My first quilt top begins
Finally I have started to piece together more churn dash blocks. It would have been better if I’d started this right after Megan’s quilting lesson, which was way back in May, but time slipped away from me. Now I’m having to rack my brain a little to remember what to do. I am trying to piece the whole thing in logical units to speed it up a bit, rather than focusing on one block at a time. Is that what you are meant to do?
These are all 9 inch blocks. I’ve got twelve cut out and almost pieced together, but I am considering doing another four blocks and making it into a square quilt top. The fabrics are scraps from my stash mixed with – okay, you serious quilters cover your eyes now – calico. Yes, I know, calico is apparently only good for puddings, but since I had some in the stash it made sense to me to use it for this first quilt, which is in essence a practice quilt. I didn’t want to spend any more money on fabric at this point!
Four squares pieced, eight more to finish (unless I decide it does need to be a square quilt top). I am still trying to decide whether to put sashing between each block or whether to just piece them together as they are. So many decisions seem to be involved in patchwork and quilting! Then it will be to decide what backing, what wadding, what quilting, what binding, how wide, etc.
Lara,
I think doing the sashing would give it a more finished look as well as helping to square up each block and giving each block its own space………..but its alot more work and as this is just a practice quilt you might decide against it
Sharon
Hey, there’s nothing wrong with calico!
I’m loving your blocks. Just beautiful!
Looking good – it will no doubt be the first of many, now you have started this addictive past time!
This is a great pattern. You’re off to a fantastic start. Great fabric choices too. Good luck!
Calicoes are a great way to fill in. Imagine if all the fabrics were super fantastic–where would you look first? Sashing is a good call, scrappy looks great too if you really want to get it done. Take the top into your quilt shop to ask about wadding.
As a general rule, I don’t do any single border any larger than my largest piece.
Best of luck at my favourite hobby.
Go you! It’s looking great. One day, I shall make my first (and perhaps only) quilt. I just need to build up the motivation (and the stash!) first.
I think it looks like a great project and the calico will add a good variation in texture to the finished quilt.
Just thought I’d comment because I’m just starting my first quilting project too.
Enjoy!
By calico, I’m sure you’re using what we call “muslin” here in the states. Is that what you are using for the off white color? Your blocks look great. Sashing/No sashing…you’ll have to try it both ways. Sometimes without sashing the churn dash disappears a bit once the blocks are put together, it just depends on what look YOU like. Good Luck!! Sue G
I vote sashing with a square of your prints in each cornerstone (intersection of the sashings.) but it does mean quite a but more work!
Here’s a tip that can make your life a whole lot easier (maybe you learned this in class): Square up each block to the size of the smallest block.
for example if one block is 20 cm square, another is 20.5 cm and another is 20.2 cm, trim all of your blocks to the 20cm. square. putting the blocks together with or without sashing will be a cinch!
ps I forgot to say I really like your quilt blocks!