Trying to break the ‘self-imposed’ rules

I began the next facet of the fabric diamond ‘Need’. I noticed I was sinking into the habit of trying to make (what I think is) a ‘proper’ quilt. I felt myself getting stuck and frustrated.

I tried a different way of sewing on the painting rags to the pattern piece:

Closeup of patchwork made from painting rags

Cut out the shapes, sew them on top, trim with scissors. I don’t like it, it’s too messy. The painting rags are rough enough. The crisp lines of the pieces on the left is what will help the diamond to look more realistic.

I have thought of a solution to make the process faster and easier:

  1. Trace and cut out a copy of each pattern piece on another old sheet or scrap paper.

  2. Draw the outline of the shapes within each facet on the new pattern pieces.

  3. Number the pieces and photograph them. Then as I work on each facet, cut out the drawn shapes and place them on the painting rags. Cut a 5mm seam allowance around each piece.

  4. Stitch the pieces on the original pattern with seams on the inside. (Like the top left seams in the photo above).

This will make more sense once I try it and document the process. My frustration has gone! :)

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Faster facets

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More yellow - it’s almost gold!