Notes from my Economy Block Quilt

I made my son, what I was calling, a 'Square in a Square' quilt for his second birthday in September.  I bought some great Kokka prints from FreshModernFabrics on etsy.  Now, seeing everyone's gorgeous 'economy blocks', I thought I'd share my experience making 8.5" unfinished blocks. 

 

  I didn't do paper piecing.  I started by cutting lots of squares in the following measurements:

48- 4 3/8" squares for the centers

96- 3 3/4" squares for the middle square (2 of each 48 prints)

96- 5" squares for the outer square (2 of each 48 prints)

I did cut extra of the outer layers so I could pick and choose and change things as I wanted.  I used the fabric values to create my blocks: dark center, light middle, dark outside OR light, dark, light.  But then it was getting super busy.  So I added solid white to try and slow things down.

 

I made my blocks like Rita @ RedPepperQuilts but used different measurements, and trimmed to a larger size.  My blocks finished at 8.5" with very little trimming necessary.  I was able to use a 1/4" seam throughout.

The only thing that bothers me about this quilt is the backing.  I don't like it.  But I LOVE my quilting on this one.  You can't really see it but it makes the coolest secondary pattern.  It finished at 45x60 after washing.  Good luck everyone working on these great economy blocks!  I love seeing them.

Out to Sea Modern Chevron

I had a roommate from college come visit me in the fall for a football game reunion weekend.  The same weekend, I participated on my first Farmer's Market in downtown Knoxville.  It was probably a great weekend to be there, with the home football game and perfect weather.

Anyway, she decided she wanted a quilt for her soon to be niece.  I love custom quilts and putting together new ideas for people.  So, we started with crabs and lobsters but decided on Sarah Jane's out to sea line.  I'm so glad she fell in love with that fabric bc I love it too.  While looking around for inspiration on what pattern, quilt market was happening and I spied a quilt from sassafrass lane, called wiley way.  It's a really great, quick pattern.  It only comes in one size and I wanted to do a big baby quilt so I shank it down a little using percentages... I had to trim up the ends a little but everything matched up beautifully!

I tried a new (to me) thin pink polyester thread from superior threads.  It worked great and looked really pretty.  

I attempted a paisley shape from Angela Walters book.  I thought it turned out SO perfect!  I will use this quilting design again!  I did practice drawing it a couple days in a row before I sat down to quilt. 

I bound it with a navy polka dot from Joann's.  They picked out the backing fabric but I added a crab and lobster... The baby's parents have an inside joke about which is better, Maryland crab or Maine lobster.

It made it safely to its new home and they love it!