Orphan Blocks...Suggestions Please
 

I have a box of assorted orphan blocks that just seem to good to throw away, so I'm looking for suggestions from all of you as to small projects I can make with them. Some of them are singles, and some are multiples leftover from the same project. (I did a search on "orphan blocks" here on the QB and only found a few posts of projects using orphan blocks.)

Any and all suggestions welcome! And pics would be even better!!!

I'm sure I'm not the ONLY one with a box or two of these...I'm hoping we can collect some info here for all of us to use.;)

I would get the book "Setting Solutions" by Sharyn Craig

http://www.amazon.com/Setting-Soluti...3751117&sr=8-1

I LOVE this book. She has great solutions for orphan blocks, blocks that came out different sizes, blocks you got from swaps etc. How to get them to look all the same size, lots of setting ideas. etc.

Thank, Marjorie. That looks like a great book.

I'm also hoping for lot so ideas for small projects other than quilts like:
pot holders
placemats
cosmetic bags
purses
shopping bags
table runners
etc...
and especially lots of other creative ideas to turn orphan blocks into useful items...

this chicken pincushion is made with log cabins, but any blocks could work
http://www.quiltingworks.com/cabin-f...in-cushion.htm

choose a background fabric and piece yourself a sampler quilt with the background pulling everything together-
your list of projects looks like a pretty good list...could add doll quilts, (check out the doll quilt swap here on the board) and tote/beach bags....toss pillows.

Make small donation quilts for kids, lap quilts for senior homes, small quilts for NICUs (Neonatil Intensive Care Units), they all always can use quilts.

Very interesting! It looks like any 4 x 4 block would work. Most of mine are bigger, but I could cut some down to this size to use.

I have seen a pair of vintage "sibling" orphan blocks matted and put in picture frames. They made a very nice statement as simple art, without making them into anything else.

the block size is not critical. i think i used 6 inch blocks for mine... which makes them a decoration, not a pincushion :)

Another great idea! Thanks, Jennie.

Setting the blocks on point makes a larger quilt with less blocks. That would help with the ones you only have a few of.

There was a lady on here quite some time back that made a wallhanging in the shape of a Christmas tree from various blocks that was absolutely cute and beautiful at the same time. Maybe someone else will remember who it was.

I recently went through my blocks and decided to make like a BOM quilt. Doing quilt as you go on the 20 blocks and it is turning out pretty good. For me it's hard to know what to quilt in each block but once I come up with an idea it goes pretty fast. It was kinda sad as some of these blocks I won at guild in 2005. But now they are finding a home. Have two more blocks that were done on point so will make pillows from them. Good luck with yours.

I almost never throw away partial or orphan blocks. The partials go into crumb blocks. The orphans go into all the suggestions like the ones on your lists. I put a bunch onto a jacket I made. My newest use for an orphan is as a center for an oversized log cabin lap quilt. Many people hang seasonal pieces. Orphan blocks can be used that way as well.

This is my second post. I found the picture for the christmas tree wallhanging. It was from char634w and was posted on 12-16-2011. Do a search for christmas tree wallhangings and you should see it.

One of my charity quilting groups actually collects orphan blocks and some of the ladies put them together for our quilts.

If I don't use the extra blocks in the backing, I give it away. I have enough other 'stuff' already.

ali

Every once in a while someone on this board will ask for orphan blocks. They use them for charity quilts.

I have sewed some of mine on the plain shopping bags

Incorporate them into pieced backings or use them as quilt labels if they have areas where you can write with a permanent marker.

I make snack mats (8 1/2" x 11") for my grandson. I sometimes use an orphan block as the starting point.

Another idea - although old-fashioned - is to make a cover for a photo album (not too many people have photo albums anymore).

I've made something similar... a cover for 5x7 notepad, the ones from office supply stores, that also holds a pen and has pockets for coupons or notes. That seems to work pretty well, and more people seem to use them than photo albums like you said.

wow, to think, I almost didn't read this topic thinking, 'gee I have no suggestions. I have the same problem.' then, the lightbulb moment--I got some ideas from you all. So, thanks for starting the topic and for adding to it.

