I'm happy to report that I got that out of my system, and can now go back to my mini. Let's just say, I didn't find making the Pine Burr Block quite as addicting as LeAnn over at Nifty Quilts. From now on, I think I'll satisfy myself with seeing those beauties come together over on her blog, instead of in my sewing room. I love the way my block looks, but getting there...whew! LeAnn obviously has talents (and patience and persistence and vision) that I just don't possess!
I cut my 12.5" square piece of muslin, cut out the fabric I wanted in the center of my block (surprise, I didn't quite follow the directions - I wanted a focus fabric in the center, not the burrs), and cut my first ring of 3" squares to then make into prairie points and set around the center. I could tell RIGHT AWAY that this block was going to take more time and fabric than I was anticipating. I immediately trimmed my muslin down to 10.5" square.
A couple rows (and a couple hours) in, as I cut and folded and pressed and pinned and sewed and repeated, I went ahead and trimmed it down to 9.5" square. I swear to you, if I had left it at 12.5", I'd probably still be working on it. Holy moly!
And not only is that block a lot of work, it is also HEAVY! I could rename this post, "The Heaviest Quilt Block EVER!" Or, I could rename it "Orphaned at Birth," because I feel pretty confident that I won't be making any more of these blocks. I kid you not, I used nearly a full quarter yard of fabric on just the teal color. There is probably over 1 yard of fabric in that one little (heavy) 9.5" block! I can't imagine how heavy a whole quilt would be made this way. It would smother a child or small pet. You could use it as blackout drapes. Folding it would constitute a weight training workout.
IF I were to make another, and that is a huge IF, mind you, I'd go ahead and just use my scrappy, pre-cut 3" squares. That would reduce a lot of the time from cutting, and would make a nice dent in my precut stash. Or maybe I'd use larger squares? We may never know.
For now, I'm going to finish that puppy off into something useful - maybe a hot pad for setting hot dishes on the table? Or a candle mat? Or what? Any suggestions out there in blogland? After all that time and fabric, that block is going to become SOMETHING!!!
10 comments:
This threw me as this is not the true tradition Pine Burr Block.
http://www.quilterscache.com/P/PineBurrBlock_Page2.html
ha ha ha,
I think I would like the weight, I thought about doing it as a rug, long and narrow for my hallway. maybe I could make 3 or 4 rectangle blocks and join them.
I knew you would make at least one. I have a potholder that is this style. maybe I should just be satisfied with it- lol
What about a pillow?
What a fun post! I'm sorry it was so hard. I think it's a lot easier when the squares are already cut. Mine are polyester too, which helps with the weight problem. I love your focus fabric in the middle with your solids all around. I've certainly tried things--like some paper piecing--that I've sworn against too. I hope it will be a trophy to your tenacity and persistence.
I think a wall quilt is in order. You could thrown on a border and binding--done. Then hang in your sewing area. If you ever feel down or just need a positive thought, remember that you had the patience, persistence, and vision it took to complete that block. It is exactly the size it is supposed to be. Stop comparing it. It's yours. It's you. It's fabulous!
I wondered how heavy this would be.
I'd vote hot pad for table use because of all the fabric in it. It's lovely, but it does sound like a lot of work. Lane
Despite it bieng heavy and taking you a long time to do , I think it looks very impressive. Hot pad all the way so you can show it off often !
made have been a lot of effort, but it's awesome. would make a great pillow and I bet the kids would love the texture of it.
I can see why you had to make the Pine Burr block. It looks like a challenge. I think it will make a great hot pad. I think I'll have to make one too. Let us know how well it works.
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