Many of my UFOs have aged way past their "best when used by..." date.I dealt with two of my oldest ones this week, one from 2004 and one from 2006.
Years ago, before I started working from home, I organized periodic quilt block exchanges at work Two sets of my exchange blocks have sat untouched for years.
One exchange was 12" patriotic blocks, using the same R/W/B flag fabric, and another exchange was 12" blue star blocks. A friend asked if I could put both sets together into one quilt. I did. Two UFOs bite the dust!
If you've been in block exchanges, you know that all blocks are not created equal. The sizes, the quality of workmanship, and the quality of fabrics usually vary. I set aside a block with tissue-thin fabric, two with cardboard-stiff fabric, and one with 1/16" seams. I remade one that DH said had a swastika. (Those rail fence segments can be tricky that way, no matter how often you rearrange them.)
Then I had to (gulp) trim them to one size. Each one had slivers or strips trimmed away, and I've lost a LOT of points. But that's life with block exchanges. I added sashing, and I now have a top that I'll finish and give to Quilts of Valor.
The blocks are dissimilar in color and design, but overall they're compatible. Besides, sashing can help tie almost anything together. If you're wondering why the schoolhouse block belongs with these, look above the window. My friend Vicky used the flag fabric in a unique way, unlike all the other blocks in that exchange. Very creative!
11 comments:
What a great use for old UFO's!!! Well done and such a good cause!
Clever way to clean up some unfinished business and do something nice. The quilt works! Who'd have thought? : )
Isn't it wonderful that the quilt squares all worked so well together! I know what you mean about not getting old UFOs taken care of! I'm attempting to deal with some of mine even now...the oldest one is actually back to the 80s!!!!!
Don't worry about some points being cut off -- as a program speaker at one of my guild meetings said, "the points are all neatly tucked away".
Love your quilt top and use of orphan blocks! We had the same problem of different size star blocks last year for our guild VP's quilt top. We put a 1 1/2 inch border of the "sashing" fabric around each block, and then trimmed them all to the same size before sewing them together. It looked great.
Looks great, minus points and all, and best of all, it'll do it's most important job of giving comfort and warmth!
the 2 sets of blocks look great together!
That is why I don't participate in exchanges. It only took one set of blocks about 20 years ago to show me that they aren't all equal. After spending a couple days trying to 'fix' them, I gave them away and went on to the next project.
I think this is a wonderful way to use your blocks...the recepient will love it and think it is perfect!
Terrific job combining two oldies but goodies into someone's future treasure.
Good for you! This looks terrific. It's a perfect use for the blocks.
I know about trimming them all to one size. You have to cringe and almost close your eyes to do the first one. How wonderful you are giving this to Quilts of Valor. You are such a giving person Ms Vivian. I feel very honored to have you as my friend!
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