I'm still eyeing it, though, since it's not as symmetrical as the other blocks in this sampler. Though it occurs to me that I could make four of them and use them in the corners, which would solve the problem neatly.
Ever since I started this sampler way back in January, I had it in the back of my mind to use a Single Irish Chain to set it with. This week, I gave it a test, whipping up four quick chain blocks.
I think it's going to work!
I've also noticed that I have an inexplicable urge to finish my Centennial Stars. (It's particularly inexplicable given how seldom I actually finish a quilt...)
A sale on batiks got some auditioning-for-alternate-blocks going.
A dotsy butterfly -
A flashy swirly one that contains every color in the blocks -
And this colorful dotted wonder that makes my stars look like they're bursting out of a night sky.
It's going to be a tough decision, but I think I'm leaning toward that last one. Well, at least at this particular moment as I'm typing this. It's hard to pass up a good dither.
Time to count the stars again, so I can decide how many more I need.
Any excuse to make more stars...
Linking with SoScrappy for ScrapHappy Saturday. Come see what we're up to with our scraps!
LOL... I love “It’s hard to pass up a good dither”! So true, especially when you can’t go wrong with your choices for the alternating batik. I love the Irish Chain alternate block (said the woman who is doing the exact same thing with her birds quilt). Fun past!
ReplyDeleteI love the stars. Could you make a tutorial on how you make them? I would like to make some, but I could not find a pattern.
ReplyDeleteNot that my opinion matters, but I like the "colorful dotted wonder that makes my stars look like they're bursting out of a night sky" batik. You said it!
ReplyDeleteAnd I like that Irish Chain setting you are considering for your Squared Away Sampler! Very creative and fun!
I had trouble with September's block, too. Your solution of putting one in each corner sounds like a good one.
I like the last batik choice to set your blocks as well. The single irish chain is a great alternative block to set the stars, and the black and white works well.
ReplyDeleteSorry to differ but I prefer the second picture because it contains every colors of the blocks. Not that my opinion will stop you from a good dither, so enjoy! Love the Irish Chain and the fabric picked for it. ;^)
ReplyDeleteEither of the last two would be my choice. I've been thinking about a chain alternate block for Squared Away, as well.
ReplyDeleteI like the third option for the alternate blocks - the second would be my back up choice. HAVE FUN!!
ReplyDeleteI think the last option is a winner. It makes the stars stand out. Full steam ahead and sew, sew, sew.
ReplyDeleteThe chain alternate block for Squared Away is a great idea! I was also thinking about an alternate block of one fabric like you are doing for your Centennial Stars. My favorite in the ones you showed is the second one - all that swirly color! Decisions, decisions!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a productive week! Choosing a setting for one quilt and auditioning SALE fabrics for another? Keep up the momentum and soon you'll have TWO completed quilts!!
ReplyDeleteOh I like that new block!
ReplyDeleteAnd all those batiks are wonderful! I can't choose!
I really like where both of these quilts are going. I especially like the chain alternate block - brilliant idea!
ReplyDelete"It's hard to pass up a good dither." -- Love this!! I'd definitely be dithering over all those batiks - they all look great.
ReplyDeletePS - love the chain alternate block for your Squared Away. I think chains are my new favorite connector...
Like many of the others, I like the Irish Chain alternate block for the Squared Away sampler, but I have already made the 30 blocks suggested and adding the alternate blocks would make a much bigger quilt than I need or want. But I'm going to save the idea for a future project. And not that you asked, but I think either 2 or 3 would work for the alternate block for the centennial stars.
ReplyDeletePat
I really have to remember Irish Chain for an alternate block. In fact, I think I have a UFO that could use some.
ReplyDeleteI hate dithering so I would not give myself three batik choices. As luck would have it I probably would only have one piece big enough to choose from anyway. It would probably look like the second one. Love those Centennial Stars. Nice that you are now at a dithering stage.
Oh look at all your stars -I'm behind with my reading - so lovely to see these and the third photo has my vote!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness...I just admired someone else's setting for Squared Away...now I like yours, too! I don't know what I'm going to do...but I do still have to finish the last month's blocks, so I can think on it a bit.
ReplyDeleteI like the flashy/swirly one for the alternate blocks, but that is just me. It is YOUR quilt, do what YOU want. I love the Irish chain as the alternate in the first quilt! I'd rather be in a good dither, than all in a lather!
ReplyDeleteThe Irish Chain blocks will make a very fun setting for your Squared Away blocks. Love your stars. I'm partial to selection number 2. Hope you enjoy your good dither and end up with a choice you love.
ReplyDeleteI love batik! You cannot go wrong with any of the ones you have.
ReplyDelete