Monday, February 4, 2013

A couple layouts.......

I still had 4 blocks cut out that I hadn't sewn so I made them before I played with layouts.
My first layout used all of the blocks except one and spacers cut from a favorite fabric.  My only problem with it is that it is 70" square.    It is almost too big for a wallhanging and is an odd shape for a couch quilt. It isn't a usable size for a bed except as a topper over a bedspread.  The only bed that is square is a king size and this wouldn't even cover the top of the mattress.  It would need at least 20" in borders on each side. I'm not a big fan of square quilts (except as wallhangings). If I added another row of large blocks to the bottom it would be 70" x 84", too short for a single bed, pretty large for a couch throw. 
The second layout is symmetrical, 56" x 70" size.  It would be a good size for a nap.  It leaves me with 6 leftover blocks.  I think I am ready to move on and will most likely sew the second layout (not set in stone, but likely).  While I watched Downton Abbey I trimmed paper foundations from a Karen Stone pattern.  It is shown in flannel and that is what I will use.  I am going to cut for 2 flannel quilts at the same time.  I'm thinking about a Stack and Slash for the second one.
Making the Bear Paw quilt has created another bin of scraps.  Most of these are pretty small.  I will cut 2" squares out of all that I can and the smaller scraps will get used in mug rug creativity at a later date.

21 comments:

Diane said...

have enjoyed watching your Bear paws top come together, it's always been one of my favorite blocks

Linda said...

Love #2 layout! Awesome!

MyCretanlife said...

Version 2 is more uniform. It gives your eyes somewhere to rest. I like it the best, but it's up to you go with the one that speaks loudest to you.

Gene Black said...

I really like the unexpectedness in the first design. However, you are right about the size.

Nancy Near Philadelphia said...

Oh, I love the first lay-out. So WHAT if it isn't a conventional size?

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

it is a pretty quilt no matter which size you choose.

Hannah said...

I like them both, but number two gets my vote.

pcflamingo said...

I like #2 best too, or also as the case may be. What a lovely bin of scraps - such gorgeous colors.

cajunquilter said...

I agree with most of the others, I like two the best.

Candace said...

Oh these are SO BEAUTIFUL! It was a genius idea to make the blocks in 3 different sizes!

Cathi said...

I really like version 2. The fabrics are marvellous.

suemac said...

You have a winner with layout #2. Great for snuggling on the couch.

GerryART said...

Love your spacers.

So, darn, many options !

Hugs

QuilterBee said...

I like #2 best! I wanted to tell you that I found the Bender Blocks book by Margaret Miller too! So now I have both books,they are amazing :-) you have been a huge inspiration to me during this time of "oh no I've lost my quilting mo-jo" lol. I am looking for a workshop to learn the M. Miller techniques if you are doing one this year. I live in Nashville so I can get most places in a day or so. Thank you for posting each day! Amie :-)

Elsie Montgomery said...

I'm liking #1 as my eyes keep looking at the design. In Canada, 70 x 70 is a Quilt of Valor favorite size for the soldiers to curl up in. Even if not used for that, it may not be too large for some people?

Angel, Kirby and Max said...

like the second one, too. the blocks are graduated evenly from inside out!

JJM said...

Second layout gets my vote also. It shows the beauty of each block, big, in-between, and small. And love the layout design. Pure perfection again Wanda.

Your fabrics you used for the bear paws themselves are so full of wonderful color. Of course your scraps will make grand mug rugs.

JJM

Nann said...

If you weren't comfortable with the first layout, you'd never be comfortable with it....so go with the second! And you can piece the additional blocks into the back.

Sheila said...

I have thoroughly enjoyed watching you work through your Bear Paw quilt blocks and block arrangements. Beautiful blocks, fabrics and scraps.

Barbara Strobel Lardon said...

Love No. 2! Plus it gives you a bonus piece! :)

Carol said...

I'm loving the layout where the small blocks are straight down the center. I could not wait to see how you were going to arrange them.