Nearly Insane Quilt - Block 70

Block 70 - Nearly Insane Quilt

I feel as if I have really started the countdown towards the end of the Nearly Insane Quilt blocks now. I am even thinking that my next update will be when they are all complete!  Over the past year all this experience has helped me fine tune my design skills using tone, and I have really gained specialist knowledge about red and white fabrics on the current market!

Block 70 - red and white fabrics

For Block 70 I have managed to squeeze eight different fabrics into the 6 inch square, covering all shades from dark to light (all listed at the bottom of this post) - a real exercise in tone.  Even so, now it is finished there are still changes I would make ...

English Paper Piecing - Nearly Insane Quilt

This is another star block, all done by English paper piecing.  I will admit that if I had been doing this project on the sewing machine there is no way I would have got this far.  As you know some of the pieces are really small, and I wouldn't have been able to even handle them under the machine.  EPP has made it a very pleasant journey. It doesn't just have to be hexies!


Block 70 - Nearly Insane Quilt

NUMBER OF PIECES:  53
DIFFICULTY: 1/10
SMALLEST PIECE: Triangle 3/4" (20mm) x 9/16" (15mm) x 9/16" (15mm)
LARGEST PIECE: Triangle 3" (76mm) x 2  1/8" (53mm) x 2  1/8" (53mm)
TECHNIQUE: English Paper Piecing (EPP)
FABRICS:
Polka Party III by Holly Holderman, Lakehouse Drygoods (#03035)
Red Garden Pindot by Michael Miller Fabrics 
Spraytime (Scarlet) by Makower #2800-R06
Apple Line Red Swirl by Alice Kennedy for Timeless Treasures  # C5710
Homeschool Mini Mono Floral Red, LB Krueger for Windham Fabrics SKU# 35182-3
Cherry Sketch Basic Collection by Timeless Treasures #C8224
White floral on red (unknown)
Days Gone By Exclusively Quilters

Nearly Insane Quilt - Block 54

Block 54 - Nearly Insane Quilt

I have been waiting for a block in my Nearly Insane quilt where I would have an excuse to use my red peppermint fabric again and Block 54 is the lucky one!  I do love a good novelty fabric.  Whilst they don't always reach the sales counter with me, I always take time in a quilt shop to check I am not missing anything special. I particularly like the food ones - do you have any that you look out for?



Pearlescent star fabric

Also, as it was a star block, I felt it was appropriate to use a new pearlescent star fabric that has joined my fabric stash.  It makes a change from calico, and I am hoping that when the whole quilt is finished the little dots of shimmer will add to the overall effect.


Block 54 - Nearly Insane Quilt

BTW - I have added a search button for my blog on the sidebar.  I think it is mainly for me to keep track of these blocks - better late than never!

Another block, another Whoop Whoop!.  Also joining Crazy Mom Quilts!

NUMBER OF PIECES:  41
DIFFICULTY: 1/10
SMALLEST PIECE: Triangle 3/4" (20mm) x 9/16" (15mm) x 9/16" (15mm)
LARGEST PIECE: Triangle 3" (76mm) x 2  1/8" (53mm) x 2  1/8" (53mm)
TECHNIQUE: English Paper Piecing (EPP)
FABRICS:
Holiday Treats Red Packed Peppermints, Timeless Treasures
Red Garden Pindot by Michael Miller Fabrics 
Spraytime (Scarlet) by Makower #2800-R06
Days Gone By Exclusively Quilters

Nearly Insane Quilt - Edge Block 97

Edge Block 97 - Nearly Insane Quilt

There are 24 edge blocks in total for the Nearly Insane Quilt, as well as the additional corner blocks, and now that Edge Block 97 is complete there are only 2 left to complete.  They don't take long, and throughout this journey I have always seen them as an easy win.  In fact the very first block I did back in February 2013 was an edge block, to ease me in gently.


Edge Blocks - Nearly Insane Quilt

It feels like a while since we had an edge block showcase, so here are the most recent ones that I have done.

Joining up with Slow Stitching Sunday!

