Monday, September 26, 2016

Design Wall Monday - UFO

I have been making a bit of progress with this month's UFO. I finished making the one missing block and have the complete set ready to make into a quilt top. 
Except I can't decide on whether to sash or not. So maybe you can help me decide? Hopefully you can get a sense of the choices even with these terrible photos!


Here are some of the sashed blocks set side by side on the design wall. There are 49 blocks altogether which I would make into a square quilt 7 blocks across by 7 blocks down.
With no sashing the quilt would be 84" square. This would be the easiest way to join them together. But does it look too mashed together?




Here is another set of blocks with a black fabric in between the blocks. It would take longer to put in the black sashing, but would it be worth the effort? Does the black frame enhance the look of the quilt? I would probably make the sashing strips 1.5" (cut 2") and that would bring the quilt up to 96". That's a big quilt!



Okay, now here is another set of blocks with a neutral print between the blocks. It gives a whole different look to the quilt.

I am completely undecided and a bit frustrated because I have procrastinated this decision so long, that I won't likely make my goal of turning these blocks into a quilt top by the end of the month. This project will have to slide onto next month's to do list!
To see more design wall postings, hop over to Patchwork Times.

36 comments:

The Cozy Quilter said...

My eyes are drawn to the darker sashing. I admire your fortitude with your UFO's each month.

KaHolly said...

I like it best with no additional sashing! XO

SandraC said...

The dark sashing is my favourite, no sashing is my second choice

KaliaContiki said...

For what it's worth, I really like them without the sashing. They look more cohesive. Beautiful blocks!

Melaniemmacdonald said...

I like the dark Sashing & think you'll be happy you spent the time yo do it.

Karen said...

I like the addition of the dark sashing but then I tend to gravitate toward the dark fabrics anyhow.

Kate said...

I like both sashing choices. Have you considered just a 1" finished sashing? I don't think you need much color between the blocks, just a touch to separate the individual frames. That would cut down on the size, but give you a nice finished look.

Margaret said...

I really love the definition the black fabric gives the quilt blocks. The neutral color is pretty also, but I think the black really makes the blocks pop.

piecefulwendy said...

Boy, Kathy, tough decision! I'd probably go with the dark sashing because it seems to complete the quilt and brings out the blocks. Of course, it also adds a warmth to the quilt (it's cool here this morning, so I may be drawn to it for that reason). However, you could go with no sashing and I think it would look good once it is stitched together. I think it's difficult to see that when they sit on a design wall, for some reason. Whatever you decide, it will be a lovely quilt! Wendy at piecefulthoughts@gmail.com

Gretchen Weaver said...

I like the black sashing best. Blessings, Gretchen

Jacqui's Quilts said...

Well, I guess I'm going to be the odd woman out LOL. The blocks really don't need sashing because they are already individually sashed. I love the look of the two colours opposite and wouldn't hesitate to just sew them together and be done another UFO LOL. But, if you do want it larger, I love the look of the off white sashing which I would do the same width as the coloured block sashings....makes it look modern somehow. If you are looking for the more civil war type look, then go with the dark, but there are my 2c worth :-).

Jackie J said...

Kathy, I really like the black sashing, it definitely enhances the individual blocks. This will make a beautiful quilt, and much larger than what you normally make. Good luck with your decision!

Ariane said...

I like the dark sashing. The bigger size makes for a great queen size bed quilt with nice overhang for the thick mattresses we have now. So I like the bigger size with sashing.

Mary in Peoria Handmade said...

very pretty blocks! I like them just the way they are! But, if you add sashing, the neutral allows the blocks to pop on their own.mary

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

Use something like Garden sashing, but, don't use all the blocks in one quilt. Make 2 quilts instead. You can even turn some of the blocks into pillow shams.

swooze said...

I love it without sashing but then the neutral print really makes it WOW! Good luck with your decision.

Janet O. said...

Anything you choose will make a nice quilt, but I would use the black sashing in a heartbeat! Then you would have an outstanding quilt!! How is that for opinionated? : )

Sorcha girl said...

I prefer the black sashing option as the best choice for the blocks. Love sampler blocks!

Frieda said...

I love it without any sashing. That would make it a quick finish also.

Nana said...

I love the dark sashing and that size seems consistent with the block borders. Beautiful blocks and the quilt will be beautiful either way you complete it.

Unknown said...

I would make two quilts. One with the dark sashing and one with the light. Then you have the best of both worlds.

Nita said...

Black! BlackBlackBlack. Definitely black, lol

Janice Holton said...

I think it looks great without any sashing at all. As Jaqui pointed out, the blocks are already "self sashed". That being said, it will look good with the sashing as well. Since it will look good any which way you go, just make your decision on how fast you want to get this done. If you want to get it done, then no sash. If you're not in a hurry, flip a coin and go for it!

AnnieO said...

No sashing! I think the chain effect of the alternate color you already have around the blocks would look great on its own!

Nell's Quilts said...

Is this a keeper quilt or a donation quilt. If it's a keeper and you need the 49 blocks in one quilt I'd opt for no sashing. The blocks are already finished with sashing, so to speak, in a lovely alternating pink and grey. If it's a donation quilt you could add the sashing and make a 4 x 6 arrangement for a good sized donation quilt. To me the decision is keeper or give away.

Mary said...

Do you need it to be BIGGER? That is the Question. I like all 3 for different reasons. Good luck Choosing the best way yo finish.

Kevin the Quilter said...

I personally love the contrast of the black sashing.......but, then again, I LOVE contrast!

LES is More said...

I've been thinking about this--and think all the options are good! The blocks have so much energy that they don't NEED to have the extra sashing. I would then think of where it will be used/displayed. Do you have a lot of dark frames on family pictures? Do you use primitive or rustic furniture? Then use the black sashes. If you have lots of white or light furniture, then use the light sashing. It looks a bit more modern. What you have bought for furniture tells a lot about what appeals to your eye, so let that help you make your decision. They will all look good!!

Angie in SoCal said...

I like all three options - makes each quilt unique. Go for it.

Deanna W said...

I love it set with the black sashing. More work yes but the payoff in the end will be a beautiful quilt!

the girlfriend gap said...

I think the extra sashing makes each of the blocks pop highlighting their uniqueness , You could make a 2 sided quilt if it seems like it is too big with the sashing. It will be beautiful what ever you decide. When in doubt I am usually happier if I go the extra mile.... Even though that usually means more work. Janita

Katie Z. said...

I would skip the sashing.

Kath said...

I vote for black sashing x

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

I like the one in the middle; the black sashing

Lynn C. said...

The dark sashing gives a bold, contrasting look to the blocks. The neutral sashing gives the whole quilt a softer look and gives each element of the blocks equal visual weight. I like the neutral sashing because I see all the individual blocks rather than a strong, contrasting set.

Sheila said...

I LOVE your blocks. They look fine without sashing. What size quilt are you needing? A 95" square quilt is a BIG quilt!