Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Orphan Block Top

Some time ago I was given a package of orphan blocks as I had a plan to make a whole orphan quilt with them. I guess I had a hard time wrapping my head around that, but recently I was going through a drawer and had a great idea to use these blocks for a CA fire survivor quilt. This was the progression of the top this week. (mostly on Superbowl Sunday)


The eagle was already sewn to 4 blocks so I found some others the right size.

Then I only had to make one to fit in the corner! Whoop! Whoop! I was off to a start. 

Here it is on the floor with me trying to figure out how to get some size on it. 

 I'm not a big fan of really wide borders, but I thought the stars looked okay. Look at the cute corner blocks! Those and the 4 patches were in my orphan block pile. My math wasn't terrific so I had to make an adjustment, but I have a hunch only the quilter will notice it.
Tada! It feels a little convoluted  but if you aren't a quilter I think someone will love it- I hope so! Thanks goes to my dear friend Jill (RIP girlfriend) for the chimney sweep blocks and the lovely patriotic border fabric. 
I'm hoping to get the backing and binding made this weekend and have it ready to send off to CA next week. I'm so thrilled to have used them for this quilt.

Yep, still use graph paper at times like this!

I hope you all are having a terrific week! We had our first real snow of the winter and I don't think it's over yet.







29 comments:

  1. This is absolutely perfect! Orphan block quilts are my favorite and I know that any recipient of this will love this as much as do!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lori, I am working on a top for fire survivors and don't know where to sent it. Can you give me a link or an address please?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love the patriotic border fabric. Was it a vintage fabric? I don't ever recall seeing anything like it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. It looks great and is a wonderful use of the orphan blocks!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nice job combining those orphan blocks into a usable quilt.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Barbara. That means a lot coming from you!

      Delete
  6. It's a beautiful use of orphan blocks. Very nice layout.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great use of those orphan blocks and I’m sure some one will treasure it!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Quite a trick, but you accomplished it well! (And I still use graph paper, too. I call it EQ Unplugged.) :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm also using up some orphan blocks for a California quilt. I had some wonky house blocks left from Block Lotto from a few years ago. The ones I originally used to make a quilt hanging in my laundry room have made such a cheerful look to that room. I know this second one with red sashing and aqua polka dot blocks will make someone happy. And I'm glad to have them out of my sewing room!! Thanks for showing your process for using your blocks.

    ReplyDelete
  10. You know I LOVE this one...orphans and such fun fabrics...you have a very creative mind, Lori.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great job using up orphan blocks that you've been collecting and especially from Jill's collection.
    Are you going to quilt that yourself, just this week?
    Stay safe in that snow!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great work! Great use of the orphan blocks. I just discovered some today, I have to figure out what I have

    ReplyDelete
  13. Your ability to get everything fit is almost magical. It's a perfect gift.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Such a great quilt and made from orphan blocks! Someone is really going to appreciate this quilt. I don’t think my orphan blocks would look that good together.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Beautiful quilt. I think graph paper is one of the greatest inventions ever :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. This turned out wonderful and who ever receives it will be thrilled.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow Lori, It came together very nicely. Well balanced design.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love using orphan block quilts. I had so much fun making one with Jills and my blocks. Great make do quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Why would only a non-quilter like this quilt? Silly girl, anyone would love this quilt!! Your nose to just too close to see how wonderful it is...I do the same thing when I'm quilting quilts, but 12-18 inches from the fabric really doesn't give you the whole picture of the quilt!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Your top is gorgeous !! Great work Lori !

    ReplyDelete
  21. Agree with all here! I like orphan block quilts a lot and this is a great one!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Love seeing pictures of the quilt grow into a beautiful quilt,someone will be very happy to receive it. Orphan blocks are perfect together. Enjoy your week.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Wonderful folky/ patriotic quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Very fun looking. It's such an interesting challenge to throw orphan blocks together and just let go of all preconceived notions!:)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Wonderful quilt! Love all those blocks and the layout. Jill would be so pleased :) I use graph paper, too!

    ReplyDelete
  26. What great use of those orphans! Good job!

    ReplyDelete

Because the ridiculous amount of SPAM I have resorted to comment moderation.

I love to reply to comments or a question. If you are on noreply-comment@blogger.com I have no way of contacting you. Please leave an email address. If you need help changing the setting please email me.
If you want to comment feel free to send me an email as I would love to hear from you!