Hi all! Well I am doing Chexx Mixx from Atkinson's 9 Patch reunion book. there are 2000 pieces (not counting border and binding). I just added them up from pattern, almost wish i hadn't now! LOL

Anyway, I know there has to be a system to match the fabrics randomly yet with a system. I have the cut pieces laid out by color: pink, green, and blue. Each color is sorted from light to dark. So I have three columns. That is the first picture.

The second picture is of the quilt on the front of the book, so sorry for the glare. It is a shiny book.

I would LOVE to hear ideas on how to randomly but systematically sort them.

Each fabric will be used twice. So green A could be used with Blue B in one block and Pink A in another block.

Thanks a bunch and I cant wait to see your ideas!

how many finished squares will you end up with?

70 for a twin size that measures 72x97 inches. pretty big twin.
I should have 10 left over I might make it bigger depending how it looks. I also like have extras to work with for layout. Or make pillows with leftovers

was just wondering, because if it were me and each will be used 2x then I would probably just do 2 blocks of each color combo(2 of the same). then play with the layout once they are done. If you do go bigger then you would have 80 and then it would be a even number and all your blocks would be included.

you could also use same 2 colors but switch the background fabrics around when making the second block.

did I make sense?? hope you understood

I don't get that worried about using the combinations as such. I would just pick a light and dark and make the block. No one will ever notice if the combinations weren't all mixed up.

Hope this makes sense!

makes sense. I started quilting because I am short on patience. and a little OCD with things matching and being where they belong on things I do/make. Quilting has definitely helped in that department.

I like other people's scrappy quilts, but i am not to that point yet.l I just cant get scrappy. I am saving them and sooner or later i will try... just not yet :oops:

Thanks for the help but I think I am going to try being truly random.. at least for most of it.


:D

I agree

Can't wait to see it done! Also have that pattern, but haven't made it yet. Guild friend finished one this fall--really looks great.

For people who have a hard time being random, try the "brown bag" approach sometime.

Do a simple scrappy pattern, maybe log cabin with 2" logs. Sort your fabrics out into your light logs and your dark logs. For simplicity, make 2 1/2" red center squares for each block.

Put lights in one bag and dark in the other. Now draw a strip out of the bag and that is what you use for the next log. The only time you can return the strip back to the bag is if two identical fabrics are next to each other.

Try making 6 blocks at a time. When the blocks are all done, put the 6 together in your predetermined layout. Then go back and make your next 6 blocks and add on to your quilt. Continue until the quilt top is completed.

Don't decide on borders until the center is completed.

You will be surprised how happy you will be with your quilt and the mix and match is all done for you!

Barb