NUMBER OF PIECES:  15
DIFFICULTY: 1/10
SMALLEST PIECE: Square  3/4" (18mm) x 3/4" (18mm)
LARGEST PIECE: Square  1 1/2" (38mm) x 1 1/2" (138mm)
TECHNIQUE: English Paper Piecing (EPP)
FABRICS:
Tried and True Raindrops Garnet(04273) by Nanacy Halvorsen, Benartex
Quilter's Memory", Stof Quilter's Basics #4517-118
Kimono Ditzy 843, The Henley Studio, Makower
Counting Sheep BTR 6296 Cherry, Blank Textiles
Mini flower on red (unidentified)
Calico
   

Nearly Insane Quilt - Block 75

Block 75 - Nearly Insane Quilt

I think this is the last of the blocks with a gazillion pieces - well, 153 this time.  As I have said before, these complex mega-piece 6" blocks have been my favourite throughout the Nearly Insane Quilt journey - I am almost sad to think that this is the last one.  When I am doing these complex blocks the pattern builds up as you add each stage. It makes me want to embark on a medallion quilt - maybe that could be the next project?

Block 75 Centre - Nearly Insane Quilt

This is the centre of the block.  The cornerstones are just 1/4" square - tiny!  As the border is also only 1/4" wide, I fussy cut a Pinking Shear stripe from my Mama Said Sew collection to add a bit of interest.  Fussy cutting is becoming a more familiar feature in my patchwork these days.

Block 75 Original pattern

This is a photo of the original pattern in Liz Lois Nearly Insane Quilt pattern book.  You may have noticed that I have made a few changes to the original block.  I have altered the direction of the half square triangles ... and the shape of the triangles ... and the squares in the middle ... and have added some some cornerstones. I'm really pleased with the result.

Block 75 visits Caerhays Castle, Cornwall

With so many pieces, it has taken a while to complete the block, so Block 75 is one of the more well-travelled blocks.  Here you can see it visiting Caerhays Castle in Cornwall, as I managed to complete a few more miles on the Cornish coastal path with my sister over the Bank Holiday weekend.

It's Friday today, so time to link up with Crazy Mom Quilts for a Friday Finish, and a Whoop Whoop!


NUMBER OF PIECES:  153
DIFFICULTY: 2/10
SMALLEST PIECE: Square 1/4" (6mm) x 1/4" (6mm)
LARGEST PIECE: Triangle 1 5/8" (42m) x 1" (26mm) x 1" (26mm)
TECHNIQUE: English Paper Piecing (EPP)
FABRICS:
Polka Party III by Holly Holderman, Lakehouse Drygoods (#03035)
Red Garden Pindot by Michael Miller Fabrics 
Spraytime (Scarlet) by Makower #2800-R06
Cherry Sketch Basic Collection by Timeless Treasures #C8224
Red pindot on cream (unidentified)
Pinking Shears Cream Apple Red, Mama Said Sew, Sweetwater, Moda
Redwork Rendevous by Alex Anderson for P and B Textiles
Tried and True Raindrops Garnet(04273) by Nanacy Halvorsen, Benartex

Nearly Insane Quilt - Draw 25

Nearly Insane Quilt Blocks, 26, 44, 15 - Draw 24

What a set of fine specimens! The sunny spring days have allowed for a photoshoot outside in the vegetable plot.  With a further three blocks done there are only a few  more blocks to be done.  I am still keeping to my lucky draw system and the next blocks have been drawn 

54 - 70 - 75 - 91

 

Keeping rotary cutter blades safe

I am off to prepare the pieces of fabric for the next blocks.  As a treat I have put a new blade into my rotary cutter.  It is difficult to know what to do with the 'blunt' blade, so my solution is to mark it with a permanent marker and put it back in the box, so that when the time comes they can all be disposed of safely together.



Nearly Insane Quilt - Block 44

Block 44 - Nearly Insane Quilt

In her book, Liz Lois admits that she had trouble with this one.  It has four small LeMoyne Star blocks in it, and I knew I had also had trouble with these shapes before.  However I think experience has paid off as for me, it came together first time, and wasn't too much trouble.  Here you can see the completed block resting on some rhubarb leaves!


