Monday, July 11, 2011

Design Wall Swap Blocks

My goal for the last half of 2011 is to try and finish one UFO each month and to put together some of my blocks that are either from swaps that I've been in or others that I've made and for whatever reason have never become a quilt. 

Here is what I have on my design wall this morning.  These blocks will finish at 3 inches and are from a swap that I was in with several friends that I retreat with twice a year.  Our group consisted of either six or seven, and we each chose 6 different blocks and made one for each swap member.  So every 6 months I ended up with either 36 or 42 blocks, all different. 

The only rules we had were that the blocks had to finish at 3".  There are some holiday and seasonal blocks.  

There are traditional pieced blocks and some applique'.

I love these little blocks:  there are several cat blocks, an American flag, a grandmothers flower garden block, and a pumpkin.



This is going to be a busy quilt.  With an alternate block the quilt will measure around 57" X 66" without borders. 

I think I need an alternate block to give your eye a place to rest.  What do you think?  Would you just use a solid block or a pieced block?   What alternate block would you use?

You can go over to Judy's blog www.patchworktimes.com to see what others have up on their design walls today. 

Thanks for visiting.  I hope you are having a nice day and finding some time to do some stitching! 

27 comments:

  1. Great blocks...plain perhaps to highlight the lovely blocks...need to pop over & look at the others.

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  2. That is going to be an enjoyable quilt to put together. So many memories........

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  3. What a fun quilt! I think you need a plain block - or simple, plain sashing. Can't wait to see what you choose!

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  4. What sweet little blocks - lots of variety and memories. Would never get bored looking at this quilt. I'd go for the plain block or sashing, too.

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  5. I think the plain setting blocks are a good idea. These are such cute little blocks. I'd be tempted to separate the seasonal ones and make little table toppers or wall hangings--maybe that is because there is a dearth of such things at my house. : )

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  6. This is such a wonderful project, and will finish so nice! It makes you think of a grown up I Spy quilt top.

    What if "plain" were plaid, or polka dots? I would try other textural plains, by just staying consistent with that ever color/print I'd chose, just to keep interest high. Since this would definitely be one I would keep, I'd make sure the color was one I wanted in my home. You'll have a great quilt with great memories when done, LuAnn! Thanks for sharing it ~
    :-}pokey

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  7. Wow... you are going to have a fantastic quilt whatever you choose to go with. Personally I think plain setting blocks so that all the others have some space to shine. Wish it was my quilt... lucky you!

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  8. Wow - that's a lot of tiny little blocks. How creative everyone was. As others have said, I'd use a plain block or sashing between the pieced blocks, but use a fabridc with a very slight pattern to it. Great job to everyone who participated!

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  9. Those little blocks are adorable and good memories of your quilt friends. It will be a lifelong treasure for sure. I vote for a plain/small print alternate block to accent the pieced blocks.

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  10. I would try out quarter square triangles. Maybe black and white. They would frame the blocks so none would get lost. That is a fabulous collection of blocks!

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  11. This will be a lovely quilt LuAnn !

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  12. I really like. what happens?

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  13. I agree with the others, this is going to a great quilt with lots of lovely memories. I thought of maybe hourglass blocks -is that what they are called....aahh, the quarter square triangles as Judy D (above) suggests - sort of framing each cute little block,in your favourite colours of course!!

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  14. That is going to be such an amazing quilt when you are done. Love all the different blocks!

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  15. Wow, what a challenge to put together, but what a lovely memory quilt it will make.

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  16. Wow, o many cute blocks! Love the block exchange idea. Hmm, alternate block, maybe just a 9 patch or even just a solid color?

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  17. I love all those little blocks. How nice! I actually like the grey alternate blocks you show in the photo.

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  18. So many blocks, so many memories. I would use a plain alternate block to keep the focus on those wonderfully small creations.

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  19. Dear LuAnn,
    I think it must be great to have so many different blocks for a quilt. As Brenda Kay I would use a plain alternate block.
    It's a good idea to finish every month an UFO.
    Have a nice summertime and some hours in your sewing room
    Roswitha

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  20. A lot of suggestions above for a plain alternating block so the unique collection you have won't be overpowered by anything.
    And I like the suggestions for the quarter-square triangles (hour glass) blocks which would frame them. Another suggestion that wouldn't take as much work -- alternating with HST. They could be arranged to frame the blocks too. So many possibilities.
    Your collection of blocks is wonderful!

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  21. These are COOL blocks...swaps are the best for interest and variety, aren't they?!

    In stitches,
    Teresa :o)

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  22. Looks like great fun!
    I think a plain alternating block is in order - you are right - the eye needs a place to rest.

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  23. Oh! I have those blocks! (In a bag somewhere!)

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  24. I would do plain to highlight the lovely blocks. This is going to be a gorgeous quilt!

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  25. wow, that quilt is amazing

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  26. A simple Irish Chain setting would look nice in the alternative blocks. You could use scraps for the crossing squares and a neutral background.
    Or has been already sugested a quarter triangle square. Do you have a Dear Hannah book? Because I did a few appliqué blocks from there and used one of the simple pieced blocks as an alternative. It looked good with all the different applique blocks... now if I can just find a picture to show you. Do you have FB I've posted a sample on mine. Ellyx

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  27. Such wonderful blocks! Whatever you decide, I'm sure it will be gorgeous.

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