Monday, March 21, 2016

Bricks #7 Update

16" x 18"
I've finished the top and back for this next piece in the Bricks series.

I was going to wait until I had it entirely done, but a few anxious friends suggested it was time to post another blog entry!

The process of sitting down with a pile of scraps from which to make the top was very interesting. I decided to work with the medallion style - starting with the center and working my way around.

I ended up making a bunch of little blocks or strips of things that were about the same width and then joining them in a way I liked. Using a design wall, I just put things up, stood back, moved things around, went back to the machine to customize a bit and went from there. The edges are wonky and will stay that way.

 I found it both fun and frustrating/stressful to work this way.



I used the photo of the original top to inspire the backing, as I mentioned in my last post, and ended up with this.


I plan to use a piece of flannel instead of batting, finish the edge in the pillowcase style and tie it with wool yarn.  . . maybe from the back? Then, I'll wash it in hot water so the yarn balls up.


I want this series of little quilts to represent a variety of patterns and techniques; edge treatments and finishing styles,




I am fighting against my original goal of using every single bit I can from this top before I say I'm done. It's a rule I may want to break. In any case, I will take a break from it after finishing #7 due to  some new and exciting developments.
I have three baby quilts to make for friends grand babies and, TA DA, a wedding quilt to think about for my newly engaged son and DIL to be! A busy year ahead.

Stay Tuned!

6 comments:

  1. They are lovely! I missed the story of where the original vintage top came from. Did you buy it specifically to be a fabric "donor" top or did that idea just evolve as you considers it? I buy vintage tops and fabrics and love the new life you have breathed into this.

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    1. http://quiltsetcetera.blogspot.com/2011/05/rippin-good-time-part-i-find.html
      Hi Anonymous. I hope you will check back for this reply. FYI to all, if you Follow a blog anonymously there is no way for the writer to email you separately. There is a way to change your Follower settings. But the link about is the first post on this project. I bought the top for several reasons. I love the time period. The pieces were large and there was a large variety. I guess I thought of using it for repairs but I took it apart, washed all the rectangles and decided to make a bunch of small quilts out of them. I've doone 7 - I'm sure there is at least enough fabric left to make 3-5 more, small as the are. Thanks for reading and commenting!

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    2. I meant "the link ABOVE" - typos all over the place. sorry

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    3. Thank you for the link...I guess I didn't look far enough. I look forward to seeing what else you do with vintage pieces. Barb

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  2. I LOVE this one!! It is stunning. Are you going to do red yarn ties?
    What a fantastic series, this addition is stealing the show.

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    1. Thanks, Dawn. I like it too and the free form process was so different that all the previous pieces. Not sure about the ties....or how much I want them to show from the front as it's pretty chaotic as is...and the pieces are small. To be decided when I get back to MN

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