Have you seen the new book, Christmas RAPPing by Margaret Brewster Willingham and Nan Baker? It combines reverse appliqué and foundation paper piecing in some fabulous Christmas projects. I first heard about this right from Nan and Margaret themselves, during a Schoolhouse event at Quilt Market. I was excited when I had the opportunity to sign up for their blog hop.
I chose to do the Star Fiesta pattern, which is a nice big quilt. I selected a non-Christmas color scheme for my version. I was able to chose from newly released fabrics from Island Batik, which they generously provided to me for this project.
Island Batik Fabrics used –
Almond neutral (background)
Mini Bubbles in Surf
Mini Bubbles in Orange
Mosaic Lines in Grape Juice
Mosaic Lines in Yellow
I’ve been working on this project as time permits, and I will admit, I’m a little disappointed with my progress thus far. It is a very intricate quilt, more intricate than I realized, and I’ve been very busy for the past few months.
It is a really fun pattern, though, combining several different techniques. I can’t wait to finish it off, which should be happening within the next 48 hours. Paper piecing is one of my favorite techniques. It is just challenging enough to get my brain going, and I always get such nice points. Aren’t these star blocks beautiful?
I haven’t had a lot of experience with reverse appliqué before, and since my colors would involve layering a light fabric over a dark, I opted to do a traditional appliqué treatment. I didn’t want to have a problem with my dark fabrics shadowing through to the lights. I will definitely give it a try soon, though. Maybe with the cool wreath pattern that Sherry made.
Here is where the quilt is now. It’s almost 3 AM, and I’m going to pack it in for the night. When I get up tomorrow I’ll finish off the appliqué blocks and assemble the top. It is going to be a beauty.
Margaret and Nan are hosting a giveaway for some Island Batik fabric and Aurifil thread. Click the link to sign up!
Don’t forget to check out all of the other bloggers who are making awesome projects from this book. I want to make so many of them!
- April 29 – Joan Kawano, Moosestash Quilting
- April 30 – Linda Pearl, One Quilting Circle
- May 1 – KathyBruckman, Kathy’s Kwilts and More
- May 2 – Bea Lee, Beaquilter
- May 3 – Sherry Shish, Powered by Quilting
- May 4 – Jennifer Strauser, Dizzy Quilter
- May 5 – Barbara Gaddy, Bejeweled Quilts
- May 6 – Nancy Myers, Patchwork Breeze
- May 7 – Vicki Schlimmer, Vicki’s Crafts and Quilts
- May 8 – Gail Sheppard, Quilting Gail
- May 9 – Michelle Roberts, Creative Blonde
- May 10 – Maryellen McAuliffe, Mary Mack Made Mine
- May 11 – Denise Looney, For the Love of Geese
- May 12 – Maria Hrabovsky, Maria Michaels Design
Hi Jen! I’ll be back to see it all together in a quilt top. I’m sure your buddy Oscar will be doing a little photo bombing as well. Fingers crossed! ~smile~ Roseanne
Wow, those blocks are stunning! It will be fun to see this quilt’s progress, Jen!
It certainly is going to be a beauty. Beautiful work
Amazing blocks. This quilt will be stunning!
This is gorgeous! Looking forward to seeing it all together. Great color choices.
I try to start sewing months before Christmas but life gets busy. Hoping to start Christmas gift soon, try harder this year.
Love that fabric line and those blocks. I’ll be watching for that top!
This is so gorgeous, I can’t wait to see it finished. I started working on Christmas projects right after the new year I’m still not sure who’s getting what yet but I’m working and making as the year progresses.
Thanks, Liz!
The colors are gorgeous and it will be stunning when completed.
Good luck. Your fabrics are gorgeous.
Looking forward to seeing your finished project. Can tell it will be impressive, especially with the fabrics and colours you have chosen!
I too love the fabrics, can’t wait to see it finished