I started a new project…well, actually 2 new projects, both with English paper piecing (EPP). I recently purchased a new Jewel template and papers because I wanted to experiment with the shape. After completing the top for the 1” hexie quilt I was raring to go on something new, and since we extended the cottage season into the late fall I needed something new to work on while there.

Once again, I went a little crazy with the fussy cutting (if you want to know what that is check here) because I just love the movement and interest that it adds to each of my quilts. I was able to come up with a couple of designs that I really liked. One, using only the jewel shape itself to create the “block”, and two, incorporating a hexagon with them to create a star block. Each block used 6 identical fussy cut jewel shapes.

The first one I started working on was the star shape with the hexagon centre…probably because I had so many hexagons left over from the previous quilt that I could use up. In my opinion the hexagon actually didn’t add anything design-wise to the block because it almost impeded the movement of the jewel sections even though they were fussy-cut. It’s still going to be a pretty quilt with the white patterned background…just not that interesting. Placing the 6 jewel sections together with the pointy end in the centre makes a much more dynamic design. Below you can see each block with the jewel shape highlighted in white.

Once all the star blocks were put together with the background fabric diamond shapes things went together quickly. Now to determine which way the star blocks look best in the completed quilt…either placed vertically or horizontally. Once I decide which direction to place them in, I then have to figure out how to finish the edges of the quilt. More EPP or stitched borders???

The blocks with only 6 jewel shapes were a little different so I “auditioned” a few settings while at the cottage. The first one didn’t really appeal to me because the blocks were set too close together and the background pieces were really small. The second one, using single hexagons in between, was better, but still not what I was looking for. The third was just right, but I still wanted to get the background fabrics just right.

I love the way white highlights the blocks. I decided on white with turquoise polka dots and white-on-white polka dots too. At first I thought the white was too stark, but realized that the papers were still there. Once the papers are removed the white will soften and not appear too bright, especially once the batting is behind the top and it’s quilted. At the bottom right of the photo to the right the fabric hexagon is on its own without the paper, but it may not be that noticeable to you…my photography is not that good!

After the holidays I will definitely be visiting my friend, Tracey, of Whirls’N’Swirls Quilting to get all my tops quilted. Even though I’m not making nearly as many Christmas presents as I did last year I’ve been busy making other things for other occasions, so my long-arm quilting will just have to wait. I still have enough EPP to keep me busy until then. There will be lots to share with you later.