I finished assembling the 360 blocks in to a top this past weekend.
It got a little tedious sewing the long strips together and matching all those seams (One. Inch. At. A. Time.)
But, the effect is worth it. I hope to quilt it next week.
While it takes a long time to build the blocks for a quilt made out of 1-1/2″ squares, it also takes a long time to assemble those blocks.
There are 360 blocks. The final layout will finish at 80″ x 72″ and contain 5760 pieces. One. Block. At. A. Time.
March of 2020 I started a mindless leader-ender using 1-1/2″ squares. I wasn’t sure where it was going. No one guessed where we were going.
On Sunday, March 21, 2021, I finished the 360th block. And have declared that that is enough.
It is quite a pile.
This is the last block. Such a place of honor.
And now to sew them together. Bits and pieces…kind of like this past year.
Sometimes I am given scraps, or even a partially finished quilt, that just isn’t my style. But, it is an opportunity.
It pushes my creativity, design skills and problem solving abilities. It makes me a beginner again. It makes me learn.
Sometimes a not-my-style quilt is just what I need.
ps–Judy asks a good question: What was I actually given? AGAIN, I didn’t take a picture of the starting point. But, there were a few pinwheels finished, with a dark purple strip sewn to one side. There were several sets of squares (light purple and background) sewn together all the way around, ready to cut on the diagonal, trim and sew together into pinwheels. There was extra yardage of both purple fabrics. And a few odds and ends of both colors.
That pile of scraps has become two baby quilts.
They are about 35″ x 37″. And it is fun to see them side by side.
They still need quilting, but soon…
Is this something you would like a tutorial for?
While the wedding will be very small, practically an elopement, Sparkle Jane really wants flowers.
She found these Sola Woods Flowers. They are made from something similar to tapioca and can be shaped and dyed to suit.
So she got together with her friend Erica and had a party.
Many different colors and shapes and she is looking forward to creating bouquets and boutineers soon.
Also, thank you to those who have already sent blocks for her wedding quilt. It will be a beautiful gift of love from the quilting world.
The bits and pieces of a jelly roll project are continuing to take shape.
Into a coin quilt…
I am pleased so far. The frame gives a distinctive look.
And helps to hide tiny differences in the width of the strips.
I am calling it Crackle Candy for now.
The top was made from a pile of miscellaneous scraps received in hand-me-down bags over several years. I was certain there was a quilt in there somewhere, but how to efficiently use so many different bits and pieces?
The answer was to incorporate a variety of block styles. There are six in all…can you find them?
HINT: One block only appears one time. I would change that if I did it again.
The blocks are finished and it is moving towards layout.
It is an experiment. I have yet to determine if it is a successful experiment.
In a sudden burst of energy I started several project about Christmas time.
And this one is well in progress.
