All Scrappy Greek Key or What to Do With 2" Squares
 

Introduction:

This is the quilt we'll be making. It's called Greek Key and in all actuality, it's not the way the Greek Key pattern is made, but this is my adaptation of the block. The true Greek Key is done in long continuous strips and not segmented like I've done. I love the way the white fabric does not overpower the block and I also love the way 21 two inch squares can be used up quickly, especially when you've accumulated alot of them! I also love the layout better than the block so there are many ways it can be done. As I said before, I especially love 2 vertical rows of scrappy blocks meeting head-on! You may find other interesting ways to lay your blocks so experiment until you're pleased with your layout!

Next is a close-up picture of the quilt so you can have a better idea of how these large scale fabrics work together to create some excitement among blocks! Take a look at some of the big shapes in the fabrics and how they are used in the quilt. This should be your goal in order to highlight and 'lift' areas of color. The eye is naturally drawn to these big shapes of leaves, flowers, geometrics, etc. With the block finishing at 1.5", these shapes are necessary mixed alternately with solids, near solids and med. fabrics.

Prep Work:

Here are some things that will help make the piecing go faster by doing some of the following ahead of


time:[ATTACH=CONFIG]392427[/ATTACH]Cut lots of 2" squares Sew into pairs[ATTACH=CONFIG]392429[/ATTACH]

Looks like that feature is not allowing me to title the pics. Will upload them singly.

Sew into pairs:

Sew 2 pairs together:

Sew a busy dark to a pair of a busy dark and a busy light (you should make lots of these):

Sew a busy light to a busy dark: (make some of these also)

Next we'll take a look at a sample block I selected of really busy prints and notice how the colors and shapes all work together. This should be the goal in the mixing of these prints and colors:

Here's another sample:

Also, in the second pic, we see 4 different prints and notice how each contrast and complement the other. This should be what you want to achieve in placing odd shapes together along with different colors for each block that makes it appealing and interesting.