Tuesday 23 April 2013

Dutch windmills -part 1-

For the past 3 weeks I have been slowly packing up my house because soon a lot of builders are basically moving in and I am moving out for several weeks. So my house has been in a bit of a chaotic state with boxes everywhere and the general air of unrest has been getting to me. Possibly also the fact that in a weeks time I have to pack up my sewing machine for the next 4 to 8 weeks (did anybody say something about early onset of cold turkey ??).

But mostly because of the chaos around me I started to grave the neatness and orderliness of foundation paper piecing. Isn't it odd how everyday events inform one's creative process.



You might  remember my stash note 79 where I shared with you the new collection 'Ravena' by Dear Stella. This is the only fabric pile that was left on my fabric shelve this week as everything else has been moved to the loft (you don't want to know how many bin bags...).  I left it because I thought I need something to keep me away from the packing on occasion.

I have been contemplating for weeks what to make with this fabric and moved sort of back and forwards between churn dash blocks and triangles. But then I saw the front cover image of Ayumi's book 'Patchwork Please'  with its cute windmill pin cushions. I admire Aymui's style and I am sure this book is fantastic which is why it is on my wish list. Although the fabric pattern is inspired by India it does remind me a lot of Holland, of dutch tiles and windmills. So I drew a paper pieced pattern in a larger size than the pin cushion (I don't know how Aymui does the windmills but I assume it is also paper pieced).


That done I got onto the photocopier and copied 40 for starters that then quickly turned them into this.


And later on into this:

And this is exactly what the doctor had prescribed. I love the effect the interchanging windmill blades in solid and pattern have on the overall quilt design which I can easily imagine from the above layout. I needed the preciseness of the paper piecing process to keep my sanity this week. Sadly I won't be able to finish this before I have the pack up the rest of my belongings but it is nice to know that when I am going to be able to start again that I have something I can dive right into.

If anybody is interested then I will provide a download of my paper piecing block. The block is 9" in finished form.




12 comments:

  1. I would love a copy of your pattern. I have a collection of Ravena as well and have been wondering what to do. And, I live in a Dutch community so this is perfect. Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to see what layout you come up with. Good luck with your home improvements.

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  2. hope all goes well and you are back home earlier than planned x

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  3. Oh I would love this pattern too...it is adorable!! And I love your colors

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  4. These are really beautiful J! The fabrics remind me of Old English Willow China! jxo

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  5. That is cute. If you make it available, I'd be happy to download it.

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  6. Looks fab, and i know exactly what you mean about craving orderliness when there is moving/changes afoot, we had 3 weeks between houses and i was really chewing my arm off to get back to my sewing/fabrics. Love the windmills, beautiful colours. :o)

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  7. Hope the building goes well. Its so true what you say about everyday life influencing what you create. Those blocks are beautiful x

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  8. ooh Delftware was inspired by Chinese pottery brought back by the Dutch East India company who also imported Indian textiles with paisley (originally an Indian/Persian pattern) patterns on them - lots of opportunity for cultural crossovers! I looked this all up as I was intrigued by what you said!

    Love the 'Dutch' look!

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  9. I love the blues - sooo gorgeous and a perfect block!

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  10. i am interested in a download template of you windmill paper piecing block!! i looked in your above link and did not see it.?. kimethameliea@yahoo.com

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  11. I would LOVE this pattern. Just came home with some beautiful Dutch fabrics!

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Thank you for your comments! I love reading them and will answer every question you have on my projects. But I have a very busy daytime job and am therefore not able to thank each and every comment. Please don't be offended if I won't reply.