About a year ago, as I was browsing a pattern section of one of my favorite online fabric stores, I came across Denyse Schmidt's Cog + Wheel quilt pattern. Being a huge fan and crushing hard on "all things Denyse", I bought it without much thinking and could not wait for it to arrive so I could start making my own Cog + Wheel quilt. How totally exciting, right?
Well, as soon as the pattern arrived and I took a closer look at the actual quilt, I knew it was way above my skill level. There were templates (I hate templates), and curves, tons of curves and inset circle piecing!!!! At least I was reasonable enough to realize my limitations I set the pattern aside.
And then, the other day, I started thinking about this quilt again. I was really hoping that the last year of obsessive quilting has brought my skills to the next level and maybe, just maybe, I could try to tackle it now?
You know what? I totally did manage to make one of the blocks. Yay!!! It took a while and I had to concentrate a lot to make sure all the pieces were in the right place and the seams matched, but it was so well worth all the effort.
This block, however, was my second try for the night. My first block did not turn out that well. Not because of my sewing, though, but because of the wrong choice of fabric on my part. Want to see?
I wanted to make it using these pretty pastels and ignored Denyse's advice about more contrast in fabrics used, and the block completely lost its graphic beauty that drew me to it in the first place.
I'm definitely not letting this block bring me down, though. I was so excited about the successful Chicopee one that I decided to make the whole quilt. I'm going to make 9 blocks, taking my time with each one (because they do take a lot of time), and working on other things in between. And, I think I'll stick with Chicopee, and maybe some Hope Valley for the whole quilt because, really, Denyse knows best!
Hope you all have a lovely Sunday. Svetlana
What a great block! Good for you for stretching yourself :)
ReplyDeleteYour Chicopee block (and piecing) looks wonderful! It is a stand-out. I actually like your first block, too. It would make a nice round table quilt for a small table for spring ... :) Pat
ReplyDeleteThe Chicopee is amazing, and the other isn't so bad x
ReplyDeleteYay!! Great job! :0)
ReplyDeleteYour block looks fabulous!!
That is a gorgeous block! Great job! I don't think I would be up for tackling it!
ReplyDeleteStunning block, look forward to seeing the whole quilt.
ReplyDeleteit's gorgeous! I've looked at that pattern and always liked it -- you did a great job!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, I absolutely LOVE the Chicopee block! It's gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteoh am I jealous! Your block is spectacular! thanks for always sharing your "not so good" stuff--it inspires the rest of us to take chances!
ReplyDeleteThis block is clearly not too hard for you at all. It is interesting how different the fabric choices make a block look.
ReplyDeleteWow you've really come so far in 3 years! The second block you made is gorgeous. What an accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteOoh, it looks fab! The first one doesn't look bad, it's just not as striking
ReplyDeleteThat Chicopee blocks looks great! That pattern is on my someday list too.
ReplyDeleteWay to stretch our quilting muscles :) I am sure the finished product will be a stunner!
ReplyDeleteThe Chicopee block looks amazing! I have had this quilt on my to-do list for a while, but I don't know if I will actually work up the courage to try it. Thanks for sharing your not-so-favorite block too, but I still think it looks pretty great :)
ReplyDeleteYay! so true! I love that pattern...I gave the quilt to my sister a couple of years ago. It is a great quilt...so worth the extra concentration!
ReplyDeleteYour Chicopee one is perfect! I love this pattern too and have wondered about my ability to try it! I will watch with interest while yours continues to grow!
ReplyDeleteWell done! Totally agree on keeping it in Denyse fabrics. Will make it just slightly more special =)
ReplyDeleteGreat job! It looks like a challenging block to piece
ReplyDeleteWow, that is impeccably sewn! (IMHO) I would be quite proud if I'd done it!
ReplyDeletefantastic block, and thank you for showing your first attempt. It's great to see the difference that contrast makes.
ReplyDeleteGood on you for pushing your boundaries! The block looks great, and yes my first reaction would be the same as yours. Templates, no I don't do them. Curves, no I don't do them either. I wouldn't have bought the pattern!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post, Svetlana. It's so good to hear about the challenges of everyday quilting. If I had to pick a favorite fabric designer, I think it would be Denyse Schimidt. Her designs are always such a delight. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing both of your blocks - it is so refreshing to see things that don't work out. But the chicopee block is beautiful. I look forward to seeing the progression of your quilt.
ReplyDeleteI have this pattern too but have not attempted it yet. I like your Chicopee block a lot
ReplyDeleteYour color choices are gorgeous! Beautiful block :)
ReplyDeleteSimply great! Looks very complicated but very well pieced!
ReplyDeleteAnother of your georgeous projects!
Greetings from far Germany, where spring awakes :)