It's always a dilemma which block to pick for the challenge. I've done some fun ones. The first was coffee mugs, back in 2012. Still not a finished quilt.
Scrappy Coffee Cups: Block patterns from Karen F. Srebro and Janet McCarroll publised in Block Magic and Block Magic Too by Nancy Johnson-Srebro |
The next year it was the Butterfly blocks. Those aren't a finished quilt either.
Scrappy Butterflies: Block is available in EQ 7 Block Library |
For 2014 it was the Inverted Star blocks. Those are still in their box waiting to be set together.
Inverted Star by Jessica Boschem of Common Threads available from Craftsy as a free download |
Two RSC projects were started in 2015. The first was the Twinkle Star blocks. Not finished either.
Twinkle Stars Tutorial by Andrea Feldbush of Soscrappy |
The second RSC quilt of 2015 was Angela's sampler quilt. Flame Test did get finished.
Flame Test (2014 Rainbow Scrap Challenge Sampler) Pattern by Angela Feldbush of Soscrappy |
And was promptly confiscated by Drama Teen. She uses it regularly as a cuddle quilt in her room. It's going to college with her.
Last year was probably the most challenging block I've ever tried, the Vintage Dresses. Which as I just finished the last block, isn't a finished quilt either.
Vintage Dresses by Charise Randell |
There's a definite trend with my RSC blocks, they don't seem to be ending up in finished quilts. One reason is that I've had a hard time deciding on a setting once the blocks are done. There is a plan for Vintage Dresses, so I'm hopeful that quilt will get put together this year.
Considering my poor track record with finishing my RSC projects, I decided to try something new for 2017. I used Electric Quilt to draft the finished quilt so I can assemble the quilt as the blocks are finished. I'm not going to show the mock up of the quilt, but here are this year's blocks.
The paper pieced Fan blocks are going to use the cool colors, purple, green, teal and blue. I didn't get my background fabric washed and pressed until yesterday so I didn't get very far with my first block, but it is started.
There will be four 7.5" fan blocks and four 3.5" fan blocks for each cool color.
The warm colors of red, orange, yellow and maybe red-violet are going into modified Log Cabin blocks.
There will be four or five 7.5" blocks in each of the warm colors.
So this year there is a plan for the blocks. I'm hopeful that means I'll have at least a finished flimsy at the end of this year's challenge. I'm heading off for a second cup of coffee, them I'm going to check all the links over at Soscrappy to see past and future rainbow scrappy goodness.
Also linking up with Oh Scrap on Sunday.
Oh, some of those previous unfinished RSC blocks would be enormous fun to set into quilt tops -- good for you for changing your approach this year to work "backwards" (I find that helpful, too - but without EQ)
ReplyDeleteLove, love, LOVE those Inverted Star Blocks and Twinkle Star Blocks!! I'm looking forward to seeing the design that you've come up with for 2017. No fair that you didn't show us!! (Why, yes, I am pouting.)
ReplyDeleteThat is such a smart idea to start with the quilt design and then break it down into blocks and figure out how many of each you need. I also didn't want to start a whole new project for this year which is why I decided to stick with working on my WIPs.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea to have the whole plan first. Fascinating blocks! Have a fun week!
ReplyDeleteFlame test is just gorgeous! I think DT has excellent taste! You've made lots of other beautiful blocks, too. I think sometimes making blocks is just as much for my sanity as it is for completing a quilt out of them. I enjoy the hunt for fabrics, and the thinking about it as much (sometimes maybe even more than!) as I do the finishing part.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh Kate I love your honesty! ANd what a great idea creating a mock up of your quilt...so you can piece it as you go. I too am rejuvenating some old RSC that I started last year. Off to write my post. Thanks for the reminder that it all started today. Happy Weekend!
ReplyDeletewhat an exciting (secret!) quilt you have planned! I look forward to seeing how it comes together... and don't worry: you're in good company with the RSC UFOs. I have a bunch, too, that i'll be working on this year.
ReplyDeleteI like your plan for this year's RSC. Smart move to plan the setting from the get-go. I hope it works out for you so you have a finished flimsy instead of blocks at the end of the year.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping that this will be a year for lots of finishes! Love the look of the purple fans. Hopefully the plan will lead to a finished quilt sooner rather than later.
ReplyDeleteI love all your previous years' blocks. (And just downloaded the pattern for those inverted stars...) I've found that I like making blocks a lot more than I like assembling tops, but I've opted not to worry about it. I just keep popping them into plastic storage bins, and at worst I'll have lots of fodder for a medallion quilt someday!
ReplyDeleteOoh, la la!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blocks. Your photos are great too. Happy sewing!
ReplyDeleteI am aiming to try to finish some things this year / I have enjoyed the dresses all year ; now good luck as to the future finishes and new starts! :)
ReplyDeleteI am aiming to try to finish some things this year / I have enjoyed the dresses all year ; now good luck as to the future finishes and new starts! :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like we have a similar problem--too many unfinished RSC projects. I love making them, but don't do so well at finishing them! I can't decide if my favorite of yours is the Twinkle Stars or the Inverted Stars. They are all so beautiful! Looking forward to seeing your new design.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea to come up with the pattern first! I hope it helps you with getting the blocks made into a completed top.
ReplyDeleteTerry
Good luck getting some of those together this year! They are all definitely quilt worthy!
ReplyDeleteAt least you got started on this year's blocks, I have not yet. I find that if I have a setting plan I will get much farther with a project than if I don't. Good luck to you in accomplishing a ton this year!
ReplyDeleteWow, everyone is doing the RSC! Great progress.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a fun new rainbow challenge. Maybe this will also be your year of rainbow finishes.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great plan! I really like the fan blocks and can't wait to see them grow.
ReplyDeleteI really looked forward to seeing your vintage dresses each month and admire you for tackling them all in paper piecing. You did a fabulous job on all of them. I enjoyed looking at your unfinished RSC projects. Maybe this is the year you will get them all finished? I am behind too if it makes you feel any better. LOL
ReplyDeleteI am so intrigued! Just what are you up to. I am a no plan quilter - which is not always a good thing.
ReplyDeleteIt was great seeing your projects again. Thanks for sharing with Oh Scrap!
Interesting approach! I hope it work well for you. I really like those fan blocks. I am still trying to decide what to make for this year's RSC.
ReplyDeleteOoh, looks great - love your blocks from the past years too.
ReplyDeleteI love your finished quilt. Your blocks all look amazing too.
ReplyDeleteYou've done heaps of fantatic rainbow blocks over the years..
ReplyDeleteHugz
You have some great blocks. I hope we see more finished tops and quilts. Love the vintage dresses especially.
ReplyDelete