2022 Fairy Duo - Leticia and Jolean

Hi there! I am really excited to share with your the newest set of easypatchwork Paper Doll Fairy, Leticia and Jolean. This collection of fairies is made with 16" foundation paper pieced figures, a great size to get into paper piecing and create a throw pillow for a special person in your life.

The 2022 fairy, Leticia, was just too cute not to have her sister, Jolean, join in the celebration this year. Each one has her own style. You can even mix the heads, bodices and dresses from both figures to create more if you wish.

 

Leticia - 2022 Fairy of Joy

Allow us to introduce, Leticia, the 2022 Fairy of Joy. She is an English fairy princess who would like to guide you through the new year. May you entrust her to show you the simpler things in life. She is straight-forward, and elegant. You could also envision her as a garden fairy, a strawberry fairy, or forest fairy with her cute acorn-shaped cap.

You can sew her with a variety of different colorways such as monochromatic (shown above) or even in a rainbow color schemed shown in the lower right corner. I truly love using the dark background on the fairies with their soft creamy, blush skin tone. If you wish to create more contrast, use a variety of values such as light, medium and dark for the figure to stand out. Get creative with different hair and wing colors. Create a whole family of different rainbow-colored fairies. More design ideas as well as a coloring sheet are found in the pattern as well as step-by-step directions with illustrations.

 

 

Jolean - 2022 Fairy of Inspiration

Sister to Leticia, Jolean is a dazzling fairy of inspiration. May her spunky character and love of life inspire you in your creative endeavours. She is slightly more challenging with her cute hair buns and layered dress. She is very proud to sport her fairy-tipped ears. Her plunging neckline shows her high self-confidence and love of her own body.

She is also sewn in a monochromatic color scheme with creamy, blush skin. There so many more options to color her though. Just take a look below. More designs in the pattern as well as a coloring sheet and step-by-step illustrations with explanations.

This sister duo can be purchased together to mix and match and make even more figures. Here are some more ideas. Have fun and explore new ways to create by skipping over sewing lines or adding your own.

If you wish to make one or both of the 2022 fairies, you can purchase them on Etsy for a limited discount until January 2, 2022. Discount is already applied in the store - no need for more coupons. 

Have a happy and creative New Year 2022!

Generations - Lizabeth

 Hi there and thanks for dropping by. This month we are debuying our beautiful Lizabeth, the next figure in our Generations Paper Dolls. Lizabeth stems from the 20th century wearing a slightly shorter dress and socks with her shoes. In her basket you will find her daily purchase from the fresh market. She also has beautiful highlights showcasing her lovely hairstyle.

As with all of the figures from the Generations series, you can mix and match the head, body and dress of all figures to create new ones or customize your favorite components.

Thanks for dropping by. Don't forget to check back on December 31, 2021 for the new Fairy 2022.

Generations - Clara

Hi there and thanks for joining us today. I would like to present the newest figure in the Generations Paper Dolls series featuring 6" x 12" historical foundation paper pieced figures spanning centuries of inspirational female heritage. 

Clara is the newest figure in our series. She is one of my favorite figures with her wrapped and belted shawl. Her delicate hands are folded in front waiting as if she is reflecting on life and its tiny little challenges. She wears a full sized bonnet. This figure resemebles a 18th century figure, don't you agree?

Includes Two Versions of FPP

All of the figures in this series are at an intermediate sewing level (beginner, intermediate, advanced). The hardest part of this figure is the shawl collar and the shawl front. Other than that, the figure is rather easy. There is an additional, simpler foundation pattern included for the shawl. It allows an offset of matching seams. I found the above version a little tricky and wanted you to have an option for an easier, forgiving version.

You could also imagine she is a pilgrim helping out with a large village Thanksgiving celebration. She and grace would make lovely friends for a festive fall wallhanging or table runner. The two together would make up a 12" block.

18" Pillow Idea

If you would like to sew the figures in this series, you can find the patterns on Etsy. Here is a design idea for a pillow. Simply add borders to the outside to get the size pillow you desire. This one measures about 18" when finished. It has two additional borders - the first at 1" finished and the second at 2" finished. Don't forget to add additional measurements for seam allowance. The fabrics used in the illustration below come from the Tilda Collection.

