Tag Archives: quilting

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.

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.

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

I like that much better!

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

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

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.

Setting triangles give the eye a place to rest.

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

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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Tagged Fireflies quilt block, LCsCottage, patchwork, quilt design, quilting

Fifty-Four Forty or Fight Quilt Block

Posted on November 30, 2012 | Leave a comment

Today, I am showing the Fifty-Four Forty or Fight quilt block from Nancy Martin’s Perpetual Calendar collection of blocks.

Fifty-Four Forty or Fight is drafted from a 6 x 6 grid.

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

Here is the what the Fifty-Four Forty or Fight quilt block looks like in a basic straight set with borders.

The following design alternates Fifty-Four Forty or Fight with the Snowball block. I love using the Snowball quilt block in designs because it gives the illusion of curves.

Next, I’ve designed with another alternate block, the Basic 4X.

And this design uses a big half-square triangle block as an alternate. With a little simple rotation, large stars can be seen in the background.

It is worth the little extra time to try out a few simple alternate blocks, rather than just putting a quilt top together with one main block.

Have a look at the Fifty-Four Forty and Fight blocks placed on point:

Sashing and cornerstones separate the blocks, making it easier to see them. The sashing also adds another design element. Sashing can be filled with other blocks to create a new design, but I’m keeping it simple here.

And again, using the Snowball quilt block as an alternate:

This last one uses a simple plain block as an alternate. And I like it.

Which is your favorite?

Ferris Wheel Quilt Block

Posted on November 23, 2012 | Leave a comment

This week, I am presenting the versatile Ferris Wheel block from Nancy Martin’s Perpetual Calendar collection of blocks. Why versatile? Just the options in color and value alone make this block an endless project to play with.

Ferris Wheel is drafted from a 4 x 4 grid.

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

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

Alternate blocks give a secondary design element. Also, value can make a big difference. Light, medium and dark values emphasize certain aspects of a design.

The following design alternates the Ferris Wheel quilt block with the Snowball block.