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Orphan Blocks...Suggestions Please

Orphan Blocks...Suggestions Please

Old 04-06-2012, 02:12 PM
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Default Orphan Blocks...Suggestions Please

I have a box of assorted orphan blocks that just seem to good to throw away, so I'm looking for suggestions from all of you as to small projects I can make with them. Some of them are singles, and some are multiples leftover from the same project. (I did a search on "orphan blocks" here on the QB and only found a few posts of projects using orphan blocks.)

Any and all suggestions welcome! And pics would be even better!!!

I'm sure I'm not the ONLY one with a box or two of these...I'm hoping we can collect some info here for all of us to use.

Last edited by azwendyg; 04-06-2012 at 02:14 PM.
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Old 04-06-2012, 02:28 PM
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I would get the book "Setting Solutions" by Sharyn Craig

http://www.amazon.com/Setting-Soluti...3751117&sr=8-1

I LOVE this book. She has great solutions for orphan blocks, blocks that came out different sizes, blocks you got from swaps etc. How to get them to look all the same size, lots of setting ideas. etc.
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Old 04-06-2012, 02:42 PM
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Thank, Marjorie. That looks like a great book.

I'm also hoping for lot so ideas for small projects other than quilts like:
pot holders
placemats
cosmetic bags
purses
shopping bags
table runners
etc...
and especially lots of other creative ideas to turn orphan blocks into useful items...
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Old 04-06-2012, 02:51 PM
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this chicken pincushion is made with log cabins, but any blocks could work
http://www.quiltingworks.com/cabin-f...in-cushion.htm
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Old 04-06-2012, 02:57 PM
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choose a background fabric and piece yourself a sampler quilt with the background pulling everything together-
your list of projects looks like a pretty good list...could add doll quilts, (check out the doll quilt swap here on the board) and tote/beach bags....toss pillows.
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Old 04-06-2012, 03:21 PM
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Make small donation quilts for kids, lap quilts for senior homes, small quilts for NICUs (Neonatil Intensive Care Units), they all always can use quilts.
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Old 04-06-2012, 03:24 PM
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Originally Posted by QuiltnNan View Post
this chicken pincushion is made with log cabins, but any blocks could work
http://www.quiltingworks.com/cabin-f...in-cushion.htm
Very interesting! It looks like any 4 x 4 block would work. Most of mine are bigger, but I could cut some down to this size to use.
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Old 04-06-2012, 03:43 PM
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I have seen a pair of vintage "sibling" orphan blocks matted and put in picture frames. They made a very nice statement as simple art, without making them into anything else.
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Old 04-06-2012, 03:49 PM
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Originally Posted by azwendyg View Post
Very interesting! It looks like any 4 x 4 block would work. Most of mine are bigger, but I could cut some down to this size to use.
the block size is not critical. i think i used 6 inch blocks for mine... which makes them a decoration, not a pincushion
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Old 04-06-2012, 03:52 PM
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Originally Posted by JenniePenny View Post
I have seen a pair of vintage "sibling" orphan blocks matted and put in picture frames. They made a very nice statement as simple art, without making them into anything else.
Another great idea! Thanks, Jennie.
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