Thanks for dropping by. Another Generations Paper Doll will be introduced on December 15, 2021. Please check back for more information and bi-weekly blog posts.

Generations of Friendship Quilt Layout

Hi there! Thanks for stopping by today and checking out the Generations of Friendship Quilt Layout featuring our new historical paper dolls series of figures. A couple of weeks ago, we showed our new quilt layout with six 6" x 12" quilt blocks in a circular layout set into a rectangle. The finished size is about 45" x 45" roughly.

 

Fabric Selection

As with most quilts, the desigsn are created with a simple, solid color scheme on the computer and later translated into fabric after many hours of fabric research. Our FPP paper dolls look best when using tone-on-tone or calico prints with small patterns. These prints should read as a solid when standing back from the finished design. Since the background and border fabrics take up a large portion of the canvas, those were to be picked first. My stash of fabrics is limited mostly to fat quarters but no background and larger pieces of fabric. So, I visited my local quilt shop here in Nersingen, Quilt Oase. 

I really wanted to find a fabric palette like the one above with yellow, green and coral above, but wasn't finding what I wanted. Then I spotted the lovely confetti on olive green print below which is fantastic to pull other fabrics from. Then chose the additional olive green and pink fabrics that sort of fell into place. Finding the last color fabric below was a little harder. All of the fabrics were turning into tonals without any real change in print. The red below is also in the green confetti print. I felt comfortable walking out of the fabric store with my perfectly matching stash.

Upon coming home, I started to doubt myself. The fabrics match perfectly, but for me, they lack luster. The red is a little too dominant and the green seems to pull the fabrics into a more traditional direction. Yes, it is supposed to be a little more traditional, but this palette would be a challenge for me to work with.

Rethinking the Color Scheme

I discovered a small collection of Lazy Days from Tilda that I bought at a quilt convention in 2019! I was saving it for a special "pure joy" project. Why not use it now! The prints from Tilda are so feminine, traditional and elegant. Even though this collection is a bit older, the three front florals below, they offer a nice variety to tone-on-tone prints. Prints add so much more intersest than all tone-on-tones, don't you think?

This color palette resembles more of the design featured on the previous post with a red, gray and blue palette. This is how I designed it on the computer using EQ8 program. The blue, solid fabric above is slightly lighter than the one used inthe computer generated version below. I might even skip the light pink and purchase a solid blue and coral to fit better. Tilda has matching solids for this collection which is always a plus in my book. Since this is supposed to be a spring version to contrast the month-by-month blocks sewn in blues and greens, I am happier to sew in friendlier colors and prints.

 

Purchasing Fabric for an Outdated Fabric Collection

So, I went and purchased matching fabric solids from Tilda (2019 fabrics) to fit the new design from NinaKrea. Here is what is should look like after the alternations. I really love the blue background on the previous image, but it is no longer available domestically. The image below is with a fabric from Windy Days, Breeze Blue also from Tilda. The borders may be a challenge depending on the repeat of the design. It may have mitered corners or horizontal borders. I am really excited to get started with this new color palette of fabrics. It is friendlier to the eye and will be quite a joy to work with over winter.

If you would like to purchase this layout, it will be ready soon. You can purchase the first figure on Etsy here. Thanks for dropping by.

Generations - a New Series of Historical Paper Dolls

After several years of being a quilt and quilt block designer, I have developed a passion to create mix and matchable figures especially females. This love and desire stems from a childhood hobby of drawing barbie dolls with different outfits. Did you also design clothing for your dolls? 

New Paper Dolls Series

After taking a very long break from quilting, designing, and sewing, I sat down one day and just "doodled" - designing on the computer. I wanted to see if I could create a new figure with a historial flair. After several hours of diligent changes, Quilter Grace was created. She may look like a little Dutch girl or even a pilgrim too. You are welcome to image her as you wish.

Most of the figures will have baskets with arms and hands in front. Some will have bonnets or hats while other may not. Most of the figures will be European-like in nature but not all. 

As with most block patterns, I like to design foundation patterns in segments that can enchace the design of the figure. I don't like irritating segments that involve unachievable matching points or 20,000 intersections that create bulk. The challenge is to keep segments so that can be used by multiple figures with ease. Hopefully, these designs are successful and you will enjoy them as well. 

