Tuesday 7 February 2012

Pippi Block Process

In Cocorico Bee, Muriel chose Pippi Longstocking as her theme.  She put a lot of inspiration into a gallery and initially I thought stripy tights and boots was the way to go, but I could not see it working with piecing, and you know I like to piece, I like the challenge.  So instead I was drawn towards hair.  I didn't want the desgin to be too tight, Pippi is a carefree character and I wanted to sew her in a improv free pieced style.
I like the spirit I have captured in this, but it is reminding me a little of a rugby ball!  This is how the process went.  First I sketch the basic shape on to quilt block graph paper and tidy up the lines.
Then I use permanent fine liner and label the sections, add some tick lines for matching up.   I trace this onto the reverse shiny side of freezer paper with pencil.  I use reverse tracing so that the freezer paper sticks to the back of the fabrics, easier when piecing.
I free pieced the hair in two halves and two plaits and then cut it to shape using the freezer paper.
Then it is all pieced together.  The tick lines help a lot when sewing the curves and but I also just have to wing it some of the time.
This was a kicking and screaming block, I had to drag it into existence out from wherever it was hiding.   I could not see it until I was well into the construction and I was prepared that I might have to abandon it and start something else.  
The jumper is based on Pippi's jumper, Muriel managed to find one for herself! 
To tell the truth I am more than a little relieved  that I managed to finish this, I was getting an imagination funk on what to do for this block.  Off you go Pippi! 
sib blog

34 comments:

  1. this is incredible Kerry! Wow! All of those different pieces in her hair are just so perfectly "Pippi."

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  2. Thank you so much, Kerry, for making something so good!! I love that you used a free style of piecing for the hair because of Pippi's character. Those curved sewing lines are great, it is something I'm still learning. And then the sweater, it's so fun that you added that too!! Thank you again!!

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  3. I love how all the different fabrics and the touches of yellow make her hair so vibrant and glowing. Just like Pippi. Full of life!

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  4. I love it!! Stella has been reading Pipi's books and it is so sweet!

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  5. Aacckk! Pippi!! Fabulous work Kerry. Your creativity inspires me. I have got to get back to paper piecing. Love those orange locks! Hugs.

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  6. Amazing block. Your creativity is inspiring. Thanks for sharing part of your process.

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  7. Oh I loved that movie as a kid (would not watch it again now though) that is a wonderful quilt idea.

    http//richardquilts.blogspot.com

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  8. Love the point of view and Pippi's askew head! The little embroidered strands of escaped hair are perfect. Well done, Kerry!

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  9. Oh I love this, especially the wee escaping curl of hair at the nape of her neck

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  10. It is just fabulous. Tks for sharing your process : )

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  11. are you kidding me? This is so unbelievably perfect. Damn, I wish I was a Cocorico...or maybe even Muriel. That would be awesome!

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  12. Pippi Longstocking...... I will be back in about ten minutes after a wonderful trip down memory lane....................... Yup I'm back - that block is fantastic, I am in awe of the piecing x

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  13. Fun block, I am intrigued by the different sources of inspiration and themes that crop up in these bees.

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  14. Wow! I think I would have freaked at the challenge and taken to my bed for a week... You have come up with something fabulous. Love it! Hope you get something more straightforward to work on next. ;-)

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  15. I'm agreat Pippi fan and Ilovethis block!

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  16. This is a great block, I especially like the curl at her neck!! You did a great job capturing Pippi's spirit!

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  17. That block is amazing! WOW!!

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  18. perfect use of the hope valley print!! It makes the hair for me. Good for you for pushing through. Sometimes those kicking and screaming blocks are the best ones for us. ;)

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  19. What a great block! I love the little tendrils of hair on her neck, such a great detail!

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  20. I love your work, Kerry!

    You are very welcome to my small eatsy shop. I sell Marimekko beautiful fabrics. You may find some interesting fabrics for your projects:)

    http://www.etsy.com/shop/ScandinavianFabrics

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  21. You may have had to drag it kicking and screaming but it's freaking amazing. You don't have to identify it as Pippi because it's quite, quite obvious who it is. It's really wonderful.

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  22. Amazing block, Kerry! It has a strong girl power "pippi" feeling. Another block from you I absolutely LOVE. Thank you for sharing so much of your technique. You will make an awesome teacher in London.... Someone will be very lucky to take your workshop.

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  23. This is absolutely amazing. You have captured all of the spunk and joy of that beloved Pippi with your little bits of fabric. This block makes my heart sing!!

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  24. Hi Kerry! This is another work of yours that really shows you are capable of anything super cool! Such a creative idea and beautiful colors!

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  25. Oh, this is so cute! I love Pippi and I had all her books and I had even the same red hair when I was a little girl.
    Your piecing is so beautiful with many different fabrics!
    I love also your work in your latest post!
    x Teje

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  26. How wonderful! You've done Pippi justice (not an easy feat!) Just beautiful, Kerry.

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  27. You have done an amazing job capturing Pippi's spirit in this block - there could be no doubt about who this is - and I love that little tendril of hair that has escaped at the nape of her neck - so cute:-)

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  28. A.May.Zing. I don't know how you do it (except actually i do- thanks for blogging the process!) ;)

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