Yesterday was spent designing and sewing 3 of the 20" star blocks (a Carpenter's Wheel traditional block variation). There are 32 color triangles and 12 color squares in each block so the same fabric is repeated in a block sometimes.
I need to made a decision whether the blocks will be right next to each other or if I will use a white with black print sashing strip between them. This photo is simulating a sashing the same width as the squares in the block. I could also just do a 1" sashing for a slight separation.
My lovely squirrel friends have to decide which of the suet cages they want to raid. This squirrel tried all 3. I hope all of my readers are staying safe with this pandemic all around us. I'm used to being home a lot anyway so that part isn't much of a change for me. There haven't been any cases reported out here in the farm area yet.
Don't usually comment but always read your blog. For this latest quilt, I really think the stars will stand out better with a sashing that separates them a bit more.
Good morning Wanda. Squirrels are some of the most ingenious little critters around, and they don't give up easily, but can be a real pain in the neck as well. Have you decided if you're going to use one, or all of the blocks in the quilt? Whatever the decision, some separation will probably be necessary. Enjoy your day, and be safe.
I think sashing made from the background fabrics would be nice for separating. I've had to put squirrel baffles on all of our feeders or there'd be nothing for the birds!
love your blocks! we have no cases out here in the mainly country area I am at either, none in my county - we are mainly staying home now to though - stay safe!
I agree, I think some sashing will emphasize the blocks a bit more. What if you used more of the low volume squares to make sashing strips? Then the stars would appear to be floating on the scrappy LV ground.
I think if one more block gets done, it would be easier to decide on sashing, although I am leaning towards having sashing. Also, I love the squirrel photograph. So many diagonal lines - the squirrel, the slope of the heart, the branch, even the butterfly wings and suet holder. It was nice of the squirrel to pose for this photo. deb
Your simulation of slashing shows off your beautiful blocks. I had to go back and reread your post to see if you asked our opinion and you didn't but you'll get my opinion any way (^._.^) . Sashings would be my choice. I love these blocks they make me smile just looking at them.
Ann over at Fret Not Yourself had a similar decision to make about some complex blocks she had made. After playing with several border s, she decided to go with the same fabric as the background. I think the sashing would be the way to go and that way you won't have to have all those seams where the triangles meet.
Yes keep safe Wanda. I am working from home today and tomorrow. After that I am not sure yet. I went the grocery store after I picked up my computer and projects from work so I am good for at least three weeks.
I like the idea of sashing with these blocks and seeing the squirrel has me missing the ones we used to see back home in the UK, although I believe a lot of them are now disappearing fast!
Oh, I love these blocks! It will make a gorgeous quilt! My husband is a carpenter and this is one of my favorite blocks. I had not thought of doing a variety of star blocks in the center. I may use this inspiration...thank you!! I have a question about your background fabrics. Do you separate your pure white (or bright whites) from the softer whites and then use either the bright whites or the softer ones in a quilt (but not both)? Squirrels...bah humbug. But they are God’s creatures too, eh? (I have to remind myself of that....)
I thought all o the different blocks you auditioned originally were beautiful, and would’ve suggested that there was no reason you had to stick with one design only. But I’ve had arthritis surgery on my right thumb 1 1/2 weeks ago and am pecking out everything with my left hand only, so it’s slow going and I don’t get around to “saying” nearly as much as I would like! I had the surgery because the pain was keeping me from being able to do any hand sewing at all, and I am very impatient or it to heal so I an get back to sewing. Especially now as I’m having to stay at home anyway! Love what you’re doing and I think it looks better with sashing!
Thumbs up for sashing too. I was watching a magpie studying our fat balls and was marching back and forth working out how to get at them - so it kept jumping up to peck at them. He was successful but by the time he landed, a pheasant had chomped it all. Undeterred he had several more successful attempts and then flew off. Here we are pretty remote, so far, so good. Now in solitary confinement because of husband's heart and diabetic issues (now the heart is fine although he has to keep taking the tablets, and he's controlled the diabetes so he's back in the safety zone) while we both have asthma. Our elderly neighbour up the road now has our phone number and so if she needs to chat, or shopping, then we'll add her needs to ours (assuming the crazy people have left some for us all) and that's about it really - we are carrying on as normal as we can and keeping in touch with family from afar. Stay safe peeps because this is such a nasty virus.