Mix & Match

I had so much fun designing Grace, I designed more paper dolls which have interchangeable segments so you can create even more figures too. Without giving away too many secrets, you can exchange the heads, torsos, and dresses. For instance, you may want to put a bonnet on another figure or even swap out the basket. 

The historical figures will be available on the 15th of each month for the next several months. Receive a 20% discount on the figure on the day it is released! This will be reflected in the price on Release Day.

Quilt Along - Generations of Friendship

If you would like to sew along for at least six months with a new figure each month, I will be offering a quilt block setting also at a reduced rate for all who purchase at least one of the Generations Paper Dolls. I am mentioning this upfront, so you can choose a background that will fit all figures. Don't you just hate it when you run out of fabric during a project? The quilt below is approximately 50" x 50" for a nice wall quilt.

This is a neutral and fresh color scheme that is used throughout the written pattern of green (a dark and a light), yellow and a coral. Choose this palette for a more modern or even European look. Add some lovely fabrics to Grace's basket such mini prints or even lovely florals.

Fabric Requirements

Here are the fabric requirements if you would like to make the quilt above:

• 1 3/4 yards -  Background (Light to medium value neutral such as gray.) 
• 3/4 yard - Accent 1, Border 2 (Dark Main Green)
• 1/8 yard - Accent 2 (Yellow)
  
• 1/2 yard - Accent 3, Binding (Coral)
  
• 1/2 yard - Accent 4, Border 1 (Creme or White)
• 1/8 yard - Accent 5 (Black)
• 1/4 yard - Accent 6 (Light Main Green)
  
• 1/4 yard - Hair & Baskets (Brown)
• 1/8 yard - Skin (Use different shades for added interest.)
• 55" x 55" Backing 
• 55" x 55" Batting
  

If you would like a more patriotic or traditional look, choose this red, gray and blue color scheme.

Here are the fabric requirements if you would like to make the quilt above:

• 1 3/4 yards -  Background (Light to medium value neutral such as gray.) 
• 3/4 yard - Accent 1, Border 2 (Dark Main Blue)
• 1/8 yard - Accent 2 (Dark Gray)
  
• 1/2 yard - Accent 3, Binding (Red)
  
• 1/2 yard - Accent 4, Border 1 (Creme or White)
• 1/8 yard - Accent 5 (Black)
• 1/4 yard - Accent 6 (Light Main Blue)
  
• 1/4 yard - Hair & Baskets (Brown)
• 1/8 yard - Skin (Use different shades for added interest.)
• 55" x 55" Backing 
• 55" x 55" Batting

Selfmade Layout

If you love the figures but don't want to commit to a wall hanging, you can also make a table runner with five figures (or design your own quilt with any amount of paper dolls). Simply outline the figures with 1" and 2" finished borders.

Social Media

Let's have some fun and sew along together! Upload your makes and progress on social media. Use the following hashtags: #eppaperdolls #epgrace #easypatchworkpattern #eppattern #epgenerationsquilt

Online Shop

Grace is available now on Etsy. Click on the link to the left or on the "Pattern Shop" in the bar at the top of this page. Each month, a new figure will be released on the 15th of that month. Figures from the last three centuries will be availabe for purchase.

The Gernations of Friendship (with stars) pattern will be available on November 1, 2021. You will receive a discount code for the quilt layout download with each Generations Paper Doll purchase sent as a private message. Check your spam folder if you don't get a message. 

Preview

Stay tuned for the next blog post on October 29, 2021 to see my fabric selection and to read about the Generations of Friendship layout blocks. Happy quilting and sewing!

EQ Pearls of Wisdom + Giveaway

Have you hear the news? The Electric Quilt Company is celebrating 30 years of business! It is hard to believe that another five years have gone by. It seems like just yesterday the new EQ8 version came out. What is EQ8 and the Electric Quilt Company? The EQ Company produces the leading quilt design software (EQ8) which I use just about daily in my own designs. It doesn't write the patterns for you, but it takes out all of the math guess work, cutting and dimensions are easily adapted from line drawings in the program. It even prints out templates and foundation papers. I haven't found a limitation yet to the software. It is extremely powerful with a lot of thought put into the programming and needs of quilt designers. If you are computer software savvy, it definitely makes pattern design and writing easier.

