Still piecing

So I am still working on this Picture Piecing from Cynthia England.  It is taking FOREVER.  I was getting discouraged last evening but I realized I was doing the very complicated bit of fence shown in the middle of the picture.  I think after I finish all of the fence bits it will go faster.  I've re-watched Cynthia's youtube videos many times to pick up tips.  Honestly, I am usually very fast when I am piecing regular quilt blocks.  To have to go slow and rip out constantly (I keep sewing over the paper) is a new thing for me!

I've finished sections A thru F and tonight I'm doing Section G which I think is the last bit of fence.  I do think I'm getting better at the piecing which is a relief!  One thing for sure, this is a humbling experience!

 

Cynthia England projects

I've taken two classes with Cynthia England.  The first was at Painted Pony N Quilts way back in 2010 and the pattern she taught was Life's a Beach.  I enjoyed the class-she's a fabulous teacher.  And I had brought my Featherweight with me and kept burning my hand on the lightbulb cover.  She had brought things to sell-sticks for pressing strips, LED lightbulbs, Karen Kay Buckley scissors etc.  Well after I burned myself for the THIRD time I jumped up and bought myself a new LED bulb.  It is great-much brighter than what I had and it never gets hot.  But back to the pattern, I still didn't feel confident with paper piecing-in any style.

So a few years later, and now a few years ago, QuiltyBFF and I took a class with her at HQF.  Again, she's a wonderful teacher but afterwards I didn't get back to this project either.  I even loaded up my Featherweight trolley with both kits, mini iron etc.  Nope.  Still intimidated.  So last night I unpacked my trolley.  I set up my sewing machine and mini iron and pulled out the Beach pattern and kit.  I decided to start on a bit of the beach as it was all sandy fabrics and it wouldn't matter if I messed up.  I studied the pattern and even cut out two pieces of fabric and ironed on the pattern pieces.  I'm hoping tonight I will actually sew them together. 

 

I'm keen to get these done because I also have the kit and pattern for this beautiful heron. Herons are among my favorite  birds, if not my favorite.  I would love to make this one and hang it in a prominent place.