I finished sewing the last string quilt squares, yesterday. I had stacked the squares in piles of 10 as I finished them, in order to make it easier to count. I had 12 stacks or 120 squares. Then, since I don't have a design wall, I spread them out on my bed:
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| Random Placement |
At first, I placed them fairly randomly, each stack of 10 squares making one row, going across the bed. This type of quilt is supposed to be completely random, with the only regular feature being the central strip being of a similar color tone (I chose a dark color as I had a preponderance of light colored fabric in my scrap baskets). It is not supposed to be a more "planned" quilt
Then, I wondered how it would look if I tried to achieve a more regular look, and placed the squares so that the fabric in the central strips matched, going in diagonal lines ;
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| A little less randomly |
Of course, I hadn't planned it to be quite that organized, so while there were enough of one color for some rows, I still ended up with a bit of "mix and match".
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| Less randomly - from the other side |
I think I prefer the more random arrangement, although, I might tweak the squares to ensure a more even distribution of some of the colors.
The quilt top is composed of 120 squares, arranged 10 squares by 12. It covers the top of the queen size bed; with a 4 or 6 inch border, it should be just right for a twin or full size bed (draping a bit over the sides). I am trying to resist the urge to make more squares and make it bigger! I am also trying to decide if this quilt is "good enough" to be given to one of the people who asked me for a quilt or, if I should make a more planned quilt for them.
What do you think? Which version do you prefer?
I really like this pattern and think if you gave it away as a gift, the recipient would be thrilled. The randomness of colors in this quilt should fit with anyone's color palette. And I like the random pattern the best of the pictures you showed us.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Live and Learn. I, too, prefer the random version. I am stepping outside my comfort zone, here, as I usually do more regular quilts, but, it seems to work!
DeleteI like the more random arrangement as you can't do a totally organised/formal arrangement with the squares you currently have.
ReplyDeleteAs for whether they are 'good enough' for gifting, it all depends on the recipients. Some people like random and others will be driven crazy by it and would be better with a fully organised design. Much as I like random designs I can't 'do random' and definitely couldn't live with it ... I need symmetry and repeated patterns exactly matching to keep me happy 😂
The majority of my quilts are more organized, with similar, if not identical, blocks, arranged in regular order. I think I will play around with the layout a little bit more, but go with a random arrangement.
DeleteI love each version. So vibrant, they remind me of a kaleidoscope pattern. X
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jules. It does have a kaleidoscope like effect, doesn't it?
DeleteThey both look good, but I kind of like the top, random one a little better.
ReplyDeleteThank you; yes, the more random looks seems better suited, doesn't it?
DeleteIt’s beautiful 😍
ReplyDeleteThank you, Akasha. I had fun making it!
DeleteI'm not sure. I would use the one that you like. You have been very creative and busy!
ReplyDeleteI like the more random setting. I think I'll call this the "scrap basket quilt"! :D
DeleteI like the randomness, but I do not like symmetry at all so maybe I am not the right person to ask.
ReplyDeleteI think the randomness adds something to this particular quilt; I should play it up! I have a lot of quilts with a more regular layout.
DeleteI really like your random placement picture.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Thank you, too, for stopping by and leaving a comment.
DeleteIt amazes me how quickly you have created enough squares to make a beautiful quilt top! I also like the random arrangement, and I feel sure that anyone would be delighted to receive such a happy looking quilt!
ReplyDeleteI have been looking forward to seeing the opening of a bud on my miniature rose which has survived outdoors. The red was beginning to show. Alas, I notice specks of red in the flower bed and when I went out to check, the bud had disappeared from the plant and had been dismantled. I suspect a certain chipmunk who hangs around there! Not a very nice thank you for the nectarine pits that we leave out, for them to finish off the flesh that remains!
Thank you, Bushlady. I think it took me a little over 2 weeks to piece the squares.
DeleteOh, not at all nice of the chipmunk to have destroyed your rose bud! Naughty chipmunk! No more nectarine pits for you! Hope the plant gets more buds and you get to see them bloom!