WIP Wednesday- Sewing by Numbers

Well I have had a really productive week working on my quilt... (not such a productive blogging week, sorry! I will be back with some more busy bag ideas next Monday, I promise!)

To be honest, I had a really involved post half written with the trials and tribulation of each and every block that I have done this week. But lets be honest- who wants to read that? I don't want to alienate all my readers with lots of quilting mumbo-jumbo! So here is the condensed version...

I have continued my "fearless beginner" attitude and tried my hand at paper piecing (or sewing by numbers as I like to think of it!). I devoured the great advice on how to do it from here and then used this pattern to create my block (who says you should start with the simple stuff and then work up?).

A lot of work went into this block and I love the way it turned out. I am already planning my next paper pieced block. That said there are a few TINY wee details that I can stress about... this patchwork lark really is bringing out the inner perfectionist in me (which is NOT a good thing!).

If you have not tried paper piecing and are already terrified then I can honestly say that it is not as bad as you think. Take the time to familiarise yourself with the technique first and then jump in with both feet, you won't regret it!

Isn't it beautiful?!

As a bit of light relief, I made a mondo bird- a quick and easy make with no stressing about accuracy or seam allowances! Such a fun block and one that I'm sure the children will love!

The third and final block that I made this week was a bit of a mission. I had three attempts at it and finally got it to work. It looks nothing like the tutorial that I followed, but I think it works ok.

I sort of followed the tutorial to make a stellar block, but took LOTS of liberties along the way and ended up with a sort of cheats version of a cathedral window.

Finally, the postman has been good to me! He brought me two more bee blocks.

This one from the bee organiser, Cat. I love the vibrancy of this block! It looks so great when placed next to my other blocks.

And this one from Lisa- Isn't this the cutest wonky star? How do these girls get the light grey blocks to work so well! I think I may have the wrong shade of light grey or something...

As usual, here is a collage of how the quilt is shaping up at the moment. Can you spot the reject block  that is just in there to bolster numbers?

Yes, there it is... the bottom right corner... wasn't it hideous!!!

Edited to add: Thanks for all the encouragement and suggestions for what to do with the reject block, but it is no more! I unpicked it and gave it a dark background (3rd row, first block on the right!).

I'm joining in with WIP Wednesday