There are certain designs that will never bore me, this design is one of them! Not just the design, but the explosion of color never disappoints.
I added a border to the outside of this one in a medium gray, have it pinned and hopefully today will be quilting time!
HST blocks are pretty simple and basic, but there are so many options when it comes to layouts. Granted this quilt is the kitchen sink of colors, but even when using a limited color scheme it can be quite dynamic!
Once or twice a year I cut 2 - 4 squares from just about every solid I have in my stash and then make an enormous stack of half square triangles in every color combination imaginable. See that little black case in the photo? That's my treasure box! I keep my HSTs inside and when the mood strikes...I grab it and make this quilt or a baby quilt in no time at all.
The key to this design is pairing four shades of one color to make a square. At this stage it looks a lot like a hot mess and it's hard to figure out what the heck is going on.
By adding the centers in each corner of the blocks it lets your eyes focus on the color groupings. Otherwise it would be pretty overwhelming!
I use different center colors for each block and press the seams so that I can nest them together for a nice fit!
I always make my HSTs oversize so that I can trim them to whatever size I need. And I press my HST seams to one side! This is because I trim using the Bloc_Loc ruler. It has a channel in the center that locks on to the seam allowing fast and accurate trimming. Honestly if it wasn't for this ruler I don't think I'd have a suitcase full of HSTs!
I've been making this design for years. While many people don't like to repeat designs, I can't help it when it comes to this one. Each one is different in the end. I don't have set rules for color, squares or even quilting.
Sneak peek! It'll have a gray background...but wait there's more! Sorry you'll have to wait for a bit to see that one! I gotta a lot of quilting to do!
The continuity of the color in the centers really pulls the whole design together beautifully. And I love the idea of your treasure box!!
ReplyDeleteIt makes all the difference adding the centers! Half the fun of this making this quilt is reaching into the treasure box and pulling out the blocks!
DeleteI'm glad you keep making these because you're right, Jayne. They all turn out SEW different from the others!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, this is a real winner! I love your bright colors and how it all comes together with the center blocks.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm. I have a "reasonable" stash of solids left over from a Space Invaders quilt I made for my young son - he is now 32! Where does the time go? I have never had an inspiration to work with these solids until I saw your quilt! I may not make this particular quilt but you sure have given me some ideas that never occurred to me before. Thank you. Yours is a WINNER !
ReplyDeleteI’m not sure where the time goes, but it sure does fly by! I love that this quilt has given you inspiration for one of your own! HSTs are always a good go to block!
DeleteThat's such a great twist on an HST design, with the added center squares! I certainly have a drawer full of solid scraps that I could do that with. Now you've got me thinking!
ReplyDeleteThe center squares are small, but they are the ‘glue’ that brings this quilt together! I’m sure you’ll come up with a great plan for your solid scraps!
DeleteI love the idea of your treasure box - I never think of clever things like that! I also like that one quilt leads to another. My curiosity is piqued seeing that last block! This design always makes a stunning quilt!
ReplyDeleteI think that treasure box contains gold! I love the current quilt, and I can tell that the next one is going to be fantastic, too, based on the peek you’re giving us.
ReplyDeleteOmgosh, I love, love these blocks, and the idea! I can’t wait to see what you have next in mind.
ReplyDeleteThe small centre square is what gives this quilt it's pop. Another great quilt top.
ReplyDeleteI love this design! At first, I thought you had a single on-point square in the middle of each block, with y-seam construction. You always have the most fabulous color combinations.
ReplyDeleteI love quilting, but if it involves y-seams I take a hard pass! Call me lazy! Hopefully I can get this quilted or at least started today!
DeleteI am glad you like making these quilts because I never tire of seeing them. I bet you have the second version done soon. Thanks for linking up with Oh Scrap!
ReplyDeleteit's so great. and that sneak peak???? I can't wait!!!
ReplyDeleteI really like the colors in this quilt, and like it with and without the center square.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous design! So many possibilities! I really like your idea of your treasure box. I'm curious. What size do you cut your squares initially? Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteWhat size are the blocks
ReplyDelete