This is the second block in the group of four — affectionately known as the Ann Champion Series. Even though this block has many more pieces than Cog Wheels, it’s actually much easier to piece and most of it can be done on the machine.
Here is the drafted block which I re-sized to 14″. In retrospect, I don’t know why I drafted this pattern larger than the bed of my scanner. It’s annoying to have to put several scans together and, since it was going to be re-sized anyway, it wasn’t necessary to make it so large.
This is how I decided to piece the different sections of this block, but you could make smaller sections if you wanted. Start with the interior triangles and work outward.
I began hand piecing the inner circle of triangles, but switched to machine piecing after that. I made a few changes in the block:
the center circle was changed from light to dark (a mistake, I think, since you can’t even tell it’s a circle now). Also, I appliqued the center circle which is way easier than piecing.
The completed large circle was turned a bit before adding the background piece which changed the position of the center star (this is just a personal preference — somehow it just looked better to me)
I cut the outside white from a single piece of fabric instead of four separate pieces. This seems wasteful, but I use the cut-out circle to cut other pieces, and it gives a much cleaner look. I’m going to go back and change the Cog Wheel background to a solid piece as well.
Oh Martha..it’s spectacular! You’ve done such a good job on the drafting..and your piecing is absolutely amazing. I like the dark center..it makes the block look a bit more grounded? Well done! 🙂
Wow – these blocks are beautiful, and so complex. I’m definitely going to have to try it out sometime soon.
Well I need to pick my jaw up off the floor – this is amazing. I too like the dark circle in the middle. I would dearly love to be able to piece like this, but I’m afraid I’m too lazy of a quilter….
I also think the dark center circle was the way to go. It gives your eye somewhere to go – a central focus point from which to enjoy the rest of the block as well. You have such a gift for bringing these blocks to life! It looks wonderful!!
I am in awe! it is such a beautiful block and oh yes the center is wonderful dark. it was the right choice.
Now I can’t wait to see Ann’s 🙂
Kathie
I love these blocks in the indigo prints! Are you going to put them together in a finished project? I really admire your skill in analyzing the block, drafting it and piecing it. I am thinking that I would not have what it takes to stay with the project through completion! Of course, attention span has never been my long suit!
It’s beautiful! I like it with the blue and white fabric choice. Wonderful!
It is amazing, Martha! It’s pure magic how you can transform little drawings into beautiful patterns 🙂
podrias decirme si la linea de la base de los triangulos es recta, es porque quisiera hacer un circulo con triangulos para una estela de kantabria.saludos