Don't you hate waste!

I think I have just started the most wasteful of all my quilting projects!  I first saw this quilt in Quiltmania magazine a couple of years ago, and just loved it.  However, when I started reading the pattern, I thought there was something seriously wrong with the instructions.  At the time, I could not be bothered mucking about with it, but just abandoned the idea.  The photo recently popped up on Pinterest, and I thought I would have another look at it.

I dutifully followed the instructions, cutting the required number of strips of fabric across the width of the fabric, sewing them together, and cutting.

Can you see how the template A is only along one side of the sewn strip?- well that is all that is used.  The rest is wasted!  I thought I must have read it wrong, and tried to use the other pieces as well, but it did not work at all.

 I can get this set, but does not have the alternate centre pieces

 this one has the alternate pieces, but there are only 6, not 8, wedges

this one has 7 wedges, not 8.

I expect I could use some of these pieces to make the 1/2  "paperweights" needed for the sides of the quilt, but the rest does not work.  So, today I have abandoned it again....temporarily.

The pattern is available https://au.pinterest.com/pin/16184879880648569/ so I have taken the step of ordering the pattern.  I might be wasting my time and money, but thought perhaps the original pattern had been mis-interpreted by the magazine.

Any cleaver ideas out there, or has anyone else tried this pattern and found a solution?

PS I just thought I would have another go, and re-read the instructions.  There are definite errors ie. each fabric for the centre needs a 4" x 24"piece, except that you have to cut it 2 1/2" wide - does not work.  Will wait for my pattern to arrive.

Red and Green blocks - number 12

I have just completed the LAST of the Red and Green Blocks.  That is 12 of them that you can download by clicking on the image to the right of this page.  They are free for at least one month, and sometimes 2 months- depending on how busy I have been.  After that time, you will be taken to my website, where they are $2.50 each.  That is Aussie $'s, so if you live in another country, it might cost you a lot less.

As yet, I have not decided if I will continue with a new free block programme for next year.  So far, nothing has really taken my interest, but I will keep thinking on it.  I have been trying (as always!) to get a few things finished, but keep getting side tracked by thing that inspire me.

You know the Civil War Brides quilt?  I saw a photo of some blocks made with a dark background, and using Kaffe Fasset type prints.  The blocks were made by Patty Harrants

I have tried to contact Patty to let her know that I have been overwhelmed with how beautiful her blocks are, and that I intend to make similar ones.  So far, I have not heard back, but I will show you photos of mine so far.  I have done mine with hand needle-turn applique, and Patty made hers with machine applique.  I am totally sucked in with these blocks now.  I am using the book "A Bountiful
Life"by Karen Mowrey.   I have had the book for ages, but never intended to make the quilt....until now!

Anyway, these are a couple of my blocks.  So far I have made 2, and part finished another one, and have one drawn up to go next.

I had a very small stash of Kaffe type fabrics, and have been asking my friends for donations, and going to the quilt shops (of course) and buying 25cm strips to add to the stash.  In time I hope to have enough to make all the blocks I need.

You probably know that I use Back Basting for my applique, and people ask me how I cope with a dark background like this one.  I say "use a light box" as you will be surprised at what you can see through it.  I am also using a white gel pen to draw the design on the fabrics.  It stays there, does not rub out, and does not damage your fabrics.  Not the "iron out"kind as I want it to stay for the duration.  I use the type you buy at the stationary shops.  They are only a couple of $'s.

I hope some of you might join me in this new project.