Remember these? I haven't counted them, but I have made a lot of star blocks for Barbara Brackman's Stars in a Time Warp sew along. I had them all up on my design wall, set diagonally, but took them down to make room for Steampunk. (Should have taken a picture…) Anyway, they look really good, but are SO randomly scrappy. For now, I just laid them out willy nilly on the floor so you can see.
I am trying really hard to get over my aversion to the complete lack of any kind of color scheme! I know Steampunk is very scrappy too, but somehow it looks more cohesive. These blocks just seem kind of all over the place. Or is that the point? It is like they are having a crazy keg party while the parents are away and invited everyone on the block to attend. Feel free to chime in with your thoughts.
Barbara Brackman's lesson with this particular quilt is for it to be representative of all the different sorts of Civil War Reproduction fabrics there are–cheddars, turkey red, poison green, Prussian blue, pink on pink, purples, plaids. But honestly, those all sure don't blend so great together! I am so tempted to take out the blocks that clash loudest and keep those that play better. It feels like cheating though.
On the other hand, if I had a different setting, the blocks would be a bit separated from one another and it might be a more pleasing look. Perhaps with every other block a scrappy background print. Here are a couple of photos with some separation between the blocks:
The bit of separation between the blocks makes things a bit less hectic, don't you think? I am leaning towards the bottom photo with a lattice because i really like this block set on the diagonal.
Is anyone else out there working on this same project? How is it going for you?
90 responses to “Stars In A Time Warp Check In”
Oh I like them all together on point………
Oh I like them all together on point………
Oh I like them all together on point………
As I was reading your blog entry into today, I was thinking about how nice those star blocks would look with sashing in between them. And lo and behold, you had a photo of that very thing. I believe that would be my favorite setting. And if it were me, I would not include the blocks that I didn’t care for. You learned a color lesson by working with them, so the work wasn’t in vain, but I think that if they make the quilt less appealing to you, you don’t need to put them in. Remember, quilters are often very creative with their interpretation of a pattern. That is one of the many joys of this craft. Do what makes your heart happy!
As I was reading your blog entry into today, I was thinking about how nice those star blocks would look with sashing in between them. And lo and behold, you had a photo of that very thing. I believe that would be my favorite setting. And if it were me, I would not include the blocks that I didn’t care for. You learned a color lesson by working with them, so the work wasn’t in vain, but I think that if they make the quilt less appealing to you, you don’t need to put them in. Remember, quilters are often very creative with their interpretation of a pattern. That is one of the many joys of this craft. Do what makes your heart happy!
As I was reading your blog entry into today, I was thinking about how nice those star blocks would look with sashing in between them. And lo and behold, you had a photo of that very thing. I believe that would be my favorite setting. And if it were me, I would not include the blocks that I didn’t care for. You learned a color lesson by working with them, so the work wasn’t in vain, but I think that if they make the quilt less appealing to you, you don’t need to put them in. Remember, quilters are often very creative with their interpretation of a pattern. That is one of the many joys of this craft. Do what makes your heart happy!
I love them all together. If you use enough different colors, then they all just seem to go together. To me that’s what is appealing about old quilts…out of necessity, they used what they had and their quilts were charming. On the other hand, you are the boss of your own quilt!
I love them all together. If you use enough different colors, then they all just seem to go together. To me that’s what is appealing about old quilts…out of necessity, they used what they had and their quilts were charming. On the other hand, you are the boss of your own quilt!
I love them all together. If you use enough different colors, then they all just seem to go together. To me that’s what is appealing about old quilts…out of necessity, they used what they had and their quilts were charming. On the other hand, you are the boss of your own quilt!
These blocks are very nice and look great on your wall….do like a little separation also and think sashing will do the trick…looking great!
These blocks are very nice and look great on your wall….do like a little separation also and think sashing will do the trick…looking great!
These blocks are very nice and look great on your wall….do like a little separation also and think sashing will do the trick…looking great!
I like the on-point setting, too, but I like the larger space that an unpieced block between them provides. Even if they don’t all necessarily play well together, your blocks are fabulous!
I like the on-point setting, too, but I like the larger space that an unpieced block between them provides. Even if they don’t all necessarily play well together, your blocks are fabulous!
I like the on-point setting, too, but I like the larger space that an unpieced block between them provides. Even if they don’t all necessarily play well together, your blocks are fabulous!
I agree with the washing and on point. they are really pretty and the right placement of the “oddballs” may make it sparkle and focus point as well. I wish I had done these – guess I still could. I am working on a UFO list. UGH!
Mary
I agree with the washing and on point. they are really pretty and the right placement of the “oddballs” may make it sparkle and focus point as well. I wish I had done these – guess I still could. I am working on a UFO list. UGH!
