I've heard it said that a little knowledge can be dangerous. Well, I know a little about quilting but have decided I know "enough" to make a scrap quilt for my DS who will be 21 in April. (Hope that's enough time to do this!) And now that I've gotten into this...I'm wondering if I've bitten off more than I can chew! Help me please!

I decided (in recognition of his love for recycling/reusing) to use his old shirts (and some of Dad's and a couple from Goodwill) to make scrap blocks. I did buy some yardage. I really need some input at this point before I go much further since I don't have stash so to speak of (too new at this to have acquired much at this point) and finances are really tight so I don't want to make mistakes that would require me to go by more stuff.

Here are my questions:

1) Overall, do these 9 1/2 inch blocks look good on point?

2) On point (or not) I've tried numerous designs to decide what to put in between the blocks including making connector blocks but it all seemed too busy. (The scrappiness seems busy enough). So I'm thinking of just using the dark denim sashing between each block. I think this sets each block up to be enjoyed on it's own merit and yet a good part of the whole. What do you think?

3) Currently I have a lighter blue denim in the center of the sashings...which would provide a lighter blue throughout the quilt to tie in the lighter blue of some of the shirts and not take away from the blocks. BUT it does tone down the quilt a bit. Is this still a good idea? 3 other options would be: 1) put in the deeper brick red fabric in all the corners, 2) make the corners scrappy, 3) put in the blue paisley fabric in all the corners... not as bold as the red but more interesting than the lighter blue denim. Ideas?

4) One note of concern...the deeper brick red is bought yardage and the softer red plaid is an old shirt. They're in the same color family but their intensities are different. Does this matter since it's a scrappy quilt? or should I forego the red plaid...I do like richness of the brighter color.

ANY and all thoughts or ideas you all have would be greatly appreciated before I go any further. Thanks so much, Karen

I think it's great. You're off to a wonderful start and I like the color choices. It's "manly". I personally like the red colors and I think you should try to integrate them into an outer border to tie it all together.

I love what you have done so far! The dark color sashing makes your corner blocks disappear. I would use a red for the sashing. It would really pop the colors in your blocks! I think this is going to be a wonderful quilt! Keep us updated as you go along! :thumbup: :D

Since you are new to quilting have you done a quilt on point before? They are a bit tricky because you need to figure out the size for your setting triangles. Also did you pre wash our fabrics that you bought with a color catcher? Red especially will more than likely bleed. I am speaking from experience. I love the reds you are using because color popping all over sprinkled through out the entire quilt adds dimention and movement. There are so many ways to sash the blocks. I really like the block that alternates with what you have . I am not sure of the name but it is like a chain and striking to look at and I think it would be wonderful in this quilt without making it too busy.
You are on a great start I think your son is gonna love what you are doing! Be patient and take your time. It is gonna be awesome!!! :thumbup: :D :thumbup:

I hope I have helped you out!
Have a great day :D

I think the idea you have layed out is perfect. I think the light blue looks good and will make a nice tie-in. Really nice blocks by-the-way, love the look!

You know, so much of thi

I'm a newbie, but what a great idea!! It will be a treasure, a reminder of days gone by, but so masculine and awesome! Love the blocks on point. I agree with the red -- use it to pop out those awesome blocks you have! Keep up the good work -- looking forward to seeing the finished quilt!!

No, I have NO CLUE how to do a quilt on point...just thought it might be a good idea and figured I'd figure it out soon enough. Is there a resource I could read to see how to do it?

I thought of making a block that would kind of give this an Irish chain kind of look...but I kept getting bogged down in what colors I would use and it just seemed like it would be too busy...so you're thinking maybe it wouldn't be? What colors might I consider? The dark denim would definitely be one.

And YES, everything is prewashed multiple times. I'm allergic to the chemicals used in making fabric so I have to wash a lot to get the sizing out, etc. so that I can even handle it without ill effects.

Thanks so much for your help! Karen

Ok, here is my two cent's worth! I think the dark blue makes your cornerstones disappear so I would try the light blue as the main sashing and use the dark as the cornerstones - just opposite of what you have! Or you could alternate the dark blue with some red!

I love the blocks and am sure whatever you decide will be gorgeous!

You have a great beginning there, keep going.