Esme Block

I got this pattern from the Love Patchwork and Quilting magazine which I love and pour through every issue. This is a paper pieced pattern that jumped out at me to do a challenge. I knew I wanted to make just one block because of the time involved. There are two pattern pieces to make up the centers and corner sections. 

 

Since there are 8 points that meet in the middle I fanned out the points before pressing to keep it flat. I love the way it turned out with the directional purple fabric and subtle background fabric.

Here is an example of a nice way to decorate a table top with a little quilt!

Mini Quilted Christmas Tree Decoration

This teeny tiny paper pieced block is 1.5" square in the center. The pattern was so tiny that I wanted to give it a try. It makes for a cute decoration or ornament.

It went together fairly easily and I love the perfect points on the tree. A tip I had read for paper piecing paid off by back stitching at the beginning and end of each stitch. That was especially important for something so tiny. I had a picture of the back with the paper pattern but now I can't find it. I added a traditional binding and some hand stitching.

This is another variation I did without paper piecing by making 2 flying geese and a 3 strips. It is tiny also. Nice for gifts and quilt guild exchanges!