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![\"TestBlocks1.jpg\"](\"http:\/\/arrrgh.redeaglespirit.com\/archives\/TestBlocks1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nIt is SOoooo wonderful to have the chance to sit down and piece quilt blocks. A number of years ago I bought several yards of a batik that were talking to me. The fabric is a melange of color that is basically shades of a reddish orange and black, with tints of blue and gold. I needed a block that would allow me to show a huge chunk of the fabric in one block, rather than dispersing it in smaller pieces across the face of the quilt. I didn’t have a clue how I was going to use it. A friend knew what I was looking for and quickly sketched out several options, which I set aside. Over the years, I’ve collected fabrics that I thought would go with the quilt. Now, I’ve had the chance to make four test blocks to see if the design would work. This is the result:
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\nNeedless to say, this is a terrible photo, but it shows four blocks sewn together. They are pinned to a design wall, so you can see bits and pieces of other quilts I’m working on, and the organizer that sits below them on the table.
\nEach block has a large piece of the batik, two black triangles, and a vertical set of strips. My intention is to vary the strips throughout the blocks so that the quilt is predominately the red-orange shade. My sister has seen this picture and feels that the gold is too light, and should be omitted. I plan to make several blocks with the gold strips, and place them on a design wall to see how it works. If the gold is too pale, or stops the movement of your eye over the quilt, I’ll repiece those blocks.
\nSis was of the opinion that this would be a difficult quilt to sleep under. I understood what she was implying. If you chose to use this quilt on your bed, your bedroom would have to be done in vibrant colors, and she chooses to make her bedroom a restful nest.
\nThis is quite a departure for me. In the past I have chosen to recreate traditional patterns in today’s fabrics. This is the first time I have made a non-traditional block, and the first time I have used such a large amount of batik. So far, I’m pleased with the results. The colors are more pleasing in person, and I like how the blocks are going together. I hope to have this particular quilt machine quilted, and when it is finally finished, I’ll post another picture of it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
It is SOoooo wonderful to have the chance to sit down and piece quilt blocks. A number of years ago I bought several yards of a batik that were talking to me. The fabric is a melange of color that … Continue reading