I’ve been joining in Audrey of QuiltyFolk’s Bramble Blooms QAL, which you can read about on her blog here, and my previous posts here and here, and here.
Since I finished up my first quilt top, I’ve been waiting eagerly for the beginning of the next prompt for the second quilt. I don’t for sure why, but this quilt along is so fun to me! Even though I have many other projects that should be coming first, I just can’t help myself in playing with this one!
So she just recently posted this next prompt, to start the second quilt. The ‘assignment’ (to be taken loosely) was to be a pieced center, rather than appliqué like last time. We were to take one of the pieced elements in the previous quilt and use it to make a center for this quilt. Her suggestion was the corner x blocks… hmm…. that’s a serious challenge for me because I’ve never made a cross or x block that I liked.
I’ve always loved Sujata Shah’s method of making blocks. I have her book and have always wanted explore her methods more. I decided the lattice block would be perfect for this assignment.
Also, of course, we were to use one of the three original stacks of fabric that we picked out at the beginning of this project, so this top photo is my stack that I’m starting with for this quilt. This photo makes it look like an ok bunch of fabrics but let me tell you, it’s been a challenge as you will soon see.
This method of making blocks is somewhat free form. You start with a stack of squares, whack through them freely with your rotary cutter to make the shape you’re desiring, and then mix them up and sew them together. It creates a more organic feel which I love in theory. But mixed with all these wild prints and not enough solid fabrics, I just felt like this beginning was chaotic and rather dreadful.
This is the stage at which one wonders if you need to keep going because it will all come together and look good in the end, or stop right now and quit wasting time because I should be feeling some love by now! I decided to try a petal shape and also laying it out somewhat in color order to tame it bit.
I kept making blocks, and tried this type of a layout. I really love the shape of this lattice design which has a slightly rounded look… I’d really like to try this block design with all or mostly solids, I think it would be amazing! I wonder if it’s all the busy prints, a less than curated color scheme, plus a kinda busy design that is just making me think it’s bad. I actually think it looks better in the photos here than what I was seeing in real life.
I kept plugging along for awhile, but finally decided to try something else…
I started down this route… don’t ask me why, I can’t remember! I think I thought that straight and proper blocks and just two colors per block would somehow calm the chaos of my crazy fabrics. Remember, these fabrics were originally all chosen because they were mild ‘rejects’ that had been sitting in my stash for a long time. It’s not that I don’t like them, but I would never have specifically chosen these fabrics to go together. And this is also why this is such a rewarding and fun challenge! With my first quilt, I felt the same way and ended up liking it so much when it was done.
And so, here’s a finished center. It’s the right size, but now I just really dislike it. THIS one actually does look better in real life than the photo! And I do think that two more borders could possibly pull it together into something I would like. But right now as I’m writing this, I’m seriously contemplating going back to my original lattice blocks and continue making enough of them instead.
What do you think? I feel like the lattice blocks would fit the theme of this quilt along better. But either way, I’ll be a bit mad about wasting time and fabric… oh well, that’s the creative process and to let you know that I make LOTS of things that I don’t like at all. But it’s all worth it when you have those aha moments and end up making things that you love!
Emily Hedrick says
Hi Jolene! I really appreciate reading your thoughts about moving from one project to another based on how much you liked the result. I *really* like what you made! But I find myself in the same situation most of the time it seems – haha! Sometimes I will bury the wip away -purposefully putting it deep in the pile out of spite. After a couple years, I unearth it and low and behold, I suddenly like it.
Zeddie says
With your first idea, I would recommend grouping the dark background blocks either in the center or on the perimeter of the “center” as a border for your center. They are just so much darker that they stand out so I would use that intentionally to make them stand out more.
Lila Rostenberg says
I have started my BB2 slso.
Sujata is a favorite of mine, so when her name was mentioned by Audrey, I decided to try one of Sujata’s patterns.
