As some of you know, I am working on this BOM, by Roxanne,
over at Quilt, Scrap, Stitch. I felt like I needed something light
after completing and quilting Lily of Rosenberry last year.
This seems to fit the bill and it seems that the theme for
this year is one dealing with beaches and water.
This is what the BOM looks like, although the house in the
center left panel has been changed to a boardwalk scene. I
really fell in love with it and decided I needed to create it.
Here is what one of the blocks look like. I can’t wait until
the whole piece is together and quilted so that I can add a pair
of sunglasses as an embellishment.
This is the first block in another BOM I have decided to
participate in this year. Yes, I am crazy! Quilt ArtDesigns
is hosting a free BOM this year and the theme is “Oceans.”
It fits my theme perfectly. I was a bit apprehensive because
I am not a fan of paper piecing. Tearing out all that paper
drives me crazy.
I have figured out a way to avoid all the paper tearing though.
I used 2 layers of freezer paper, ironed it together, to make it
stronger and not so water absorbent. Then I ran it through
my printer and printed off all the templates for the Turtle
block. It is kind of the same method quilters use for applique.
Then, I ironed the templates onto the fabric I had chosen, cut it
out and sewed it together. Sounds fast but sometimes the paper
came off, especially the smaller pieces. Not to worry though, just iron
it back on again.
In this photo, you can see what the back looks like. I kept all the
paper on until I had to sew the whole thing together.
This is what the completed block looks like. I did keep the freezer
paper on the 19 sections that make up the block but next time,
I think that I will take it off. I do have some paper tearing to do but
I am still working out the kinks in this system.
Overall, it was a lot of fun. It felt like I was working on a puzzle and I
love puzzles. I did struggle with choosing the right colors for the turtle
but in the end, I just had to push myself a little to get started.
There are 109 pieces in this turtle,isn’t that crazy? I am wondering
how hard it will be to stitch through some of the pieces that have
multiple layers of fabric. That thought will have to wait until a
later day and time.
Have a great week.
Stitching Impressions 
Your turtle block looks great!
Glad you enjoyed putting it together.
HI Janeen,
I think that you are the creator of the turtle block, correct? Yes, it was fun and I am looking forward to the other blocks you have created too. Are you making a pattern for the floating bottle too? I sure hope so.
Oh my, that looks like an enormous amount of patience is required! Thanks for showing us your lovely project.
HI Margaret,
I am glad that you are enjoying the blog and the photos.
That is so neat!!!!!
Love the turtle! You chose wonderful fabrics for it!
HI Renee,
You would laugh at how long it took me to choose those fabrics. In the end, I chose Batiks. YOu can’t go wrong with those but you have to make sure that you have the right shade or value.
Love your turtle block and thanks for the idea about the freezer paper. Like you, I hate to remove the paper after sewing.
HI Linda,
Glad that I could help you out.
What a fantastic project! I don’t mind paper-piecing, but would never have made the turtle…..
There is a way to do pp without having to take out papers or working with small bits of freezer paper, this came up on a quick google search:
http://denversews.com/2014/03/07/foundation-piecing-paper-vs-freezer-paper/
Hope it will help with the other blocks, that will be one great quilt!
Oh!! What a fantastic turtle. Your fabrics are terrific in it. I’m also in love with the first BOM you shared – sunglasses will be so cool on that block. 🙂
Your turtle looks great! I may just have to make this block… we used to scuba dive and see lots of turtles when we lived on Maui. The “beach” block turned out really pretty too.
Love your turtle!
I adore that umbrella and beach chair!