Tag Archives: quilt design

Indian Squares Quilt Block

Posted on December 21, 2012 | 8 comments

This week, I’m playing with the Indian Squares quilt block.

The block is drawn with a 10 x 10 grid.

Indian Squares

If you have BlockBase, it is number 2870.

Clicking on any of the photos will show a larger view.

Here’s what the Indian Squares quilt block looks like in a basic straight set with borders:

Indian Squares Straight Set

Next, the blocks are defined with some sashing and cornerstones:

Indian Squares Straight Set 2

I’ve paired the Indian Squares block with a variation block that I drew.  It makes the quilt less busy and adds some interest.  

Indian Squares Straight Set 3

In the following design, the Indian Squares block is paired with the Double Nine Patch block. 

Indian Squares Straight Set 4

Now, for comparison to the straight set, let’s see what the Indian Squares quilt block looks like turned on point.

Indian Squares On Point Set

That is one busy looking design!

Let’s calm it down with a plain block and the variation block.

Indian Squares On Point Set 2

That’s better.

And with the Double Nine Patch block:

Indian Squares On Point Set 3

In this last design, I’ve put in plain blocks and four half square triangle blocks.

Indian Squares On Point Set 4

Which design do you like?

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Gentlemen’s Fancy Quilt Block

Posted on December 14, 2012 | 2 comments

I have been practicing my EQ7 skills by working my way through some of the blocks from the Nancy Martin’s Perpetual 365 Quilt Blocks A Year Calendar.

NM Calendar

* I could just as easily have chosen any other block based book or source to practice with.

For this week’s quilt block, I’m playing with Gentlemen’s Fancy.

NM Gentlemen's Fancy

This could be drawn with a 3 x 3 or 6 x 6 (easier) grid.

* Clicking on any of the photos will show a larger view.

Let’s see what the Gentlemen’s Fancy quilt block looks like in a basic straight set with borders.

Gentlemen's Fancy Straight Set

And with some sashing and cornerstones added. 

Gentlemen's Fancy Straight Set 2

Or paired with an alternate block, in this case, the Basic 4X.  Some of the 4X blocks were rotated.

Gentlemen's Fancy Straight Set 3

A simple half-square triangle block was used as the alternate block in the next design. 

Gentlemen's Fancy Straight Set 4

It’s amazing what a simple block can do!

Now, for comparison to the straight set, let’s see what the Gentlemen’s Fancy quilt block looks like turned on point.

Gentlemen's Fancy On Point Set

 I like it better with the sashing and cornerstones included.

Gentlemen's Fancy On Point Set 2

In this last design, notice the one little color change in the Gentlemen’s Fancy block?

Gentlemen's Fancy On Point Set 3

It makes a big difference.  So does placing a plain block here and there.

Which design do you like?

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Fireflies Quilt Block

Posted on December 7, 2012 | 4 comments

For this week’s quilt block, I’ve chosen to show Fireflies.  It is based upon a 4 x 4 grid.

Fireflies

Clicking on any of the photos will show a larger view.

Here is the what the Fireflies quilt block looks like in a basic straight set with borders.

Fireflies Straight Set

I think it is very unappealing.  But what if I rotated some blocks?

Fireflies Straight Set 2

I like that much better!

Add some sashing and cornerstones perhaps.  It does make it easier to see which blocks were rotated.

Fireflies Straight Set 3

And what does the Fireflies block look like when paired with an alternate block?

Fireflies Straight Set 4

I like that even better!

The next setting is the Fireflies quilt block set on point.  It isn’t as unappealing as setting the blocks side-by-side in a straight set.

Fireflies On Point Set 4

Setting triangles give the eye a place to rest.

Fireflies On Point Set 3

And again, rotated and set with sashing, but still in an on point setting.

Fireflies On Point Set

When you are intrigued with a quilt block, take the time to visualize it in a variety of settings and with alternate blocks.

Play with value and color too.  You may come up with exciting surprises!

For the record…I am not a pink and blue gal.  I wouldn’t make any of these designs in the above colorway.  But if I keep experimenting, I may come up with something that I really like.

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