First Blog Post -- Free Paper Pieced Whale Pattern

Though I am fairly active on Instagram and Flickr, this is my first attempt at blogging and my very first blog post. I have considered blogging when I have something more in depth to share, but it is a bit daunting as there is a learning process (meaning I am not really technologically savvy) and I tend to spend most of my discretionary time quilting or planning to quilt. However, it would be nice to keep track of some of my projects for future reference, so I am taking the plunge. My blogging will be a bit rough around the edges as I learn to navigate this new world, so bear with me!

First, I'll share my most recent finish - I made a nautical themed version of Grainline Studios Lakeside Pajamas for my oldest daughter. I used a combination of voile and lawn fabric with paper pieced blocks. It is fully lined to reduce sheerness and cover the quilt piecing on the back. I also added a small amount of interfacing behind the quilt blocks to prevent fraying over time. I used prepackaged binding, but I think making my own would have resulted in a softer finish.

I looked at several different patterns for the blocks and ended up merging some different anchor details into a paper pieced pattern I drafted, as well as drafting a paper pieced whale. 

For a fun detail on the back, I added an anchor to the top.

I am quite happy that it turned out as I envisioned - this is the first time I have added paper pieced quilt blocks to a garment, and with the added challenge of angled seams.

And now for the fun part. I am offering the little paper pieced whale pattern I drafted for free on Craftsy. It measures 5" x 6" finished, but can be easily enlarged or reduced to customize the size.