Today I sewed sashing strips to Whirlygigs, there is a bumble bee in each connecting corner.

Whirlygig progress

Whirlygig circular border sections are done, all paper pieced there are 32 of these sections, I love the colors, they will be inset between the applique whirly center and the bumble bee background. This project has been a lot of fun. I learned paper piecing and needle turn applique techniques.

I have started the appliqued outer borders and enjoy the needle turn lots more than I expected! Thank you to Becky Goldsmith for broadening my quilting horizons.

9 Whirlygigs whirling

Progress on Whirlygig!

The needle turn applique has been so much fun! I never thought I would enjoy it so much. Now that i am back home I can do more paper piecing to complete these blocks. If you ever have a chance to take this class from Becky Goldsmith, Piece O Cake Designs, you will love learning from her, she is a great teacher!!!
Happy Quilting!
Colleen

More Whirlygigs

More Whirlygigs done and two more basted. I havent had time to do the paper pieced outer circles but have at least completed 2 whirlygig centers. Going to Albuquerque for a few days to visit my daughter. Hand applique is becoming an obsession, I never thought I would have enjoyed it so much!
This is cutaway applique, the marked unbasted areas between the swirls are cut away a little at a time as you make your way around each swirl.
When I get back I will once again work on my story quilt.
Happy Quilting!
Colleen

Whirlygig class with Becky Goldsmith

Our guild held a 2 day workshop on Monday and Tuesday with Becky Goldsmith of Piece 'O Cake Designs. She was a wonderful teacher. We learned paper piecing, cutaway applique and needle turn applique. Quite a complicated block - Whirlygig! What fun! but kind of intimidating at first. All these techniques were new for me. But with a little practice last night my confidence is BACK!!! Sorry about the bad color in one pic. The middle block shows the true color.

I finished my block this afternoon! I plan to design a bumble bee wall hanging for my future grandchild! Just hoping for now. Planning to make at least 4 whirlygigs, each a different color. The applique flowers will be made with the checks in several colors.
Becky gave a program for our Guild meeting. She taught us so much about color! I have not worked with such bright fabrics before my story quilt so this is a whole new area of color and design for me. Happy Quilting!
Colleen