We have completed class 2! Many of you have brought your blocks to class to share and I thought it would be fun to put them all together in a 4 x 5 layout to see what a "quilt" might look like. I didn't spend time "placing" the blocks in any order, they are just in the mosaic as they came up in my photo sequence. Still, I think it gives you a little flavor of what may be. This was created using Big Huge Labs Mosaic Maker, which is free and you can make your own by going to this link: http://bighugelabs.com/ They are lots of fun to make and great for family photos too!
So in our class this past week, we talked about color a little bit and handed out color wheels. You can see from the mosaic above all the different approaches to color that people in the class used. You can see how certain parts of the block will become more pronounced depending on placement of the colors in your design.
We used a piece of batting hung up in front of the classroom to "audition" the placement of our components to determine just how we wanted to lay the block out. Below are some examples of one students variations.
All the same fabric, all the same components, each a different look for the block. I encourage you to practice your blocks at home, try out different layouts, different color placements, experiment. We are only making 9 blocks in the class, so you will have room, if you want a larger quilt, to include your variations...and we haven't talked about the back of your quilt yet, you can always include a block or more on the back, that will be another class.
Remember, all of this is new to you, don't get frustrated...take your time, measure everything twice before you cut, make careful cuts, square up your components and work on that 1/4" seam. As you go along you will develop your skills and your blocks will look better and better! We all take baby steps to begin with, just be patient with yourself and don't give up! Persistence will pay off in a beautiful block! Call or e-mail if you get stuck or need help with something.
I love this picture. The gal in the middle is taking a moment to review her instructions! Remember to breathe, sewing and quilting should be an enjoyable, creative experience. If it gets too tense for you, take a break and come back to it after re-reading the instructions. Think of quilting as a marathon, not a sprint, it's not how fast you do it, take your time.
Welcome to Mavis, our newest class member, who recently moved here from Wisconsin! I love the rose in the middle of her block, very pretty.
Okay, so to recap, we have created 3 blocks now, all from pretty much the same components. We have learned to make a Half Square Triangle Unit and a Strip Set. In our next class, we are going to use that Strip Set concept again to create the middle of our next block, which is called "Monkey Wrench". It may look complex, but this is a really easy, fast and fun block. Think about how you would like your colors...you can make this with 2 colors, 3 colors or 4 colors. 2 colors will use the least amount of fabric and will be the easiest to sew, 4 colors will be very exciting and a little more challenging! You decide!
Wait till you show your friends this block!
They are going to think you are amazing!
Our Next Newby Quilting Bee Class will be held on
Friday, March 9th starting at 9am.
Bring a sack lunch, stay and sew in the afternoon! Extra fabric will be provided if you would like to practice a block and donate it for a charity quilt.
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