Mary
I agree with the washing and on point. they are really pretty and the right placement of the “oddballs” may make it sparkle and focus point as well. I wish I had done these – guess I still could. I am working on a UFO list. UGH!
Mary
that would be sashing.
that would be sashing.
that would be sashing.
I like the bottom photo more so that the layout where they are separated by plain white blocks. I am a huge lover of scrappy quilts so this quilt of yours just sings to me. I love it when there is so much to look at rather than planned color schemes all the time. This quilt would look nice with a scrappy back :o)
I like the bottom photo more so that the layout where they are separated by plain white blocks. I am a huge lover of scrappy quilts so this quilt of yours just sings to me. I love it when there is so much to look at rather than planned color schemes all the time. This quilt would look nice with a scrappy back :o)
I like the bottom photo more so that the layout where they are separated by plain white blocks. I am a huge lover of scrappy quilts so this quilt of yours just sings to me. I love it when there is so much to look at rather than planned color schemes all the time. This quilt would look nice with a scrappy back :o)
I like the bottom picture best.
I like the bottom picture best.
I like the bottom picture best.
Good morning Nicole,
I rather like the busy look of picture one. No chaos just an active look. Of course, the third option is lovely and still has a bright happy appearance. You seem to be at ease with this look.
Good morning Nicole,
I rather like the busy look of picture one. No chaos just an active look. Of course, the third option is lovely and still has a bright happy appearance. You seem to be at ease with this look.
Good morning Nicole,
I rather like the busy look of picture one. No chaos just an active look. Of course, the third option is lovely and still has a bright happy appearance. You seem to be at ease with this look.
I am voting for on point with sashing, but I don’t mind the altogether look either.
I am voting for on point with sashing, but I don’t mind the altogether look either.
I am voting for on point with sashing, but I don’t mind the altogether look either.
It’s your quilt so please feel free to cast some blocks aside if that suits you best. It’s not cheating because there are no quilt police!
I like the sashing setting best, too, but if they were my blocks, they would be set square as this is my favorite block and I just like it that way – for me.
You could end up with two quilts made from these delightful blocks!
Have fun choosing what to do!
Hugs!
It’s your quilt so please feel free to cast some blocks aside if that suits you best. It’s not cheating because there are no quilt police!
I like the sashing setting best, too, but if they were my blocks, they would be set square as this is my favorite block and I just like it that way – for me.
You could end up with two quilts made from these delightful blocks!
Have fun choosing what to do!
Hugs!
It’s your quilt so please feel free to cast some blocks aside if that suits you best. It’s not cheating because there are no quilt police!
I like the sashing setting best, too, but if they were my blocks, they would be set square as this is my favorite block and I just like it that way – for me.
You could end up with two quilts made from these delightful blocks!
Have fun choosing what to do!
Hugs!
I like the third choice. You might use some of the extra blocks for a pieced back–that’s what I’d do! Whatever you decide, do what makes YOU happiest!
By the way, how about your friend, Thelma ‘Cupcake!!’ What a gorgeous winning quilt!
I like the third choice. You might use some of the extra blocks for a pieced back–that’s what I’d do! Whatever you decide, do what makes YOU happiest!
By the way, how about your friend, Thelma ‘Cupcake!!’ What a gorgeous winning quilt!
I like the third choice. You might use some of the extra blocks for a pieced back–that’s what I’d do! Whatever you decide, do what makes YOU happiest!
By the way, how about your friend, Thelma ‘Cupcake!!’ What a gorgeous winning quilt!
Nicole, you are the master of making things work. I like the diagonal set best as well, but what if you used a constant CW print block between the stars. Is there a fabric you have plenty of that would fit that spot, and perhaps another all-over print that would work for the triangular filler at the end of the rows? I think you are onto a great quilt with the diagonal set. One of my favorite cures for a quilt that lays out looking ordinary in just rows.
Nicole, you are the master of making things work. I like the diagonal set best as well, but what if you used a constant CW print block between the stars. Is there a fabric you have plenty of that would fit that spot, and perhaps another all-over print that would work for the triangular filler at the end of the rows? I think you are onto a great quilt with the diagonal set. One of my favorite cures for a quilt that lays out looking ordinary in just rows.
Nicole, you are the master of making things work. I like the diagonal set best as well, but what if you used a constant CW print block between the stars. Is there a fabric you have plenty of that would fit that spot, and perhaps another all-over print that would work for the triangular filler at the end of the rows? I think you are onto a great quilt with the diagonal set. One of my favorite cures for a quilt that lays out looking ordinary in just rows.
Nicole, try taking black and white picture of blocks. It will show value which is where you can see if the blocks work. The contract is what makes a quilt work, not the color.
