This pillow was a huge accomplishment for me; in 8 years, I've never successfully paper-pieced - until now! It's just one of those skills that has a) never really been of interest to me, since I'd rather just piece together improvisationally or applique and b) never made sense, even when shown in person (I'm a visual learner).
When I happily signed up to participate in the book blog hop, I didn't realize that my top design choice was a paper-piecing pattern (and an intermediate one at that - gah). But I had to try. The results were nearly perfect (not enough off for me to rip stitches :) ). Using Cheryl and Paige's instructions, I made a pretty successful test block for this design, took a very deep breath, and cut into my Liberty and Loominous fabrics. Yeah, I take risks! I bought the Liberty during Savannah's QuiltCon, actually, so this was the perfect project for it. The fabrics have been lying around together for a while now, just waiting to be made into something.
As a beginner paper-piecer, I was really surprised at how fast just one block came together. I finished off the pillow top with a couple of coordinating border fabrics that speak to me.
For the quilting, I used Aurifil 2600 (dove gray) to emphasize the plus block design. Pillows are so quick and fun to quilt; my quilts tend to "go big or go home" so this was a pleasurable task. Since this pillow is for keeps (as shown on my couch in the first picture), the back is this lovely purple ginkgo leaf linen that I've been holding onto for dear life (Geishas and Ginkgos by Lonni Rossi). Now it's being used! A miracle!
My pillow turned out better than I could possible imagine, and to be completely honest, I can credit the book's clear directions with my understanding of paper-piecing (so thank you eternally, Cheryl and Paige!). Not all the quilts in the book require paper-piecing, but there's certainly a wide variety of plus block designs and gorgeous color combinations (maybe I'm biased, but check out the book quilt below - amazing, right?).
"Faceted Rings" quilt in Modern Plus Sign Quilts - Credit: C&T Publications
Make sure to check both blogs for a giveaway daily, and to purchase a signed copy of the book, you can visit Cheryl's or Paige's Etsy shop. Check your local quilt shop, Amazon, and C&T Publishing for unsigned copies. And since the fun continues, read on below to see more Faceted Rings quilts and other book quilts all over the internet. Happy hopping!
MODERN
PLUS SIGN BOOK HOP SCHEDULE
Monday, March 12th
Tuesday, March 13th
Wednesday, March 14th
Thursday, March 15th
Stacey
@ Stacey In Stitches
Friday, March 16th
Monday, March 19th
Tuesday, March 20th
Wednesday, March 21st
Thursday, March 22nd
Friday, March 23rd
I'd say you're now a pro at paper piecing, Jessica! Well done! And how ironic, that Blueberry park print in your border is the same backing on Faceted Rings. Thank you so much for your contribution to the book hop!
ReplyDeleteYou chose wonderful fabrics, and they go so well together. Love the finish , it will always be in good use, and so much admired.
ReplyDeleteClever use of colours and fabrics have resulted in a wonderful cushion. It looks comfy and inviting for curling up on the sofa. A great version of a very versatile pattern.
ReplyDeleteYour pillow looks great! Small projects are a great way to give paper piecing a try.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great cushion Jess - your sofa looks wonderful with all that gorgeous colour!! Congratulations on your first paper piecing project - be aware that it can become addictive!!
ReplyDeleteThe pillow came out wonderful! Great fabric choices. Glad you gave paper piecing a try - it can be quite addictive so watch out!
ReplyDeleteHow nice that you were able to step out of your comfort zone and produce a beautiful pillow for this hop.
ReplyDeleteThis is so cute! I love that you used some sentimental fabrics to make it. :D
ReplyDeleteI love that you get to keep the pillow for yourself, Jess. I would have never guessed that you had not really had success with paper piecing before. I'm glad it went so well!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on making through the paper piecing! It turned out amazing. Your fabrics are inspiring and give the pillow a very scrappy (except it isn't) feel!
ReplyDeleteWonderful! So glad you tried it, had success, and the pillow looks great on your couch!
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely! And you have used your precious stash of Liberty fabric, so I would keep it, also! Awesome!
ReplyDeleteI love the colours you have used so much more than the ones in the book, they really pop. x
ReplyDeleteLooks like you did a great job completing your first paper pieced project. The pillow is beautiful on your couch!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful pillow Jess. I'm glad that you used these special fabrics on a project for yourself. I've been enjoying this blog hop and the different projects created by each artist.
ReplyDeleteMore awesomeness, Jessica. The pillow is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteYour Faceted Rings pillow is gorgeous! I can't believe that this was one of the first times you paper pieced. Your fabric combos and the quilting on the pillow are awesome. Thanks again for being part of the hop!!
ReplyDeleteYour pillow is just too pretty - and what wonderful colors! I love paper-piecing! Thank you, Susan
ReplyDeleteCute pillow. Love your colors
ReplyDeleteI love this! The colors are so much fun and glad you were successful at paper piecing. It is a great technique!
ReplyDeletethis pillow looks awesome Jessica. It's so different than the original but it works so well.
ReplyDeleteI love your fabric choices for this. Beautiful quilting, too. It sure looks at home on your sofa!
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty pillow! And that print on the back is gorgeous! I love all the fabrics in your version. It's nice that you'll get to see it all the time on your couch!
ReplyDeleteThe brilliance here (aside from your paper-piecing triumph, of course!) is the fabric pull. You take chances that I'm too timid to take, and they pay off every time. Well done!
ReplyDeleteGreat pillow Jess! Love the quilting and YAY for tackling pp and so successfully. Cheryl's patterns are so great.
ReplyDeleteI love that you made this as a first time paper-piecer! I found their instructions to be very clear as well. Your pillow is a great testament to the quality of the book--and it's so gorgeous! What a perfect project for your beloved Liberty fabrics.
ReplyDeleteNice job Jessica. The pillow is so pretty. Paper piecing is so frustrating to me. I keep thinking that means I should do more of it. Otherwise how will I ever get the hang of it??? I am glad this was a success for you. :-)
ReplyDeleteI knew you could paper piece! Beautiful job Jess.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your paper piecing adventure. The pillow is awesome. Well done.
ReplyDeleteI love paper piecing and I love your pillow. Thanks for sharing, I enjoy seeing the projects inspired by this book.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on finally "getting" paper piecing! The pillow turned out beautifully. I love the fabrics you chose and your quilting looks great (as always!) :)
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