Clueless about how to do this!
 

I'm a fairly new quilter who has just joined a guild. The first couple blocks we did weren't too bad for me, but now I'm really stumped.

Last night we were given a large plain block of fabric (16x16) and instructions to make a "house" block out of it. The person whose fabric it is wants a house in every block, any kind of house, but NO appliqué. We are free to add anything we want (grass, trees, people, pets, etc.).

Now, how the heck do I do this?? Someone mentioned paper piecing and I looked this up; okay, I think I can figure out something simple, but how do I get it on the fabric she gave us? The meeting ended rather quickly, so I didn't get a chance to ask anyone and I don't want to go back with nothing, or worse, a ruined block.

What can I do!???

Renate

Paint? Crayons? Print on the fabric? If you aren't supposed to add more fabric, those are the only options I come up with. I think I would be calling someone else in the guild to see if there are more instructions somewhere.

As Tartan said, Google pieced house quilt blocks. There are many that are not paper pieced.

Can you call her, or someone in the guild & find out what size they want the block to be when you're done? There are a lot of non-paper pieced house blocks out there. You could probably use the fabric provided as the back ground, as most of the block would be from different fabrics. Many are 12", but you could use the fabric provided to enlarge it, like sashing.
http://quilting.about.com/od/quiltpa...ck-Pattern.htm

I can see piecing the house but you still have to get it on the background don't you? And how would you do this? I am confused, and I am sure glad its not my problem.

I have some questions. What will the finished size of the block be? Is the 16x16 piece of fabric the background or is it supposed to be included in the house? And how does she expect you to add people, trees, pets, etc., without appliqueing them on? I suggest you call this lady or someone in the group you are comfortable with and get more information. You say you are a fairly new quilter, so I'm sure they will be more than happy to guide you.

I would think that the idea is that you make a house block and the fabric you were given would be cut up and used in that block.

When I have been in block challenges, we are given the specific size that the block must be. Be sure you know whether that is before it is stitched into the quilt, or the unfinished size. Usually we are given more than one piece of fabric, so that all the blocks will coordinate ... even though we each add our own fabrics to the mix. Sometimes we are told which fabric is to be in the background.

You will find that a challenge like this is a good one to help you stretch your ideas and abilities. Don't stress too much about it, and do what you are comfortable. You'll get lots of ideas when you see what the others do, so you are better prepared for the next time.

While not your subject, this might help you understand how a challenge like this might come together .... The following pictures are for a challenge I was in at our Fair this past weekend. We were given three fabrics, and allowed to add up to 3 (I only added one). The theme of each block was to represent the Fair's 2013 theme, "Friendship Grows at the Fall Fair". Blocks were to be 12-1/2" unfinished. The blocks will be assembled into quilt(s) and cushion(s) to be used in a fundraising raffle this next year.

Here's some pics of the supplied fabric, my block, and the assortment of ones turned in. Mine placed 3rd. (I just wish they would have had a design wall, to show the blocks nicely, instead of pinning them onto a sheet and hanging them ... they look kind of wilty!)

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Wow, this is wonderful. I love how you used your fabric. There were some great blocks all using that fabric. It is awesome to see the diversity of quilters. Nice example also.

As far as the scrap for your house block, I really think you need a bit more info. Would definitely call someone and ask for clarification.

Thanks Judith1005 ... it'll be interesting to see how they put them together for the finished quilt.

ArchaicArcane ... ITA with Judith1005 ... I too meant to mention to you to be sure to contact whomever is in charge of this, and ask more as to what the "rules" are for this venture. I think I have given you some ideas as to what questions you could pose in order to get clarity about it. Then just have FUN with it!!!