Ideas needed for crumb/string blocks
 

I have made over 300 crumb/string blocks that will measure 3" when sewn into quilt top. I was not sure how to use these but this morning I thought about using them in a 9-patch block. I put some up on the design wall and wonder now if this is a good idea. (I would not use reproduction prints but something more modern in tone on tone or solid . I just had these in my 3 1/2" bin.) I had thought about just sashing them but the prospect of all the small sashing does not appeal to me. Any ideas or thoughts?

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I already used other crumb blocks as an outside border in this quilt that I posted some time ago. Still not quilted yet though.

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Gosh, these blocks are so much fun to make and before you know it, you have a huge stack of them!

OH no ideas on the first one but I must say your second one is great!!! especially the border.

I make string blocks all the time. My suggestion would be a light sashing between the blocks. Another suggestion which I haven't tried yet would be to use a plain color to make HST out of the blocks and put them together. Making these blocks are so addicting and I always have a pile of them done. What do you use for your foundation? I started out using paper but did not like tearing all the paper off the back so started using muslin, as flimsy as I could find. Really like the result. Have fun.

9 patches are good, but, like doris, i'd put a sashing between.

Doris, I used yellow pages. The paper is very thin and should be very easy to remove, although time consuming.

I think I would put them in another block as a component. But you have no issues with designing, that crumb border looks great. Mind if I borrow that idea?

I had some 4 inch crumb blocks I used for the centre of a star block. I used lots of scraps for the star points. Used the same wow fabric for the corners of stars. I just can't do totally scrappy (grin).

Very pretty, love the scrappies.

I really like the top you have completed. Nice idea for the sashing.

sometimes I use an alternate block between them like a snow ball block, or this guy:

That's the coolest border I've seen in a long time! Great job! Sorry I can't think of the first one- too early for my brain :D
Jane Quilter- love that block!

Love your border! If you want to use all of your blocks, perhaps put a few together for a center medallion, then a plain border, then a border of crumb blocks, then a plain, then another crumb border, etc. til they are all used up.

I like your idea of using nine-patch blocks. What about mixing your solids up so that the whole nine-patch thing is scrappy? You've done such a neat job with the scrappy blocks. Continue your theme with the "solids"; I'll bet you'll be very pleased with the result.

I actually like the 9 patch idea and the other quilt is beautiful. I think I would pick one bright color that really pops rather than multiple colors - maybe lime green or hot pink (maybe even black?). IMHO with multiple colors and the change in placement of your crumb blocks in the 9 patches you have lost the effect of the 9 patch. If you use one consolidating color the focus will be your cool little blocks.
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I don't explain well, but maybe someone will understand and explain better.....if you do a Disappearing 9-patch with the strings in the corners, plains in the middle blocks and a zinger in the center block, you can use them as self-sashing blocks.

I just want to add that those crumb blocks look addictively fun and I really liked the second one that you are waiting to sandwich. Great job.

I like eparys' advice and use only one solid color in-between the scrap blocks to calm the quilt. Not only will it give your eye a resting place before going on to the other scrap blocks, it will make the scrap blocks the "star of the show." With so many colors in the scrap blocks, I usually like to use either black, navy blue or a dark red color in-between multicolor blocks. I will audition each these three colors with my scrap blocks and see which color makes them "pop out" the most.

Your other quilt is a beautiful, happy quilt. I wouldn't mind making one like that, too. I hope you don't mind copy cats.

I also like the idea of one cohesive color for the alternate blocks, but if you decide to keep the multi colored blocks I would suggest you swap the upper right with the lower right. The two top ones together look great, but then the lower blocks change, giving the appearance, to me, that you ran out of fabric, or didn't think the placement through. Gorgeous quilt, hurry and get it quilted!

I, too, would think about repositioning some of the blocks to get a more cohesive appearance.