I completed my first Benjamin Biggs quilt block back in January and it was the 16 " version that is in the pattern. But since then other bloggers have had the brilliant idea to make all the blocks as a 12" size instead of 16" - so the finished quilt will be smaller and more manageable. Great idea but I was a bit nervous of shrinking the pattern. As it turned out - easy - just printed it at 75% instead of 100% and so .... I made another Block 1 in the smaller size.
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| Block 1 in 12" and 16" |
Luckily I had enough of the same fabrics too. Seems crazy to replicate all that work but I will keep the big one to use as a quilt label on the back of the finished quilt.
Here are Blocks 1 and 2 together - both 12". And I will make all future blocks in this size too.
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| Block 1 and Block 2 in 12" size |
I don't know if you remember - I have been helping my friend Angela make her first ever quilt - a Log Cabin. Well - huge progress to report! We spent a day pin basting it at my place and she is now at the quilting stage. She even bought a new sewing machine that has an optional walking foot and will do some straight machine sewing in the ditch. Then she plans to add some big stitch perle cotton hand quilting in red. We're both thrilled with it! The backing is plain red homespun - and yes, it has been pre-washed a couple of times with colour catchers - taking no chances here...
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| Angela's quilt - basting pins in |
Sewing these small EPP pieces together is quite hard on the hands so I might take it slower on this project . Time to work with different techniques in the Ann Randoll quilt reproduction.
Love your Benjamin Biggs blocks, especially that shade of green in #2. That large #1 would also make a great cushion. Also loving the red Stars and Hexagons. Glad to hear you are taking care of your precious hands.
ReplyDeleteps forgot to mention that I love your new header!
ReplyDelete12" is a much more manageable size, but your blocks are beautiful as always. Angela's quilt is stunning, I can imagine how great it looks with the red backing.
ReplyDeleteBeautyful work as always !
ReplyDeleteLike also the Log Cabin, first quilt ? WOW !!!
The smaller block is a much kire manageable size and looks good. Well done to you for helping your friend make such a beautiful quilt. I am in awe of your hexagons and diamonds. Now I want to make one.
ReplyDeleteI think I like the smaller blocks for BB, lucky you changed your mind in the beginning.
ReplyDeleteGosh, the log cabin looks gorgeous and the quilting plan sounds perfect. Love, love the red hexies, sometimes a slow project is a good thing.
Your red hexagons are looking lovely. What size are they?
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love your red hexagon quilt and I'm totally envious of the accuracy of your fussy cutting. Mine always seems to slip when I baste to the paper pieces. Hopefully if I keep practicing my accuracy will get close to yours one day :)
ReplyDeleteYour red hexies are gorgeous!! Your friend is lucky to have you as a mentor--her quilt is going to be beautiful and she has done a great job!
ReplyDeleteI have really been debating with myself about the size of these BB blocks. They are just so large but I do have a king sized bed. Love the red hexagons.
ReplyDeleteYou are too funny to redo your BB blocks. Either way they looks great. I am in love with your EPP project! Wow! Such a beauty with those reds.
ReplyDeleteLove the log cabin too- one of my fav patterns.
Hooray for your friend! Her log cabin quilt looks wonderful! I think the big stitch quilting will look fabulous! I really like your growing red hexies. I have lots of slow projects - all of my projects I think some days :0) I like the BB blocks in the smaller size - other bloggers have great ideas!
ReplyDeleteHilda, your work is just beautiful. Great idea to make 12" blocks. Angela's quilt looks terrific - she must be so pleased. Love the new header too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea to reduce the size of the BB blocks. I'm love your Stars meets Hexagon quilt, all the reds are beautiful together and such wonderful fussy cutting!! Angela's Log Cabin quilt is fabulous!! I love the idea of a red backing and the red perle quilting will look great!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea to use the large BB block as a label. I agree, 16" is just too large for me too so my blocks are also 12 ". I adore your red Stars Meets Hexagons quilt, I could stare at it all day. How fun to teach someone to quilt and share the joy of playing with fabric!
ReplyDeleteJust so beautiful!! All those reds look fabulous!
ReplyDeleteAngela did a great job - very impressive for a first quilt. I'm sure it will give many years of enjoyment.
ReplyDeleteI've been saving the Benjamin Biggs patterns and think reducing the size is a fabulous idea. And loving hexagons the way I do, I adore your red Stars Meet Hexagons!
I agree EPP can be hard on the hands. I found using the binding clips to hold the pieces together when I am stitching keeps them right where I want them and I don't have to pinch with my fingers, but just support the project as I am stitching. Anyway, for me it helps a lot. They are small enough that I can stitch right up to them. I love all those reds and your friends log cabin is wonderful, she must be so pleased and so lucky to have a mentor to help her lean. All these Benjamin Biggs blocks wants me to get back to my Baltimore Garden quilt.
ReplyDeleteHi Hilda
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, you do the most beautiful work. I love your EPP! What a lovely blog you have. I am a new follower now and can't wait to see all the beautiful things you create.
Your 12" version blocks are just as beautiful as the larger one. Clever idea to use the first one as your quilt label. Your blog really motivates and inspires me!
ReplyDelete