Instead I thought what about trying this technique as a 4 patch and in a smaller size strip. So, a little figuring and cutting and I determined I could come up with a small wall hanging at least. I pulled 5 fabrics and played around with the idea.I laid a section out on a display board to see what was happening. It is not easy to determine how things will play together until the blocks are made. I was mainly working with a stash of strips I had already cut at 2''.
I thought my center fabric on the right was dark enough, but once things were laid out....I was wrong. I thought the contrast was too "mushy" rather than blending. Luckily it is only a few blocks to remake.
I had extra strips cut that I had not used, so I pulled the darkest piece to replace the original center fabric. Now this is only 4 fabrics.....the center and the outer fabric being the same. I like the second arrangement better. I think I like the strong contrast this time. So for now, I will work on getting this assembled. It is one of those on point designs I hate to sew together.....another good reason to keep it on the small side.
And a new mystery project from Carole at From my Carolina Home. She just posted the second clue. She included a tutorial in this clue for a different way to make some 2 patch units. Her first post talks about the fabric selection and sizes and she has a good chart for every size project to make from this. So, check out The Twist! I haven't started yet, but I plan on making a smaller project from this mystery.Happy stitching.
I bought the blooming nine patch book, look through it, get intimidated, and put it away again. Can't wait to see your adaptation. Wish I could be your assistant and be your arms to lift it around. If you piece it, I would be more than willing to quilt it for you as a gift as you have given and shared so much. I guess it is the old lemon saying, If life gives you lemons, make lemonade. So your four patches are the lemonade.
ReplyDeleteI like the second arrangement too. It's going to be gorgeous! I saw Carol's post but haven't checked out the posted clue yet. I'll head there now. ~Jeanne
ReplyDeleteI find the blooming 9-patch quilts to be quite pretty but I have never attempted to make one. I think they would require a full design wall - and I don't have room for even a temporary one.
ReplyDeletegood save!! For square blocks on point, I have sewn them in groups, quilted the big triangles, and then joined... but yours will be smaller now anyway. I've always liked this design, and made something artsy from the book 9-patch pizazz which kind of mimics the repeptition of a burgoine surrounded or blooming 9-patch.
ReplyDeleteLeeAnna
You are reminding me I need to get back to mine. I put it away when the art quilters came in Jan. The on point quilts aren't a lot of fun to sew together , so much easier to get mixed up when trying to sew 2 rows as chain piecing. I would like to make a mini version with 1.5" strips some day.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to really like the second version of your Blooming 9 Patch (sort of). I like the idea that the center & outer fabric match. You are such a genius when it comes to changing things around for the better.
ReplyDeleteA blooming nine-patch would drive this dyslexic brain blooming crazy! But I love where yours is heading! Maybe I'll understand it better when I look up some finished ones or a tutorial. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about on point quilts. I’m working on one and it has been quite a challenge.
ReplyDeleteI like the second arrangement as well. Nicely done. (I sooooo gotta work on getting a permanent design wall!)
ReplyDeleteI think you're the first person to come up with the "Blooming Four Patch" idea, and it's brilliant! But I'll be the last person to say you should write up a pattern, because I know that is a lot of work. Those who love to write patterns are a special breed, and that's not me :)
ReplyDeleteGood call to put the darker fabric with more contrast in the center. It has made a beautiful looking quilt (from what I can see here).
ReplyDeleteI like the look of this project Debbie, very wise to cut down on the size.
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