Circles: English Paper Piecing

Inspired (always) by Mary, who blogs at Molly Flanders Makerie, I have had circles on the brain for several months now, hiding behind that other stack of things I’m always yakking about.

from *here*, which also includes a link to her tutorial

I searched through Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia of quilt blocks and found quite a few circle blocks that interested me.  I have missed having a handwork project to keep myself busy while I watch movies or chat, so wanted to get one together before I start some of my summer travels.

I drew a circle block template in my QuiltPro program, but wanted a 12″ block.  Um, my printer doesn’t print that big.  So I took a screenshot of a quarter-circle, printed it out four times, then taped it together.  I then took it to my local copy center and had them copy it off at a little less than a buck–not bad, I thought.  Now I can draw a new block every time, experimenting with what I’ve found here and there and saved in my oh-so-old-fashioned paper files out in the garage.  The quarter circle pattern can be downloaded here: QuarterCircle

Notice that the 12″ line is the NOT the outside line, but just inside.  I did it that way to allow for seam allowances, but please don’t let it confuse you.  That curve ruler is leftover from my Clothing and Textiles college days, but you could use a large dinner plate, or other curved edge.

Circle Block #1 is done.  I plan to let this project wend its way through the next several months as I’m doing my part for the Slow Quilt Movement.  (Is there even such a movement?  So often I see someone talking about a block and whoosh!–there it is the full completed quilt two days later. This one won’t be like that.)

I cut it apart into its pieces.  I don’t know if I’ll paper-piece those outside quarter-circles onto the circle block, or appliqué the circle to a big 12 1/2″ square piece of fabric.  Stay tuned.

Tomorrow is my mother’s birthday, and I’m visiting her and taking her out to lunch.  If you haven’t talked to your Mom this week, give her a call.  You may not be as lucky as I am to have a mother celebrate her 86th birthday, so don’t waste any time.  If your mother is still here with you, pick up the phone and read her a poem from your childhood, tell her your best memory of a birthday, ask her forgiveness for a time you were naughty and broke her heart, and close by telling her one way she’s a good example to you.  Happy Birthday to my mother, a beautiful, thoughtful, smart, well-read and intelligent woman who always made our family believe that they were the most important thing on the planet.  Here’s my poem for you: