First Papercut

Pattern Source

This block is Pattern #1, Fleur-de-Lis I, from Elly Sienkiewicz's book, Baltimore Beauties and Beyond, Volume I, Studies in Classic Album Quilt Appliqué.

Block Title

This was my first block, and is a papercut, hence, First Papercut.

The Journey Begins – Completed December 2005

Once I decided to take the plunge and actually attempt to make a Baltimore Album Quilt, I knew I had to start slow. I looked through the three Elly Sienkiewicz books I had at the time and decided to follow her lead and make this block, which is Lesson 1 of Book 1. Nothing like beginning at the beginning!

I really wasn't too serious at first. I didn't go running out to purchase fabric for this project because I figured that I'd tire of it quickly. Up to now, I'd always eschewed hand sewing—it's way too tedious and time consuming. Thankfully, Michelle (she who feeds my quilt habit!) had supplied me with a lovely bolt of fine plain off-white cotton (by Chanticlaire) and two huge bins of cotton fabric, most of which had been her mother's quilt stash. (Her mom, age 90, is an award-winning quilter.) I rummaged about and found a nice dark teal print and proceeded to follow Elly's instructions in Lesson 1.

Things were going along well—I didn't get sick of hand sewing as I thought I would. Then work got hectic and Christmas came, so I set the block aside until my Christmas break. I finished the block and was quite pleased, although I had some "war wounds" as a result. (Hey, there's a reason they call them "sharps"!)

Well begun is half done. (OK, this saying absolutely does not apply to sewing a Baltimore Album Quilt!) I informed Teddy that this will be his wedding gift. And he's only 15! I have a feeling I'm going to need every bit of that time to appliqué these blocks and then quilt my quilt!

Lessons Learned

I learned so much while making this block. I learned that I needed to use the proper equipment (#11 or #12 appliqué needles and short appliqué pins) and the proper thread (natural fiber). I learned how to do needle turns, freezer-paper-on-top, inside and outside points, tack stitching, all of which were entirely foreign to me.

I learned that it takes time to build calluses. My fingers hurt so much at first, and I couldn't wear any sort of thimble (I bought every kind imaginable!).

I learned that my eyes are getting really old. Fast. I think I'll probably be investing in a magnifier some time in the future.

I also learned that I LOVE the art of hand appliqué. It is completely engrossing and meditative.