This was a bunch of blocks and i put a 2 1/2 strip in between the rows but now I do not like it any help.

ok, what don't you like about it? you can pm if you want...

the strip in the middle of the blocks.

I think you will like it when it is all put together. Looks fine to me! Keep on going!

What if you took the sashing out of the middle and just put the squares together with the seams offset? Or try a sashing strip that is not so busy. The polkadots seem to clash with your squares. 'Course, it could be one of those combos that doesn't seem to come together until you have a bigger chunk of it done. Just keep at it. Or put it aside for a couple of days and let the possibilities percolate in your brain a bit.

Kim,
I agree that the strip doesn't work for me. I think it's the pattern on the fabric. What if you used a different fabric for the strip?
Lois

Honestly, I'm not thrilled with it either, because the dots on the fabric aren't straight.

What about using black sashing to showcase the other fabrics? The squares are such beautiful fabrics.

It may not necessarily be the pattern in the fabric but how it is cut. If you cut it so it was straight when you sewed it to the other blocks it may look better. As it stands it gives it a curved,lopsided look. just my opinion of course :-)
Hugs
April

Just take the sashing out,and stitch the squares together and use the sashing pieces as a border

I think it's because the dots don't form a straight line. That's distracting to me. I've had that happen before and had to either change fabrics or cut to match the pattern of the fabric rather than the grain.

The polka dot sashing doesn't quite work. What about replacing the sashing with a deep gold or dark brown fabric? And perhaps a narrower sashing width. You could use the polka dot sashing strips for the binding instead?

I have to agree. I think black would be an color choice to make the colors pop.

I agree - it's the curve that bothers me the most. Since the fabric in the squares is rather plain, either continue with plain, or go for a really bold and colorful print.

I would take the strip out and just put the pretty blocks together. Save the strip for something else.

I would take the sashing out too. I really like the other fabrics, but that one isn't working for me. You can use a different fabric, or just put the blocks together. Can't wait to see it finished!

you might try a narrow strip in between instead of this wide one..and a more subdued color, or the black as was suggested..a solid color would probably be the best, to show off the pretty blocks. I know I have taken things apart when they just dont go well together..in cross stitch group, we call it "Frogging".... you know, rip rip rip.....

I agree, I think it would look good with the off set seams and no sashing,Or maybe off set the seams and still use a sashing but make it really narrow and a dark color (navy or black) That would make the colors really pop

It seems to have too much movement for me. I agree a black strip may work better.

I personally would like to see the strip with a pattern since the blocks are solids. You could use a floral strip or for a more masculine look, use a plaid strip being careful to keep the pattern lined up. Or you could use a different color between each row of blocks.....lots of possibilities..

Ditter

The sashing strip might work better, if it were half the size? You could also maybe add the same sashing across the width of the quilt say every other square? Sort of like a 4-patch with sashing all around.

I agree

For me, I would remove the dots sashing. I don't know what it is, maybe a color thing, looking at it makes me uncomfortable too. If you want to sash, I would agree with an all over pattern to offset the plain blocks... This definitely has the feel of something that could be very special when finished.

I would try a black on black for the sashing, thats just me:)

Kimbee, Maybe you should have used a solid or allover print for the strips. The geometric would have to be cut straight for the visual not to be thrown off.

keep going. i think you'll like it

I guess I am just totally confused! What is it you are making? Or what look are you going for? Is this going to be a geometric wall hanging? Or are you making a lap quilt and this is one block? Will this be the overall pattern or are you going for a random scrappy look?

It is very difficult to be of much help without knowing what end results you are looking for.

The blocks are beautiful fabrics. The polka dot does not go at all. Maybe a black as suggested above, but all around each square and only about 1-1.5 inches wide.

Where can I go to find out what all these "pm, lqs, etc" all means? I get confused when I read some of these messages.

PM stands for Private Message so no one online can read the dialogue. If you want to send someone a PM, just look at their avatar, picture on the left, with their name and click on their name. At the next screen, click on "send PM." Then you will be able to send them a private message. For example, you would not want to post your email address online so you would PM someone with it. LQS stands for "local quilt shop." Most of the abbreviations relate to quilting, patterns, etc. Just ask if you have questions. Hope that helps.

:D :D

I think a narrow black sashing would look better.

I agree with most of the others on the sashing. It just doesn't work with those blocks. I would go with a dark brown sashing since most of your blocks are in the warm color category and this would connect the theme better. A floral would work also as long as it ties in with the blocks in a coordinated way. Also, a more narrow sashing would be preferable to balance everything better. I'm sure we will love what you decide to go with. The sashing is a gorgeous color and striking in appearance but doesn't work too well with the blocks you've done. A striped fabric would look much better that had some of the colors in it as in your blocks. We will look forward to seeing your wonderful quilt all finished. :D :D

I agree with most everyone else the dotted fabric is crooked and throws the attention off of the gorgeous colors, it needs a plain border to compliment the others.

Just that change and it will be beautiful and you will be so happy with it.

What size are your blocks? What look are you trying to achieve? It you just want a scrappy look without one color blocks why not try half square triangles. They are easy but can be organized in many different way ie. color waves,by the way color charts are arranged going through the color spectrim, etc. into pinwheels, into star blocks....If you don't want to match corners you can put stripping between the rolls and strips. Smaller size strips are better for setting blocks Hope this gives you some choices if you want to change the look

I would take the strip out, it takes away from the beautiful fabric you have there. Penny

I have a totally different comment to make on the strips. Notice that the seams are not directly across from each other. As more strips are added, the quilt top could become more and more crooked. What method does everyone use to assure that the seams are directly across from each other so the quilt remains square?

cut 45 degree strips and use it for a binding - thats what I do, or, keep cutting it up and sewing it back together and use for a pieced background of an art quilt!

I concur with the use of a black strip, that way you could enjoy the lovely blocks.

I agree with everyone else. I would take the sashing out and just sew all the square together. Would love to see it when it is done.

The curve of the polka dots drives my eyes crazy. I like the idea of either a very dark brown or black (my preference). You can place fabrics between the rows to find one that is pleasing to you. Put the fabric you are auditioning down then place the two rows of squares on top leaving the width you want(2 1/2")between them. I use this method for borders all the time. If I have to buy the fabric, I take my top to the store with me.

This looks like a stacked coins pattern to me. How about a print with a dark background that incorporates most of your colors - I agree that a floral would work since your other fabrics seem to be tone on tone.