Lots has transpired since my last post, but since it's been so long since I've written about a new project, I'm starting with that. If this looks a little familiar, I'll say at the outset that, yes, these were leftover 2" squares from Molly's quilt. To back up a little, we were away for 10 days and during our trip, I came across an online quilt challenge. I usually enjoy watching these from the sidelines, but found myself returning to the idea of participating so many times that upon our return, I took the small step of starting a trial piece. That's me ~ jump right in, by dipping one toe in the water. (Which reminds me of something I hadn't thought of in many years, that on the last day of summer camp one year, no one went into the water until I 'ducked', because I was always the last to get wet. Some things don't change...)
The reason I wanted to do a test run was because this challenge is to make a Trip Around the World quilt, by hand, and the instructions said roughly, 'cut out 2" squares and sew them together, row by row, eyeballing the seam allowance as you go'. I'm laughing at myself as I type this but my initial reaction was, 'Eyeball the seam allowance?! I always make window templates for handpiecing'. Followed by the immediate realization that of course I knew what 1/4" was after so many years of quilting (I could probably do it by touch!) and that these were simple squares, very easy, right? Not to mention that all of the old quilts were done this way.
Wacky, mid-twentieth century Trip Around the World quilts are among my favorites, but the other thing that gave me pause (and this may have crossed your mind, too) was how much whining I've been doing about Molly's wedding quilt, a Many Trips Around the World, stitching through all of those thick seam joins. But while I made my test block, someone posted the back of her block and she was pinwheeling the seams, something you can do with a hand-pieced TATW. Bulky seam problem solved! With that realization, I was all in.
There are some rules for this challenge, but they are being doled out piecemeal, sort of 'mystery quilt' style. Again, something I don't usually go for, but I'm having fun with this. One is that a red/dot fabric of some sort must be used as the center square and then repeated in several subsequent rounds. I chose these three fabrics to start.
The first rows go quite quickly. The biggest challenge for me is trying to keep the fun, wacky vibe of the old quilts while considering colors, patterns, value and scale of fabric designs.
So far, so good, but this is not called a challenge for nothing. For me, the challenge is definitely choosing one fabric at a time. No turning back! (Well, maybe a teeny backward step once in a while, but who wants to rip out handpiecing?) The handwork is very relaxing, it's a perfect carry-along project and there are forced pauses, while awaiting the next instructions. (All the better, as I have yet another new *something* stirring...)
Chatham, Massachusetts
So, where've I been? Up in Massachusetts, *home*, for a niece's wedding. We took extra time as long as we were making the trip and were away for 10 days, a wonderful time celebrating with family. The wedding was lovely, near the coast, and everything was picture perfect, including so many details ~ place cards, favors, even the groom & ushers' ties ~ using Liberty fabric. That caught my eye right away!!
The best fried clams ~ Woods Seafood, Plymouth, Massachusetts
We spent a few (too few) days following at the Cape with Molly & her husband, on his first trip to New England. The view from our place in Chatham pretty much sums up our days. It was a full trip of visits and travel, not to mention numerous indulgences of our very-missed food favorites. It felt good to get back to Ohio, but I wish we lived closer. The good news? A nephew got engaged last week so we'll be back soon. *wink*
What a fun new project! Your fabric choices look great so far! Sounds like you had a lovely trip. I look forward to watching your TATW progress :0)
Posted by: janet | May 31, 2014 at 11:52 PM
I always like the colors that you choose. I love hand piecing and quilting , it is somewaht of a lost thing i think with everyone in such a hurry. I think the colors are awesome in your blocks. I grew up in Youngstown , and Cincinnati Ohio but I live in New Jersey and we love going to the Islands of Mass. We had friends on Nantucket and we visited in summers there. Its been a while since we have been back so I know the feeling..Izzy
Posted by: Izzy | June 01, 2014 at 12:52 AM
The TATW challenge sounds like fun, could you share the link or is it a private group?
Posted by: Valerie | June 01, 2014 at 01:03 AM
I have followed your blog for years and when you first popped up in the TAXC feed I wondered if it was you. On FB I am bibbot. I am trying not to think what will come next but let each row choose itself. Totally unlike me. I am never good with keeping up but hoping I can this time.
Posted by: Brenda | June 01, 2014 at 05:08 AM
Your TATW sounds (and looks)wonderful! What a great idea for a relaxing hand stitching project.:)
Posted by: audrey | June 01, 2014 at 02:53 PM
Ah,fried clams. I haven't had those in years. I use to visit my mom and dad every summer in
Rhode Island, their last home before Dad retired. A feast of lobster rolls and Little Neck clams was always a must.
Posted by: Heidi | June 01, 2014 at 10:42 PM
Wow. As usual, your fabric combinations are stunning Jan. Will this be a traditional trip around the world with just one center for the whole quilt? Or are there many TATW blocks? Looking forward to following your progress!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | June 02, 2014 at 05:22 PM
whee, fun!
Posted by: Tonya Ricucci | June 02, 2014 at 05:40 PM
Oh dear.....this challenge is calling to me too! I've resisted so far, but yours looks so lovely, I fear I'm weakening! Like the look of your seaside break!
Posted by: Meredithe | June 04, 2014 at 03:03 AM
LOVE your blocks, but the clams! I used to live in White Horse Beach and I miss the clams!
Posted by: Shari | June 13, 2014 at 08:39 AM
I am a long time quilter and ashamed to admit that I do not recall this "pinwheel" piecing method. I think I can figure it out but do you know if there is tutorial anywhere? Would love to use it.
Posted by: Mona Keegan | July 06, 2014 at 08:07 PM
I just found your picture of a wagon wheel quilt you were working on in 2010 and which you were thinking of embellishing with crazy quilt style embroidery. I don't know if you ever did the stitching, but I found it when trying to find an image of a quilt like an antique my great great grandmother (Gramma Daisy) made in 1897. It is very like yours with the wagon wheel design and lots of deep rich colors and black background. She decorated each seam with a different style of crazy quilt - like embroidery. Fantastic. Your concept was really authentic. Grandma Daisy lived in Bluefield WV - in the mountains - and she was born in 1836. The quilt used lots of silk (which isn't holding up so well) and velvet. Hope your quilt came out well.
Posted by: Betsy Klinger | October 01, 2014 at 11:13 PM