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Monday, October 19, 2015

A Little Bit of Africa

I've been busy (or so it feels). I'm working on more ideas for my English paper piecing (EPP) workshops that are coming up.
EPP class sample by Karen H

EPP class sample by Karen H

I've got another test group next week and the students are left handed. I've never been to a workshop where the instructions are prepared for both left and right handed quilt makers and somehow that just doesn't seem fair. I've seen left handed sewers struggle with instructions so I'm working away making sure that the printed materials are clear and instructive. That means developing a separate set for those who are left handed and another for the righties in the groups!

Today I thought I would share the last of my Mom's (Anne) Africa quilt blocks and the assembled quilt top. She plans on calling her quilt A Little Bit of Africa. So without further ado lets get started!

Once again you can see that she made the dress off the block and then appliqued it to the little girl.


She told me that this is one of her favourite blocks. I've tried to convince her to make more Masai blocks so we shall see what she does.


Once again we see women and to me they all look like grandmas. Can you the the baby in the sling on the woman's back? Adorable!


This is a simple block but very effective. I love how she uses her fabrics.


What you can't see in this picture is that the bag the woman is carrying is stuffed with little rolls of fabric!

I suggested a few blocks without people might be a good idea so she made the following pair of blocks.


You will recall that I showed you the drunkard's path block variation that she made.


She had a big pile of them and decided to alternate them with her applique blocks. Here you can see the blocks sewn together.


The final step was to add some borders. She settled on a burnt umber inner border and a red outer border to finish the quilt (which I will now quilt for her). The quilt will be bound with the same red fabric. So here is the quilt layered and clamped to the table. Once it is pin basted the quilting will begin!


So there you have it.....A Little Bit of Africa.

Until I post again, happy sewing!

Karen H
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21 comments:

  1. BrittOctober 20, 2015 at 4:47 AM

    Anne's blocks are wonderful on their own and inspired when joined together! So lovely.

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  2. FlickenstichlerinOctober 20, 2015 at 5:33 AM

    Dear Karen,
    your and your Mother's sewing are just marvelous. How special both projects as far as color combination, creativity and craftswomenship.
    Love them, you will have a very succesful workshop, with all the preperation you have put into it.
    Greetings,
    Sylvia

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  3. ChantalOctober 20, 2015 at 5:42 AM

    Hi Karen! What a fantastic job your Mom has done on her quilt. She really captures it so well. I love the alternating drunkards path blocks. I am completely blown away!

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  4. The Green HeronOctober 20, 2015 at 5:55 AM

    "The apple didn't fall far from the tree." You two are world class artists.

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    Replies
    1. Karen HOctober 21, 2015 at 6:31 AM

      Thanks so much. We both have very different tastes and styles. We don't try to copy each other; we just do what appeals to us and take pleasure in the process of creating whatever it is! Sorry I couldn't send a personal email to you but you are a no reply blogger and I don't have an email address for you! :-(

      Delete
  5. CecileDOctober 20, 2015 at 6:22 AM

    Doing patchwork with her Mom must be so amazing no ? Her blocks are so cute and touching and I love the alternatives blocks ! They are like the Earth !!
    Congratulations to her !!

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  6. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 6:34 AM

    Beautiful quilt. I love the Africa blocks. I am inspired to try making similar blocks. Your mother's blocks are just Beautiful. Great workmanship on all of her blocks.

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    Replies
    1. Karen HOctober 21, 2015 at 6:28 AM

      Thank you so much for the lovely comment. I'm sorry I couldn't send you a personal note of thanks but you are a no reply blogger and I don't have any way to contact you! :-(

      Delete
  7. UnknownOctober 20, 2015 at 6:35 AM

    Beautiful quilt. I love the Africa blocks. I am inspired to try making similar blocks. Your mother's blocks are just Beautiful. Great workmanship on all of her blocks.

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  8. Cissa KOctober 20, 2015 at 6:54 AM

    Your mother's quilt is lovely! So pretty.
    I am left handed and when I teach someone to stitch, knit,etc, I seat in front of the person(s), NOT to the side. That way, they see it in "mirror image" and just have to copy it. But you are right, the written instruction, can be confusing. When it says things like "align the ruler to the right..." for us it might be "to the left."
    Next week, I will be teaching at the "Learn to Quilt Booth" at the Houston Fall Festival with my fellow guild members. It is always fun, specially with the kids.

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  9. fiberchickOctober 20, 2015 at 8:16 AM

    Love it!!!

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  10. Carli The QuilterOctober 20, 2015 at 9:15 AM

    Karen, your class samples are yummy. You tempt me so much, that I may just carry on and follow your work and try to make my own instead of paying for the flight to Ontario, Canada!
    Pass on to your Mom, that I just love her quilt and its really a very special piece!

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  11. liniecatOctober 20, 2015 at 1:36 PM

    Fabulous samples and I love, love, love Mums quilt blocks - !

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  12. DientjeOctober 20, 2015 at 1:55 PM

    The EPP Samplers are very nice. Love the first one. The african top is beautiful. Groetjes Dientje

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  13. Chopin - A Passionate QuilterOctober 20, 2015 at 3:47 PM

    Love your class sample!!! Your Mom's quilt looks so nice! Great work both of you!

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  14. eloidastitchesOctober 20, 2015 at 6:49 PM

    Your class samples are wonderful. How I wish that I could be at your class to see them in person. Your combinations of fabrics and colours are as someone else said, yummy! I am sure that your class will be excellent, and I wish you all the best. Your mother's quilt is stunning!! Such talent, as well! LOVE all her appliques, and her drunkards path blocks. She also has a wonderful eye for colour and fabric pattern usage. Thank your to your mom as well, for sharing her wonderful talent with us.

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  15. JanetOctober 21, 2015 at 8:00 AM

    I love your class samples and also wish I could be there! And your mother's quilt is so special. Have you talked about her inspiration for the quilt? Will you? Will it be hand or machine quilted?

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  16. MayleenOctober 22, 2015 at 5:52 AM

    I think if I lived closer, I'd be in your class! I remember several other of your mother's quilts but I like this one best, especially the block with the woman carrying the sewing machine on her head.

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  17. kathyinozarksOctober 25, 2015 at 5:38 AM

    Please give your Mom a big hug from me-her African quilts are just sooo awesome-I love them
    thanks for sharing with us

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  18. Jo FergusonOctober 28, 2015 at 7:42 PM

    Your class samples are gorgeous. I would love to live closer because I'd be sitting in the front row of your classes. Your mom's work is fascinating and beautiful.

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  19. ShelinaNovember 19, 2015 at 8:02 AM

    Wow, this is incredible. I am making an African crazy quilt, so I just love this inspiration. It is a UFO, but I do hope to get back to it soon.

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