I am getting ready to make a pattern where 5 fat quarters = 5 blocks. 6 FQ = 6 blocks, etc. The blocks finish at 13.5" I think (it's something random since it's 2" cut squares and rectangles). I made this pattern a year ago, and have been wanting to make it again.

When I made it a year ago, I used 25 FQ and got 25 blocks and did a 5x5 layout. Well, there's a FQ pack of fabric that I want to use where I have 18 FQs = 18 blocks. So I can't figure out if I should do a 3x6 layout to use them all up, or do a 4x4 so it's even, since 3x6 seems very rectangular to me. For the pack, I don't have anything else that is anywhere near similar and I don't want to buy more fabric, so I'd prefer to limit myself to at most the 18 FQs.

What would you do?

I would probably do a 4 x 4 layout and use the two extras for pillow covers or use them on the back.

Just remember you can put any extra blocks on the back.

So choose the size that you want and go from there.

ali

Do the blocks have to lay next to each other?

Can you do 4x3x4x3x4 = 18 blocks, where the 2nd and 4th row would be offset a bit at each end, or does that mess up your secondary pattern?

This would work well on point.

I think you have been given some good suggestions. I just want to say I really like your block!

Is there an order to your FQ's, in terms of the placement? Even if you do a 4x4 setting, can't you use some of the fabric from the other 2 FQ's in some of the blocks for more variety?

I made these blocks all the same so I can't comment on how 18 different colors and/or patterns would look without seeing your fabric, but here are the two block layouts:

Well, I tried to upload the 2 pics and it keeps timing out on me. I'll try in another post in the morning.

Yes, and I think you should share the making of this block. :D

I would do a 3x5 and add a couple of borders if you are using it on a bed.

Let's see if it works now.........

MTS,that's brilliant! I really like the offset. How kind you are to work upthose examples and share!

Sounds like a good choice. She can stretch to the size she wants with sashing &/or borders.

Throw pillow fronts instead of using on the back.

I really like that block! Both layouts look great!

Took forever to upload..not sure why. :roll:

I think it really depends on the fabrics. The second offset setting might not work with particular fabric choices. I used a light to dark gradiation, but if you were doing scrappy, it might be too much.

We'll see what Lucy decides. Maybe she'll post a pic of the FQ's she wants to work with. ;)

I'm not overly concerned with the secondary pattern, and I think it would still work fine. I never thought of offsetting them... I really like that idea. Thanks!

I would, except it's a pattern from the LQS (and part of a class). Sorry :(

Wow, I really like how it works with using the same colors the way you did. I might be making 2 more of these quilts, lol.

The way it works, for the pattern as is, is you cut a FQ into enough pieces to make the entire block. You then mix and match to get each ring. So my plan was to cut up the 18 FQs into 18 full sets of pieces and then completely mix and match, without regard for who is going with what (as long as it looks good! ). When I did this originally, I did 5 FQs of yellow, 5 of pink, etc, and so I had 5 blocks of each colorway, with the darks and lights migrating throughout the blocks (I really need to get that quilt out of the closet and get a picture of it)

Thank you for doing that layout. I'm entranced (right word?) by that first layout... it's on the list!

Posting a picture of the FQs?! Why that's just crazy enough to make sense!

Here they are. They are hand-dyes. Bought them a few years ago at our guild's quilt show.

So my plan is the block was to mix and match. So I might have yellow in the center, then green, then pink, then purple, then another green.

So each ring is made from the same fabrics? Or is it a scrappy value choice?

Sounds cool, and I look forward to seeing the finished top.

eta: I'm hyperventilating from those fabrics. Yum..my.

OK, i get the layout. Those fabrics are to die for. Quite a change from Batman. ;-)

And look how they pop off the black.

ooc, what company are those from?

Each ring would be made from the same fabric.

The fabric says FQ5-007 Colors Works, Hand-Dyed Cotton by Amelia Beadle and on the back of the tag ColorWorks Bright. Hope that helps!

I vote for the offset..

gotta love EQ....how fun!