Reading clockwise from top left, I started with these and I made these, which didn't work, then I added the orange fabric to the mix and I made this, which worked, followed by this, which worked, sort of.
Try as I might, I just could not make those lovely fabrics work properly in myquilt. My friend J came over to play on Monday, and we spent ages crawling round on the floor trying different combinations of the fabrics, different backgrounds, etc, and nothing worked. We came to the conclusion I had two problems. The first was that the fabrics did not have enough contrast, which I'd already worked out, but also the scale of the patterns on the fabrics were too large. We therefore rejected several, and I was left with about three that would work, plus the background, which isn't exactly going to give me much in the way of scrappiness. (I did see the funny side of that, when you consider I wrote a quilt book called "Pick Four").
So I decided to change direction and try again with my red and blue repro-type fabrics. So far I've made four blocks. I am using a plain cream background throughout, (mainly cos I've got a lot of it, so I don't need to buy anything) and have made four blocks so far.
I know we're only supposed to make Section A, but I couldn't do that, I had to see what they looked like as blocks!, Then, I had to see what they looked like as several blocks laid out together.
I love them, and am having loads of fun with the pattern designed by Lynn at Sew'n Wild Oaks.
If you want to see other people's posts about their Country Charmer adventures, then hop on over to our QAL hostess, Lesley, The Cuddle Quilter, where there is a Linky party going on. I think I'm going to call my version "Charming Plan B".
Just as a little PS: I have promised my friend J that if I ever intend to buy fabrics for another scrappy project, I will take her shopping with me!
I was cheering for the bright, modern fabrics. Another quilt perhaps.
ReplyDeleteThe retro fabrics are perfect. Your block look wonderful!
I did love the orange as well, but these new blocks just blow me away! Your colours are my favorites and they sure look like the beginnings of a fabulous quilt. So yay for Charming Plan B! Awesome,and I also love the way you used the little mosaic to show the steps. As to the Pick Four, I did giggle!
ReplyDeleteI love your thoughts and process - the Plan B blocks are looking good!
ReplyDeleteLOVE, LOVE, LOVE, Im doing reds, and blues, also. But, on a brighter scale.
ReplyDeleteThey look great but I'm still coming to terms with YOU doing scrappy :}
ReplyDeleteWhat are you going to do with the rejected blocks?
I like your reproduction fabrics. The blocks are very pretty. A good start on a scrappy quilt.
ReplyDeleteI still think your beautiful brights need blocks that have larger pieces to show off the scale of the prints.
Red White & Blue were one of my considered color combinations too! They're wonderful!
ReplyDeletePlease don't abandon those you've already made...there's always a pillow or wallhanging or runner...or could we maybe "drop by" and go to the quilty store with you and find some more brights in different scales (small prints, solids, stripes, dots and checks) so that you can make both?!?!?! I am still really looking forward to seeing this bright quilt emerge from this beautiful traditional block.
You have overcome the fear of scrappy! Your fabrics are gorgeous and your blocks are even more gorgeous. I also loved Plan A and you have the start of something good there Sue. I hope we will be seeing them again in something else.
ReplyDeleteOhhhh I love them too!! Nothing like Repro Fabrics!
ReplyDeleteP
Your blocks look so fun! I like how the first ones look and the fabrics are so bright and fun. You crack me up with your going back to four fabrics!
ReplyDeleteThe Country Charmer blocks look well together. ..you compulsive quilter, you.
You know, I've seen lots of scrappy with the print too big and they've sewn them into blocks and my eye just never has a resting place, even though I like all the prints, some just aren't meant to be "playing together." I have fun with scrappy and sometimes things just work out, and sometimes things work better than others. I love trying to make something out of my odd leftovers.
I loved those oranges and hot pinks perhaps if you
ReplyDeletemade the star in pink and thenother one in orange. with pink chains and orange chains. I love that color combo Red and blue is good too.
Patty
Look at you go! Love your repros. I'm doing a quilt in those types/colors. (Hangs head in shame: it's a UFO...LOL!).
ReplyDeleteYour blocks look good.Love the repos fabrics.
ReplyDeleteLove both lots, but the first would make a lovely table runner for a vase of bright flowers to cheer dull days. Look forward to seeing the progress.
ReplyDelete'brights' do less for me that the repro fabrics - I love your new blocks.
ReplyDeleteActually, I wish you'd all stop posting beautiful blocks - don't you know how hard it is for me to resist Country Charmer???
While I love the blue new blocks....I have to say, and coming fro me odd...the orange ones pop and are exciting!!!
ReplyDeleteSue, these are so pretty. I love the red repoduction fabrics. Your blocks are great. It has to be what you like and these will make a beautiful quilt. And you have done 4 blocks, wow! I have block 4 cut but not sewn. Maybe later today.
ReplyDeleteI loved your first blocks but your new ones are fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI love both sets of blocks! You could make two quilts at the same time....?? I've cut out my background blocks and started cutting into my other fat quarters so today will be audition time for block #1. I hope to get at least one block done today, but since I hem-and-haw and dither over color choices, this could take awhile LOL!! Sure wish I could feel confident enough to just grab some fabric and go - this is always the hardest part for me too. I can't wait to see more of your blocks!!
ReplyDeleteI think the red & blue blocks are just perfect for this quilt ! Love them !
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