Paper Pieced Ladybird

I can't be the only one who is in Christmas denial! 

Don't get me wrong, the Christmas tree is up. It looks amazing in its handmade glory and I just adore the smell of a real Christmas tree! I have made mincemeat for the first time ever and am looking forward to tucking into some yummy mincemeat pies. The kids are happily working their way thorough their storybook advent calendar. Well over half of my Christmas gifts have been sent and the remainder are largely under control.

Its just there is a whole lot of Christmas sewing that I should be doing and I am avoiding it. When I asked what you all thought I should sew next, someone suggested that I design a ladybird block.

I couldn't get the idea out of my head- I just had to get to work straight away.

On Sunday when I had a snippet of time to sew I ended up working on a new paper piecing pattern instead of my Christmas sewing (oops) and then yesterday I just HAD to finish it!

I'm not sure if I like it or not... Whether its striking in its simplicity or just plain boring!

I made it up as a 12 inch block, but now that I see it, I think that it would possibly work better in a slightly smaller size. I'm still learning about this pattern designing gimmick, so bear with me if I make mistakes.

I have vague plans for a  butterfly and ladybird baby quilt- what do you think? Is there anything else that you think should join the butterfly and ladybird on the quilt?

Its the usual deal. If anyone is interested in my ladybird pattern let me know and I'll turn it into a pattern.

I'm joining in with WIP Wednesday over at Freshly Pieced for the first time in what feels like AAAAGES- its been far too long! And also at Fabric Tuesday over at Quilt Story