Here they are - all 54 scrappy, three quarter log cabin blocks. Now I just have to decide if I want to keep them. I have thoroughly enjoyed making them, and individually they are pretty. The best part of these blocks has been the process. I loved picking strips for each one, playing with colors, and finding old fabric friends in the bin (which is still crammed full somehow).
It's just that together they are ugly - like so ugly I can't bring myself to post a picture of all of them here. It seems odd because I love other people's versions. So what went wrong? I believe it comes down to three things. First, I didn't limit my color palette. Even with scraps, I usually stick to a select few colors to ensure a harmony, as with my Scrappy
Trip Along Quilt.
The same calming effect might have been achieved by using more white and low volumes too, to give the colors room to breath. Each block tells a color story I enjoy, but it's just too loud for me when the blocks are together.
My second mistake was giving no thought to color placement for the quilt top as a whole. I don't mind using all the colors, if they are in some sort of color order, like the
Therapist Quilt.
Lastly, there is nothing tempering the chaos, as with a background fabric in my
Midwest Metro Link.
So, while I enjoyed the process of this project, which is frankly all I really intended, I'm not sure if I want to put any more time into the blocks or pass them along to someone who might feel differently. Another idea is to reverse engineer a color scheme by selecting blocks that do go together and making a couple of smaller quilts from those.
5 comments:
If you can't see yourself using them, maybe donate the blocks to a group that make charity quilts and possibly the group could reconfigure the blocks and make some quilts for children in need.
It's too soon to scrap those blocks, they're great! Give them a timeout and see if inspiration strikes.
Maybe you need a solid color to sash them, and it will bring it all together?
Oh, but I love these scrappy three-quarter log cabin blocks! And that's saying a lot as I detest whole log cabin blocks! But I believe that the scrappier a block is, the better. However, I will keep in mind your thoughts about them as I begin to make my own. I've decided to make them for a challenge for our Central Florida MQG. We're to choose a traditional block (or two) that begins with one of our initials, and turn it into a modern quilt. If I use "L" for log cabin, I'm good to go. Thinking to use only solids, and work up color blocks with several values of one color. Maybe. I'm excited to start. Thank you for sharing inspiration, and for your thoughts.
I think they are fabulous! I love the cacophony that comes from a good old fashioned scrap quilt! But I totally understand if you are done with them for now. Maybe they need a time-out. :)
The suggestion of a solid sashing is a good one too.
If you need to let them go I am happy to take them off your hands. I often take on other's projects and finish them and do different charitable events with them. You can keep that in your back pocket for now--I just think you and your blocks need some separation for a bit :)
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