Friday, March 1, 2019

Can't get enough 2 X 4s!

      In preparation for quilt retreat at the end of March, I have been collecting quilts that are clipped together and just need webbing to assemble. I already had a clipped together 2 x 4 quilt using 3.5" strips.
     My mother was still bored. So, I cut up lots of 2.5" batik WOF strips, paired them up and sent them to her. She zip, zipped through them and gave me strip sets. She could sew WOF together, fold in half, cut and resew the strips so I could subcut them. She ironed them, thank goodness, so all I had to do was subcut them. Each strip set cuts  5 units, 4 of which are sewn in to two blocks, so maybe the extra single blocks I can sew into a strip for the backing. 
Strip sets
Pile o' blocks sewn
First blocks
      I was able to sew all the units into blocks, put them up on the wall and spend a couple of hours/days rearranging, taking photos and driving myself crazy. Finally, enough was enough, I numbered the top blocks and clipped the columns, stacking them into a ziplock until the retreat. 
     My goal was to have the columns move your eye up and down. Even though there are some real light and some real dark blocks, I have learned from Sujata Shah and Wanda that you need those blocks in there to add interest. Matchy matchy is not my goal.
Very first layout- top too dark and no contrast.
Orange rectangle too light, 3 blocks down, 4th from left
Darker orange resewn in, much better.
Final layout. Top left block is not that light- it is too close to a lamp. It is the same block as 5 down and 5 from left. It anchors the corner just fine.

8 comments:

Sally Langston Warren said...

That is beautiful! How nice to have your mother’s contribution! I have always enjoyed these “simple” block quilts but have yet to make one! Thank you for sharing.

The Joyful Quilter said...

Preparing for a quilt retreat? A fun and arduous task all in one!! Oh SEW worth the effort, though. Just think of how productive you will be!

Debbie said...

I would say you have learned your lesson well! Great movement and eye candy in your blocks. This effort will make the retreat time very successful!

Barb said...

Love your batiks in this quilt. The color placement sparkles!

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

Very nice! This quilt pattern would be a good way to use up the batiks that never seem to make it into a project because they are too muddy or dull or just plain not attractive. I have some batiks that have a pretty area and then 10" of not so great.

Kevin the Quilter said...

I love quilts with a simple block, and every block different within the quilt. This is very pleasing to my eye!

Mystic Quilter said...

Looking good Linda! This is a super quick pattern isn't it, I think the time taken the most is placement, you've done a great job - are there more of these quilts on the horizon? I know I would like to make more.

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

I love it!! It adds interest everywhere!!