Aspen Grove {Forest QAL Block 3}

This is another project I've been working on slowly over the last week (I lost count of how many hours it took - maybe 8?) - the amazing Aspen Grove block designed by Caroline of Trillium Designs. Living in Australia, I've never seen an actual aspen grove, so I had to do a bit of googling to find some images as inspiration. Some of the tree trunks in the pictures I found were mostly white with black markings, which is why I used the Madrona Road text print for the trunks. It is a little warped from all the long, thin pieces, but I think once the paper is off it should flatten out with a good helping of steam.

The background is quilter's linen, which I love - it gives a really subtle texture without distracting from the trunks and leaves. I really love this one :o)

I'm really happy I'm keeping up with the QAL so far - although I'm now going to be rushing to get my March bee blocks done over the next few days. Whoops. This paper piecing thing is totally addictive though, and I can't wait to get started on the next block.

xx Jess

Feathers {Forest QAL}

Over the last week I've been working on the second block in the Forest QAL - feathers. I honestly think this is one of the most beautiful paper pieced patterns I've ever seen. If I thought I could do it with my sanity intact, I'd make a whole quilt of these.

Fabric selection for these was so very tricky. I looked at countless feather photos online trying to decide what palette I wanted to use, but nothing really clicked for me. I decided to make up a feather (not based on a real bird feather) but use colours that could be found in nature.

I'm pretty happy with how it came out - it doesn't sit especially flat, but I think once I remove the paper (after piecing it into the quilt top) and lots of steam, it (hopefully) should be okay.

xx Jess

WIP Wednesday - Making sushi of the fabric kind, and a destash GIVEAWAY!!!