Drunkard's Path Projects

I have been at my sewing machine all week - my favorite place to be! I had a large commissioned order that consisted of a pair of placemats, a pillow, a table runner, a large applique wall hanging, and a bed quilt - and although I had a terrible (TERRIBLE) migraine for several days, I managed to get them all complete...along with several stitching wallet special orders, a couple birthday gifts, and a drunkard's path pillow cover. It's been a busy week; however, busy is truly a blessing. This weekend will be full as well, as I have another wall hanging, a pair of wool applique pincushions, and a couple more birthday gifts to complete.

I have been wanting to make a drunkard's path pillow for quite a while and I finally carved out some time for it....and although it may look a little bit tricky with all the curved piecing, it was actually a breeze and I completed the entire thing in just a few hours. I used a new AccuQuilt GO! die...it is the Drunkard's Path-4" Finished Die...each small two piece set is a 4" square and four sets create one 8" block. I was quite excited to use this new die, which is one of the new exclusive dies for Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. I made four 8" blocks for my 16" pillow cover and played around with the pattern, until I found one that was unique and eye-pleasing to me. I used the Tuxedo Collection by Doodlebug Design Inc. for Riley Blake. The die cut shapes made this a quick and easy project - and matching up the notches helps make perfect curved piecing easily obtainable. My tip to make a project like this - press and starch your fabrics before beginning - it will give you smooth clean cuts and make your fabric much easier to work with...

 I was actually able to try out this test die months ago to make the GO! Retro Drunkard's Path Quilt sample quilt (this is the free pattern that accompanies the die) - I just had to wait until the die was actually released to share the project with you. This quilt alternates between drunkard's path blocks and broken dishes blocks...and it measures 68" x 76" (a nice large size - but a little bit of a challenge when quilting on my sewing machine - yep, I'm still dreaming that one day I will have a longarm machine...). It is made from an assortment of fabrics from Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores...and actually was quite fun to make. I was thrilled to see my sample quilt on the packaging for the die and in the online video...again, another quilt I made is famous....and this was a big project, with lots of curved seams and matching points...I am proud!

I hope you enjoyed reading about my drunkard's path projects...and I have several more fun and famous quilting finishes to share with you in the near future...

Wishing you a wonderful and creative weekend!