I haven't been so excited about a sewing project in some time! Well, that's a lie, I am excited about all the sewing projects, but this one is special. Can you believe it? I got TWO quilts out of Moda BlockHeads 3!
In my opinion, that sew-along went way too long, an entire year, which is a long time commitment to one project. I ended up with over 80 blocks in four different sizes, and had the unrealistic notion that I could combine them all into one gigantic quilt. It wasn't a quilt, it was a tent, and I ended up taking all those blocks apart. The lint situation was dire, I am telling you. What a mess. I sure wish I had planned ahead better.
So, the quilt in the photo above (the one on the floor) is the quilt I ended up making from the 30 8" blocks. It is a generous lap-sized. I do plan to put a border around the outside. I found a navy, red, and cream paisley pattern from a recent 3 Sisters collection (the fabrics I used in the quilt are mostly from older 3 Sisters) ranges. Alternatively, I could put a rather narrow border of the background fabric around the border. I doubt it would be more than 4 inches wide. You guys are great with advising me: do you think a navy print would contain the blocks and look good? Or are the blocks busy enough, and a cream background border (even a narrow one) would be a better choice?
This beauty is my second MBH 3 quilt. It is comprised of 12" blocks and 6" blocks. It is more bed-sized at around 72" square. Sheri McConnell of A Quilting Life used this setting for her quilt, and I loved it. It is similar to what I was envisioning for my original circus tent quilt, but smaller, better organized, and less overwhelming. I still need to sew the blocks together, but I am pretty happy with the arrangement.
Thank you to all you amazing readers who advised me to use the "not like the others" half square triangle block by Lisa Bongean in the middle! It works very well there, and even though the color, style, and configuration of that block differs from the others, it works well as a center point. Besides, darn, all those half-square triangle points came out great, I need to show them off. I rearranged a few other blocks and remade the one in the upper left-hand corner (with a lighter background fabric), and now I am happy with the result.
What a relief that those blocks didn't go to waste and that I ended up with two quilts for my trouble! Thanks to you all for weighing in with your suggestions, they were brilliant!
Now I am ready to move on to Moda BlockHeads 6 and other projects! Have a wonderful weekend, friends.
17 Responses
They are both great! Nice job.
All your hard work turned out 2 beautiful quilts!!
I’d maybe go with a narrow cream border and maybe the navy as binding
The cream border seems ideal to me! What a job you’ve done here, using what you made. Well done! Your saying that the lint situation was dire just cracked me up! I’m working on a scrap strings project, and my lint/thread situation is indeed dire! I was using loads of those pet hair roller/pick-up sheets, and then realized what I needed was an old-fashioned lint brush. I bought one, and now I feel so much better about the whole thing — no longer using up all those plastic sheets to tidy up my sewing room has made me want to work on this project more! Wish I had thought of it sooner (or been able to locate my age-old lint brush instead of buying a new one), but at least I got to this solution now!
Your triangle block looks perfect in the centre! Two lovely balanced quilts. Nicely done indeed.
xx
Yes, the center block is great! I would choose the cream border, but I like the idea of navy binding. Looking at Blockheads 6, I’m disappointed in the first block, but did copy it in case I change my mind. I would like to use a fat quarter bundle of flannels if the pieces are fairly large. Flannels don’t work for intricate patterns.
That heavy block looks great in the center! What a good suggestion someone made.
Love what you have done with the blocks. And guess what? I was inspired by your posts to join the new Blockheads sew along. Not that I need another WIP! But there is something magical about joining hundreds (thousands?) of quilters making the same blocks with all their personal and amazing creativity on show!
Yay! Two for the price of one… what a terrific outcome.
That HST block makes a great center focal point. If you do a cream border then a dark binding will ‘frame’ everything nicely. Happy you found a solution & the ‘Circus Tent’ is no more!
Both look great.
For a border, audition the fabrics. I have to use the design wall with the fabrics and quilt to decide. Some times it is a big surprise.
For the smaller quilt, I think the cream border would look good, but like others have said, it needs a dark frame. If you use the paisley for a wide (maybe a 1/2″ or more finished) binding that would frame it and add some interest with the multi-colors and pattern. Here is a link for a 3/4″ finished binding: https://quilterscandy.com/wide-quilt-binding
Just my eye (which is not perfect!), I’d put on a 1 to 1 /2” cream border to tie things together and finish off with a navy tone on tone. You’ve done a great job of saving that sampler “tent”! I really love both!! I took a sampler apart after it marinated for about 4 years and put it back together in a different configuration. What a satisfaction!!
Oh my goodness, Nicole! So much work and so so worth your effort! I’m so proud of you for making these blocks into something that excites you rather than something that weighs you down!
Both layouts are great. I do like the HST block in the middle. Beautiful piecing.
Your quilts are both so beautiful. I’m glad you gave them a little rest, then were able to imagine a new life for the blocks. I’m sure it was rough to deconstruct the “tent”, but so worth the effort.(And I agree. The Primitive Gatherings block is perfect in the center of the larger quilt)!
It may have gone on for far too long, but you got 2 really amazing quilts from your efforts! I love both layouts – that HST block in the center is *chef’s kiss* – yay for finishes!