September 2, 2015

I recently finished a quilt top made from "orphan" blocks.  I have so much fun with these. I love to figure out a way for them to fit together. Like a jigsaw puzzle. I love jigsaw puzzles.

These are the blocks I started with.

I had this stack of fabric to use on the quilt top. I ended up finding a few others to throw in the mix. 

The top row was just a bunch of shipless sails.  So I finished the bottom of the boats first.

At this point, I did some rearranging, and made three more rows of blocks: four patches, easy chevrons and fishies.

Well, it's not masterpiece. But I like the patriotic colors, the fun nautical theme, and I think the quilting will really help tie it all together. I think I will add some fishy eyes after quilting, too.

More adventures with orphan blocks can be found here!

One of my quilts that used some orphan fan blocks jut won a ribbon at Maryland State Fair!

November 20, 2014

I added some borders to my current project.  I tried out a few "orphan" semicircles but decided they were over the top.

I pulled the extras off and basted down the basics.

 I've cut out a bunch of embellishments from lutradur and fused fabric but that will have to wait til I have time.

November 23, 2013

finished adding applique and now the boring bit....machine stitching around all those leaves. not my favorite job.

November 14, 2013

this is an orphan block quilt i pulled out of the closet. i had a plan for applique so i added some fusible applique. i decided the branches would be easier done in hand applique.

August 30,2013

My orphans are still waiting patiently on the design wall.I pieced a few small ones into larger blocks and added sashing to a few.  Maybe over the long weekend I'll get it put together.

Still using up tomatoes from our garden.

Salsa Fresca

Taking photos in a friend's garden.

Lord Baltimore Hibiscus. Blooms are as large as a dinner plate! Gorgeous.

August 18, 2013

I've been playing with a new set of orphan blocks on the design wall.

June 30, 2013

Finished the top from my orphan blocks today.
From this:

to this...

 and finally THIS!

It has a fun housewife theme.

June 26, 2013

Playing with orphan blocks at guild.

I took a couple of sets home. I played with one set this afternoon.

September 21, 2012

Putting together some orphan blocks and scraps today.

August 4, 2012

playing with orphan blocks

this sunflower may end up as a candle mat.