Double X Variation and Snowballs
Four inch blocks
These blocks were inspired by a vintage quilt
There are several Double X Variations. I'm using No. 3 from Ladies' Art Company Block Tool but I cut my pieces with Easy Angle ruler so use different sized pieces from the Block Tool instructions. I was looking for a block that had different sized pieces so I could really dig into my milk crate of scrap chunks and reduce those pieces. I roughly define chunks as anything greater than a 4.5 inch square and less than a fat quarter. I don't cut fabric just to fill my scrap bins of various sized scraps (1.5, 2, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5) so if I have a block that uses different sizes of pieces I rarely have a match of fabrics I can pull from those bins (in this case 2.5 and 1.5 inch pieces) so I use scrap chunks. After I cut my pieces from the chunk I might further cut what is left of the chunk to throw it in my other scrap bins. So in this case from the chunks I cut a 2.5 inch piece and a 1.5 inch piece for my blocks and anything that remains of those pieces will go into the 2.5 inch and 1.5 inch scrap bins. And there might be a 2 inch scrap left of the chunk so that will go into the 2 inch scrap bin. Or if there's less than a 1.5 inch piece left that is wider than 1 inch it will go into the string box. This is what works for me to make the most efficient use of my fabric.
Anyway...I was inspired by another vintage quilt. I'm using scrap chunks to make the blocks - a few each month in the Rainbow Scrap Challenge color of the month. Oh, and the background?...well, I continue to try to make do with my stash and I'm running low on solids or neutral background fabrics but I have a couple of large pieces of this minty green Kona that I accidentally purchased years ago when I meant to purchase Kona Spring. (At the time I was using Kona Spring in a quilt with 30 reproduction fabrics because it most closely matched the green my grandmother used in her quilts.) I decided to give it a try. I guess the amount of background fabric will determine the size of my quilt.
Last week while I was browsing all the Rainbow Scrap Challenge links I saw Kathy making Economy Path blocks. And that reminded me that several years ago I made a few Plus blocks - a larger version of those Economy Path blocks. I decided I might as well work on those again this year using my 2.5 inch scraps.
These were added to the pile this week and I have put the blocks in the RSC projects box so I remember to make them each month.
Also last week while following Rainbow Scrap Challenge links I saw Lori making Garlic Knot blocks. Everytime I see them I tell myself I should make some. So the time has come and I've added another RSC project made with scraps from the 2.5 inch scrap bin.
While I was making those blocks something just seemed familiar about them. I finally figured out what that was. Years and years but not eons ago I participated in a 12 inch block swap made with Autumn themed fabrics. The block we swapped is called Arrowhead Puzzle at Quilter's Cache.
I found I had 13 blocks. (I previously used some blocks in orphan block quilts). I've been wondering which UFO(s) I could finish up for the Hands2Help Comfort Quilt Project this year. I definitely want to make a twin sized one for the Carolina Hurricane Quilt Project so...
...I guess I need to start making more Arrowhead Puzzle blocks.
you have some fun scrappy projects. I use my scraps about the same way you do, especially with the rainbow challenge, because of the matching thing.
ReplyDeleteWow Cathy - you have so much creativity going on in your sewing room. I love the repro quilt and the beginnings of your version. :)
ReplyDeleteI really like the Double X and Snowball blocks together! The pink and yellow on the turquoise/green background is so pretty! I keep seeing those garlic knot blocks, too, and want to add them to my list as well.
ReplyDeleteI just don't know how you can multi-task all these projects--but i am in awe that you can...Another lovely group of projects in the making..love how that snowball and dble "X" block look together...great work hugs, Julierose
ReplyDeleteGreat blocks!
ReplyDeleteAs always, you are a scrappy inspiration! I, too, like the garlic knots! I really need to decide and make those too!
ReplyDeleteHow fun! Especially finding all the projects you've started in the past and bringing them forward.
ReplyDeleteAwesome block sets for the RSC!! I really like the look of your Garlic Knots. It's one of the patterns that I hope to add to my own list of RSC blocks someday. Those Autumn Arrowhead Puzzle blocks are GORGEOUS!
ReplyDeleteMy head is spinning! First, I know you’ve linked to the museum before, but this was the first time I had the time (and fresh eyes) to browse their amazing collection. Thanks for that! I pinned so many ideas. Like you, I’ve been flirting with garlic knots for ages. I always have lots of 2.5” squares on hand, so that seems a good project to add for me, too. And I love the minty green background on your double cross and snowball project. Snowballs are very versatile alternate blocks, aren’t they? Thanks for such a great post!!
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed at how you keep track of all your blocks and projects. Perhaps you have a photographic mind so that seeing one block triggers a memory as a picture in your head? Those Garlic Knots are great - been seeing them in a few blogs (Bonnie Hunter's especially) and they are tempting me!
ReplyDeleteI never would have thought of combining the double X with snowball blocks - it looks amazing! You have such a good eye!
ReplyDeleteI've been tempted by those pluses and garlic knots, too. They're on my list somewhere...
Everyone keeps saying that this is the Year of the String quilts, but I think it might really be Garlic Knot Year :)
ReplyDeleteWow, you always have so much going on! Awhile ago I made a few garlic knots and cut out a bunch of plus blocks with grey backgrounds. I was thinking of using bright colors or batiks with them. I need to find them and get going on them. They are both such easy and fun blocks to make. Thanks for reminding me.
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