. LOL!!
    I think the white looks amazing but the other suggestions would be great too.
    Also, that lime green you used recently would also be stunning!!
    Take care and get some rest if you can. I know Monday is your tired day.
    Andi :-)

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  16. wondering what background you're going to use? The white looks nice. Hope you'll let us know how it goes!

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  17. Your block is GORGEOUS! Absolutely stunning. Great mix of fabrics. Cannot wait to see how the whole quilt comes together!

    I bow in admiration for you tackling that pattern. I LOVE the quilt and bought the pattern, but I just haven't worked up the nerve or fortitude to tackle the templates. Someday! You're inspiring me! :)

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  18. I haven't seen this pattern before but it looks gorgeous!

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  19. Love the fresh colours with the white, although agree with experimenting with the background colour, could work just as well! Good luck, perseverence is the key!

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  20. Your first block looks beautiful, Rita. I have also admired this pattern for a long time. Good luck on choosing the background color!

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  21. What a delicious problem to have rita, choosing the background for what is sure to be a spectacular quilt... I might cast a vote fro grey but just cause I am loving grey at the moment - not because I have any quiltmaking skills.

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  22. IT does sound like a long way to get around this block but I suppose you can cut layers. Her methods are a little different, I noticed in her book. It'll be a great looking quilt when It's done.

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  23. Lovely project, look forward to your progress!

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  24. It looks fantastic. I would have thought it would have been paper pieced as well. I am not too sure that I would have liked the individual templates so much.

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  25. Love, love, love this quilt and it will be wonderful with grey fabric.
    I bought this pattern sometime ago and saw how it was made...just haven't had the time to get to it yet, but I will...someday!

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  26. I've been making mine since last October! And I just got a new machine too so it's inspiring another push forward. I can't wait to see how yours turns out. I love this quilt!

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  27. I am working on this quilt as well although my process is alot slower than yours. I am still cutting patterns out. You inspire me.

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  28. You are doing better than me at Single Girl. I made all the templates, did the first quarter of the arc, and then never got any further! I didn't even got it sewn to the background fabric. Oops. One day maybe...

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  29. WaoW...
    This is indeed a long-term project! And its looks fantastic yet!!!
    I think you will keep this one for you;)

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  30. Love the pattern. It's looks more complicated than I would have guessed, but it also looks like a lot of fun.

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  31. I look forward to see which background fabric you choose. The pattern is great. And so is the fabric.

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  32. I love love love this pattern -- it loooks so difficult though! I can't wait to see yours.

    Hey, do you know why it is called "single girl" pattern?

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  33. Really fun quilt but I would think that it might be easier to paper piece it. I just might have to look in to buying the pattern. It really intrigues me. It's going to be another stunning quilt too! I can tell!

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  34. wow that is a lot of template pieces. i dont know that i could do this! i do love ds but yikes!
    yours will look awesome no doubt. its great to have long and short term projects, no?

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  35. I want one of those so bad! But, I'm pretty sure that it is way over my skill level right now. I'm looking forward to watching it come together.

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  36. Your “test” blocks are gorgeous, I was wondering if this is the pattern you were working on! I just bought it, and want to start it. I need a long afternoon to get all of the templates cut out. I was thinking of using blues/greens on mine, with a white background. Gray would look really pretty with your fabrics! I am sure whatever you choose will be awesome.

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  37. your block looks AMAZING, rita!!! i am about to embark on that journey of a quilt, too. it scares me, but one of these days i'm gonna just jump right in and not look back. :)

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