Sister's Choice Quilts

My interests are quilting, reading, cooking, family, decorating, and matters of style. I post regular quilting tutorials and book reviews of current fiction.

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Getting Started With Crop Circles

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I spent some time last week and over the weekend getting acquainted with techniques and methods for making my Crop Circles blocks.  Making the block involves some straight stitching and some appliqué.  Whenever I embark upon an appliqué project, I experience feelings of panic and of being overwhelmed with all the possible methods I could use.  A wise reader said what I needed to do was to find my "appliqué niche" and then everything would fall into place.

Well, I am trying to do just that, and want to share with you my process for making these blocks.  What works for me may or may not work for you, but it may be of some use to plod along at my side as I move through this experience.

You will notice in my completed test block above that the block consists of 20 wedges made from two different fabrics.  I used Darlene Zimmerman's Easy Dresden ruler to cut out my wedges.  You will want to plan out your fabric pairings for each block in advance.  It just makes it easier.

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You cut strips of fabric 4 inches wide and cut 12 wedges out of the length of the strip.  I paired up my two fabrics for each block and layered them.  When cut, I just sorted out the fabrics for each of my 30 Crop Circles blocks and stacked them in my project box.  It looks a jumble, but honestly, there is some order to the way they are stacked.  

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In my next post, I will show you how I construct the wedges and turn under the curved edge for appliqué.

Sinta at Pink Pincushion is making the Crop Circles pattern as well.  If you would like to sew along with us, let us know–we'd love to have you.  The pattern is by Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie's Quilt Company, and my fabric is Jen Kingwell's Gardenvale.  Since it is summer, there really isn't a deadline, and no particular rules either!   

18 responses to “Getting Started With Crop Circles”

  1. You’ve got your test block done and your fabrics cut….you better slow down a little bit so you don’t get too far ahead of yourself on your eight year project…hehe

  2. You’ve got your test block done and your fabrics cut….you better slow down a little bit so you don’t get too far ahead of yourself on your eight year project…hehe

  3. You’ve got your test block done and your fabrics cut….you better slow down a little bit so you don’t get too far ahead of yourself on your eight year project…hehe

  4. Well done on your first block and the fabric pairings and cutting. You’re on your way and this quilt will be well worth the extra thought and effort you’re putting into it.
    As fast as you sew everything, I wonder how many blocks you’ll have finished by the end of the week? Enjoy the process!
    Hugs!

  5. Well done on your first block and the fabric pairings and cutting. You’re on your way and this quilt will be well worth the extra thought and effort you’re putting into it.
    As fast as you sew everything, I wonder how many blocks you’ll have finished by the end of the week? Enjoy the process!
    Hugs!

  6. Well done on your first block and the fabric pairings and cutting. You’re on your way and this quilt will be well worth the extra thought and effort you’re putting into it.
    As fast as you sew everything, I wonder how many blocks you’ll have finished by the end of the week? Enjoy the process!
    Hugs!

  7. I finally chose my fabrics and had everything lined up when I decided to give the templates a try and do a test quadrant out of some scrap fabric… Well… I shaved off a good chunk of my finger. I strongly believe in signs and so after I got the bleeding under control I put it all away for another time… I’ll be enjoying watching you all do your thing on this one. LOL!

  8. I finally chose my fabrics and had everything lined up when I decided to give the templates a try and do a test quadrant out of some scrap fabric… Well… I shaved off a good chunk of my finger. I strongly believe in signs and so after I got the bleeding under control I put it all away for another time… I’ll be enjoying watching you all do your thing on this one. LOL!

  9. I finally chose my fabrics and had everything lined up when I decided to give the templates a try and do a test quadrant out of some scrap fabric… Well… I shaved off a good chunk of my finger. I strongly believe in signs and so after I got the bleeding under control I put it all away for another time… I’ll be enjoying watching you all do your thing on this one. LOL!

  10. Don’t think I have the patience to try this, but when you finish, this will be a fabulous quilt. Also, love your choice of fabric so far. This seems like a pattern that can’t be rushed.

  11. Don’t think I have the patience to try this, but when you finish, this will be a fabulous quilt. Also, love your choice of fabric so far. This seems like a pattern that can’t be rushed.

  12. Don’t think I have the patience to try this, but when you finish, this will be a fabulous quilt. Also, love your choice of fabric so far. This seems like a pattern that can’t be rushed.

  13. This weekend I’ve discovered that I don’t like curved piecing therefore changed two blocks form the Green Tea and Sweet Beans pattern. Now I wonder if I should a dresden plate to the quilt would surely made a nice block. And I even have the Dresden template:-)

  14. This weekend I’ve discovered that I don’t like curved piecing therefore changed two blocks form the Green Tea and Sweet Beans pattern. Now I wonder if I should a dresden plate to the quilt would surely made a nice block. And I even have the Dresden template:-)

  15. This weekend I’ve discovered that I don’t like curved piecing therefore changed two blocks form the Green Tea and Sweet Beans pattern. Now I wonder if I should a dresden plate to the quilt would surely made a nice block. And I even have the Dresden template:-)