You
may remember from a while ago, that my local guild (LIMOD) had a sampler quilt
block of the month. Well, at the last meeting (back in May), we all agreed to bring our finished quilts to the next meeting (scheduled for September 16th). You also
might remember I made finishing this quilt a third quarter goal in the
2014 finish along.
So, um, yeah. In other words, I’d better get movin’!
So I came up with a plan:
I’d make a variety of different sized blocks, in addition to the 12 inch blocks we finished for the guild, to make the quilt feel unique to me.
I completed an 18 inch Wheel of Fortune block,
a 24 inch Figgy Pudding block (it’s the big one on the bottom right),
and the six-inch blocks in the top photo (six so far). My plan was to make 19 of the six-inch blocks, and have them fill the gaps in the above layout. But, things started looking a little too busy. And then I found another block I had made for the guild that I wanted to include, too, which means I need to re-evaluate my plan.
As of now, I’m thinking of adding more negative space in the form of whites and some of the low-volume Carolyn Friedlander Botanics — but, that’s as far as I’ve gotten. I think it will require a little more playing around with the layout before I am exactly sure where I am going. Truly a work. in. progress.
What are you working on today? Any deadlines looming that have you sweating?
Linking up with
Freshly Pieced and
Sew Fresh Quilts.
I’ve only ever done one sampler quilt (Rachel Hauser’s Penny Sampler: http://frombolttobeauty.blogspot.com/2014/06/my-favorite-quilt.html). There’s more going on there — by far — than any of my other quilts. I think the things that make it work are: (1) An even distribution of colors (the palette is primarily green/red/blue and they’re found throughout the quilt); (2) an even distribution of high-volume vs. low-volume fabrics; (3) chunks of negative space; and (4) a balance of elements from the left side of the quilt vs. the right side (it’s hard to tell in the pics, but for example, the upper-left corner features a long block with a light background color; it’s balanced in the lower-right by big chunks of low-volume fabrics). Not sure whether any of that could help you! I think any sampler will produce a certain amount of busyness — it’s just the nature of samplers — but by looking at the big picture, you might be able to strike the balance you’re looking for. It might require extra time at your design board and maybe even editing out a few blocks, but I think the result here is going to be awesome! (File under: “world’s longest blog comment”)
I love your blocks so far!
I finished one sampler quilt and have two that have been in waiting for about ten years. I distract pretty easily. I lay them out and move them around and when I see a block that sticks out as a loner, I make it a partner of the same colors, sometimes similar angles, but not identical. The black on your bottom block makes it want to steal the show; without the black it would fit right in. Or maybe a couple other strategically placed blocks with black edges.
I think working with different size blocks is a major challenge, but also usually a very effective feature.
a little negative space might save you a bunch of time.
I also meant to say I am amazed at how modern the old bow tie block looks!
This is looking great so far – I’m a big fan of the varied low-vol background. I think choosing a colour for the Wheel of Fortune background is a great idea too – it’s really going to pop and set the whole quilt off. Whatever you’re doing, it’s working – so keep doing it!
All your blocks look so fresh and beautiful. And I really like that you’ve made different sizes and planned your own, that’s one of the things that puts me off the Sampler type quilt, sometimes the final piecing and layout can look a little boring I personally find, even if the individual blocks are gorgeous. I like your approach so much better.
Your sampler is looking really modern. I have never made one because they always look too traditional to me, but yours has a really modern feel about it. I think you may be right about introducing more negative space so the blocks will really be highlighted.
Thank you, Lisa! I am still playing around with the layout and making a few more blocks, but I think I may have it figured out! Hopefully I will have a finished quilt-top to share by mid-week!
I love your sampler! I agree with Lisa – samplers can look too traditional for my taste, but I love what you’re doing. I think varying the sizes of the blocks makes a big difference. Maybe I’ll have to attempt one some day. 🙂
I love your layout for those blocks and your idea… making this unique to you. Looks fabulous, so far…. hope you can come up with a revised plan you like!
what beautiful quilts. I love your sampler blocks and the last HST quilt. Stunning!