Every once in a while I dig through my orphan block and spare parts suitcase and see if I can put together a quilt from some of the items.
Not too long ago I pulled a bunch of green and gray items to play with.
I started in the center with a 12" leftover RSC block I had. Then I just added some strip piecing and HSTs and flying geese to build out the center. I used a gray solid where I needed to make some blocks fit or to add some separation.
I then used some green improve blocks I was gifted to add a bit of drama. I didn't have quite enough blocks so I had to recreate a few from scraps. Thankfully I had some of the green solid I could use to make this section the correct size.
Then I went back to some gray blocks - 9 patches and flying geese.
I kept all the pieced blocks in each round toward the center of the quilt. I like that the final gray round creates a nice framing border to the quilt.
I found a nice gray for the backing and used a solid gray for the binding. I quilted swirls over the entire quilt in a gray thread.
I came across some gray 2.5" x 8" strips that I used as a border on the top and bottom - Just to make the quilt a bit longer. I think the size of this quilt is about 60 x 64.
I enjoy these type of projects that require me to design as I go. It challenges me to be creative. When I make myself use only the bits I have, I take more chances - which results in me learning new skills.
Not bad for a bunch of leftovers headed to the trash and about a yard of solids!
(And if you are curious, I think 6 different quilters donated blocks that ended up in this quilt.)
17 comments:
You've inspired me, I have a tub full of 'orphan' blocks. One of my goals for 2021 is to make at least 1 quilt from this tub, 2 would be even better though! The rest of 2020 is going to be spent finishing up unfinished quilts from this year. Happy stitching!
That is crazy cool. you really did a great job.
This is really impressive! It looks planned and that's what adds to it. I have a drawer of orphans that need looking at soon.
The gray is a lovely frame. You are very good with quilty puzzles, to you enjoy real puzzles?
Amazing! All the various fabrics make the top sparkle. . .who would have thought orphan blocks would be the start of a great quilt?!!!
It's fun to see how you use your orphan blocks. Always very creative. I tend to use extra blocks on the back so don't really have much of an orphan pile other than lots of HSTs. I have a notion of using them all together. Someday.
What I love about your quilts is that they are so beautiful- you just don't throw stuff together any old way because you have it. It is beautifully designed and looks coherent and artistic.
You made good use of those orphans and other bits and pieces. And it sure seems like you had fun doing it. I think I need to get into my orphans now that you have inspired me.
I enjoy that process, too, probably because you got me started in the first place!
I always enjoy seeing pics of your orphan block quilts coming up in your posts! You mix the blocks along with extra pieces made with your scraps beautifully,
Lots of "bits" used in this wonderful quilt. Congrats on another finish.
It's amazing what YOU can do with nothing bits. I'm sure it would take me six months and still would be wondering what to do with those bits, lol. Great quilt. Lovely colours. ;^)
Super fun and inspiring! I love the green and gray together with little peeps of other brights. Makes me want to pull out my orphan blocks tonight, but I promised myself I'd get a few tops quilted and bound before launching a new piece. Soon, though :)
The green and gray are a great combination! I love the pops of other colors in there, too. Fun finish, Cyndy!
Another great Orphan Block quilt, Cynthia!! You are SEW talented at making something from the bits and pieces saved from the trash. Kudos!
it looks like it was planned!! your suitcase for spare parts has magic powers!
I think it even looks like a child's play mate. Well done!
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