Diving back into my scrap drawers this week for another Pas de Deux ensemble! This time, I’m gathering larger scrap pieces for a group that I’ve been looking forward to developing. I’ve chosen two blues: aqua and dusty navy. Let’s see how they dance together!

There are often lots of ways to sew most patchwork blocks, with advantages and disadvantages to different approaches. It’s easy to assume that the first method you learn is the easiest or best one. Until you try another method, you really don’t know! Patchwork can surprise you.

With Pas de Deux 2022 BOM I’ve promised that there will be no curved piecing. And yet, there are curves - three curvy patchwork groups, to be precise. Evening Star is one of them. We’re sewing our Pas de Deux curves with applique, this time using the “sew and turn” method. Take a look:

A little unexpected? That’s big circles, cut into quarters and appliquéd on a background square. In contrast to sewing drunkard’s path blocks, this method is less confusing for beginners. It also allows the background to form an “evening star” shape without any distracting seam lines. In contrast, if sewn with drunkard’s path blocks, you’d have four seam lines in the center star area. I’m very curious to hear club members’ feedback with this block!

Sponsor of the Week

Winter Creek Cloth

Two new collections from Zen Chic have arrived in shop: Celestial and an encore collection titled Modern Background - Even More Paper. I worked on the quilts for the Modern Background collection - loved them all! It’s a great mix of low volumes that I would happily use as a foundation for a project. Celestial is new to me, and I find the palette quite fresh with the super soft pink and nuanced yellow. Hello spring!

Here is my Evening Star group, another dancing element for this puzzle of a patchwork sampler. I’m pleased!

Also, I wonder, what do you see first - circles or stars?

Evening Star group delivers to club members as April’s patchwork project.

In the next week or so, I’ll make another Pas de Deux patchwork group and then show you how my quilt is looking again all together. Meanwhile, if you are still on the fence about joining us, I hope you won’t hesitate any longer! It’s still early in the year, and you won’t miss any materials. This year-long patchwork sew-along is more playful and fun than time-intensive. Plus, it’s a great way to sew through some of your scraps. Let me know if you have any questions!