Sylvia’s Bridal Sampler: part 8 - adding more colors

With many blocks from the quilt book Sylvia’s Bridal Sampler the number of colors/fabrics is minimal: as it is with Block C1 – Contrary Husband. The picture, layout of original technique and directions can be found on page 26. I am changing this into paper piecing again, but will also use more color.

Originally made with 3 colors – I will use 4 – you can add more colors/fabrics, up to 6 in total. Let me explain:

There are four blue pieces visible with this block, on each side. All made from the same color/fabric, but cut in pieces.

I wanted to make fabrics stand out more. The center is a bright red, and the (originally) 4 blue pieces are changed into 2 grey’s and 2 black’s. You can see the difference with the picture above.

You can always change the appearance of a block, the way you like it can be different from the example in the book.

Changing the technique into paper piecing, working in 3 rows (actually with four parts, because the middle row has two combined Units). The background fabric is a printed white, for more contrast. PAY ATTENTION how to cut the fabrics, when working with paper piecing. Because this is NOT a symmetrical block, the fabrics have to be cut as a mirror image. You will be working on the ‘back’ of a Unit, to get the same result as the original block. It doesn’t matter if you are not aware of this, but remember the block will be a mirror image of the original if you don’t cut the fabrics ‘upside down’.

After sewing the two Units for the center row, the 3 remaining rows are sewn together, as always using dots of Bohin Glue Pen on the seam allowances, without pins.

All seam allowances are pressed flat: this is the back of the block,

and this is the front. Corners are ok, contrasts ok, my block is ready.

I have changed a lot of blocks this way: making them more my own, working with paper piecing or traditional techniques, but adding more color to them all.