Tag Archives: quilt design

Anchors Aweigh Quilt Block

Posted on August 23, 2013 | 4 comments

Anchors Aweigh is another quilt block from Nancy Martin’s Perpetual Calendar 365 Quilt Blocks A Year. And yes, that is the name of the block…not Anchors Away.

I drew the block on an 8 x 8 grid, but it doesn’t have to be. One can certainly draw her own version of the anchor.

Here is how it looks in a straight set:

I wasn’t impressed either. So I played with rotation.

I like that better. I played with color too. Contrast is very important!

I also set the Anchors Aweigh block on point:

Again, I’m not impressed, but how do I know unless I try it?

I like the next setting. By the way, I’m not introducing any alternate blocks, other than the plain block. All of the designs are created with simple rotations of the Anchors Aweigh blocks.

Looks like chain link:

More rotation using the on point layout:

Civil War looking colors not your thing? Let’s freshen and simplify this design up!

The next design could be a really cute baby quilt! Imagine all the fun quilting that could be added!

Back to a more traditional look:

Keep on rotating:

Same as above, but I created more contrast and space (and I like it better):

Have fun with your designing! Don’t stop with the first design you create. It might be your favorite, but you won’t know until you play with it!

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Tagged Anchors Aweigh, Electric Quilt, LCsCottage, Nancy Martin Perpetual Calendar Blocks, patchwork, quilt blocks, quilt design, quilting

Almanizer Quilt Block Part 2

Posted on August 2, 2013 | Leave a comment

I am showing designs using on point quilt layouts with the Almanizer quilt block. To see straight set designs, click here.

I am showing a limited number of fabrics/colors. So much more could happen when attention is given to very scrappy vs. controlled color; to value placement; and to scale of the fabric prints.

The Almanizer quilt block:

Here is how the Almanizer looks when set side-by-side in an on point layout:

The same setting as above but the red has been removed from some of the blocks, creating a diamond shape in the center:

I should have left two red centers for a true diamond shape!

In the next layout, a couple of the blocks have been rotated. The design has also been opened up by replacing some of the blocks with Snowball blocks. Now there is room to show off some quilting!

Here is what happens when we take the first layout, rotate the blocks, and add sashing and cornerstones:

The next design shows the Almanizer quilt block with a pinwheel drawn in the center of it:

Next, the Almanizer block is alternated with a star block. I drew the star block by adding lines to the Almanizer block. It is similar to the popular Ohio Star.

Adding the Snowball block lightens up the design, and the star has become the star of the quilt:

Which design do you like the best? Or perhaps, you’ll play, and come up with one of your own?

Almanizer Quilt Block Part 1

Posted on July 27, 2013 | 1 comment

The Almanizer block is simply four square-in-a-square blocks sewn together.

But I drew this one in Electric Quilt with a 2 x 2 grid. You could also draw it with a 4 x 4 grid if you want to.

Here is how the Almanizer looks in a straight set:

And with a splash of yellow and sashing added:

I deleted a few lines to come up with an alternate crossing block:

If you aren’t interested in a two color quilt you could liven it up with another color:

The next design is simple, and yet, bold. I like it!

By adding a few lines to the Almanizer quilt block, and paying attention to color placement, one comes up with the popular star.

The very same design, but a bold red replaces the baby blue:

How about moving those stars around?

Feeling quiet, or feeling bold?

Add even more lines to the Almanizer block, and it can get complicated, but you might come up with fun little pinwheels like I did:

The only difference between these last two examples is the outer border. You might be the type that needs a visual look before you can decide what you like the best. I am.