I need help!
 

I have just started a quilt for a wedding in May. The daughter of your next door neighbors in NC. I have everything cut into 2 1/2" strips. My problem is I am really frustrated with how the blocks are coming out. The piecing of the blocks is just torture, I am not enjoying it at all.

So my problem is - do you know of a quilt that uses just 2 1/2" strips/jelly rolls in just two colors?

I am really having a hard time with this. She is a very special person to us and I really want to enjoy making this quilt for. She is one of those people that is so appreciative that you are happy to turn over all of your hardwork because you know that it will loved and appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

what about an Irish chain? What was your original pattern?

It would help to know what you are trying and why you are frustrated. We most likely have some good ideas for you. Also, what colors are you using? Are they high contrast or subtle? So many choices.

I just saw a really cute two colour quilt yesterday.

http://debbykratovilquilts.blogspot....hot-flash.html

It looks like a lot of work but after reading the directions, I think it would be fun. It's on my bucket list.

I Googled to find some options. How about a two-color Irish Chain?
http://www.quilt-lovers-guide.com/do...#axzz2uSyB5O00
Since everything is already cut into strips, you might want to get additional fabric for the centers.

Here's another option, which would be really easy:
http://www.fabricmom.com/2010/01/two...quilt-pattern/

Here are zigzag and lover's knot possibilities (free patterns):
http://www.fabricmom.com/2010/01/two...quilt-pattern/

A rail fence is super-easy and could look great in two colors:
http://www.sewwequilt.com/2011/01/hu...nce-quilt.html

And here is a modern design in two colors:
http://www.eschhousequilts.com/2013/09/favequilts.html

Ginger - Hot Flash is a real possibility
Prism99 - I had not even thought about a rail fence or any of its variations.

This is the pattern that I pulled together in EQ7 -

[ATTACH=CONFIG]464710[/ATTACH]

I am having problems with the inverted diamond blocks.

It's a very pretty quilt. Are you traditionally piecing the diamond blocks? Could you print out paper piecing templates for those and do them that way to make it a bit easier on yourself?

Jrhboxers--I saw that pattern in a Fons and Porter magazine and they also featured it one one of their programs. I am in love with that pattern and will someday do it for myself. Do you have the pair of rulers to do the diamond shaped pieces? I got mine at my not-so-local-QS (80 km away) but found it here:

http://www.simplicity.com/Search.asp...s+tool&x=0&y=0

And also on the F and P website: https://www.shopfonsandporter.com/pr...ic-and-notions

Altho I said I loved the design, it looks very very labour intensive.

I have tried paper piecing, no working well. I have the tri-rec rulers, not really. I am having some health issues right now, and both of these techniques are proving too tedious for me right now. :rolleyes:

I am off to try Ginger's suggestion of Hot Flash. Wish me luck.

Ooooh goody! Let us know how it turns out.

So,what about log cabin?

We need more info than you posted. Irish Chain always looks nice and there is the large area where special quilting can be done !!

You might want to look at www.jellyrollfabrics.org site. Liz Katsuro has quite a few ideas about strip quilts and free patterns.

Irish chain has some great possibilities.

I really think an Irish Chain looks very elegant - I made one for a wedding quilt and they love it. Either a red and white or blue white - whatever the couple likes - it would go together very quickly with strip piecing - if you don't know - google it and you will be surprised - you could have the quilt top together in a couple of days easy.

How about the disappearing 4 patch - with a twist go to http://round122.blogspot.ca/2012/dis...iht-twist.html I have a not on my pattern for a 12" block begin with a 7 5/8" square. Been over a year since I made this for our quilt club BOM pattern I shared. If I can do this I am certain you can and it is really a neat block.

the one you pulled together in EQ is also called Celtic Solstice, a recent mystery. If you google that or search for it here you will see lots of color options. I think the beauty of the quilt would be lost in just two colors, a simpler idea, of which there are many above, would serve you better I think.

Gift quilts do not have to be complicated, non-quilters see color, not intricacy :)

Go to MSQC with Jenny Doan...she has several tutorials using strips....I check there often for new patterns....

You might check out Darlene Zimmermans, TRI Tool and the Recs Tool
I got this info from Bonnie Hunter. Tried it the other day for the first time and it worked!
The 2 rulers that I have go from 1" to 6".
Hope this helps. Not sure of the name of your inverted diamond square.
http://softexpressions.com/software/...zQuilt.php#tri scroll down to tri recs tools

I love all these suggestions. So many choices!