As part of the big celebration, the company has teamed up with 30 avid EQ8 users and quilt designers to share in the fun with their own "pearls of wisdom" about the software. Each week another designer will be highlighted with an interview and a giveaway - especially an EQ8 project giveaway! How cool is that? You can download the project, color (re-color or map to color/fabrics) as you wish, print templates/cutting charts and make your very own quilt (in any size)! How cool is that?!

I am very honored and humbled to be a guest participant in the big 30th anniversary celebration! Go check it out on their website to see my favorite pearls as well as other pearls from other designers.

https://doyoueq.com/blog/category/eq-pearls-of-wisdom/

My gift to EQ and to all of their users is a Fancy Color Wheel Quilt - what every quilter needs in their sewing space. 

The Fancy Color Wheel Quilt is based on a painter’s color wheel for you to sew yourself. There are two slightly different designs for you to try, one being a mini quilt (12” center block) and other a midi quilt (20” center block). There is a fancy design with triangles below and a simplified version without triangles. The patterns are made of templates (use up an empty cereal box) and is for an advanced skill level. The pattern uses a total of 51 different fabrics.

Are you familiar with the color wheel?

The color wheel is built with the primary colors forming a triangle in the center (red, yellow and blue). Turn the triangle 60° and you have the secondary colors – adjacent primary colors mixed with each other. Venturing outwards one additional ring, you will find gradients of the primary and secondary colors. The next ring shows triangles in black and white pointing to the shades and tints respectively. Sandwiched in between are the tones (main color with gray added) while the outer most ring uses a range of tints (main color mixed with white) and shades (main color mixed with black). I used the special functions of EQ8 to add tints, shades and tones more commonly known as the color value.

Color is a fascinating and powerful too that influences our perception, emotions and even our consumer behaviours. In the quilting world, we can use color to express a mood, accentuate a piece of a design, or even subdue portions. To achieve this, we must first understand the color wheel, how it is built and how colors interact with each other. 

Color Wheel Made with Solids from Doris K.

A painter's wheel is what quilter's are most drawn to in their designs. It is a mixture of color through paint or a so-called RBY color wheel. Be careful, because there is more than one type of color wheel.

Color Wheel Made with Printed Scraps by Karen Ackva

The color wheel is also divided into warm colors (red, yellow, and orange) which generate life, warmth, engery and positive emotions. Think sunrise and summertime. Cold colors convey security, relaxations, and stability. Think cool water and crisp snow. Individual colors can express their own emotions. 

In no way, shape or form am I an expert on color. Please refer to these publications for more in-depth look at color theory and everything else you would like to know.

Barnes, Christine. COLOR: The Quilter's Guide. Washington, USA: That Patchwork Place Inc. 1997

Wagner, Lauren. Palette Perfect. Barcelona, Spain: Hoaki Boos, S.L., 2018. Color Combinations Inspired by Fashion, Art & Style

As we already know, EQ8 is wonderful for printing templates, foundation patterns, calculating fabric yardage and giving us the correct patches. What it cannot do is write the pattern. If you are looking to create the pattern and prefer written instructions on how to, you can purchase the pattern on Etsy in my easypatchworkSHOP. 

Patterns includes seven pages DIN A4 page size and includes:

• Material requirements 
• Cutting instructions
• Full-size templates
• Block construction
• Patch placement for all fabrics
• Additional instructions for reverse appliqué of center circle as a second option
  

 

 

Enjoy an extra 30% off today only. No code necessary.

Would you like to make the pattern but are uncertain if you may have all of those pretty rainbow fabrics in your stash or scrap bins? You can always change up the colors and create your own interesting color wheel. Take a look at these ideas below. Recalculate the fabric yardage with the EQ8 Project file for any of the combinations below.

If you just love to sew curves, you can even sew an entire quilt with these XXL 20" blocks.

Thanks for dropping by today to read about the EQ "Pearls of Wisdom" and the Fancy Color Wheel Quilt Project giveway you can find on their website. Let's celebrate their success together. Happy 30th Anniversary, Electric Quilt Company! You rock!