"Rainy Spring"...Piecing Complete

This has been an extravaganza of piecing!
But now I have finished all 49 blocks. They are pinned up on the wall awaiting interfacing, trimming, and sewing together....because this quilt will be embellished as a whole, not block by block.

I thought I'd show the weird way I've been piecing this project.  One of the key points is that I use clear monofilament thread for the top and a lightweight neutral cotton thread in the bobbin.  The reason for this is that I can switch from flip and sew to applique without having to change threads all the time.  This gives me a ton of flexibility as I am sewing along.

 
So first I lay out my pieces. This is one of the four outer corner blocks.  They are golden and light colored to show how the sun occasionally comes out and makes everything glinty. Holographic lame, gold embroidered organza...it's very fun to use this stuff!


I cut out separate foundation muslin for these fan shapes using my AccuQuilt "Drunkard's Path" die.  Then after I figure out how the puzzle best fits together, I start combining patches.

Because the pieces are pretty small, and the metallic fabrics make nasty seam allowances, I sometimes use this knitting ribbon to cover the raw edges where two sections butt up against each other on the foundation.
Love the sparkle on that lame under the sewing machine's light!

Different lighting entirely here (it was once again very cloudy outside), but you can see the block pinned into place.

And here is the entire quilt! 

Obviously it will tighten up considerably when it is sewn together.  And this is just the first "layer"....the embellishments will help blend the gold into the green, the green into the blue, and the blue into the white to soften those edges.

I've got to psyche up for the next phase...I think a new rotary cutter blade is in order for all this trimming!  Time to change needles on the machine as well...  ;-)

But first, a reward for my hard work! 

Husband made sourdough with butter and orange blossom honey.  To die for....