Nicole, try taking black and white picture of blocks. It will show value which is where you can see if the blocks work. The contract is what makes a quilt work, not the color.
Nicole, try taking black and white picture of blocks. It will show value which is where you can see if the blocks work. The contract is what makes a quilt work, not the color.
I also like the second layout with the lattice and diagonal . Perfect 😀
I also like the second layout with the lattice and diagonal . Perfect 😀
I also like the second layout with the lattice and diagonal . Perfect 😀
I’m all for the first layout. I think with CW repro fabrics, they should be very scrappy since that’s what they had on hand at the time. Individually, the blocks are a wonderful example of those CW fabrics we all love. Whatever you do, Nicole, they will be terrific.
I’m all for the first layout. I think with CW repro fabrics, they should be very scrappy since that’s what they had on hand at the time. Individually, the blocks are a wonderful example of those CW fabrics we all love. Whatever you do, Nicole, they will be terrific.
I’m all for the first layout. I think with CW repro fabrics, they should be very scrappy since that’s what they had on hand at the time. Individually, the blocks are a wonderful example of those CW fabrics we all love. Whatever you do, Nicole, they will be terrific.
I have a similar star quilt going with fabric exchanged at guild. Personally I love the scrappy look but a few blocks need to stay away from others as they just don’t play as nicely. I love the bottom photo you have with the lattice and on point. It’s making me rethink my own quilt and since I haven’t sewn any blocks into rows yet I have time to play.
I have a similar star quilt going with fabric exchanged at guild. Personally I love the scrappy look but a few blocks need to stay away from others as they just don’t play as nicely. I love the bottom photo you have with the lattice and on point. It’s making me rethink my own quilt and since I haven’t sewn any blocks into rows yet I have time to play.
I have a similar star quilt going with fabric exchanged at guild. Personally I love the scrappy look but a few blocks need to stay away from others as they just don’t play as nicely. I love the bottom photo you have with the lattice and on point. It’s making me rethink my own quilt and since I haven’t sewn any blocks into rows yet I have time to play.
I love them without any sashing! I think they are just perfect being all random. really, keep them next to each other or send them to me… ;p
I love them without any sashing! I think they are just perfect being all random. really, keep them next to each other or send them to me… ;p
I love them without any sashing! I think they are just perfect being all random. really, keep them next to each other or send them to me… ;p
You could leave out all the blocks you don’t like and use them for the backing. Then you ‘use’ them in the quilt just not for the top.Oh, and I like the bottom picture best:-)
You could leave out all the blocks you don’t like and use them for the backing. Then you ‘use’ them in the quilt just not for the top.Oh, and I like the bottom picture best:-)
You could leave out all the blocks you don’t like and use them for the backing. Then you ‘use’ them in the quilt just not for the top.Oh, and I like the bottom picture best:-)
I like them all together. But, then again, I like scrappy quilts.
The lattice and on-point look is good, but, IMHO, the white looks too stark for the blocks.
You will come up with something that looks fabulous and fits your design “zone” and I will say, “yup, that is perfect!” Because that is what always happens when you are working on a project!
Happy stitching.
I like them all together. But, then again, I like scrappy quilts.
The lattice and on-point look is good, but, IMHO, the white looks too stark for the blocks.
You will come up with something that looks fabulous and fits your design “zone” and I will say, “yup, that is perfect!” Because that is what always happens when you are working on a project!
Happy stitching.
I like them all together. But, then again, I like scrappy quilts.
The lattice and on-point look is good, but, IMHO, the white looks too stark for the blocks.
You will come up with something that looks fabulous and fits your design “zone” and I will say, “yup, that is perfect!” Because that is what always happens when you are working on a project!
Happy stitching.
I would go with your third idea of putting the blocks on point with some sashing between the blocks. It’s still civil war scrappy but a bit more controlled.
I would go with your third idea of putting the blocks on point with some sashing between the blocks. It’s still civil war scrappy but a bit more controlled.
I would go with your third idea of putting the blocks on point with some sashing between the blocks. It’s still civil war scrappy but a bit more controlled.
Not only have I fallen behind on this one but I got a new idea for how I want to set them that means I need to buy more fabric. Oh darn, buy fabric, that will be hard!
Not only have I fallen behind on this one but I got a new idea for how I want to set them that means I need to buy more fabric. Oh darn, buy fabric, that will be hard!
Not only have I fallen behind on this one but I got a new idea for how I want to set them that means I need to buy more fabric. Oh darn, buy fabric, that will be hard!
I agree the blocks onoint with sashing looks great
I agree the blocks onoint with sashing looks great
I agree the blocks onoint with sashing looks great
Oh I absolutely love those stars! and love that last photo, things on point are great!
