Moda BlockHeads 3 was probably my favorite BlockHeads sew-along ever. And yet, I never finished it. The sew-along involved block choices in four sizes, and I randomly made them, without a plan for a setting. I had 12-inch blocks, 8-inch blocks, 6-inch blocks, and 4-inch blocks. It was actually kind of ridiculous. I would just randomly make a block in whatever size struck me and had no clue what I would do with them at the end. Honestly, I don't think there was enough direction at the beginning of the sew-along. Also, it went on too long ( a year), and one ended up with too many blocks to make a cohesive quilt.
Obviously, it turned out that I didn't have a workable plan. Also, the sew-along lasted an entire year, and I ended up with so many blocks, it was impossible to incorporate them into one quilt. I had 25 eight-inch blocks, a dozen 12-inch blocks, 30 six-inch blocks, and I have no idea how many 4-inch blocks. I seem to recall there were over 80 blocks in various sizes! I valiantly applied myself to the task of assembling them into a quilt top.
Not surprisingly, the quilt top was as big as a circus tent and had no cohesive design whatsoever. The quilt top I put together was so huge, so unwieldy, so awkward, that it just wasn't ever going to work. I loved all those blocks, but there were so many of them, and they were in all those different sizes that did not work together. I folded the circus tent up and put it in the closet. I have to admit, I thought of some of those blocks often, imagining how awesome they would look in a quilt. There were some absolutely wonderful blocks: a bee hive, a bird house, hearts, and some really challenging and unusual blocks. They mustn't go to waste!
I was lamenting about this situation recently, and one of my readers suggested taking the blocks apart and starting over with a new setting. Lightbulb moment. Of course, that is what I needed to do. Take the blocks apart and make two or even three quilts from all those pretty blocks.
So that is what I am doing. I am ripping apart all the blocks from Moda BlockHeads 3 and stacking them up in piles according to size. I have about a dozen 12" blocks, 25 8" blocks, 30 6" blocks, and a dozen or more 4" blocks.
The lint/thread situation is ridiculous. However, I am so glad I am taking this mess apart and salvaging these amazing blocks for a couple of other projects. I loved the 3 Sisters fabrics I used, and the block designs were incredible. The sew-along went on way too long, there were too many choices of block sizes, and not enough direction for the finish. That being said, there is a lot of value in this collection of blocks, and I know I can turn them into something wonderful. Stick with me and see what I come up with!
10 Responses
I’m glad you are giving all those blocks a new life. Considering how many you made, you will probably get several quilt tops. I, for one, am not one who has any interest in putting the jigsaw of several sizes together. More power to you!!
This is wild! I’m glad you are taking the quilter’s suggestion even though taking apart the top is time consuming.
I’m tempted to sew the latest Blockhead but I do not like the setting that was revealed. I don’t want to dump a Blackbird Designs line of fabric I’ve been holding onto for something I do not care for. What would you advise – make the blocks and hope for the best?
Brilliant idea! They are too pretty to waste. I don’t think I’d have the patience to do all of them either!
I cannot wait to see the beautiful quilts that emerge from those blocks. This January a different blog that I follow urged everyone to look in their extra (orphan) block area and make either doll quilts, baby quilts or any size quilts out of them for donation. I do a lot of donation quilts and out of those orphan blocks and more fabric 3 lap quilts were made. I count this as a win. They are going to Maine as part of a 12 quilt donation with my church’s work campers to homes that will be rehabbed and to the Community Center to be given out as needed.
I have spent several weeks trying to put together a layout for a quilt for my nephew. I had two panels and an idea for the blocks, but could not get the sizes to work together. I finally decided to forget the panel and make it a pillow. I lost many blocks but am so much happier with the result! Enjoy putting your “new” quilts together!
Right now your lint roller is your friend! I’m glad you decided to give those blocks new life! You’ll be happy once you have a plan–a few plans–for them! Happy ripping!
1) I FEEL SEEN!!! “I would just randomly make a block in whatever size struck me and had no clue what I would do with them at the end.”
2) end up with a circus sized tent (again me)
3) decide to make multiple smaller quilts (me, again)
otherwise, it all goes into a closet of frustration or the orphan box to haunt me until I’m dead.
Haha! I love the pants photo. A few years ago, I had to host THE BIG BOSS at my husband’s company for dinner. All went well, but as he left, I spied a huge nest of threads stuck to the back of his expensive suit! The look on my husband’s face was priceless.
If you took a picture of the “circus tent” before you took it apart, you can make a print and then cut them out– sort and plan to your heart’s content with out the workout. xox
Excited to see what you come up with. Those blocks look great. Goodluck!
It’s surprising how much easier un-sewing is when coming up with a new plan. Creating a cohesive design is challenging when there are so many options. I’m sure you will create some beautiful quilts using your beautiful blocks. Have fun!