Block 44 construction - Nearly Insane Quilt

Whilst I often remind you all that these blocks are just 6" square, it is always hard to get the perspective of the tiny pieces I am working on with my pictures via the internet.  Here are the bits and pieces from my travelling sewing bag, which may give you an indication of size.

Nearly Insane Quilt - Cat Assistance

I had the assistance of Suzi the cat when cutting out the pieces.  When she does get involved she is keen to get close to the action - usually the rotary cutting blade!

Nearly Insane Quilt - Cat Assistance

Check out this action shot - such is the fast paced world of patchwork and quilting!

NUMBER OF PIECES:  84
DIFFICULTY: 2/10
SMALLEST PIECE: Triangle  11/16" (18mm) x 1/2" (13mm) x 1/2" (13mm)
LARGEST PIECE: Rectangle  2 1/2" (63mm) x 3/8" (10mm)
TECHNIQUE: English Paper Piecing (EPP)
FABRICS:
Cream Heart Paisley # 14766-15, Midwinter Reds by Minick and Simpson, Moda
"Friendship" (Tonal Red) by Howard Marcus for MODA (Collections For a Cause) # 46130
Red Sprig on Cream (Unidentified)
Pearlescent dot (Unidentified)
Red pindot (Unidentified)
 

Nearly Insane Quilt - Block 26

Block 26 - Nearly Insane Quilt

Another quick block.  I have changed the design slightly, adding the red corner triangles, and merging the centre four squares into one to make the most of some fussy cutting, so just in case the Nearly Insane Quilt Police are out there, it still ends up with more pieces than the original.

Block 26 - Nearly Insane Quilt

As a reminder, I have purchased Liz Lois 'Nearly Insane' book for the design of this quilt, transferred the block designs into Electric Quilt Software, where I have made a few changes as I see fit.

Block 26 - Nearly Insane Quilt

Strangely, this block had the same construction format as Block 51 which I have recently done, but this time I was able to take a photo during the construction process to remind me of what to look out for.  It has that same shaped piece on the sides which requires the block to be pieced in a certain order.

"Wishes" by Sweetwater, "Counting Sheep" Blank Quilting

I have been out and about travelling in the car this weekend which has meant a lot of hand stitching has been done.  We travelled through Dorset, and this always calls for a visit to Hansons Fabrics in Sturminster Newton.  I love the selection of fabrics that they hold there, plus the fact that they have a lot of dressmaking fabric, wool and other craft bits and pieces.  I bought a few fat quarters to supplement my stash and also two more red and white fabrics - yes, I know I only have a few blocks left but it is a hard habit to break! The roundels are from "Wishes" by Sweetwater and I hope to use this for some fussy cutting.  The little swirls "Counting Sheep - Cherry" Calista from Blank Quilting. 

NUMBER OF PIECES:  33
DIFFICULTY: 2/10
SMALLEST PIECE: Triangle  3/4" (18mm) x 1/2" (13mm) x 1/2" (13mm)
LARGEST PIECE: Square  1 1/16" (27mm) x 1 1/16" (27mm)
TECHNIQUE: English Paper Piecing (EPP)
FABRICS:
Christmas Past  (#14547) by Polly Minick and Lauri Simpson for Moda
Cream Heart Paisley # 14766-15, Midwinter Reds by Minick and Simpson, Moda 
Red Heart Paisley # 14766 , Midwinter Reds by Minick andSimpson, Moda
Red and White # 14766 , Midwinter Reds by Minick  and Simpson, Moda
Redwork Rendezvous by Alex Anderson for P and B Textiles
Pearlescent dot (Unidentified)
 

Nearly Insane Quilt - Block 15

Block 15 - Nearly Insane Quilt

The fabric choice for this blocks went through A LOT of auditioning.  The Days Gone By fabrics are really pretty, but the white background is VERY white, and I have found that it stands out from the more off-white blocks in the Nearly Insane Quilt.  It has been those 'white' blocks which I have considered re-doing.  In this block, I think I have pulled it back by using the Somerset Shirtings which is more off-white.  I also changed the centre square from a rectangle design to a simplified square in a square, to show off a bit of fussy cutting.


