Saturday, July 28, 2018

Making Leftover Blocks Work in a Baby Quilt

Leftover blocks from the Color Study Enough to make a 5 x 5 block baby quilt.

Leftover quilt blocks

Actually, I can make it a bit larger because there are leftover blocks. {I just kept cutting those scraps. My usual M. O.} With three “holes” to fill, I pinned possible pairs to test the choices . Halfway down on the right you can see I pinned three strips to decide which would work best. In the end, I replaced a white background print in another block with the light green... so four new blocks in all.

Previewing the last few blocks for a scrap quilt

Here's the finished top: 6 x 6. Smaller quilts can be more difficult because there's less room to maneuver. And doubly difficult when these are the leftovers. Adding a few specific blocks to fit gaps can make it work. Hopefully it doesn't look like "dregs."

Color Study Chinese Coins 2 baby quilt top

DH took me to NYC last week. Surprise visit so I flew from a different city because I’d been helping family across Texas.  My flight was cancelled at the last minute - my bags were checked. Trying to figure out how to manage best I decided to fly to Boston and spend the night with DD then take the train to town. What a lovely upset. I’ve seen all my children and grandchildren this week and then got to relax with DH, visit museums and take in shows. Who could ask for anything more?

Lots of photos, lots more map ideas swirling but not clear.

Enjoy the day, Ann

14 comments:

Pam said...

Adorable! What a fabulous quilt for a little one!!
Congrats on seeing all your special people this week. :)

Julierose said...

this is a lovely piece--love that you were able to utilize those leftovers--this will be such a darling piece...Wonderful that you got to see family like that...hugs, Julierose

Pamela said...

Great quilt and so nice to use blocks you already had.

KaHolly said...

Good job turning something negative into something positive! Glad you enjoyed your trip. I’m loving this baby quilt!

Kaja said...

I think smaller quilts are more challenging because each part is doing a bigger share of the work. This has turned out very nicely; I like how the greens hold the warmer and cooler corners together. Those slightly yellow-green shades can be very versatile. My brain is swirling with map thoughts too.

Ann said...

Thanks, Pam. I certainly was fortunate to see all my dear ones.

Ann said...

Thanks, Julie. I keep finding places where I shoulda/coulda/woulda added more blocks to make the progression blend better but then I'd end up with even more leftovers. Your comments settle my yearnings about this top.
Yes. I was very blessed to see everyone. All are happy and well - another joy.

Ann said...

Thanks, Pamela. It's such a relief to use things up. I'm still coming up with Chinese Coin variations, though.

Ann said...

I'm so delighted to have had an overnight in Boston. I'd never have flown there for one afternoon on my own initiative but it turned out perfectly. Thanks, Karen.

Ann said...

Good point, Kaja. Fewer blocks means each is a larger proportion of the whole. Those blocks with non-adjacent colors help here and even the few browns work well.
Did you read the links Julie posted on AdHoc? Great explanation of map styles.

Quiltdivajulie said...

The little quilt does NOT look like dregs - not at all!! SO happy that you had quality family time as well as alone time with your husband.

Ann said...

Thanks, Julie. It doesn't blend as well as the large first one but I think it's ok. It was so good to spend time with my family and more time with DH.

Mystic Quilter said...

Sounds like things actually worked out well for in the end! Lovely baby quilt Ann, some little person is going to love this.

Ann said...

I certainly was lucky, Maureen. I hope some child likes the newest baby quilt. It's such a good way to close out a design. When other's pull out their leftover blocks, I'm slightly jealous but it's much better for me to clear the deck.