This is not Shimmer‘s first rodeo.
It first started as “Dazzle” and I liked it, but then I was playing around one night and came up with that bias-stripey-trim on the outer ring, and liked it a lot more. So Dazzle went back in the Possibles File, and Shimmer came out.
I clumped the cut-out freezer paper pieces with their chosen colors and got to work. First up is folding on all those lines, something I learned from my last attempt at this. The really flat edge of the Add-an-Eighth-Plus ruler is lovely for this. (I just picked the first link that came up; there is no kick-back.)
I still use that backwards-fold-it-over method I learned from Verushka, as it allows me to see how big of a piece I need for the next segment. A somewhat confusing (apparently) discussion of all this is on my first freezer paper post. But if you follow along on the steps, you’ll get it.
This is a small ring, the first one, so there is only one section, and the piecing goes quickly. I’ve trimmed it all up. Peel off the freezer paper gently, so you don’t open up any seams.
I always keep the concave side on top, with the convex side on the bottom. In other words, the quarter-circle E piece is toward the feed dogs. I explain it in the pattern.
Two parts finished. It’s late at night, but I was determined to get the block done. Mistake.
Whoops. It’s not supposed to be two blues together.
Luckily, with freezer paper, it’s easier to unpick that if you were using paper in the traditional foundation paper-pieced gig. Got the blue replaced with lavender, but then couldn’t get the two sections lined up. Unpicked that one, re-stitched and kept going. (Don’t you love the dull light at night, even with the best lamps? No wonder I can’t see colors!)
And then went to bed bummed out because I hated it. Moral: don’t sew when you are tired. Duh.
The next afternoon, after the sun had come out from our cloudy/drizzley morning, I decided I liked the light pink and green combo. The outside sections were also working fine, but that it was the middle large rays that were the bust.
So I auditioned new colors for the rays. I also ended up changing out the A piece–the outer corner.
I decided not to take apart the block I didn’t like, but start again, making it over and using the new colors.
I also decided to press the seams toward the colorful wedges, although truly, this fabric is so good it doesn’t much matter, as there is little see-through.
Remember how I showed you I have five points of pinning on those larger curves? One in the middle…then fold the edges in, and mark those where the folds are. That makes five, with the two outer edges.
And here’s the new one. Will I throw away the first attempt? No. Look below.
If you are aiming towards a quilt, make five of the new one. Those, along the first and second blocks we made are on this Progress Chart. It doesn’t much matter that the first attempt is different. These blocks may not stay in this arrangement, but it gives you an idea of where we’re headed.
The new color chart (and the first version of Shimmer block colors) are up on the free Preview at my pattern shop. And everything is organized on the tab above: New York Beauties. I’m thinking that the pace of about every other week suits me. Hope it suits you, too. And no worries if making this is not in the cards at this time. The pattern, and these tutorials will be around for a long while. I’m still getting notes from quilters using my FPP circle patterns, and that first one was from a decade ago.
Okay, there’s another block for you in this New York Beauties Quilt (for Barbara). The pattern coupon from the last post has expired but getting twelve fascinating — but not complicated — blocks in one pattern that costs just a little more than a pastry and a beverage drink is a real deal. Grab yours here and come sew with me!
OccasionalPiece--Quilt! 
I love love the bias stripe idea. Gives it a lot of pizzaz. I also really like how the finished blocks look on your faded back layout. It would make a great quilt to include muted blocks with full strength color blocks just like how it looks now in your sketch.
Shimmer indeed; what a fun variation! I hear you on not sewing late at night, it doesn’t work well for me, either. And the first block will play well with all the others in the final layout, I’m sure. I noticed how you changed the color play between Dazzle and Shimmer to have the center quarter circle fabric be the same as the “rays” fabric in the first arc. I’d be tempted to continue that same color play between sections, just to see how it worked out, but then again, I’m not known for being super scrappy, haha. 🙂
Elizabeth, your quilting process and workmanship are inspiring. Your generosity of spirit is greatly appreciated and this block series is glorious! TY, jgd
I think Shimmer was the block that called to me at the very beginning!! And I hear you re/late night sewing and note that it is often no better if you start very early as I do 😦 My sweet spot for real clarity is between 9 am and 2 pm ideally with classical music on and the pup napping. Thank you for your hard work on this pattern. I’m anxious now to continue the journey.
This is a lovely block. I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s on “the list”!