Monday, March 16, 2009

Playing with a pile of blocks

I have this group of Strips and Curves blocks that I made at least 4 years ago. I started with the large floral print fabric that is in the middle top block and chose a run of floral fabrics in values from light to dark. after I had made about 20 blacks I thought it was too dull so I added the pinkish color batik and that livened it up some. I made more blocks and I think I have 42 now but I still wasn't really happy with it. Then Louisa L. Smith came out with the second book, "A new twist on Strips 'n Curves" where she shows cutting through in another direction and adding more arcs.
Here is the page that discusses how to do it.

Today the art quilters are coming so I'm going to have them help me choose a fabric to insert into my blocks to give them a little life.

17 comments:

Jean said...

This looks like so much fun, I want to try this too...lol...too many fun things to try. I am working on getting my blocks into an arrangement I like.

Anonymous said...

Awesome!Curved piecing really shows off those fabulous fabrics! I have only done one of these, but want to do more!

The Calico Cat said...

Blue...

Carmen Rose said...

Interesting, I've never tried one like that. I like the idea of some unexpected curves in there. It will be fun to see how this turns out.

Kay Koeper Sorensen said...

Another masterful use of making a gradation with prints.
This is going to be a spectacular quilt.
Can't wait to see what you decide to add.
Could it be several fabrics?
K

jovaliquilts said...

I have her book and it's wonderful. She taught a class near where I was a few years ago, but I had just started quilting and didn't feel I was to the challenge. :(

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

I played with a drunkards path that way once - but those pictures go way beyond how I did mine. It is a fun quilt to do.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/

Unknown said...

As you know I am a fan of Louisa Smith. I am looking forward to seeing what you and your group pick out for the fabric insertion. I think that once it is up on the design wall that will also help.

Joyce said...

I have that book but haven't made any thing from it yet. Did you buy the templates or just cut your own?

Anonymous said...

Your group of strips and curves are facinating. I like the fabrics you have going and do not see anything 'dull' about them.

I admire all of the quilters that work with the curves.

J~MT

Browndirtcottage said...

I want to do some of these too...one day.....yours look great!!

Vicky F said...

Looks like you are going to have some fun with this. Hopefully your quilt group will throw in some wild ideas that even you wouldn't have considered.

I'm thinking you need some electric blue and lime green in there.

Vicky F

Kristin L said...

Cool. The finished quilt will be wonderfully rich.

TB said...

That could be rather interesting and bring new life to the creation. I'm thinking peach as an added color. Whatever you decide to add, I'm sure it will be a good choice.

Sharon said...

What a fun group project! Can't wait to see what you all come up with. I'm sure it will be fabulous!

Patty Cramer said...

Wanda Girl - Do you ever sleep? I just finished a quilt today, was helping a friend until 12:50AM this morning and am working on another one.
Tomorrow is our FIRST block exchange for our Civil War Quilt. I'm jazzed!!
Keep making this Illinois native proud - I think you're a quilt a day!!

goodworks1 said...

I wonder how I missed this post. I would have had some of my questions answered if I would have read your posts in the order you wrote them! I'll also have to check out Louisa L Smith's books. I haven't read a new quilt book in years and I guess it shows. ;)
Elaine