Then it "fell off the table"! It just became overwhelming to keep up with the blocks and all the projects I have been juggling over such a long period of time. I was tempted to bail on this project several times, but I kept going, collecting the patterns and sewing along when I remembered to.These are the 60 blocks I have sewn so far, in numerical order of blocks posted.
Putting the blocks on the design wall helped me decide that I need to sash the blocks for me to be happy with this project. It's just too busy otherwise. It also helped to clarify that I DO want to have a 150 Canada quilt, and I DO want it to include ALL of the blocks.
Seeing the blocks in their correct order also helped me decide that I prefer a random (not numerical) placement:
-some blocks are very simple and some are complex, and they need to be more balanced in the final layout.
-some blocks (ie. block #4 and #5 in the top row) cannot be side by side in the quilt as they would be in a numerical placement.
-part way through block making I decided I needed more dark reds in the quilt, so you can see exactly when I bought and started using the dark red fabric. Those dark fabric blocks need to be spread around the quilt top more evenly.Since Christmas is coming and I would like to get started on making some gifts, I'm going to again let this project fall off the table. I'm going to put all the blocks and fabrics into a box and make it one of my projects to take to winter quilt camp.
Bye for now 150 Canadian Women... see you in February!
To see more design wall posts, hop over to Small Quilts.
19 comments:
I was just talking about this yesterday at Retreat! I think I have 40 or so blocks done. I asked myself if I should just let this one go, but, like you, I really want to accomplish this quilt!!!
I’m glad you are going to finish it eventually. I did not even start this one. Too much going on in my life at the moment. I love your blocks so far.
I have also let this same project fall off the rails. I think I made about 85 blocks but after making several 6 inch blocks with 72 pieces in them I got bored. I have downloaded each of the patterns but have not yet decided if I will do all 150 blocks or not. I have noticed some settings on line that make the quilt less busy but then when I see the quilt tops completed on Facebook I think I should persevere. Each morning I read your blog and am inspired so I am so thrilled to find that I am in good company. Still feeling undecided.
The dark red adds nice contrast to the quilt. I think the sashing idea will help with the business of it. It's a challenge now, but when completed you will be so thrilled with the results.
Your quilt is going to be beautiful. I am making a red and white quilt with Bible book blocks and am trying to decide how far I will go with it. Your collection of red fabrics is wonderful! And I agree... I'd use sashing, too. (Not that you asked...:))
Good way to put this project on hold. LOL, Falling off the Table. Yes, on mixing them up and sashing.
Your addition of the darker red seems like a very good call. Adds some depth to the project. Sashing probably would calm down the busy effect all of those blocks create.
Wow--150 blocks--how huge will this quilt be?!?
I love red and white quilts but have never done a sampler. Mostly because as you said, some blocks cant be placed side by side. All of my favorite blocks that I would use fall into this category.
Sashing would look great adnI would consider putting the blocks on point. I think that often makes things more dynamic looking?! What a great way to celebrate Canada!
Kathy. Thank you for posting about this QAL. I learned of it from your blog. I was a little late, but caught up and kept up. I joined the FB group and enjoyed seeing everyone's progress. My blocks, and the six setting blocks are all done. I am planning to lay it out chronologically, and hopefully that will help spread the colour clumps out. I am hoping I don't lose momentum on this project. I am thinking I will hand quilt this one (slow stitching!).
I did manage to finish one quilt for the 150th. I did Lorna McMahon's design. I think I also learned about her from your blog!! So another thank you.
It looks great so far, and good luck!
I collected all the patterns and because I had a lot of projects I wanted to complete, I planned to start in May. I bought some yardage from Quilter's Garden Patch in Oakville years ago that was very Canadian with the anthem and maple leaves. Mine was going to be in Red and cream. By then I had lots of patterns so lumped them together in 4-patch, 9-patch and other similar designs, then proceeded to blitz by cutting out lots of pieces with my GO cutter. After making about 8 blocks I realized that I needed to have other colours and everything ended up in a project box and I went to Africa. I bought several of the Canadiana fabrics and will eventually try to make them work together.
I agree that the blocks look better separated with sashing. But do they also need corner stones?
What you have so far is beautiful.
You did very well for awhile. I understand how you feel. I did the same with the 365 Challenge. I pulled it out the other day and realized I still love that quilt. It will be back on the table eventually. ;^)
it is hard to keep up with quilts sometimes - I think this is looking great!
Quilt alongs can be so hard to keep up with sometimes. Sounds like you have a plan to get it finished and that's half the battle most of the time.
I think your blocks are looking great. The fact you have them out you will get them done...
wonderful project!
I have a similar project that I am pondering how to combine the blocks - some are simple and some are complex. It is hard to put them all together, but a design wall helps a lot. Good luck - your blocks are beautiful.
Thanks for linking up with Design Wall Mondays, Judy.
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