Happy Halloween to all of my quilt blog readers and friends. Halloween tends to be a huge deal in our neighborhood, with houses decorated at least as much as they do for Christmas, and there are overwhelming numbers of children out trick or treating. I've been glad to see signs in front of many houses nearby saying that they won't be doing trick or treating this year. I'm sorry that the kids are missing out on the fun, but it certainly seems like the right thing to do this year.
After many positive responses to the setting ideas for my Scrappy Bear Paw blocks last week, I spent some time moving forward with that project. The most popular setting choice by far, which is also my favorite, was the on-point setting with a single bear paw in each of the side setting triangles.
I rearranged the blocks for the center of the quilt, then took apart my dark green and dark blue blocks to use them in the setting. The next decision is what to add to those single paws to finish off the side triangles. I wanted to keep the quilt from turning too dark, so I cut pieces from the same layer cake as the block backgrounds, "On the Lighter Side" from Robert Kaufman Fabrics. The shapes are meant to mimic the piecing in the blocks.
Since I am working with 10" squares, I had to include several different fabrics in this setting idea. I'm not thrilled with how busy and jumbled it looks. My next attempt will be to look for a single light fabric in my stash that could finish off those side triangles. I might even end up with a light beige or grey because I like the way the setting looks in the first photo against my taupey design wall fabric. Another question that hasn't been answered yet is whether or not to add sashing. To be continued...
I am linking up with the Rainbow Scrap Challenge on Saturday and with Oh Scrap! at Quilting is more fun than Housework on Sunday. I hope you are all staying well and getting lots of quilting done!
Julie in GA
your blocks are looking really good this will be one terrific rainbow scrap challenge quilt when done
ReplyDeleteI like where you are headed with this one. It will be fun to see it continue to evolve.
ReplyDeleteI usually have the same questions about sashing and layout when it gets to this time of year, and a tough time deciding which choice to go with! I do love the single blocks you're using in those side triangles!
ReplyDeleteI love your ideas for this, and I do like the idea of darker setting triangles to make the center pop. If you use sashing, you won't have to match all those seams. Maybe that will influence your decision! Going to be a lovely quilt.
ReplyDeleteI too love your idea of a scrappy contour. Keep looking. Eventually, you will find something you are satisfied with. Good luck. ;^)
ReplyDeleteI, too, like the idea of the darker setting triangles. And the single bear paw blocks is genius!
ReplyDeleteYou’ve got great taste, so whatever you decide for setting pieces will be perfect. It’s going to be a real stunner, of that I’m sure.
ReplyDeleteTo sash or not to sash; the ever recurring question. I don't like using sashing unless the blocks are so busy that they're competing rather than playing nicely. Your blocks aren't competing for attention, so I wouldn't! To my mind, however, the scrappy setting triangles are competing with the background fabric in the blocks, but I think you've already realised that. Your taste is always impeccable, so your final choice will result in a stunner! I look forward to seeing this one finished.
ReplyDeleteSashing is always a hard decision. I've happily wasted hours and hours auditioning different fabrics for sashing. I like these blocks as is, but your heart will know best!
ReplyDeleteDo you need the extra width/length that sashing provides? I like taupe for setting triangles
ReplyDeleteIt is looking great! I like it without sashing... but if you need it bigger you could always add a fun pieced border of flying geese all around.
ReplyDeleteThat's going to be SEW pretty when you get it all figured out and put together, Julie!!
ReplyDeleteHowever you set it, this will be a lovely quilt. Good luck deciding! (For me, this is the hardest part of quilting!)
ReplyDeleteI do love your chosen layout
ReplyDeleteHooray for that layout!
ReplyDeleteI do love layouts that use 100% scraps. But I do understand your dilemma. I usually ask myself where the quilt is going and how it will be used. I am sure you will come up with the best choice. Thanks for sharing with Oh Scrap! I love these blocks :)
ReplyDeleteHave you considered adding a plain block to the setting which would negate the need for sashing. It will, of course make the quilt larger. Your color selection is just beautiful and makes the quilt flow! Congrats! Hugs
ReplyDeleteLoving your scrappy 'bear paws'! Yes, it's always tricky, those final design decisions … maybe look at things for a few days?
ReplyDeleteLove the setting plan you decided on for the Bear Paw blocks. Hope you can find something in your stash that works.
ReplyDeleteGoing to be another winner! So many decisions but I KNOW you'll come up with a beauty!
ReplyDeleteIt’s a great layout - look forward to seeing how you decide to finish it off!
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