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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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What a great idea! Thank you for this tutorial.
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I thought this was such a great idea.
What is the name of your blog, Melanie where you first posted this on the internet? I stumbled across it in March and downloaded a picture, but forgot to keep the attribution. I keep a log of attributions to photos I download, so would like to add it. Thanks. |
Wow. Excellent tuterial...thank you for sharing...I have booked your tute. :)
Judy in Phx, AZ |
Looks great!
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I am "Scrap Happy" and can't wait to do one of those. That is really clever! Thanks so much.
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thanks for the tut
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What a great idea to use up orphan blocks.
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My blog is called "Quilters...Enjoy Color!" Thank you all for your comments :o
http://quiltersenjoycolor.blogspot.ca |
Nicely done. I would have never have thought of that.
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Lovely - and how creative!
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I can only add I LOVE this idea, too!!!
Thanks so much for sharing your creativity with us:thumbup: Kif |
I love it. THANK YOU!
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Great idea! I've been wondering what to do with some very differently-sized orphan blocks, this is worth a try.
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Excellent tutorial and what a great way to use those blocks!
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This is marvelous! I may incorporate your idea into cross body messenger flaps and use for doll quilts. Ingenious.
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Thanks for sharing...Good job...
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Good idea! I have some samplerblocks that need a "home" and your results just filled the bill! Thanks!
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Yipee, this is a fantastic idea. I just love your quilt top. Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks everyone!
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I also thank you for sharing your "process"
It is helpful. |
wow, great quilt you whipped up there.
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This is very clever. I would have never thought of this. It turned out very pretty. Love the idea.
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Great idea. You are very inventive and kind for sharing with us.
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Having a large number of blocks in assorted sizes/quilt patterns ... Would this method work? Should I start with
Groups of blocks to make a set of same size squares, etc? Then set them together. Help ... I don't want to Discard all my "samples". |
Originally Posted by QuiltQtrs
(Post 7416390)
Having a large number of blocks in assorted sizes/quilt patterns ... Would this method work? Should I start with
Groups of blocks to make a set of same size squares, etc? Then set them together. Help ... I don't want to Discard all my "samples". (Start by adding a neutral border to your odd block with enough fabric that you can trim it to 12 1/2") Have fun! I would love to see a picture when you have it finished. |
your hard work came out stunning
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very nice idea. Sometimes all I need is a nudge to get me thinking how I can use up what's sitting in my closet! Thanks!
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I like scrap quilts and this is a wonderful way to make one.
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I am glad I came back to this. I love it and need to start something like this.
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Thank you for all of your nice comments :)
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