My bee had a two day sew-in at the library. We decided to try the
Missouri Star tutorial, disappearing hourglass pattern. I used scraps of solids.
I made several quilts with solids when I began in the mid 1980's. Of course I collected them at the time! Then the artist in me fell out of "like" with them preferring the painterly aspects of hand dyes ,batiks , or Moda Marbles. They have been stored for a long time, coming out of retirement now and then as a background for stamping/ stenciling.
I started making the blocks, then realized some were polyester which stinks when pressed. The colors are not ones I'd like today.
Maybe some scraps should be thrown out.
Still I persisted because I'd cut out 24 squares to make 12 blocks.
And to be part of the group I wanted to try the technique.
There are some fun parts to the technique, like all the variations
I did learn the value of my turning mat, not the expensive one, one I got at Joann with half price coupon. It works very well
I put the block exactly even after sewing around. The ruler goes diagonally matching the mat's drawn lines and cut making half square triangles
cut again after sewing hourglasses and resew. There is bias but I didn't even starch my fabrics and the blocks are fine.
I do not love the finished blocks likely because of the colors.
It is graphic and with 12 blocks and a border should make a baby or senior lap quilt.
Each block came out about 11.5" before sewing into the top so it will be about 34 X 44 ish before borders
Normally I'd do a rainbow scrap challenge post but we don't know the new color yet so I can't make anything. This will have to do for scraps and rainbows. And mauve has seen it's day and we should wish it a fond farewell, doncha think?
At least I tried something new, learned something about color and scraps and holding on.
For happy inspiration, please visit my "I Like" post
HERE ! to see some great pictures of inspirational color. I invite you to do an I Like post too, and let me know so I can link to your blog
Linking to several parties:
design wall Mondays at smallquiltsanddollquilts
lovelaughquilt.mondays
Main Crush Monday
the mop link party mondays
http://www.sewcanshe
myquiltinfatuation Thursdays
34 comments:
I've tried this block too. Very fun. I actually like all of the "disappearing" techniques from Missouri Star. So now you've reminded me that I have some blocks like this that need to become something.
"Maybe some scraps should be thrown out." What??? Who is this and what did you do with LeeAna??? Well, okay, there were polyester. The blocks look pretty good together on my computer screen, but if you say they are ugly I believe you!
Thrown out???? Mais, non, non & NON!! (I revert to my first language when I get excited it seems-- hahaha)--just look at how beautiful that piece is!! Great colors, too--poly schmolly--they work together...glad you stuck with it..hugs for a terrific 4th of July weekend...Julierose
I just thought it was my imagination that polyester stinks when ironed! A lot of my Mother's leftovers were poly; I think I've finally given them all away ... except the Bicentennial quilt that still needs to be finished.
Thought I would share my disappearing hourglass with you that I used with some stash fabrics. Someone will love your quilt.
http://mimispassions.blogspot.com/2017/06/disappearing-hourglass.html
Yes, yes, toss those babies! Put them in the trash, or stuff them into a bed or softie for Milo, or package them into a sealed plastic bag and donate them, or something, but get them out of there so they're not blocking you any more. Every one's tastes change. Don't waste time on the things that no longer excite you. Even with mauve, this little quilt looks lovely and someone will love it.
What a darling pattern. And it looks so good in solids. I'd forgotten the smell of poly-cotton until you mentioned it. Then it came right back to me.
YES WHAT ANN AND MARI and Mimi and Libby SAID!and blocks will be welcome as a donation quilt! a win win!! have a great weekend and forth.
This looks so good all in solids! I know you are not too happy, but I'm tempted to give this a try!
Glad that you were able to move out some old scraps and try a new technique at the same time.
I love the vibrancy of these solid colors. The blocks look great and will make someone very happy.
Actually, I like these blocks very much. There is a certain vibrancy to the contrasts.
I like this block but haven't tried it yet. I understand you not liking it because of the memories these fabrics bring back, but for someone who hasn't seen them a hundred times your blocks are beautiful. I like it and I'm sure it will be a loved lap quilt. ;^)
I'm sure someone will love this quilt. I understand your reluctance to continue but they are pretty blocks. Sometimes we just hit a wall(hee hee) with solids!
The colors are not exactly easy on the eyes, but the pattern and contrast are really nice. Poly cottons? Make them into donation quilts and/or use them as stuffing. Do not add to the landfills when there are so many great uses! Besides, cleaning them out will make room for more good fabric!
It's fun to try a new block and see what happens, especially if you're using fabric you don't really care about. Great idea for a donation quilt!
Hi,
I am really surprised you do not like this. I think it is great - it really shows off the pattern well. I guess different strokes for different folks, and you did find value in what you learned. ~smile~ Roseanne
Thanks for sharing your experiences and pics. Your blocks are beautiful. I am glad you pulled them out of hiding!
LOVE! What you are creating with your solids!! Keep going....
Really beautiful.
That looks like a fun block to make. I like it when we stretch ourselves and try something new.
You did learn some good things and have fun, a big plus. Someone will like the quilt, maybe mauve has always been their color, although I,think the designers sold it to us unsuspecting sewists.
Well, if you stand back and take in the whole thing, I do think it works. The good thing about solids is that the crisp contrast gives it some spark.
But if you really hate them, it might be interesting to cut and mix them again...
The design is striking, but I get your unhappiness with the colors. As I paw through my stash, I'm finding that I have a lot of boring fabrics in colors that all look the same. I don't really care for solids, so the current rage of solids with lots of "low-volume" "negative space" doesn't do mch for me. I'm trying to use my boring fabrics for pieced backings.
Pat
As part of my move to the west coast, I unearthed scads of solids...from my Amish influence when I first started quilting. I love your blocks...they are stirring old tendencies.
What a lovely block. I've done the disappearing nine patch but not the hourglass. Another on the must try list.
I would be happy to never see MAUVE or dusty rose ever again...i have a few yards from the 80s or 90s. BUT, my daughter who is 33 thinks its pretty😳. Guess we should pass along our ugly fabrics to the next generation. Love your solid blocks..its going to turn out pretty when its done.
Sometimes the best approach to try something new is to use colors or fabric that we don't care much about: no sadness if it doesn't turn out too good, and good lessons learned in the process! I think that your block will make a great quilt that will give someone love and comfort and that's all it matters! I share your not-love for solids, but I think your blocks turned out great! Thanks for sharing!!
The block in solids really punches (in a good way). Hooray for using the library for your retreat!
First, I LOVE your blocks. Second, I envy you those solid scraps! Choose life, Lee Anna! Don't throw those babies out with the bath water when you can put them up for adoption!! :-) Seriously, I'm currently enjoying playing with combinations of prints and solids and I don't have enough solids in my stash. Before throwing them away, would you consider sending them to me instead? I'll reimburse you for postage and promise to put them to good use.
I agree with you about Mauve. UG-LY. I had to move across country recently and I got rid of tons of old fabric. I didn't trash it, just gave it to the thrift store to sell. It will get a new home and I am rid of it. Polyester is like mauve. It has no place in a quilt. Good for you for trying!
You are better than me at persisting on using those poly mixes!!!!! I found those bias a night mare when working with Poly's. To be honest I think it is going to end up a great wee quilt with those bold colours and some one is going to be very happy to receive it. Was interesting to see how many ways you could lay the block. Hugs Glenda
Every color deserves a chance! Thanks for sharing on Midweek Makers!
I quite like these sombre colours, but at least you've used some of your stash up, and learnt something new, that's what its all about!
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