Getting close

/ Friday 18 December 2009 /

sampler blocks, originally uploaded by Shadrach Meshach & Abednego.
I am done with the blocks for the Modify Tradition quiltalong. Here are the 12" blocks that I've made. Two blocks, bow tie and nine-patch, I made in 6" versions, because I like the idea of having blocks of different sizes. I also plan to add a few plain setting blocks in the 6" size to give the eye a place to rest in this busy quilt.  I did not make Courthouse Steps, because, while I like that block, I don't like it alone, as it would be in a sampler.  I am considering making four of them in the 6" size, but so far have resisted the overpowering urge to sit down and figure out the math (joke, right?).  A few posts ago, I showed some of the blocks I had made to that point.  Here are some of the later ones.
Old maid's puzzle
Old Maid's Puzzle
Mosaic
Mosaic
Card trick
Card trick
Lady of the Lake
Lady of the Lake
To tell the truth, I'm not 100% in love with this quilt so far.  I am battling a traditional dislike of samplers, and I'm not loving the colours so much anymore.  However, I know that I go through this honeymoon-is-over phase with all my quilts, so I'm reserving judgment.  I think I'm going to use a very thin sashing between the blocks. Initially my inclination was t have no sashing at all, but I think it will be too busy without some kind of separation.  But just the thinnest of sashing, maybe three-quarters of an inch.  I have two candidates in mind for the sashing: a deep red and a dark turquoise.  They both look good, but very different.
Sampler blocks
It was really cold this morning, and my fingers were like chunks of ice, pinning these blocks up on the line to take a photo.  I kept thinking how warm the quilt would be once they were all sewn together.  I may love it then.
P.S.  It's Friday - everyone's been sewing and now they're telling.  I'm counting this as a finish since I have completed all the blocks, so I'm logging this post on Amy's page.  Go check out the awesomeness here!
blocks on the line

24 comments:

{ The Calico Cat } on: 18 December 2009 at 11:49 said...

I still have a strong dislike for samplers. I like secondary designs. For example, the secondary (or maybe tertiary) design for Old Maid's Puzzle - stretched star!

But I like to look at them. Go figure.

{ Marianne Penner } on: 18 December 2009 at 12:42 said...

I think the blocks look amazing and I love the setting of the photos you took.

Although I don't typically like samplers I think the blocks you did have a very nice cohesive variety!

{ Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) } on: 18 December 2009 at 12:55 said...

These are beautiful - and how sweet of you to put them out on the line for us. I was admiring the setting from the first photo. I think the trick to making samplers is to find an interesting setting.

{ shellysquilts } on: 18 December 2009 at 13:55 said...

These blocks are fantastic! I'm sure you will work out something that looks great. (That is the most fun part after all.) Merry quilting!

{ Erin @ Why Not Sew? Quilts } on: 18 December 2009 at 14:07 said...

Your blocks are stunning! I absolutely love them.

{ Catherine } on: 18 December 2009 at 15:08 said...

I've got to say I really like these block and I think they are going to look stunning altogether.
Really like the photo of them all strung up on the line with the snow.

{ Unknown } on: 18 December 2009 at 15:57 said...

I hear you about the math! Ugh! I definitely think that because the blocks are all different, as is traditional for samplers... LOL, it really does call for sashing. As for the courthouse steps, I agree, the block by itself is really not very pretty, but in a whole quilt it can be quite striking.

{ Sara } on: 18 December 2009 at 17:22 said...

How funny how many of us don't have a great fondness for sampler quilts...

But, I have to say I love the colors that you used and how pretty the blocks turned out. I think it will be totally cool when it is put together...

{ Jennifer } on: 18 December 2009 at 17:47 said...

good looking blocks, lesly!

ps - the math: so easy! divide all measurements by 2".

{ Thelma } on: 18 December 2009 at 19:32 said...

I vote deep red on the sashing. I LOVE the red dot fabric. I've enjoyed watching your progress on this project. I can so sympathize with the "honeymoon is over" syndrome!

{ Page } on: 18 December 2009 at 19:40 said...

Ooh, I think the sashing would look great in between. And I love the setting of the pictures. Beautiful!

{ beth } on: 18 December 2009 at 19:47 said...

Well I LOVE these blocks. I DO know what you mean about the honeymoon though! The same thing happens to me. Can't wait to see the finished quilt!

{ Kimberly Cherrine-Bell } on: 18 December 2009 at 20:51 said...

I love the colors on this....I think they are wonderful.

{ SueWis } on: 18 December 2009 at 21:29 said...

Ohhh, so pretty! I especially love your card trick block. I know what you mean, I made a sampler quilt and didn't love it until it was all put together and quilted. Plus it was 30s repro prints which didn't thrill me but I really liked it after it was done. Sashing will definitely bring it all together.

{ Pokey } on: 19 December 2009 at 03:04 said...

I sure enjoyed your display on the winter clothesline, Lesly! So artistic, with the snow below. I love samplers set with non traditional lines, divided or sashed with other interesting strips of flying geese, hst's or "checkerboards" and the like. Whatever you do, your squares are very visually satisfying.

{ Nina... } on: 19 December 2009 at 11:04 said...

Beautiful block! Love the colors, so warm and rich. Great job, they look so pretty there hanging on the line. Happy Holidays!

{ wishes, true and kind } on: 19 December 2009 at 16:04 said...

Your blocks are just wonderful and they photographed beautifully outdoors. I especially love that first picture!

Joan

{ Lindsay } on: 19 December 2009 at 17:57 said...

Well *I* am excited - lab quilt! Can't wait. May have to start arriving early to work, or staying late, in order to accommodate a nap.

Anonymous on: 19 December 2009 at 19:06 said...

Lovely post....let the blocks sit a spell and speak to you....they will tell you what they want.
Cheers!!

Anonymous on: 19 December 2009 at 21:11 said...

Your blocks are absolutely beautiful. I love your fabric choices.

{ Leslie } on: 19 December 2009 at 23:13 said...

these are beautiful blocks!! the colors and fabrics are very pretty

{ Rene' } on: 20 December 2009 at 21:24 said...

I really like your blocks. I've never made a sampler quilt. I think yours will be very interesting. You've made some great fabric choices. I really like the picture you took of all the quilt blocks hung on the line. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to see all the blocks assembled in your quilt.

{ Meredith } on: 23 December 2009 at 14:15 said...

I have never made a sampler and never really liked them but yours looks like it would be so coordinated. The lady of the lake block is great.

{ trish } on: 26 December 2009 at 20:01 said...

What gorgeous blocks you have there!
Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne

Post a Comment

Thanks for dropping by - I'd love to hear what you think, so please leave me a comment!

Popular Posts

Modern Day Quilts
 
Copyright © 2010 Stitch Literate, All rights reserved
Design by DZignine. Powered by Blogger