Posted on by agilejack

Tweaking My Uninspired Green Blocks

I wasn’t crazy about these blocks last night. So I gave it some thought today and came up with a couple ideas to fix them after I identified what I didn’t like. Here tonight’s version on the left and last nights on the right .

Here’s what I changed:

I used just the sand dollar fabric for the starting square. I think it’s cleaner and doesn’t compete with the stripes… it lets the stripes shine.

And speaking of stripes, I used the narrower stripe that I had purchased originally for this before I thought the broader stripe would be fun. I think the narrower stripe is soooo much better! It reads as a stripe where the broader stripe reads as squares.

Here’s a clear picture of the different stripes.

I also made the white chicken feet fabric a quarter inch wider so you see a little more of that white fabric. And the white is more prominent with that narrower stripe.

I made 12 blocks assembly line style tonight and I was a little surprised I got them all done. Of course, I didn’t stop sewing until around 11:30 pm.

I got twelve green blocks made, squared them up and tossed them up on the design wall with the white nine patches.

I have to say, I’m liking this a lot better! I think part of it is that the stripe, one fabric for the starting block and the wider strip of the chicken feet has made a big difference. These little changes have sharpened the design… made the design less muddy… it feels more focused and organized, while still having lovely variation from block to block, which I love!

I have put the four blocks I made last night aside and will use them in a bag some day. I will proceed with this new design and make more of these blocks.

I’m having a hard time getting a photo of these green blocks that shows them in their true colors. I’ll have to try to remember to get a photo tomorrow during the day and see if the natural light makes a difference.

Here’s some eye candy.

That photo looks a little more true in color but is still a little dark.

I love all the little pops of colors in with those greens!

And finally, today was a gorgeous day! The sun shined almost all day, except for a rainy period during my lunch break. But it came out at the end of the work day and I got my pathetic boys our for a nice 2.5 mile walk!

This was their first walk in a couple days. Once they saw me getting my shoes and coat on they sort of went a little nuts! There were so many people and dogs out walking! I think everyone has been feeling a little cooped up.

Work tomorrow and then pickleball with my new membership tomorrow night. It will be interesting to see how the play is in a different time slot.

43 Replies to “Tweaking My Uninspired Green Blocks”

  1. I am amazed at the difference these small changes have made to the look of your quilt blocks. The green colour really pops.

    Regards

    Joan

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  4. The changes you made in the blocks made the blocks go from nice to wow! It’s going to give a whole new flavor to the end product, which I can’t wait to see.

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  9. I like the new blocks better. You have such a knack for colors and prints. Some of those prints I would look at and go ugh. But when you put them together they look fabulous. Live seeing your boys. They look quite the characters.

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  10. Anne,

    Love the redo!

    I have a substantial collection of KF fabrics waiting to be used. Can I ask what width you cut strips for the white background fabrics…maybe you mentioned it previously. (Apologies if so) I am inspired to try something similar. Do you have a general tip for what amount of fabric to purchase, (ie. 1/4 or 1/2 yard cuts) to have enough fabric for most any project? EPP Quilters I have followed, suggest it’s a good idea to always purchase 1/2 yard WOF cuts of every fabric.

    Capi

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    1. The white nine patch blocks are made with 3 inch strip sets.

      I typically purchase half yards when I’m stash building. So most of the fabrics I’m using, greens and low volume, were almost all 1/2 yard cuts.

      I cut strips from 20 different low volume fabrics. If you’re buying specifically for this quilt you could easily get away with buying fourth yards of all your fabrics.

      Sorry I’m not more help

      Anne

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  13. Love those 9 patches, and what a difference those subtle changes made in the green block. Good example of taking photos b4 making a final block decision .

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  14. Anne you never cease to amaze! Changing stripe dimension fab and adding to the chickie tracks, etc, Really made difference for all fabs sing Greatly! BTW, your quiet w&b 9 patch fabs collection is super delight also :) I’ll be dazzeled again with your new make,

    love your shares always,

    ardine 

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      1. I deleted email from last week that had link to free quilt pattern. (Quilt was shown made with 2018 Kaffe fabric collection) Is it possible to resend? Thanks Anne. Susan

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      2. I’m not sure what quilt you’re talking about. It’s either the Moss Garden quilt or the Jewel Frames quilt. Both are free patterns and you can find them with a Google search. Good luck!

        Anne

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  21. What a luck finding your blog with all the wonderfull inspiring ideas. Best creative regards from Northern Germany from Kristin

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