Saturday, January 16, 2016

It's a blue day

Hi everyone! How was your week?  I was busy, busy, busy, but things seem to have calmed down some for now.  Once those students come back, it's always a madhouse for the first few days.  It's kind of a blue day here today, because its raining and because I have these pretty blue blocks to show:


These blocks are going to be a second RSC16 project for this year.  Because I need another project, you know?  Actually, I just don't want any of these pretty hand dyes to go to waste.

Aaack! Water spots on my blocks!

I am calling these blocks Grandma's Blocks, though their "real" name is Broken Dishes variation or Chinese Block.  If you recall, I made this as a red row for my Classic Stitches BOM. (It's a touching story, and you can read it HERE.)  These are actually pretty easy once you get going, and I'm making 12-inch blocks, which makes it even easier.  Big pieces!

At first I thought I would make these like I've made so many other quilts, a white background with colorful designs, but I was inspired by Angela's blocks to do it the other way around, colorful backgrounds with white designs.  White blocks make a striking quilt, but I have a lot of those and this is a good opportunity to do something different. I think it will be pretty striking in its own way There's also this:


That little pile is what's left of my white scraps!  barely a handful! The Sewing Lessons quilt used up a ton of white scraps, and I even did the sashing from the white bin.  And now they're mostly used up!  Can't even tell you how happy this makes me.

That's my progress for now.  It's a good start, especially because the blues are in short supply around here.  Don't know why, but it's never been my favorite color.  Pink and green, however. . .there's a ton of that around.

Everybody have a great weekend! I'm going to wind about 30 bobbins and clean my machine.  Fun times! Happy sewing!

Sharing at soscrappy for RSC16.

16 comments:

Alison V. said...

These blocks look awesome! Can't wait to see more!

Bernie Kringel said...

I suspect you are going to have to buy some white to be able to continue this project. I really like the idea of white with colorful backgrounds. As the quilt grows, it will make for a striking layout. Go Mari! I'm guessing the February color will be pink or red, don't you think? I have lots of red and not so much pink....

The Joyful Quilter said...

Your "Reverse" blocks are going to be AWESOME!!

Edith said...

Very nice 'Grandma's Blocks' I do like the reverse idea. Looks like you'll have to get some more whites.

gayle said...

Those blocks are gorgeous - the dark backgrounds make such a huge difference. (One of my RSC quilts is like this and the blocks make me smile every time I look at them.)
I love the fact that you use a tree to display your blocks, by the way. Water spots and all...

Deb A said...

Those blocks look amazing. Love the fabrics.

scraphappy said...

Those fabrics are really highlighted by the placement. Always fun to try something new. Glad you are using up those whites. Isn't it funny how satisfying it is to get the bottom of a pile?

PaulaB quilts said...

Those reverse blocks show off the fabric very nicely, and that is the point, of course. Keep up the good work!

Sara said...

You always pick out such pretty blocks. I love how you reversed the colors.

Jennie in GA said...

Lovely use of your blues.

PeggyinNO said...

Those hand dyes are gorgeous! What a great idea to reverse the colors. Very striking!

LA Paylor said...

kind of like little baskets facing in.
HOpe the semester is a good one. It snowed here today instead of rain, nice. Didn't stick either. LeeAnna

Lisa said...

Such pretty blocks. Isn't it funny that blue can be pretty.

Ellen said...

Your blocks look great - I love the reverse design!

Quiltdivajulie said...

Funny how creating more scraps makes us giggle and feel so good! Beautiful blocks . . .

Ulla's Quilt World said...

That is so lovely! :)
Greetings from Finland!
Hugs, Ulla