Starting a scrappy quilt slowly (Quilt studio diary)
This Quilt studio diary post is about something that I’ve learned to appreciate: starting a quilting project slowly. Especially when I’m developing my own measurements for a quilt that I’ve seen in a picture, a thoughtful beginning can help me later on.
Ever since I started to make quilts, I’ve drawn inspiration from the beautiful works of other people. I’ve always liked to look at a picture and then figure out the block or blocks that are needed, measurements and all. I’ve only ever bought a handful of patterns – probably fewer than I’ve created myself.
My latest project has been inspired by Charisma Horton’s quilt “Positive Vibes”. Rather than using her pattern itself, I explored the design on my own and figured out measurements that looked good to me.
These were my first test blocks, and these measurements were not to my liking.
After creating another X block version which did not square in a nice way, and some intensive stitching and ripping on a third one, I finally had practical measurements for all the necessary pieces.
It is strange, but I don’t mind the process of developing the measurements! In my early days of quilting, I might have felt that this wasted a lot of time, but not any more. It feels more like I’m easing into the project.
And it feels great when I finally have everything figured out: what to cut for one block; what to cut for the other block; and how many blocks to make. If you would like to make a similar quilt, you can purchase the “Positive Vibes” pattern here. (Please note that my post has not been created as a collaboration with the designer. It just feels fair to link to the pattern even though I did not use it.)
What I really liked about the “Positive Vibes” quilt was the orientation of the blocks. Though the blocks have X shapes, they stand on their corner and look quite different:
But I will have to make a visit to the fabric store to replenish my stash, or I won’t be able to start work on my next planned project.
Here is the latest, random layout of the blocks I had at the time. Today, all the blocks are done, including the more or less triangular pieces to fill in the edges, and four special pieces for the corners.
When I checked the size of the bunny, it was too large for a four-patch square but perfect for a square that would be the same size as the four-patches. And to honour the different structure of the block, I chose a pale, watery green-turquoise Grunge for the corner pieces.
Even though the bunny block will not be surrounded by four-patches, I set it up like that – just for fun.
Most of my four-patches also alternate darker and lighter value squares. It’s been a conscious choice because they look more orderly that way. On some blocks, the value contrast is not excellent, and that has also been a conscious choice, to break up the rhythm.
I’ll use an intentional design – my go-to method of placing darker-value blocks on “the bottom” of the quilt surface and the lighter-value ones on “the top”.
I can’t wait to start laying it all out and seeing the design come to life!
Ever since I started to make quilts, I’ve drawn inspiration from the beautiful works of other people. I’ve always liked to look at a picture and then figure out the block or blocks that are needed, measurements and all. I’ve only ever bought a handful of patterns – probably fewer than I’ve created myself.
My latest project has been inspired by Charisma Horton’s quilt “Positive Vibes”. Rather than using her pattern itself, I explored the design on my own and figured out measurements that looked good to me.
Designing my own version
I liked what I saw as a combination of X blocks and four-patch-in-a-square blocks. Because I’ve had experience in creating an X block, I wanted to figure out my own pattern and measurements.These were my first test blocks, and these measurements were not to my liking.
And it feels great when I finally have everything figured out: what to cut for one block; what to cut for the other block; and how many blocks to make. If you would like to make a similar quilt, you can purchase the “Positive Vibes” pattern here. (Please note that my post has not been created as a collaboration with the designer. It just feels fair to link to the pattern even though I did not use it.)
What I really liked about the “Positive Vibes” quilt was the orientation of the blocks. Though the blocks have X shapes, they stand on their corner and look quite different:
Fast progress once I had a plan
After the figuring out part, these blocks have been extremely quick to cut and sew. What’s more, I didn’t quite run out of almost-white fabrics, which was great!But I will have to make a visit to the fabric store to replenish my stash, or I won’t be able to start work on my next planned project.
Here is the latest, random layout of the blocks I had at the time. Today, all the blocks are done, including the more or less triangular pieces to fill in the edges, and four special pieces for the corners.
A surprise feature block from my fabric stash
When I was looking for the last batch of largish scraps for the four-patch squares, I came across a short length of Tula Pink fabric that I had not cut into. I’ve had the piece for rather a long time and it felt bad that I’d neglected it – after all, fabrics like to be used!When I checked the size of the bunny, it was too large for a four-patch square but perfect for a square that would be the same size as the four-patches. And to honour the different structure of the block, I chose a pale, watery green-turquoise Grunge for the corner pieces.
Why this scrappy quilt will look cohesive (I hope)
The fabrics and colours in my X and four-patch blocks are all wildly different, but they will not look chaotic together because of the pale background that provides value contrast.Most of my four-patches also alternate darker and lighter value squares. It’s been a conscious choice because they look more orderly that way. On some blocks, the value contrast is not excellent, and that has also been a conscious choice, to break up the rhythm.
I’ll use an intentional design – my go-to method of placing darker-value blocks on “the bottom” of the quilt surface and the lighter-value ones on “the top”.
I can’t wait to start laying it all out and seeing the design come to life!
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