I am working with her pattern called “Winter”. To me it looks like leaves on a stalk. It also looks like a bottle tree!
I will post my work in Instagram.
@indigopearsstudio
Emily Litwiller says
I think I’m Team Lattice! I think those blocks are rather charming:) but really, either one will look great in the end, I’m sure.
Joan (Optional) Herrick says
The lattice blocks have a certain spontaneity about them that seems more in keeping with the overall vibe of this project. I love the second set of blocks but they look a little too planned.
Mary Jo says
Hi there,
What a treat–I was hoping to see a new post from you, and here it is..
I’m liking how the two color blocks work together as a center, and I keep thinking I’d like to see how the lattice blocks work as a border arranged around the center, about 2 to 4 blocks deep. (From the arrangement of the lattice photo just above the new center photos.) I think the straight lined center, progressing to the gently curved latice border might be interesting… Also the value contrast in the lattice blocks seem bolder than the center, with chunkier, larger scale shapes, but the colors all relate. The two groups could be good for each other.
Debbie Miller says
I like both blocks but prefer the straight and proper blocks and thought how they were in matched sets of only two fabrics. Maybe you would like the lattice blocks if they were also in matched sets of only two colors?
Zeddie says
Alternatively, you could do a checkerboard style effect, dark background, light background, dark background, light background or go completely with a colourwash effect where the colours are grouped together.
Jane says
I like both sets of blocks and think your solution is in getting them to play nicely together in a quilt top containing them both! Once you get them up on the design wall I think you will see a way forward…
Caroline Matula says
I love the inside-out patchwork blocks = ) Of course, all your quilting projects are grogeous. Maybe share a tut for the patchworks? Off to do the math. Thank you for sharing.
Carolyn Hartman says
I am really liking all your blocks when I view them on point. They are all very special.
Doris says
This is why I have a hard time with quilt alongs, I need to see the whole quilt first. lol
Tina says
I too am team lattice. I don’t like them as 4-patches tho, seems alot more fun and adventurous to let loose. True scrappy is my kryptonite, can’t stand to look at it not want to control the chaos. I think the idea behind this QAL is to reach out past our comfort level.
Perhaps consider throwing caution to the wind and toss all of the lattice squares ( can even add the plus blocks too) into a paper bag and shake well, pull out two squares without looking and sew them together unless they are the same fabrics. Chain stitch the pairs together quickly until you are done. you can repeat the process by cutting the pairs apart return to the paper bag, same rule applies never sew together two of same fabric. Decide the width and cut your long chain accordingly and sew rows together. If it is too scary to just sew the pairs willy-nilly, put the pairs of squares up on your working wall first and let them marinate for a day or three. A beloved quilting mentor made me do this exercise
to get past the need to make quilt that matches the pattern perfectly. It was so freeing knowing that I was sewing up fabrics already loved in the first place and that it would all work out and be MY creation.
I am eternally grateful for that lesson and was so inspired that taking chance and perhaps a walk on the wild side in my creations is now my preference.
I can’t wait to see what you decide to do!
Laura says
I always enjoy reading your posts as you share your thought process for pattern and fabric color. The lattice blocks look fun but I think it would be difficult to imagine without seeing a pattern of the expected finish.
Barbara says
I just love the first one with the petals…..maybe a different configuration. The ones with crosses looks more predictable to me. The petals look random. They are both pretty for different reasons. I hope you keep going with the petals and flush out a final version. Thanks for sharing.
Lael says
I really love your checkerboard. The colors are definitely something I expect of you (even if they are the mild rejects), but I can’t say it’s a style I expect from you. Also, I like the boldness of the checkerboard and think the lattice is kinda wimpy looking, at least by itself. Just thinking out loud…. Ultimately, I’d like to see what you can do to make the checkerboard one of your quilts. 🤔
Jan Barkley says
What did you use for your petal templates? I love all your quilts but especially love the petal piecing ones.
Jan