Wednesday 6 November 2013

WIP Wednesday

I thought it was time for an update on my Midnight at the Oasis quilt, which I started at the beginning of October (my first post and fabric pull are here).  As you can see, I've now finished the centre and the first border which is made up of orange peel blocks.  

The Elven Garden

I paper pieced the triangles in the centre and would really really recommend that method - I'm sure it was about a million times more accurate for me than trying to piece them any other way.  Sharon of Fabric and Flowers has a tutorial on how to do this.  If you go down this road, I would recommend leaving the paper attached to those triangles until you've added the inset triangle pieces - I think it makes that step easier.

Midnight at the Oasis 

The inset triangles were a little tricky, but I was having a Tim Gunn moment and managed to make it work.  I did a couple of things that I think helped me along though.  First, I traced the shape of the inset triangle piece onto a piece of freezer paper, and ironed it to my fabric.  Then I used my ruler and rotary cutter to cut out the shape, adding a 1/4" seam allowance to the two shorter sides (as per the pattern) and a 1/2" seam allowance to the longest side.  This extra wiggle room meant that the centre finished slightly larger than required and I was able to trim it down to the perfect size.  I also think using freezer paper to guide my cutting made it more accurate.  Finally, I made sure the longest side of the inset pieces was aligned with the grain of the fabric, so I didn't have any bias edges on the outside of the centre block.  Of course, my centre block still didn't finish perfectly flat, but my friends starch and steam helped a lot with that.

I used a hand blanket stitch to secure the appliqué on the orange peel blocks and also the centre circles (if you are interested, you can read/watch my tutorial about how to do blanket stitch).

Midnight at the Oasis

Despite this quilt being outside my comfort zone (hello appliqué, tiny pieces and inset seams!), I'm really loving it.  It's completely addictive and I think I may have discovered a new love for handwork (although I'm generally in favour of anything which involves sitting on the couch, so I guess that shouldn't be a surprise!).  I'm also really happy with this autumnal colour scheme - it's really warm and rich but still bright and interesting.  I've started cutting out the little appliqué pieces for the next border - I might have to slow down for a bit while I work on other things though.

I'm linking up this post to Jess' linky - it's open for a while yet so if you are also working on a Midnight at the Oasis quilt you should link up too!  Is anyone else working on this quilt?  If you're further ahead than me I'd love any advice you have for the upcoming borders!

Linking up with Lee at Freshly Pieced:

WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced

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26 comments:

Kim @ TiesThatBindQuilting said...

I love the colors in this quilt and it is turning out great!

Laurina said...

Fantastic colour scheme and I love the idea of a modern medallion quilt.

wobblybobbin said...

The colors are fantastic! I love the blanket stitch, thanks for the tutorial!

sarah elizabeth :: {no} hats said...

Get outta town -- this is going to be flipping AMAZING, Adrianne.

Erica said...

Yours is really pretty, it is going to be completely amazing when you are done and so worth going out your comfort zone!

Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation said...

Wow! This is gorgeous! all of the red and orange are so pretty, and then your eye is drawn to the little bits of aqua. just beautiful!

:) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

Megan said...

This is looking amazing Adrianne - I really like your choice of colours.

Elmosmate said...

The blue really makes it! Good on you doing the hand applique :-)

Anonymous said...

Looking fabulous ...love it!

heart of charnwood said...

It looks fab, and always good to hear about tackling new techniques and how to work around them. :o)

dutchcomfort said...

Love your colours! I intended to quilt-along, but I didn’t get any further than cutting out the triangles and orange peel shapes from freezer paper....

Little Island Quilting said...

Wowser! Who's Tim Gunn btw?!

*Cornelia* said...

wow this is stunning, and totally in love with this bright colors

Vera said...

Love the colors as the others. It's just fab combo! Plus the design. It's radiant.

Nat at Made in Home said...

It is amazing! And looks so difficult! Cannot wait to see more progress!

Deb said...

This is looking great...and you're right, those pops of aqua and teal just make it look awesome

Jo Jo said...

This is very beautiful! I'm happy to watch your progress instead of trying this myself though :)

Jess @ Elven Garden Quilts said...

It's absolutely beautiful Adrianne. Great tips on the inset piecing - I really tempted to unpick and redo mine!

Charlotte said...

so so beautiful!

nicole said...

This is so amazing Adrianne! Looks gorgeous!

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Looks quite difficult and beyond my skill level but absolutely stunning! ::) And inspiring :)

Kris said...

I am loving this. I am still trying to find the magazine or pattern. I have been to 3 different places and they only have the new issue. I think one place online I could order if from but then have to wait for mail...oh I am so wishing I was working on this. :)
Can't wait to see more.

Stephie said...

I'm here via WIP Wednesday - your link caught my eye because I'm just working on some orange-peel pieces myself (trying out different applique techniques). I love your quilt, the colours and prints you chose are gorgeous! And nothing beats sitting down to do some hand stitching - your blanket stitch is fab! Stephie at www.DawnChorusStudio.com

Lindsey said...

I want to do an orange peel quilt so badly! Your quilt is absolutely lovely, love the rich colors your used!

Carla said...

I recently discovered this pattern on IG and was smitten...that's as far as I've gotten. Now, seeing yours I'm even more in love with it! I may have to make this a priority in 2014!

jeifner said...

Looks fabulous! I'm not quilting along but am enjoying the pictures!