Sounds like you have a wonderful problem on your hands. If you have a few that have similar colors used in a wall hanging or bed quilt maybe you could make decorative pillows. I'd use many of the orphans to make interesting table runners for family members and friends. Or if you have a little girl you could make several Barbie sized quilts just using a few blocks. Or for the stuffed animal lover, you could put 4, 6, or 8 together for a small quilt and then find a cute stuffed bear, cat, dog, whatever to put in it. That would be great for a charity like a children's hospital or something along those lines. Since you have several blocks that are just laying around, make a child happy by creating something just for them.

Wow, super ideas! I have not made enough blocks to have orphan ones. But love all the ideas. Thanks for letting some of us just read a long for the lessons learned, Teresa

My Aunt gave me some sampler blocks that my Great Aunt had made years ago. There wasn't enough to make a quilt or throw out of them, so I made this valance out of some of the blocks. I added a border to another group of blocks and use them as dresser scarves in my guest bedroom. I added the sashing on all the pieces.

I take them to my quilt group and someone else will figure out how to put them into one of the charity quilts we make. Every month we do at least 20 quilts to give to the 5 charities we have chosen for the year.
Mim

Most of us have a collection of blocks. I have many and decided to splurge on a table top small quilt hanger from Connecting Threads. It is really cool and will hold up to a 15" block. I am finishing off several individual blocks with borders to bring them to a good size. Using scrap batting and backing, quilting and displaying them as "block studies".
The hanger looks great on top of my TV cabinet which looks like a jelly cupboard. The hanger cost 16.00.
peace

Don't forget mug rugs! All quilters love them on their sewing tables and other places! They make quick and personal gifts!

Wonderful suggestions and cute pictures of the valance! great idea!

Several years ago my guild collected orphan blocks and I got nominated to piece the tops. I sorted the blocks by similar colors or themes (like flowers), picked some sashing that went with the blocks. I used varying widths of sashing since the 12inch blocks were between 10.5 inches and 13 inches. Then I assembled the blocks with a narrow strip of another color of sashing. They looked great -- some were straight set and some on point with a medalian center.

If all else fails post them as a donation on this board. I am sure there are plenty of charity quilters that can make good use of them

Becca, Your great aunts blocks look wonderful! It's so nice that you have them out and displayed to enjoy them.

One of the best ways to use them that I've ever seen was to buy those reusable tote bags in the "right" colors and then applique an orphan block---or four or six or whatever---over the printing on the bag. Makes a cute tote bag for the cost of the inexpensive bag----and great gifts too! :)

Thanks azwendyg.....They even wash up well!! LOL!!! I threw them in the washer and washed them normally when I painted the room last fall. I still have more pieces, I just haven't decided exactly how to use them yet.

Sharyn Craig also has another great book on making all orphan blocks the same size for a smpler quilt also great for
a block exchange when all blocks are not the same size it is called Twist and Turn a great method

I would just start putting them together as a type of sampler quilt whilst tieing them all together with a blending fabric to frame the smaller ones so that they reach the same size.

You don't have to cut down your block. Just make a bigger chicken. I have several of these chickens around the house ranginging from very small to a larger doorstop size. The size all depends on what size block you use.
I use orphan blocks on my quilt backings. Saves on material and makes the back of the quilt pretty too

I have also framed orphan blocks. They are great to use as a gift

I have put orphans into my backs as well. But since, I mostly piece tops for Project Linus, I save up all the "extras" of any blocks even the smaller units until I get a pile. I will join "like" extras into strips before I add them to the pile. Black cotton (I like Kona best) is my best friend when I get to work on this pile. I assemble them into strips for either vertical or horizontal placement. I use black strips for the stripping between blocks or strips of blocks. Somehow this works and really turns into some of my most interesting and colorful quilts. Kids love their "covers" and they are the exact opposite of quilt police types. They know someone cares and that's all that matters to them.

go to our links/resources area and check out all of the links that have been posted there over the years....orphan blocks make great gift items!