Do you have that book Setting Solutions by Sharon Craig? Good book for when you don’t know what setting to choose.
Oh I absolutely love those stars! and love that last photo, things on point are great!
Do you have that book Setting Solutions by Sharon Craig? Good book for when you don’t know what setting to choose.
Oh I absolutely love those stars! and love that last photo, things on point are great!
Do you have that book Setting Solutions by Sharon Craig? Good book for when you don’t know what setting to choose.
I love the blocks on point with sashing. Don’t think you should use every block if there are some you are not in love with – maybe use them in the backing.
I love the blocks on point with sashing. Don’t think you should use every block if there are some you are not in love with – maybe use them in the backing.
I love the blocks on point with sashing. Don’t think you should use every block if there are some you are not in love with – maybe use them in the backing.
I have been having the exact same thoughts about my stars. I have not made the plaid ones, that just might send me over the cliff. I am making red ones when I don’t like her suggestions. I plan to use a setting from an old book I have and the one in the book is predominately red so that has become my fall-back. I am enjoying making them and I love the BB posts on Wednesdays so I’m going to keep going, just changing things up now and again!
I have been having the exact same thoughts about my stars. I have not made the plaid ones, that just might send me over the cliff. I am making red ones when I don’t like her suggestions. I plan to use a setting from an old book I have and the one in the book is predominately red so that has become my fall-back. I am enjoying making them and I love the BB posts on Wednesdays so I’m going to keep going, just changing things up now and again!
I have been having the exact same thoughts about my stars. I have not made the plaid ones, that just might send me over the cliff. I am making red ones when I don’t like her suggestions. I plan to use a setting from an old book I have and the one in the book is predominately red so that has become my fall-back. I am enjoying making them and I love the BB posts on Wednesdays so I’m going to keep going, just changing things up now and again!
I have almost 100 stars pieced. Mine will be sewn with 1 1/2″ strips between each block and then scraps for the cornerstones. While I was cutting and sewing blocks, I also organized my fabric bins using up small pieces for stars and tossing a bunch of junk. What a great project! Thanks for inspiring me; I don’t read Barbara Brackman’s blog.
I have almost 100 stars pieced. Mine will be sewn with 1 1/2″ strips between each block and then scraps for the cornerstones. While I was cutting and sewing blocks, I also organized my fabric bins using up small pieces for stars and tossing a bunch of junk. What a great project! Thanks for inspiring me; I don’t read Barbara Brackman’s blog.
I have almost 100 stars pieced. Mine will be sewn with 1 1/2″ strips between each block and then scraps for the cornerstones. While I was cutting and sewing blocks, I also organized my fabric bins using up small pieces for stars and tossing a bunch of junk. What a great project! Thanks for inspiring me; I don’t read Barbara Brackman’s blog.
I have made over 65 blocks, some with dark backgrounds, some with light. I read the lesson for each week but can’t reproduce it exactly because I just don’t have the variety in my stash. Since this was intended to use up stash, it wouldn’t help me to buy more fabric. At first the scrappiness bothered me but I did as you have, laid blocks out in different ways, on point, with sashing and alternating with plain blocks. Giving the blocks a little more breathing room seemed to allow them to play nice, less jarring to my eye. No decisions have been made yet but I am still loving the process.
I have made over 65 blocks, some with dark backgrounds, some with light. I read the lesson for each week but can’t reproduce it exactly because I just don’t have the variety in my stash. Since this was intended to use up stash, it wouldn’t help me to buy more fabric. At first the scrappiness bothered me but I did as you have, laid blocks out in different ways, on point, with sashing and alternating with plain blocks. Giving the blocks a little more breathing room seemed to allow them to play nice, less jarring to my eye. No decisions have been made yet but I am still loving the process.
I have made over 65 blocks, some with dark backgrounds, some with light. I read the lesson for each week but can’t reproduce it exactly because I just don’t have the variety in my stash. Since this was intended to use up stash, it wouldn’t help me to buy more fabric. At first the scrappiness bothered me but I did as you have, laid blocks out in different ways, on point, with sashing and alternating with plain blocks. Giving the blocks a little more breathing room seemed to allow them to play nice, less jarring to my eye. No decisions have been made yet but I am still loving the process.
I agree with several others – on point with some sashing and they don’t seem to fight with each other like they do in the first layout. Or just put them away for a while and work on something that doesn’t drive you so crazy 😉
I agree with several others – on point with some sashing and they don’t seem to fight with each other like they do in the first layout. Or just put them away for a while and work on something that doesn’t drive you so crazy 😉
I agree with several others – on point with some sashing and they don’t seem to fight with each other like they do in the first layout. Or just put them away for a while and work on something that doesn’t drive you so crazy 😉