The concept behind this quilt design is arranging a set of varying size blocks on a background that supposedly pulls them all together so they appear visually cohesive. As I stated in my previous post, the example in the book are for sets of sampler blocks that vary in size. I created varying sized blocks in my quilt by first grouping several sets of 2 and 4 pictures. I left the rest as singles.
Once I framed these single, 2 and 4 set groups in black cotton I cut them to even sizes (ie 4 1/2 by 6 or 5 x 6, not 4 5/8 by 6 1/4). As you can see in the picture, I made little paper squares of all my blocks. I first drew the 3 arrow looking strips that the blocks would ‘float’ on. I decided on a 4 inch total width for those strips. I then set about placing the blocks to determine a layout that appealed to me. Once I had a balanced look, I taped them down and colored in the background strips on the graph paper to give me a better idea of what the final quilt configuration would look like. (Is any of this making sense? Sometimes I wonder.)
The piecing phase was a bit like putting together a puzzle. I had to deconstruct the background into piecable chunks that could then be stitched back together to look like the picture I had drawn on the graph paper. I’ve always liked puzzles and this reminded me of working on a really challenging one. This construction process is what Margaret Miller’s book Smashing Sets is all about.
I started the quilting yesterday and hope to finish by sundown (fortunately the days are REALLY long here right now so that gives me a few extra hours!)
It’s looking wonderful! The nicest end-of-year teacher quilt I’ve seen. Can’t wait to see it finished. (Which is probably your feeling, as well!)
Really, really nice work. The red/orange fabric reminds me of elementary school somehow.
Wow. I can’t imagine undertaking something like that! I have only made 2 full sized quilts, and after seeing “Brie’s Baby Quilt” I decided to make another quilt for my oldest son! Thanks for the inspiration.