Don't usually comment but always read your blog. For this latest quilt, I really think the stars will stand out better with a sashing that separates them a bit more.
ReplyDeleteI think some sort of block separation is in order. OMG!! That squirrel photo is TOO funny! He's quite determined to have a little feast.
ReplyDeleteI love the blocks with the fabrics, the neutrals, and the flowers. Such a great way to use those florals you may love, but not quite so much.
ReplyDeleteI love that lace-like look that those lighter florals give...I'd have to think about using black though...??? hugs, julierose
ReplyDeleteLooking terrific together. Probably needs some sashing, but hard to visualize.
ReplyDeleteGood morning Wanda. Squirrels are some of the most ingenious little critters around, and they don't give up easily, but can be a real pain in the neck as well. Have you decided if you're going to use one, or all of the blocks in the quilt? Whatever the decision, some separation will probably be necessary. Enjoy your day, and be safe.
ReplyDeleteI think sashing made from the background fabrics would be nice for separating. I've had to put squirrel baffles on all of our feeders or there'd be nothing for the birds!
ReplyDeletelove your blocks! we have no cases out here in the mainly country area I am at either, none in my county - we are mainly staying home now to though - stay safe!
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think some sashing will emphasize the blocks a bit more. What if you used more of the low volume squares to make sashing strips? Then the stars would appear to be floating on the scrappy LV ground.
ReplyDeleteI think if one more block gets done, it would be easier to decide on sashing, although I am leaning towards having sashing. Also, I love the squirrel photograph. So many diagonal lines - the squirrel, the slope of the heart, the branch, even the butterfly wings and suet holder. It was nice of the squirrel to pose for this photo.
ReplyDeletedeb
Your simulation of slashing shows off your beautiful blocks. I had to go back and reread your post to see if you asked our opinion and you didn't but you'll get my opinion any way (^._.^) . Sashings would be my choice. I love these blocks they make me smile just looking at them.
ReplyDeleteJJM
Ann over at Fret Not Yourself had a similar decision to make about some complex blocks she had made. After playing with several border s, she decided to go with the same fabric as the background. I think the sashing would be the way to go and that way you won't have to have all those seams where the triangles meet.
ReplyDeleteYes keep safe Wanda. I am working from home today and tomorrow. After that I am not sure yet. I went the grocery store after I picked up my computer and projects from work so I am good for at least three weeks.
Separation is a good idea, give the eyes a place to rest.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of sashing with these blocks and seeing the squirrel has me missing the ones we used to see back home in the UK, although I believe a lot of them are now disappearing fast!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love these blocks! It will make a gorgeous quilt! My husband is a carpenter and this is one of my favorite blocks. I had not thought of doing a variety of star blocks in the center. I may use this inspiration...thank you!! I have a question about your background fabrics. Do you separate your pure white (or bright whites) from the softer whites and then use either the bright whites or the softer ones in a quilt (but not both)? Squirrels...bah humbug. But they are God’s creatures too, eh? (I have to remind myself of that....)
ReplyDeleteI thought all o the different blocks you auditioned originally were beautiful, and would’ve suggested that there was no reason you had to stick with one design only. But I’ve had arthritis surgery on my right thumb 1 1/2 weeks ago and am pecking out everything with my left hand only, so it’s slow going and I don’t get around to “saying” nearly as much as I would like! I had the surgery because the pain was keeping me from being able to do any hand sewing at all, and I am very impatient or it to heal so I an get back to sewing. Especially now as I’m having to stay at home anyway!
ReplyDeleteLove what you’re doing and I think it looks better with sashing!
Thumbs up for sashing too.
ReplyDeleteI was watching a magpie studying our fat balls and was marching back and forth working out how to get at them - so it kept jumping up to peck at them. He was successful but by the time he landed, a pheasant had chomped it all. Undeterred he had several more successful attempts and then flew off.
Here we are pretty remote, so far, so good. Now in solitary confinement because of husband's heart and diabetic issues (now the heart is fine although he has to keep taking the tablets, and he's controlled the diabetes so he's back in the safety zone) while we both have asthma. Our elderly neighbour up the road now has our phone number and so if she needs to chat, or shopping, then we'll add her needs to ours (assuming the crazy people have left some for us all) and that's about it really - we are carrying on as normal as we can and keeping in touch with family from afar.
Stay safe peeps because this is such a nasty virus.