Honey, Honey pattern testing

I recently finished testing a new paper-pieced pattern. The pattern is called "Honey, Honey," and it was designed by Esther. Here is the pillow she made and showed on her blog.

For my version, I decided to go with different black prints for the background, and two shades of pink/fuchsia for the honeycombs.  I like to pre-cut my fabric pieces for foundation piecing, especially any large pieces that end up around the outside edges. I printed up a couple extra copies of the foundations and cut them up into the various parts. These pieces have extra wide seam allowances added, and they include arrows to indicate grainlines. Then I used those as my patterns for cutting my fabrics.

Here are all of my pre-cut fabric pieces, ready to begin piecing.

I don't have any photos of the process while I was piecing the blocks. I like to use the "Add-A-Quarter" tool for trimming away excess fabric. It makes getting the next piece lined up correctly much easier. I'm sure there are YouTube videos or other tutorials on using this tool.

Piecing the segments went quite smoothly. Esther's pattern was clear and easy to follow. I had a little trouble when it was time to join the segments together because my foundations had printed up at slightly different sizes, which made it difficult to get my seams to match precisely. However, I think I managed to persuade it all to behave, and I am very happy with the result. 

My finished piece has 4 blocks and measures 20" x 20". I may make it into a pillow, or add a border for a wallhanging. Esther's pattern includes variations for more blocks, including one with a great corner effect. That will be my next version if I decide to make this pattern again. 

Congratulations to Esther on this fabulous pattern. I am so glad I got to be one of the first people to try it out! For more of her amazing designs, check out her blog or go to her Craftsy store.

I am linking up to the Paper Piecing Party at Quiet Play and to Can I Get a Whoop Whoop at Confessions of a Fabric Addict.. I look forward to seeing this week's inspiring group of projects.


Julie in GA

Design Wall Monday 10/21/13

My design wall still holds the black and grey Dancing Stars blocks that were finished last week. Yesterday I also finished two paisley placemats to go with the six that we already have. We were having some friends and family over for dinner last night, a total of eight people, and we needed more placemats to be able to eat at the dining room table. I still have a few more of these started--I really should get them done instead of waiting until the last minute again!

Also up on the  design wall is my test sample for Esther's new pattern Honey,Honey. Isn't it a fabulous design! You can read more about it here. I will have a longer post with more photos about my process making this pattern later in the week.

I am linking up to Design Wall Monday at Patchwork Times. Check it out for great ideas and inspiration.

Julie in GA

Design Wall Monday 10/14/13

My current project has been working on testing a new paper piecing pattern. The pattern is called "Honey, Honey," and it was designed by Esther. Here is one of the color variations she showed on her blog.

For my version, I have used different black prints for the background, and two shades of pink/fuchsia for the honeycombs.  These are the segments for two blocks, and I have two more to make this week.

I am linking up to Design Wall Monday at Patchwork Times. Check it out for great ideas and inspiration.

Julie in GA