Tuesday, June 11, 2013

city blocks: 1-10

The other week I started a little "feed sack city," my take on Tula Pink's city sampler series.





So far I've completed blocks 1-10, 11, and 21 (i.e. I'm caught up with Sara's sew-along but behind on Julie's quilt along).  Argh!  Lots of -1s and -2s in my near future... Add 'em to the tab ;)

Layout-wise, I like the designs in Tula's book, don't get me wrong.  And if I had opted for a more modern palette I would totally go with her rainbow grid (it's the beautifully bright burst of color on the cover).  It's just that none of them jump off the page for this old-timey country vibe I've got on my hands.  Instead, I keep going back to some sort of diagonal sashing à la Jen Kingwell's steam punk... But that's still stuck in the brainstorming phase until I figure out (1) how wide the sashing should be; and (2) how many blocks total? {Call me crazy, but I was thinking of making multiples? Haven't exactly worked through the math (or calendared a timeline, for that matter), so I very well may just stop at 100 and call it a day!}

What do you think I should do?  Skinny sashes with an abundance of city blocks?  A more ample set of alleys among the original 100 squares?  ...Or jump ship and stick with one of Tula's proposed layouts?  Decisions, decisions!  Help wanted ;)

WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced

13 comments:

  1. Go with your gut instinct if it's telling you to keep making what you want to rather than Tulas idea, then do it and figure out layout later on :o)

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  2. Does diagonal sashing mean you would tilt the blocks on their points? I think that could look really interesting with these blocks. As for number, I'd get the first 100 down and then decide!

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  3. I think these feed sack ones are probably my favorite blocks I've seen so far. Which is a bit odd for me since I'm obsessed with Tula fabrics. But these are just the coolest and most unique looking. I'm sure however you set them will be amazing. I'd get a bunch done and sling 'em around until they look like they belong.

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  4. LOVE the idea of setting them on point! The layout I have in mind is going to require multiples of some blocks, so I say we are crazy together and make more than 100. So skinny sashing I guess?

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  5. I think setting the blocks on point would be amazing - your own take on something is always that much more satisfying that going by the book in my opinion! Your feed sack fabrics are so lovely - I am a bit jealous!

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  6. I love how understated and beautiful these are. Definitely a winner. I like the idea of on point too.

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  7. I'm with everyone else, i think on point would be lovely.
    Love these blocks!

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  8. Your blocks really look fabulous! On point is definitely a great idea!

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  9. Love these feedsacks, so friendly! Yes on point would really set them apart I think.

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  10. Not a clue what you *should* do but I'm sure you will do well. I love the look of these. x

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  11. Wow, your feed sack blocks are beautiful! I do like the idea of setting them on point with diagonal sashing. In any case, I bet your answer will become clearer to you as you get closer to finishing the blocks.

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  12. The fabrics you've chosen are great - but I definitely understand why you'd be hesitant to use one of her layouts. I'd keep going and if there's a block or two you really like, make multiples if you want. There is no rule that says you have to match it to her examples or choices. In fact, I kinda like that you've taken these "modern" blocks and kicked them old school. :-) It's more Boomtown than Big City and I'm really enjoying the vibe.

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