Block 15 - Nearly Insane Quilt

Once the colour choice was decided, putting it together was easy.  Sewing progress has felt a bit slow this past week, thank goodness for the weekend!


NUMBER OF PIECES:  37
DIFFICULTY: 1/10
SMALLEST PIECE: Triangle, 1" (25mm) x 11/16" (17mm) x 11/16" (17mm)
LARGEST PIECE: Rectangle 1 7/16" (36mm) x 1 7/16" (36mm)
TECHNIQUE: English Paper Piecing (EPP)
FABRICS:
Red Garden Pindot by Michael Miller Fabrics
Red Hoops (5493-31)"Mama Said Sew" Collection by Sweetwater for Moda Spraytime (Scarlet) by Makower #2800-R06
Days Gone By for Exclusively Quilters (Cherry Print and Abstract Squares)
Somerset Shirtings c 1890 by Julie Hendrickson and Nancy Gere, Windham Fabrics # 35205
Calico

Joining up with Crazy Mom Quilts

Nearly Insane Quilt - Draw 24

Nearly Insane Quilt - Draw 23, Blocks, 2, 27, 51

As you have seen from my recent Nearly Insane Quilt update, good progress is being made overall on this project.  Draw 23 was a gift, with just 106 pieces in total for all the blocks.  As you know there have been some blocks which have had at least twice as many pieces in just one single block.


Equilateral Triangle Quilt compared to Nearly Insane Quilt block

Just for fun I took this picture of the Triangle quilt I have recently made and one of my Nearly Insane blocks.  In the right-hand bottom corner you can see Nearly Insane Quilt Block 18, which has 243 pieces in it.  That is just 16 less pieces than this whole quilt!

Looking at the remaining blocks there seems to be just one more 'beast' in terms of pieces (Block 75) but having just made Draw 24, it seems I am safe this time ...

 

15 - 26 - 44 - 97

Nearly Insane Quilt - Easter 2014 Update

Nearly Insane Quilt Progress - April 2014

Happy Easter! High days and holidays are always a good excuse to lay out all my Nearly Insane quilt blocks and have a review of what stage I am at.  So far this is 14 months worth of hand stitching, and at the current progress I expect all the blocks to be completed by the beginning of August 2014.


Red and White Nearly Insane Quilt - April 2014

Without a design wall, taking the progress photo is becoming increasingly difficult, but you can get the idea from this photograph that there are just about 13 full blocks to go.  I don't think I have done any sashing this time around, but I have made background progress on the border, and the canoe block cornerstones, just nothing completed to count this time.  In fact looking at this photo, a bit of effort on my part for some extra sashing would have made this stage look even MORE complete.


Nearly Insane Quilt blocks - April 2014

Just a reminder if you are visiting for the first time, the work so far has been entirely hand stitched using the English paper piecing technique.  This stack of blocks are just screaming out to be put together, and I hope that in the next few weeks everything is in place for me to start doing just that.  

Nearly Insane Quilt - Electric Quilt Software

The Electric Quilt layout has been updated on the side bar, and the remaining blocks look very few and far between.  As I said in a post a few days ago, the Electric Quilt software is a perfect partner for this project, especially if you feel as if you have it sitting there and haven't used it as much as you imagined you would once you first bought it, as was my case.  It is a real opportunity to navigate your way around the package.


Nearly Insane Quilt - Red and White

Here are the statistics for the quilt so far ....

Blocks = 72

Edge blocks = 23

Cornerstones =49

Half Cornerstone = 15

Sashes = 135

Border Units = 13

And here are the sums for how many pieces I have done so far. 

Blocks and Edge Blocks = 4101

Cornerstones = 441

Half Cornerstones = 90

Sashes = 135

Border Units = 52

TOTAL = 4819

Joining up at Sarah Did It! for all you English paper piecers at Help for Hexie-aholics , Whoop Whoop Friday (keep 'em coming!), and Crazy Mom Quilts.