I'm new to the board still new to quilting, but have been reading for a few weeks and enjoying it immensely! I've gone to one beginning quilting class maybe a year ago(never did finish the tops to two, and never quilted the one I did finish), and am working on getting my cutting an piecing skills back. I picked up some batik FQ's on sale and came up with squares that look like these...

I just don't know how I'd like to put them together. The straight "rows", or the "checkerboard" rows. Do they need (gasp) sashing? I've been kicking around doing some needlework on the tops, in contrasting color (like blue on the browns, gold on the blue) just haven't decided how yet.

I've a MILLION projects in mind (thanks for all the inspiration Q.B.!) and I'm trying to focus my little mind on finishing THIS one first. Sigh. (I've already got some antique handkerchiefs soaking downstairs though...heh)

I know the colors are a bit odd on this, I was just going for "bright" and lots of movement. All civil criticism is welcome!

I like the way you have it in the first picture, but I'm wondering if you could add another row at the bottom of the green like you have on top? I think that would finish it off nicely. JMHO

Welcome to the board from Southern Oregon.

I personally would put sashing as I think it would make the colors you used pop out more.

Cheshirepat,

You are mostly done. Good job! Now is the time for fun. Mix it up and do the scrapy thing. It is harder than you thinK

Could you add another green row (like the top row in pic 1) on the bottom of pic 1 to frame it in and create symmetry?

First, welcome to the board. We have a lot of fun here so I am glad you have joined us.

Of the two arrangements, I think the "checkerboard" one is more interesting and would look very good. You could also really mix them up randomly.

I don't think you need to do any sashing on this project. If your fabrics were busy prints sashing would probably be needed but with the fabrics you are using...not necessary at all.

Keep going...you're doing fine.

I think if you do it like the second picture then you wouldn't need sashing. The second one breaks up the colors better. This will be a great quilt when you have it done. BTW I love the pattern!

I think just randomly mixing up the squares without sashing would look great!

Welcome from Ireland. Love the blocks. I like sashing.

Lol, thanks for the warm welcome... not that I need MORE warm, it's been over 100 for a week or so now here! ;-) I need to head back to my LQS to see if they still have those greens around...I don't QUITE have enough to border both sides...figures, right? I may have to lay it out a couple more times to see. Scrappy is a challenge, for sure. Not that this is some critical masterpiece, I just want to have a fun one when it's done.

I wouldn't do sashing. I don't think I'd even do a border around these blocks. If you want it bigger just make more blocks. It has a real modern feel and I'd keep it going in that direction.

I agree -a btm row of green to bring it together. OR don't just leave the green at the outer edge. Mix that up too and mix them all up even more than you have.

I love the first lay out and no sashing needed. that will look great!!!

That is the idea. Have FUN! Welcome from Eastern Oregon.
Tonnie

Mix it up even more! More randomness! This block begs to play, don't you think? Like confetti!

Jan in VA

Mix the greens up with the others - randomly. No sashing.

Im a scrappy kinda gal.. I say mix 'em up.. add sashing only if you want your quilt larger- otherwise i vote scrappy..

stir the greens in with the rest of the blocks =

I like the check board with the green at the top (your 2nd pic). To me that will be perfect. Definitely no sashing. I think the asymmetry serves the modern, fresh look you've got going here. The only other thing you might try with the blocks you have is a random-looking layout. Trust me, it takes a lot of effort to get that random look right. To me, your color scheme is unexpected, sophisticated, unusual in the best way. Like a surprise. And it really WORKS. Great job, keep going.

Me Too!

I LIKE THE FIRST GROUPING :)

I like the 2nd set better.

I like the second better, but could you mix them up even more and see how that looks?

Hello and welcome from Kansas

I like the bottom checkerboard arrangement.

Hello and welcome. Usually I go for total scrappy, but I do find the first arrangment more appealing. Whatever you decide, I'm sure it will look great...you seem to be having a lot of fun with this and that's what it's all about. Be sure to let us see what you decide.

I love the whymsical randomness of the second layout... I wouldn't use borders, and maybe a scrappy binding too :D:D:D

use that camera to take pics of the layouts-makes it easier to identify what you like, placement-wise! looking good!

I think the chequerboard pattern is the best one, and I would randomly mix the green blocks in between the others. it looks like a fun quilt.

Yes, these blocks do look like confetti. Throw them on the floor and see what you come up with! And welcome from Central PA.

Welcome from Kentucky.. I like the second layout.. great variety.. you are doing a great job.

Love the second picture! and I like with green on top...just to be asymmetrical! Just MHO. Welcome and have fun!

I think the checkerboard design is good, but I would like the colors mixed up more,

Your first layout resembles a "column" quilt which Nancy Zieman showed on one of her shows this last year. I will try to search for it and give the site for you. I love the colors and the inset little squares. Here s a site were you can see a picture of it but no details of how to assemble.http://video.wpt2.org/video/1701089053/

welcome to join in with us. I like both . I do the scrappy look and everyone seems to like them. Keep up the good work

I like the checkerboard effect, but I would mix up the colors so it looks more random. Adding sashing would also be make the blocks pop, but that doesn't need to be done. You off to a good start, so keep up the good work.

the second one

I think a very thin BLACK sashing would be awesome, on either layout. Sashing used to scare me too, but actually it's much easier than piecing. Just be careful not to stretch the long rows. Sashing would POP all your powerful colors and add so much drama. But don't let too many decisions stall your progress - I'm very guilty of that.

I think a very thin BLACK sashing would be awesome, on either layout. Sashing used to scare me too, but actually it's much easier than piecing. Just be careful not to stretch the long rows. Sashing would POP all your powerful colors and add so much drama. But don't let too many decisions stall your progress - I'm very guilty of that.

I agree with Nancy, mix the blocks up, not so organized. Spread the loverly all around.

Charlie