APQ Quilt Along, The Blocks
The closer it gets to Christmas, the more overwhelmed we tend to feel. It’s hard to find time for quilting when Christmas shopping is front and center. I know you don’t have a minute to spare, but think how great you will feel if you start the New Year with something new to work on. Making something at the start of the year will show everyone that yes indeed, you are going to use that fabric you bought last year. Yes indeed, you are going to finish something you started. Yes, Yes, Yes! You can do it!
Choose some fabric you love and get ready to sew this quilt!
I’ve graphed out my quilt, picked fabric I’m excited to use, and now I’m going to select a solid to co-ordinate with my fabric. Using a solid in a quilt is a wonderful way to give your eye a place to “rest” and Moda has lots of Bella solids to choose from.
I pulled a few different shades to try, put some of the fabrics on top of the stack and stood back to look. These all look pretty good so what should I choose?
Since I want a more “vintage” look to my quilt, I went with the slightly darker shade you see on the bottom of the stack, Bella #9900 13. It’s really rich looking and I think it will be perfect in the quilt, but the main thing is I love it!
Now that I have a solid, it’s back to my original sketch. I want to use the solid, but I’m in LOVE with the light cream prints in the fabric line. The block would be boring without them. Just look at them waiting for me on the top of the bundle…
…I’m a little worried that they’ll be too busy in the block, but I know I can always “calm” everything down by using a simple sashing in-between, so I decide to go for it!
See the solid Bella in the blocks? I’ll keep it the same in each block and then I’ll use 2 different “light” fabrics in each block. The nine patch in the centers will always be the chestnut color although the fabrics will vary.
This is going to be so much fun! I don’t worry too much about how busy a block might look. I know the fabrics all look good together and the “busier” blocks will add more interest to the quilt. I use some masking tape and give each block a number so I can remember where I want them in the quilt. This can easily change as I finish the blocks and move them around.
Our Moda Lissa used tons of different fabrics to design her beautiful quilt and the result was stunning. If she can do it, I can walk on the wild side a bit too! I’m going scrappy in a controlled sort of way.
You’ll find some helpful videos on All People Quilt, to help you square up your fabric and get started cutting. Remember to iron that fabric before you cut!
I made a copy of the instructions, and inserted each page in a plastic sleeve inside a binder. It helps keep me organized and makes it easier to follow the directions. Then I labeled all my strips and placed them in plastic bags. Keeping everything in my Art Bin container makes this project portable.
I’m making blocks throughout the next month when time permits. You’ll find all the posts for this APQ quilt along when you click on “Categories” at the top of my blog, and then click on “Blog Hops”.
I’ll be back soon with some Christmas posts. In January I’ll pick sashing to go in my quilt!
Are you feeling inspired yet? For more inspiration follow us on Pinterest. #APQquiltalong
Anne
15 Comments
Patricia Roberts
Your fabrics are lovely. I just love the colors. I could use those in my collection of fabrics. Thank you for your beautiful designs and patterns. I look forward to your newsletters every month. Have a good year. Pat
Janice Schaub
What beautiful fabric. I love those colours and would love them in my stash. Beautiful design too……….yes, I want to get back to quilting. Now the holidays are over, I am inspired to get started on so many things. I will be following your lovely blog. I do need inspiration to get the stash into quilts to give next Christmas
Janice
Nancy S.
Lovely fabrics. I will be anxious to see the end result. I am waiting to get back to the quilt shop to pick up a few things on hold until after Christmas. I am most anxious to start a Jelly Roll 1600 in the most amazing shades of lavender, sage and light blue. The samples I see on line cannot compare to the one in the shop, in these glorious colors and with added border. If only I did not have to pay rent…. oh the fun I could have! Merry Christmas. I know your heart will be elsewhere but we will be praying. (( ))
Mary T Salmon
I love scrappy! Beautiful line of fabric.
Love,
Mary
Sarah
Your blocks look gorgeous. This will be a very pretty quilt when it’s finished. I can’t wait to see it!
Linda
Thank you so much for sharing the progress of your blocks. I cut the fabric for my sample block and now I am way too busy with holiday preparations — but I keep looking at it and trying to plan…
Your quilt is going to be perfect!
~Linda
Miss Jean
Oh, be still my heart!!!!! It’s going to be just beautiful. Did you have to purchase any more of the Plum Sweet fabric other than what you need for the border and binding? I’d copy you stitch for stitch if I could!!!
Karen
This is going to be stunning! I love it, love everything about it. That new Blackbird Designs fabric is gorgeous. Can’t wait to see more progress. I want to make my own with this same fabric and I am glad you used the lighter prints as well! Thanks for sharing.
Wendy
Anne – I absolutely love your choices of fabric. It is going to be a beautiful quilt!
Janice
Thanks for all the tips on making this quilt! I never know where to start when selecting fabrics and deciding where to use them in a quilt. I’ve learned the hard way that all quilts, even scrappy ones, need a plan!
Diane S.
Anne I love your choice of fabrics. Can’t wait to see it finished, it is so pretty. I also like the solid color you chose. You are so organized. Happy Holidays to you.
mimi'sdarlins
Anne, I love love LOVE your blocks! Since you mention it, it really is scrappier and busier than your usual style, and I think it’s gorgeous. I’ve gotten some great organizational tips from the bloggers and am really looking fwd to getting started. I don’t know if I’ll get any sewing done til after Christmas, but I have all my fabrics ready and can hardly wait to make that first block.
Letty
I thought I’d like your color scheme – but I don’t – I love it!!!
Christine M
I love the fabrics you have used. The colours are so pretty.
DeAnna Dodson
Ooooh, isn’t that pretty!
Ummmm . . . I’d love to know where you got that plastic storage box in the last picture. :)