Okay, let me start out by saying this: I really didn't intend to start a new project. I mean it. Truly. But the pattern was just too perfect, and I decided to make just one sample block. At least, that was the plan...
Somehow in the past few weeks, I became aware of the Homespun quilt-along hosted by Morgan at the website Modernly Morgan. It was probably from someone's blog post on one of the many linky parties that I read, but I haven't been able to locate the source now. Anyway, I decided to take a look, and discovered a pattern just meant to become a quilt for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge. I'm sure you can see why with this photo from Morgan's pattern page.
The problem is that I already have four or five other projects in the works for the RSC this year. I generally try to work on one of them per week, and by the end of the month, they should all be up to date with each new monthly color. Adding one more project to the mix might throw my schedule totally out of whack. I resisted for a couple of weeks, but gave in earlier this week and started with a light blue "sample" block. (I put sample in quotes because I knew from the beginning that I was unlikely to stop at one block.)
As expected, I love it! I was so confident about this pattern that I even chose to use a background fabric that I have been saving for a special project. This is Tula Pink's Fairy Dust print. The color is "Cotton Candy."
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| Tula Pink "Fairy Dust" in Cotton Candy |
A second block was made the next day in pink, our RSC color from January.
Each big block with the star at the center is actually made up of four smaller blocks.
Two more big blocks were added the next day. At that point I had one block for each color that has been assigned for the RSC so far this year.
At this point it was time to think about how big I wanted to make this quilt, which would tell me how many blocks to make. These big blocks will finish at 16" each. The photo at the top of this post with 12 big blocks would measure 48" x 64". Since I am loving the pattern so much, I wanted to keep going and make it even bigger. 20 big blocks would take it to 64" x 80". That is my current plan, and I may even go bigger than that later.
In order to end up with 20 big blocks, I decided to do a lighter and a darker version of each color. I believe we will have light green and dark blue called as monthly colors later in the year. I went ahead and made darker blocks in pink and yellow, our colors from January and February. Here are all the blocks I've made so far.
One of the best things about this pattern design is that there is an alternate layout that staggers the blocks. Skipping the final seam on my dark pink big block meant I could put each half at the ends of a row for this offset look.
I'm so tempted to keep going with this project and make more blocks in all the colors, but I'm trying to persuade myself to set it aside for now and go back to my other RSC quilts. I don't want to get behind on any of those. I will look forward to revisiting this pattern next month when we have a new color.
If you love this design too, you can buy the pattern HERE or get more info about the quilt-along HERE.
Be sure to check out all of the wonderful scrappy projects at the Rainbow Scrap Challenge every Saturday and at Oh Scrap! over at Quilting is more fun than Housework on Sunday.
Julie in GA
Oh that is a fun RSC pattern! It is perfect in all the colors of the rainbow. Your background fabric is a perfect choice too. It is easy to get carried away with a new project -- especially when it just calls to you.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely keep going with this block. It’s gorgeous! Love the pretty neutral fabric you’ve chosen. This will be a lovely quilt.
ReplyDeleteI love, love those blocks!! I know just how you feel and sometimes you just HAVE TO do a new project. I used that same background in a project I just finished a couple of weeks ago. That quilt will get handed over to the quilter this morning hopefully. It's such a cute print and works great as your background.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, that is a perfect RSC project! I love your blocks, and I love the staggered layout. You could always keep making blocks while your enthusiasm is high, then save them for that color's month, and put the quilt together at the end. Any way you do it, it will be beautiful!
ReplyDeleteCurses, Julie, you've sent me down another rabbit hole! What a great scrap-buster.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful quilt, and I can completely see why you joined in with the QAL! Love the background fabric, too. Your blocks look great, and must go together pretty quickly!
ReplyDeleteI'm a sucker for Star block quilts. You've made a great start on your new RSC (?) project, Julie! It's going to be SEW darling with rainbow scrappy color and that Fairy Dust background.
ReplyDeleteOh my! I think I just followed you and Libby down another rabbit hole! Those blocks are to die for! I feel another squirrel-along coming on.... Beautiful blocks!!
ReplyDeleteI’m in agreement with the others! A fabulous block and an (fabulous-er) more fabulous quilt! Go Julie!
ReplyDeleteDon't we all love inspiration! Sometimes it gets us into trouble, but it does propel us forward to getting some quilting done. I love, love, love this block and am tempted to start it myself.
ReplyDeleteOh boy - that does look perfect for the RSC. I can see why all those blocks got made already.
ReplyDeleteJust love the flip flops and the painted toe nails peeking out from under the flimsy. Beautiful pattern. Do we need more projects? No, sometimes we have no self control. Go with the flow, there is a reason we need to make one more project.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous pattern, no wonder you couldnt resist. And you've done so well catching up with the previous months colours too.
ReplyDeleteLooks great with the Fairy Dust background! And I love the alternating blocks placement, too!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great pattern! I love it! I, too, tried to keep from starting a new quilt project but it's hard! Too many great new great quilt patterns (like yours) that keep me tempted.
ReplyDeleteI love those new blocks! I may have to purchase that pattern!
ReplyDeleteAnother great RSC design. I really like the staggered rows. Thanks for sharing with oh Scrap!
ReplyDeleteOH I love your blocks - the background is perfect! Going to be a beauty!
ReplyDeleteWow, that’s a great RSC quilt and love your blocks - I like the staggered block setting too. I say go right ahead with it if it’s what is calling you!
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