Monday, January 30, 2006


I've just been over at Dawn's blog, Quilts and Pieces, and she has wonderful pictures from Gwen Marston's lecture and class. There were the first pictures I have seen of Gwen's liberated Amish log cabin quilts. They are wonderful, but it struck me how little difference there is between "that" and the mile a minute blocks I have been making for years now. Great minds, maybe *VBG*? She does create more "fractures" and "splinters" than I feel I need to do. My free form blocks are already way too liberated for most of the gals I know here in WI. They look at Betsy and I as if we were demented...LOL. No perfect points? No matchy-matchy seams? NO Thimblesberries?? Oh my!!! Anyway, this is a twin size(72"' X 90") that I pieced while living in Betsy's guest house that 6 weeks in 2002. Waiting for an apt to open for me, before winter. There are 180 6.5" blocks, straight set, no borders. It's utility quilted in a zig-zag across the width and a few circles tossed in for good measure. It's the 4th m-a-m I've made working out of my scrap bag. I have another nearly finished piecing..but couch size this time. I hope anyone inspired by Gwen's will try this. If you want more a fractured look, just whack the block in half or quarter at any point and piece across the whack. This also is a great place to stick orphan blocks or parts of blocks..whack those too!!! Posted by Picasa

10 comments:

Patti said...

I've just spent a marvelous day reading from beginning to end of your blog - in between spurts of work (since they are paying me I figured I'd better do some work LOL!) I love your quilts and your style. I'm like you in that I consider myself a scrap quilter - can't seem to make a quilt with less than 75-100 fabrics in it any more. (You can't tell that from looking at the picture in my blog - just getting started.) I love your occasional philosophical musings and stories, and your old time picturs. I'm old enough to remember much of what you talk about - my favorite penny candy was red and black licorice sticks! And I remember 5 cent candy bars! Hoping for a long "quilty" acquaintance.

Cher said...

well, nice sharing of those quilts Finn! exactly what I am in the midst of and finding them addicting as well. have to laugh as I think these scrap quilts are the ulimate in use all fabric, all up! hugs

quiltpixie said...

So can you tell me nore about theese mile a minute blocks? How is each structured? THey look like great fun.

Jeanne said...

I'm delighted that your eye infection is improving! Love this scrappy photo today! Jeanne :)

Patty said...

Hi Finn, I like the look of the less traditional quilt. Makes it more of an art form all of its own.

Laurie said...

GREAT eye candy Finn! Thanks for sharing!!
Hugs
Laurie

Tonya Ricucci said...

Gorgeous fun quilt - I love it. I think I see a ballerina pig? Go team! Like the penguins on the back too.

Nancy said...

Love your MAM quilt. I have something similar planned for some of my leftover bits/pieces from strip pieced projects. I've been saving those in a drawer and have a pretty good selection now. Think it's time to do a few blocks. This will be an ongoing project as I'll just add blocks as I get another drawer of bits/pieces to use up.

Glad to hear your eye infection is starting to clear up. Got to be able to see so you can make more lovely quilts to delight us with!

Jeanne said...

Me again! I came back to say that your observation about being more maverick than the other quilters in your area struck a note with me! I used to be very active in a local guild, but sooooo many quilt police there! I'm flying solo these days.

Darcie said...

Goodness, goodness Finn!!! Will you please slow down!!!

No...forget I said that. I popped in this morning, and realized that I had to go into your whole January Archives cuz I was so behind on what you've been up to. Good for you!!! You're back feeling like Finn again!

Love these MAM quilts! Oh my goodness...how fun. And your recent tutorial is terrific!

Enjoying the eye candy this morning!!!