Friday, April 25, 2008

Bigger

I decided on a shift in scale. I made more Lazy 9-Patches, this time using 2.5" ish squares to make 6" ish finished blocks. I LOVE the small blocks, but they just don't show off the fun tropical prints, plus I'm using a Moda Jelly Roll of marble citrus prints (I didn't have access to my stash in Florida and that was a handy way to get fabric). Those are 2.5" strips, so they were darn easy to make into squares.

These definitely go faster than the smaller blocks but I don't like them nearly as well. Still, look at how wonderful the dragonfly looks.

I also considered throwing in some Friendship Stars. Boy, making triangles really bores me, so I doubt I'll make many of these.

Pondering using the big 9-Patches around the small ones.... I like it, what do you think?

Wow, we ended up with the most gorgeous sunshine yesterday. Woohoo! I think I'm lucking out today too, so I need to get out into the world instead of chaining myself to the sewing machine.

35 comments:

Heidi said...

Oh, I love these nine-patches, the small and the big ones . Can't wait to see the final layout !

Lynda said...

The big ones go really well round the small ones. Reminded me of Kaffe Fassett as he uses simple blocks, fantastic colour choices and different scales.

Millie said...

I love the big ones around the little ones too. I love the bright colors.

*karendianne. said...

I'm definitely over the F-star so thank you for not using that. I love the dragonfly, the larger scale is great but my FAV is definitely small in the center with the larger on the outside.

Inspirational Idea! Dig it.

In case you didn't know, I'm in love with this. This is something I'd do - as far as color I mean. ;)

Sassenach said...

This reminds me of those color charts that are used to detect color-blindness.

Are you sure that isn't a "six" in the center? :-)

Nancy said...

I love it! Pops the eyes wide open!

jovaliquilts said...

When I scrolled down to the photo of the little 9-patches surroundedby the big ones, I just burst into a big smile. It's wonderful!

In Florida, did you sew by hand?

comicbooklady said...

I am lovin' it! very inviting!

Joyce said...

I love the big nine patches as a border. It's even better than brown! Lol.

Unknown said...

Big and little looks great! I think the Friendship Star is a little distracting. Unless you used a lot more of them...

Sarah said...

I love the layout of the big patches surrounding the little patches.

Kristin L said...

Have you considered drinking a margarita, tossing about half the large blocks aside for later, and then mixing all the big and little ones together? I love the riot of color and i think it could hold up to even more wonkiness!

Donna said...

love the mix of large and small 9 patches.... not sure I'd centre the small ones myself but I think encircling them is a great idea...

Katie said...

I think you should make tons more blocks like this so you can keeping playing and playing and end up with several great quilts. Love all of them!

Anonymous said...

I think it is a great idea to do it like that, but keep on playing!
This weekend is THE best weekend weatherwise, at least that's what our weatherman predicts. Coming week: rainy days:( So stop sewing 'till monday and enjoy Paris in Springtime!

Wendy said...

love Love LOVE the bigger blocks around the smaller blocks. I'm new to your blog and the picture of this quilt-in-progress just blew me away! Perfect for a not-quite-spring-yet day...

Unknown said...

How about putting the small 9 patch units as a whole in a corner?

Fiona said...

Fantastic - I love the effect you get from the contrast in scale.

Diane said...

I haven't commented on this quilt yet but have enjoyed following its progress. I didn't realize just how tiny the blocks were until your last post. While reducing a block's size usually increases the cuteness factor, it would be a shame to lose the impact of those tropical prints. I love the layout of large blocks surrounding the small but am intrigued by Kristin's suggestion of mixing up the sizes. Nix the Friendship block. In this instance, it's not being friendly.

QuiltinLibraryLady said...

Such happy colors!! I really like the smaller nine-patches and stars mixed in.
Linda--in NE Nebr. where it's snowing AGAIN!!!!!!

Magpie Sue said...

I, too, would set that star block aside. I'd also like to see you play with mixing those little blocks in amongst the bigger ones. Or maybe they could to be set off with a narrow strip of fabric. I do like this setting though.

Sure wish *we* could get some sustained sunshine!

atet said...

I like the use of the big and little blocks together -- but, I'm thinking I like Kristen l's suggestion. Just my 2 cents :0).

mereth said...

Now I'm feeling sorry for the poor friendship star, no-one seems to like it! I think a couple more would be nice to 'find' as the eye travels around. I love the big and little concept, some antique quilts did this too and it's always effective.

Carol E. said...

LOVE the mix of big and small. You rock.

woolywoman said...

Inner border? Then the bigger ones? Or maybe I'm being chicken. Excellent idea, using jelly rolls as an emergency fabric supply. Don't need to rotary cut, even. Going to remember that, as it is a little difficult to travel with stash...

loulee said...

This one just keeps on getting better and brighter.

Clare said...

I love the big ones on the outside, but how about a melange?

Triangles - only if they happen by mistake!

Tanya said...

Wow! You ended up with gorgeous sunshine but you ended up with a gorgeous quilt beginning too. I love it! How do you do it every time!!!!!

Kristin Shields said...

Fantastic, Tonya! I love the bottom arrangement! I think the occasional star thrown in is good, but you don't need many to make it lively.

dee said...

I didn't think I could love this any more but I was wrong. It's fabulous.

Sharon said...

I love this with the larger scale blocks. They really show off some of those wonderful prints. Someone suggested making the smaller blocks off-center. I really like that idea. Just a little kooky. I'd put a border of 2 of the larger blocks on the top and one side, then a border of 3 of the larger blocks on the other side and the bottom. Or something asymmetrical like that. I initially liked the friendship star, but now I'm not so sure?? But - I REALLY like this quilt! So bright and joyful! WOW!

Holly said...

What do I think? Wow, the scale shift is fantastic! Go for it. If you do, it will make a fantastic top. Where do you come up with such creative ideas?!

Anonymous said...

I like the combination of the small and large 9 patches. It gives the quilt an interesting, weirdly-perspectival (sp?) depth.

I love your blog -- combines quilting with one of my favorite cities. What could be better?

-- Cornelia, Norman OK

Hedgehog said...

Love it with the larger nine-patches, too!

Mary Johnson said...

I thought the same thing as Linda, it reminded me of a Kaffe Fassett quilt with the small and large nine patches and the wonderful colors of the blocks. I'd toss in some more friendship stars too - they may be a pain but it certainly adds interest.