Opinions please:
 

I am making a quilt in mostly browns with blue accents. I decided to use the Churn Dash pattern and am trying to make each block different with fabric choices, placement and design. Yes, it is basically scrappy but each block is controlled within itself.
The block in question is the one on the far right, with the plain dk. brown center.
I drew up all kinds of different center sections but this one is giving me second thoughts as it looks very plain next to the others.
I am thinking about appliqueing one of the circles from the striped fabric in the center of the block. Do you think that would make it more interesting or do you think it is ok as is?

If I do add the circle, what is the best way to turn under the edges on a circle to applique' it down and have it stay round instead of looking "folded"? I am not experienced at turned edge applique' but think that would be the best in this case.

It doesn't look as 'empty' in this photo as it does in real life. LOL. There will be 20 blocks in the quilt and so far I have made 13 of them. I am having a lot of fun with these!

The background fabric is very busy so it would be even busier with a circle added. I like it the way it is.

I, too, would wait. It already stands out. If you add the center, it may overwhelm the other squares. So, I would wait until the last moment to make that decision.

bkay

I like it plain. As Tartan said, I'd also wait until I had all blocks done, for the "full effect", then decide if you need a circle added.

I like it the way it is, too. It seems busy enough.

here is a you tube on circle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQWdM54O2-s

I agree with Tartan.

By the way, I've got lots of opinions as do many on QB

I agree with Tartan, wait until you have all the blocks completed to decide. Most quilts look best with plain spaces mixed in, places for the eye to rest, and this may be one of those necessary places in the end.

Not being able to see the rest of your blocks I hesitate to comment. But IMHO the background of the block in question is too large a scale print to go with the other two blocks you have posted.
I do tend to be on the conservative side when it comes to fabric choices though.
SVAL

I agree with this comment.


When I've attempted this sort of project - I almost always end up with one or more blocks that just don't seem to "belong" with the rest of the them. So I just make some more and the "don't quite fit with the rest of the blocks" go in the "now what do I do with this?" pile.

I often take a photo of the block layout before I sew if I have a question about the suitability of color/layout/fabric choice of a block. For whatever reason, a photo just makes that final decision perfectly clear. If you decide to make a replacement block, you can always use your orphan block on the quilt back.

i like it the way it is

I think it is fine the way it is.

I kinda like that one. It's quieter than the other 2 and I think adding a circle would only complicate it. It might be nice in the center of other blocks with busy centers around it. Try auditioning it between the other 2 to see if you like it better. If there is anything that I might not consider--it looks more aqua than the other 2 blues. Is it "in real life"?

I too would wait until you have more blocks done. Maybe it will be the calming block with the larger center. Maybe it will be the spark the quilt needs with the different blue. Maybe it will fit in perfectly. Just keep plugging away. It can always go on the back. Or border for a doll quilt. I like the blocks so far.

The other two blocks complement each other but the third one does not. That background really clashes with the rest of them. The scale and colors are off.
The blocks are great, I just don't think the third one goes with the others.

I would wait, too. but I must say that one is my favorite block out of the three! I'm not a traditionalist! I like a little twist, so see how every think looks when spread out at the end. Either way it will be a winner!!

I would also wait to see how it all looks together, but if you wanted to break up that center, perhaps you could snowball the corners on the inside to create a square in the square design.

The first two blocks seem to go together very nicely. The aqua one no. However as has been noted, wait until it is finished and then make decisions.

I agree!!!! What I see in this block is the circles and they give it a circular motion. Try another block!

I am going to be in the minority, but I think it is screaming for a circle in the center.

I like it just the way you have it.

I do like them all. the churn dash still shows well in all three to me.

I like the third block as is - However the large print is somewhat jarring to me and doesn't play well with the smaller more traditional prints of the other blocks, but that's just my opinion.

A agree with this. Wait till the end. If you still don't like it, make another block. This one can go on the back.

Thanks for all your comments and suggestions!! I am actually using all shades of blue, so there are other blocks using more of the aqua than the two pictured with this one.
I also have a few using bigger bolder prints, hoping to add bright spots to the quilt here and there. Of course, when doing the final layout, I will make sure it looks good before keeping them. Being of a scrappy nature, I am more open to things not exactly "going together".
I am adding the other blocks I have finished so far.

whoa, that one is really big, lol, sorry about that!

On way to make a smooth circle is to sew a line very close to the edge of the circle. 1/8 of an inch or less. Then pull the bobbin thread just enough to take up a little length around the outside. Start folding the edges in on the 1/4 inch line. The sewn line will take up the seam allowance just enough to keep the outside smooth. No need for cardboard circles.

Thank you Tartan and maviskw for the applique suggestions. I will definitely rely on one of those if I decide to add the circle, and even if I don't, those hints will surely come in handy in my future sewing adventures!!!

Linda, those blocks are awesome! I recant my earlier statement :D
I love how you have the little blocks in the centers too- very cool!

Here are the last 3 blocks, except for the 4 corner blocks. The one is really dark but I just loved those fabrics together so much I had to use them. I will try placing that one carefully in the quilt layout and hope it will fit in. If not, then I have a pillow cover! LOL

The block with the butterflies was a real bear due to it having those 2.5" and 1.5" unfinished squares in the center. The layout required partial seam construction on the 1.5" squares.... I'm sure there was a better way but I couldn't see it.

Love the block with the butterflies on it.

The fussy cutting makes it!

And finally the last 4, the corner blocks! yayyyy, now to play with the layout.

Love those butterflies! Can't wait to see the quilt.