Making this has been a learning experience. Since there isn't a true pattern, there are a lot of decisions to be made that you might not think of if you just follow a basic block tutorial. I was inspired by this quilt in making my own. I used seven strips for my blocks, which makes cutting the tube a little tricky. I also didn't think carefully enough about contrast when I was putting all of my cut strips into groups of seven. So here are a few pointers if you think you might work on a scrappy trip.
- If you make the block with an uneven number of strips, be sure to lay the tube flat and even prior to cutting or you will get wonky strip sets.
- I found it easier to iron the already cut strip sets alternatively and then sew them back together with nested seams. This is different than ironing the strips alternatively as the tutorial shows. I know some of these will need to be pressed again, but it made matching the seams more precise for me.
- Pay attention to placement of your contrasting fabric...for that matter, make sure you use contrasting fabric! I know this seems obvious, but it took me a while to figure out what looks best, and that's because when I grouped my strips together I didn't always consider contrast, but was considering more of what strips would look good together by color families. You need contrast for this, otherwise it's just a bunch of two inch squares.
- If you are like me and need to find order in things (even in scrappy quilts) then you might want to think about your final layout and your contrast fabric. In my finished quilt I've decided to do a vertical zig zag layout. I realized (late) that it would be good to put a single different contrast fabric in each column of the quilt. Since I decided this after making 12 of the 24 blocks, I'll need to resew or rearrange a few blocks to achieve the layout I want.
....16 blocks done, 8 more to go! Happy Sewing!
Thank you for all the great tips on making these blocks!
ReplyDeleteLooking good! I don't know that I will tick many things off my Q3 list... I've distracted myself from the goals by getting into a tote-bag-making frenzy for the past three weeks - but when you're on a roll...
ReplyDeleteIt seems like, for me, making quilts (any quilt!) is a journey like this one has been for you. I wish I could get right out the gate, cutting and sewing and making good progress. I would be much more efficient -- and produce more quilts -- that way! I hope you embrace this journey and appreciate all the decisions you need to make on your way to your finished quilt top ... even the seams you'll rip out to remedy the contrasting-fabric dilemma. It will all be worth it, my friend!
ReplyDeleteThis is looking lovely so far! Yes, it's all about getting some contrast happening, as I too discovered when making these!
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be beautiful! Thanks for the tips! I want to make one, one day!
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely AMH fabrics...This will be absolutely gorgeous when finished!
ReplyDeleteYour blocks are so pretty! I love the mix of prints you have chosen. You are so right about how even though this is meant to be a scrappy quilt, there is a lot of planning needed to have it turn out the way you want. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on organizing your blocks!
ReplyDeleteI'm collecting leftover strips from many of my projects, for a super-scrappy version some day. I'll be sure to keep your tips in mind.
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