Tuesday, May 18, 2021

And Now to Use the Blue and Green Squares

True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it's thinking of yourself less.
~Rick Warren

Quilting


With a new set of cool colors, mainly blues and soft greens but also a few lavenders, it's time for a new block idea, too. Many versions of plus blocks caught my eye online last year so I decided to make my own version. Lucky for me, Nann sent me a surprise package of black, white and grey strips cut 1.5" wide when she gifted me a spare copy of Donald Hall's essays. And we're off.

Cutting the six-inch bases crosswise in both directions at 2.25" create an off-centered plus {or maybe the beginning of a plaid.} I enjoyed finding black, white or grey strips to fill in. And there were a few red squares set aside for a long-forgotten project that became the posts. 

Off-centered plus blocks

Here's the layout of the first set of blocks.  Their wonky lineup looks great but unfortunately they will "straighten up" when sewn. 

Plus block arrangement for a baby quilt

Reading


A Promised Land
, Barack Obama's latest book, explores his thoughts and post-presidential life.  It's the first of a planned trilogy and covers his first run for state office through the bin Laden raid.

Enjoy the day, Ann

18 comments:

Pamela Arbour said...

You could trim them a little to make them wonky. Just a thought. LOL

Ann said...

Yes, but then they'd be smaller. Next time perhaps.

LA Paylor said...

I like these slightly off center plusses. I don't usually like plus quilts but this is just terrific! Good mix of fabrics and that off center bit

Claire said...

That set looks like it was fun to arrange and rearrange. The bright red center square ones caught my eye as a nice focus.

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

Loving the little bits of lavender thrown in!

Kaja said...

Maybe you could make a straight version, then a wonky version. I like them a lot.

Nann said...

Wonky would be fun, but all lined up is great, too. Glad to play a small part in the project!

Ann said...

Blocks that aren't completely symmetrical have more setting variations. The colors make this work... and the fact that it's only a baby quilt size.

Ann said...

Thanks, Claire. I love bits of red.

Ann said...

It was fun to push the envelope a bit there.

Ann said...

That's a good idea. This is just a way to use up some of my scraps and get some quick baby quilts done. A more free-style version might be good as part of a medallion.

Ann said...

Your black and white strips came in very handy. Thanks for sending them. And now they are mostly used up. I may pass the final bits to someone else. The fabric will be more travelled than I!

Preeti said...

Black, white and red can be the perfect uniting factor in this baby quilt. I love slight wonkiness. Normal is Boring :-D

Ann said...

Thanks, Preeti. It’s interesting to figure out how to use all the different scraps to their best effect. I will have to revisit this with a more freehand style.

Clarelou said...

It looks wonderful! Can I ask what size squares you used please?

Ann said...

Sorry. I thought I'd put that info in the post. The blue squares are 6". You could use any size, just cut them off-center, Clare.

The Joyful Quilter said...

Thanks for the cutting instructions. I love your blocks!

Ann said...

You’re welcome. You can easily adjust the measurements to your own scraps.