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Here's a tutorial for your UFOs!
Setting Odd Blocks with 2 1/2" Strips
Having some nice odd blocks in my stash that I wanted to use up got me thinking about how I could lay them out in a pleasing, simple way for a charity quilt project. I also had a huge pile of 2 1/2" strips and they worked beautifully as a setting background for the odd blocks. When I am done working on a new quilt I will often cut the remnants of fabric into these strips for future use. Keeping these in 2 bags, one with warm colors and one with cool colors keeps them ready for my next scrap quilt. For this quilt I used the warm colors. The gray neutrals worked because of the warm undertones. This completed top is approx. 60 x 60". Start by adding a neutral border to your odd block with enough fabric that you can trim it to 12 1/2" Note: This lovely gray fabric was one of my husband's shirts that was almost brand new. He didn't like it. Normally I would not recommend used clothing for quilts, but when the fabric is still very new it is a good recycle idea. Make sure it is 100% cotton. Use small pieces of painters tape to mark off your 12 1/2" size. Trim your blocks, being sure to centre them in your border. My quilt used 6 blocks, but you can easily use any number that you have. Make your setting background strips by sewing your 2 1/2" strips end to end, then side to side. It took about 40 WOF (width of fabric) strips to have enough for my background. You will need 6 strips side-by-side to make the 12 1/2" setting background pieces. These strips are joined on the bias, but this is not necessary. I chose to do this so the diagonal would repeat throughout my quilt because of the diagonal pattern in my odd blocks. After you have pairs of strips, divide them into 3 even lengths and sew them together until 6 strips are joined. Next, lay out your odd blocks on the floor or a design board in a pleasing pattern, imagining your strips in between. Keep in mind the finished quilt size that you desire when you do this. Measure the length in between your blocks. Cut the 6-strip sets to this desired length, adding 1/2" for your seam allowance. Sew the 6-strip sets in between your blocks and continue with this process until your top is complete. |
What a wonderful idea for a beautiful quilt. Nice job and thank you for the tutorial.
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You are too clever! I mean that in the best way. My scraps have been a puzzle to me, and I've been trying to figure out something to do between blocks and strips. YAY! Problem solved. Thank you for sharing!! :thumbup:
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So creative. Great idea and super execution.
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Thank you! I have a book on using orphan blocks, but it's projects don't even come close to your work.
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Brilliant idea!
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Thanks for sharing your process! Great instructions.
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Now I never thought of that but I really love the setting you came up with a very fun take for orphan blocks. Don't be surprised if one day you see another quilt with your setting design in use.
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I have been on the "scrappy bandwagon" for the last couple of years, thanks to Bonnie Hunter!! Now with your great tutorial, I can use up even more scraps! Thanks for taking the time to put this together and sharing it.
HAPPY QUILTING! |
thank you. wonderful idea!
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