Monday, March 2, 2009

Liberated Blocks

I worked all day in the sewing studio on Sunday. I made several blocks for my Reading in Bed variation quilt, and harvested all the selvages from my shopping expedition last week.
Magpie Sue was wondering just how big these blocks are. The centers of the blocks start no smaller than 2-1/2" square, and aren't any bigger than 3". The outer fabrics start at 2-1/2" wide and are sometimes bigger - up to 3-1/2". I often make the center squares wonky on purpose. Once all four sides are sewn to the center block, I trim the blocks to 6-1/2". They'll sew up to 6" square. The black and white sashing will be 2" wide when finished and the sashing blocks will be 2" square.These pictures don't show the colors very well, but I was trying for strong color contrasts - either hot/cold or complementary contrast. I also contrast patterns in the two fabrics quite often.

In the original quilt, Gwen and Freddy used bright primary colors and black and whites in geometric patterns. Since I am using their quilt as inspiration, I'm not following that particular lead. Also, close inspection of that quilt shows several blocks where both the center and outer fabrics are pieced, or made from different fabrics. The yellow block in the middle photo is an example of this. I liked the looseness and freedom this little touch provides.

9 comments:

Joyce said...

I love what you've done. Anything inspired by Gwen and Freddy is bound to be wonderful. How can you beat all those brights surrounded by black and white!

Helen said...

I love your quilt and it's inspiring me. I like the "wonkyness".

Thanks for sharing!

Jen aka Quiltah said...

Love the sashing fabric

Rosalyn Manesse said...

This is turning out to be a remarkable quilt

Anonymous said...

It is coming along beautifully, I am not surprised! Great fabrics!
Fun to watch it unfold!

Dionne said...

This is sure to be fabulous when you are done!
Cheers,
Dionne

Unknown said...

just out visiting tonight...
love the quilting and fiber art..
so glad I popped in to meet you..
love your work...
hope you see some sunshine tomorrow

mona & the girls

Magpie Sue said...

Thanks for the details Lynne :- )
I want to try both the liberated log cabins and the slashed squares someday. I also love the colors in the new Gizzy Quilts!

ilovebabyquilts said...

Chuckling over "harvesting" the selvages! Love these wonky blocks, they are simple but very graphic and modern.