Friday, October 05, 2007

The Nanas' Sewing Day quilt blocks....

as promised! The first picture is what the original block design looks like made up.
It's from a book of Betsy's called "Quick Colorful Quilts". In the book it is made from batiks, I believe...definitely NOT kids prints.
If I were to follow directions, this is what the combined blocks would look like..*VBS*
But of course, I have to do it the 'Finn' way....and this is what I felt the blocks should look like. Individually, they are very appealing to me.So I was whipping along, making ALL of them MY way, but then decided maybe some should appear more "solid", and I made some 'their' way. Combined, this is the look you get, and I'm NOT happy with it.
What I realized once I laid the blocks out, is that when you do it, 'my way', the centers really get lost. Somewhat if they are dark and of good contrast, but TOTALLY if they happen to be light centers. Now the question is, will I continue to make blocks both ways(having an assorted quilt top) or will I make enough 'their' way blocks to have that be the quilt top??? In which case, I now have NEW orphans!!! *VBS*
P.S. Betsy called today....she's worked her way up to a dozen burp cloths so far!

24 comments:

Katie said...

How about adding some three fabric blocks - using three triangles? See J's Quilting Blog and how she made her stars that went around her wonky houses. I'm really wanting to make some of those stars.

Donna said...

I wonder if sashing would help? maybe the centres are getting lost due to the variety of other prints, and by sashing them you'd return to "seeing" the fun blocks you'd made....

Jeanne said...

I definitely like the Finn way the best!

Magpie Sue said...

Personally, I like the Finn blocks better than the "right" ones. But then I'm a crazy quilt kinda gal. The more and busier, the better in my book! You're giving me ideas!!!
(and I thought that the first block you showed was going to be a witch's hat - just came from Tonya's blog!)

atet said...

I like the mixed varieties. I know some of the centers get a little lost on the "Finn way" blocks -- but it will give some interest to search for the fussy cut bits later. I can see this quilt being endlessly fascinating as a child searches for things to point out!

Hedgehog said...

Just love that first block! I'd have a majority of 'their' blocks and some of yours, too!

Anonymous said...

Hellooooo Finn !

Honestly, I don't see what "appears" or "disappears" in your blocks ... VBS
What I see in YOUR way, is beautiful, a sort of "crazy for kids" pattern. Before reading, I was already reacting with "ooooohs " and "aaaahs" !
Keep going YOUR way, it's magic !

Hugs & smiles,
NADINE

Gail said...

I'm sure that you will figure out something great after some thought...give it some special Finn attention.

Cher said...

funny how you can change your mind about how blocks look when put all together ...you have some great suggestions...but I do like this block! sashing seems the easiest to me-then you can use all the blocks you have made thus far...beats the heck out of what I am doing now- cutting muslin squares!

meggie said...

I like the Finn way too!
Lovely & bright.

Patti said...

As I was reading through the post I smiled as soon as I saw that you'd changed things and done them the "Finn way". I loved those blocks. Then you put them together - and you don't like them. So I stopped and looked and looked at the picture. I definitely don't think all the blocks should be "their way" - your way is much more interesting. Maybe you can find a balance there - maybe 2/3 their way and 1/3 your way? Or a 25-75 split? I'd have to see them laid out that way to decide. One thing is sure - none of the blocks will go to waste, and whatever they become will definitely have a "Finn" look to them.

I'm beginning to wonder whether I'll ever make a quilt again that isn't a "Finn way" quilt. Probably not until I run out of scraps anyway LOL!

Unknown said...

"Finn" blocks are far more interesting, they invite you to come and take a closer look

Unknown said...

I like both blocks but I agree they don´t seem to agree with one another. What about making a quilt wiht the Finn way blocks and a cushion cover with the other plain ones? Your blocks make a very interesting "I spy" quilt. With the other ones it would be too easy! I wish you inspiration. Take care.

Andrea said...

These are very cute blocks. Have you tried placing them alternately ? One of yours, one of theirs etc. Whatever it turns out like it will be an excellent quilt for a little one to "explore".

loulee said...

I too prefer the Finn way! You're drawn in, to look closer and play I spy, matching pieces of fabric. Play about some more, you may come up with a happy compromise.

Texan said...

ok the teddy bear dressed up as a ghost trick or treater, to cute!!

Gypsy Quilter said...

Here's wishing you the happiest of Birthdays Finn!

antique quilter said...

happy happy happy birthday!
hope you had a fun day!
Kathie in NJ

Jeanne said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY my dear friend!
Hugs ~ Jeanne

Sweet P said...

I agree with trying sashing. It will provide some "rest" for the eyes. I like the "Finn way" of making quilts. Don't stop now.

Ms. Jan said...

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday, dear Finn. Happy Birthday to you!!!!!
xoxoxoxo
msjan

Tracey @ozcountryquiltingmum said...

Fabulous block from a fabulous lady!!! Belated happy Birthday wishes to you, life has been busy and I have not been around quite so frquently, I shall go and catch up, lol Tracey

MARCIE said...

oh my gosh Finn! That is too cute! How clever of you to tweek the block like that. Also, Happy Birthday! Cute family photos!

Buffie H said...

To start with I thought they looked like little rockets blasting out into space. I agree with some other comments that some space between them would provide some clarity back to the bursts of colour. Then I thought 'space' 'Rockets' what if you placed big thick strips of dark starry fabric between each coloured strip and then quilt freehand rocket flames or boosters and stars coming out of the bottom of each small trianglur rocket.
That would make the fun stand out!