While the time between the time I ordered the pattern and made this quilt is quite short, less than a year, it was quilt a challenge and for some reason exciting. It measures 80" square and it's quite striking. Several weeks ago I previewed it on Instagram. My tease is to show a few blocks at a time just to talk about the process.
Hint #1: It's very modern
This block is comprised of four paper pieced squares that measure 9 1/2" each. While the picture makes the dark strips look black, they're really navy blue. At first my reaction questioned why paper piece such large stripes, it really is a good idea. What the instructions lacked in cutting one set of block-fabric placements, the uniformity of the stripes calls to PP. The pattern also suggested that stitching around the inside edge about 1/4" to prevent stretching. Yes, definitely do this aide when paper piecing, but 1/8th of an inch is much better in case the joining seams drift, as mine did. I had to pick black thread out of the beige stripes.
Hint #2: The Honorees in the quilt name have West Michigan connections.
Hint #3: They set out in the 1940's to impact lives and they certainly have through their architecture, textiles, furniture, books and films.
This block is four very large Drunkard's Path blocks. Each quarter section is a 9 1/2" block. In the picture below you can see the other sections used. Also, the picture below highlights the striped Drunkard's Path. Again very large, each quarter again measures 9 1/2" . As many of you may already know I'm not quite obsessed, but close, in wanting to conquer sewing curves. My state of mind was very relaxed when I did most of these curves, all from freezer paper templates. I held my breath during the sewing and thought pleasant thoughts. All in all, these blocks came together fairly well - for me.
The flying geese, the black with beige above, is resultant of 12" half square triangles. HTS's and FG drive me nuts! Making these huge samples were actually fun, but the same bad habits can still follow. Once making several navy/beige striped squares a few of them had to be sliced diagonally....oh another breath holding event to prevent stretching.
Above are two FG's or four HST's - pick your pleasure.
Mix and match any and all patterns define this pattern. By now I'm sure you've guessed the impact of Ray and Charles Eames on design. Yes, this quilt is named the Eames.
Apparently this pattern was the give-away gift to those quilters who attended the Modern Quilt Guild convention last year. After thinking I ordered it and never receiving it I began looking on-line for it. Luckily, the guild sells it. You can buy it here for $10. While checking the links for this post I was struck again by the quilt and how it changes by how close or how far away it's viewed.
If you should decide to purchase or do the pattern watch out for a couple things. The pattern calls for beige binding. I did not have enough after cutting all the curved pieces and stripes. Not wanting to buy more material the black on hand was a perfect match and doesn't yellow the white on the back. I like the black.
If you've never done curves, these large blocks might be a way to start. Stretching will always be an issue.....be careful! The pressing of the seams on curves can be tricky, but becomes really tricky with solids and light colors. I found myself re-pressing the blue/beige combinations into the blue after the initial pressing. The seams leaned towards the beige. When assembled, the seam on the beige darkened more than anticipated.
Another hint was mentioned above during the paper piecing discussion - only sew an 1/8th of an inch from the edges.
Again, I devised a QAYG method to work with this pattern.
Several years ago I began purchasing batting on the roll. My previous roll was light weight, a bit too light weight. In November I re-ordered a heavier batting - way too heavy for this quilt - it weighs about 5 pounds! It will be warm! If we don't spring soon, it'll be on my bed!
Oh, by the way, these clips were wonderful for this quilt! It's a very thick quilt, even if lighter weight batting is used. Pins wouldn't work as well holding seams together during the QAYG process or while attaching the binding. I'm so sold on these little jobs...wasn't poked once! 😃
Hint #3: They set out in the 1940's to impact lives and they certainly have through their architecture, textiles, furniture, books and films.
Mix and match any and all patterns define this pattern. By now I'm sure you've guessed the impact of Ray and Charles Eames on design. Yes, this quilt is named the Eames.
If you should decide to purchase or do the pattern watch out for a couple things. The pattern calls for beige binding. I did not have enough after cutting all the curved pieces and stripes. Not wanting to buy more material the black on hand was a perfect match and doesn't yellow the white on the back. I like the black.
If you've never done curves, these large blocks might be a way to start. Stretching will always be an issue.....be careful! The pressing of the seams on curves can be tricky, but becomes really tricky with solids and light colors. I found myself re-pressing the blue/beige combinations into the blue after the initial pressing. The seams leaned towards the beige. When assembled, the seam on the beige darkened more than anticipated.
Another hint was mentioned above during the paper piecing discussion - only sew an 1/8th of an inch from the edges.
Again, I devised a QAYG method to work with this pattern.
Several years ago I began purchasing batting on the roll. My previous roll was light weight, a bit too light weight. In November I re-ordered a heavier batting - way too heavy for this quilt - it weighs about 5 pounds! It will be warm! If we don't spring soon, it'll be on my bed!
Oh, by the way, these clips were wonderful for this quilt! It's a very thick quilt, even if lighter weight batting is used. Pins wouldn't work as well holding seams together during the QAYG process or while attaching the binding. I'm so sold on these little jobs...wasn't poked once! 😃
Testing for aware
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