Often, after working intently on projects for a period of time, I feel like I need something impulsive, quick and easy to cleanse my palate and get me ready for another more involved project. So tonight I started on just such a project.
I had this pattern in mind…

And I decided to make it from Australian Aboriginal fabrics from my stash. Several months ago I purchased some online on a really good sale. I didn’t really have any plans for these fabrics so I pulled them out tonight.

These are all one yard cuts. I need a total of 20 different fabrics for this quilt so dug into my stash and pulled out some 1/3 yard cuts that have been in my stash for some time. And then I started cutting.
The pattern has you prepare a bunch of 10 inch squares. You need a total of 80 ten-inch squares. I had them all cut in no time, then I paired them up making sure that each pair had contrast between the two fabrics.
Once the squares were cut and paired up I cut them in half using my new ruler.

Here’s the pile of paired up pieces that will make up this quilt.

Some of my pairs don’t have the contrast I want. I might have to pull out some of them before the quilt is done.
Once they were all cut I sat down at my machine and chain pieced the two halves of the blocks together.

Once these were all pressed, I combined them into larger blocks made up of four smaller blocks. Then I tossed them all up on my design wall.

There’s one block in there that doesn’t have much contrast — top row center. It’s better in person than in the photo.
These blocks aren’t designed yet. I just tossed them up on my design wall as I made them and got them pressed.
These blocks are big. Probably just shy of 18 inches. I finished nine of the twenty blocks needed for this quilt top. So only 11 more blocks to go. They will whip up quickly.
it’s definitely going to be a quick and fun make.

Exactly what I needed. Thank you. Mindful distraction.
Dianne
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Exactly what I needed too!
Anne
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Love reading your blog! I especially love the bird aboriginal fabric!
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Zany and fun! That block without much contrast – I love that purple – maybe yellow with it? That was very fast work! Hi Rico and Bender
🥂🍾 happy new year and wishing good health for all in 2024 ♥️
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I’ve thought about this and it will probably be what it is. I will move a few things around but I won’t make any additional blocks. I’m going to just be ok with it!
happy new year!
Anne
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What a fun and quick project! Top row center looks pretty – my opinion. However, if you decide to swap out colors in the top row center block, what about something with green? As I recall, it’s your favorite color. 🙂
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I’m thinking now that I will move a few things around but won’t make any additional blocks. I like how this looks in person much better than the photos… the details of the fabrics are so much nicer in person.
Anne
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Love, love the spontaneity in this work
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I LOVE a project that I start on a whim. Sometimes the vest projects!
Anne
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I love the pattern. I made it with 2 packs of black and cream batiks. I’d definitely make it again
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I’ll definitely make at least one more. I’ve been thinking I should dig into some older fabrics and make some quilt tops top donate. it would be a great way to use up fabric and do something nice.
Anne
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The term “palate cleanser” is a great idea! I may start using it.
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A quick, fun and easy project like this can sort of clear my head and relax me before starting out on something more substantial.
Anne
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Just wanted to say Happy Holidays to you!
I enjoy seeing all your creativity and energy!
<
div>I got 4 quilts done for gifts
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Thanks for reading! Happy new year!
Anne
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So true about needing a quicker easier project after doing one that was involved. Look forward to seeing how this turns out. Happy New Year to you ~
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Happy new year to you!
Anne
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I love this quilt you’re starting. Is the pattern from a book? I’d like to get it. Hugs,
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This blog post shows the pattern: https://agilejack1.com/2023/12/26/time-for-a-palate-cleanser/
I think I bought it from Sewing Parts Online, but I’m not sure. I saw an ad for it on Facebook.
Anne
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That’s where I found the pattern and ruler too and ordered from them. Thank you for the information and about the blog.
Sandi
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I have that ruler and have made the Straight out of Line quilt in Karla Alexander’s book twice. This is a new simpler quilt for the ruler.
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I just searched for it on your blog and I remember those quilts. I have a different zig zag pattern I’ve had for years that uses that ruler. I guess I’m going to have to make it now!
Anne
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I occasionally need a palette cleanser in knitting, but I usually go for something easy, like a hat or a toy!
That’s a fun pattern. If you made some in a mirror image, would you end up with paths?
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I’d have to play with it. There are probably a lot of different ways you could lay these blocks out.
Anne
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What ruler are you using? Pattern looks complicated but seems pretty easy 😄
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this blog post shows the ruler. https://agilejack1.com/2023/12/25/table-topper-is-gifted-and-loved/
This pattern is really easy and fast. There are a lot of different patterns that use this ruler. I will definitely check some of them out.
Anne
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Finally found the ‘Shindig’ quilt pattern I ordered for both of us. its the last quilt on the page that she talks about it. The next email I will send you from her is showing how she arranged the blocks.
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