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The Emporia => Patchwork & Quilting ... Welcome to the Darkside => Block of the Month 2017 => Topic started by: Iminei on July 02, 2017, 08:00:09 AM

Title: Block of the month - July - Shimmer
Post by: Iminei on July 02, 2017, 08:00:09 AM
Ladies, A day late, but I hope, worth waiting for

This 'block' is humungous! and packs a real punch when made as a quilt.

Patterns work well with this, Big patterns work well with this and distinct definition in colours

May I introduce you to Julys Sizzler


The Shimmer Block

https://goo.gl/photos/R6RTsj1pRNdXP7m37 (https://goo.gl/photos/R6RTsj1pRNdXP7m37)
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: supergran on July 02, 2017, 09:40:52 AM
Wow, Iminei, I love this block. I don't think I've got enough suitable fabric at home so another trip to Kate's is called for. Oh dear, never mind.  0_0
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: maliw on July 02, 2017, 10:07:36 AM
Thank you, thank you, this is lovely. I may be some time and have to recheck the stash to see if I can get away from the fabrics I've been using so far, or something that blends. Oh I don't know, decisions, decisions.
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: wrenkins on July 02, 2017, 10:48:10 AM
I AM SO EXCITED i AM SHOUTING!!!!!!
This morning I woke up with about 5 or 6 USOs (unstarted objects) and now I've just added another 1.
WooHoo!!!!!
What colours though?
Analysis paralysis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Vegegrow on July 02, 2017, 11:10:04 AM
Question .. so you used 6 different fabrics on your avatar block .. final pic?
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: supergran on July 02, 2017, 16:30:02 PM
I can only see 5. One in each corner and one in the middle. Could be just me though, it wouldn't be unheard of for me to count wrong!  :[
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Vegegrow on July 02, 2017, 17:57:18 PM
I think there's a different blue fabric in the at the corners of the central square?
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: wrenkins on July 02, 2017, 18:11:40 PM
Ooooh hawkeye! You're right Vege. Maybe just because they're the same tone and fit in.
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: supergran on July 02, 2017, 20:42:14 PM
yes, I see it now I've zoomed in. Maybe Imi ran out of the one that looks like a Kaffe Fassett and had to substitute the other blue? It works well, though, doesn't it?

If I'm lucky I might be able to make a start tomorrow. We've had a painter in doing the inside of the house and he will finish tomorrow, so once we get everything back where it belongs, I will be able to get into my sewing space again. Thank god! My machine is crying for me.
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: wrenkins on July 03, 2017, 07:21:06 AM
I'm carp  :fish: at this! Every piece of fabric from my stash has been out and discarded twice. I'm no good at patterns and colours. I can only do one or the other. I'm so uptight about my matchy matchy and it drives me nuts!!!! The result is that almost all my fabrics read as plain and I want DRAMA DAHLING!!!!
DRAAAAMMAAAAA!  :ninja:
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Iminei on July 03, 2017, 07:24:49 AM
Yes Girls, that was my practice block and I had to fill it out....

so the 4 points of the pink KF block have a black/blue batik for the HST's...imagining a black/blue batik block going further out!

Its is a fabulous block and BIG .... measuring 24"!!!!! You don't need many of those to make a quilt!!
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Sandra on July 03, 2017, 09:44:22 AM
I'm with Wrenkins on this.
Choosing the fabric's soooo difficult. I'm currently sat by a pile of 'possible' fabrics which may be used, although there are three other bags of fabrics for me to go through again later.

I don't think I've been aware of 'Shimmer' quilts before...( they're lovely aren't they?!)... so I've looked online for inspiration. It seems that Kaffe Fassett fabrics work extremely well on this block. As Iminei says, 'Big patterns work well'.
I'm desperately trying to find something from my stash. I must NOT buy more fabric....(Well. Not until the FoQ next month :))

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Iminei on July 03, 2017, 09:46:28 AM
Choosing the fabrics for any project is the hardest part ... remember all the hoo haa we had with the mystery quilt???

Persevere Mon Bravs, persevere
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Lowena on July 03, 2017, 10:06:50 AM
I love the choosing of fabrics and colours and I adore Kaffe Fassett fabrics when pattern is required.
Using a range such as KF's or batiks in particular, takes the angst out of choosing as they have several colours in them, making it easy to find matches / contrasts in other fabrics. Looking forward to seeing what you all come up with  :)
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Syrinx on July 03, 2017, 12:49:57 PM
I've dug out 4 batiks but can't choose which goes where and which one to drop. I was hoping I had another suitable batik to do 5 fabrics, but my others are all very different values and darker blues. I could possibly fussy cut the bottom right into the green pebbles and purple pebbles to make a 5th colour...

Thoughts please my lovelies!
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Iminei on July 03, 2017, 14:42:25 PM
Im afraid, lovely as they are the blues are too similar in colour. Use them by all means but be brave....Opposites attract!
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: supergran on July 03, 2017, 15:10:10 PM
What about these? I've only got a fat quarter each of the KF purples, will that be enough?
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Syrinx on July 03, 2017, 16:14:16 PM
Well I shrank it down somewhat to make a cushion cover. And it looks ok. Not my best piecing but I'm having hand shakes today (possibly missed lunch... :angel:) and my maths was a bit off with the final sewn size of the HST blocks and the central one, but I fluffed it and is looks ok. Now to find a bit of batting and some left over cotton and I can work out how to quilt it and make it into a cushion cover.

There are a couple of my favourite batiks in it that I barely use and I don't have a lot of heavily patterned fabric, mine are mostly basics or amusing ones with cats and dinosaurs on ;) and I thought it would be good practice before attempting my FPP quilt and sewing my wool habit!

I also remembered why I don't use one of the fabrics very much as it is very slippy and stretchy for cotton...
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Sandra on July 03, 2017, 18:03:07 PM
That was quick Syrinx!

Gorgeous colours...Absolutely lovely. Probably my favourite colour combination.

I'm still no nearer choosing my fabrics to do mine.

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: wrenkins on July 03, 2017, 18:23:57 PM
I cut grass for 2 1/2 hours today picturing shimmer blocks and I'm no further on either Sandra. I know the colours I'd like but the patterns are confounding me.
I love choosing fabrics, it's the best bit, but If I need some green I buy some green. None of this green with a bit of purple orange and red!  :S
Boring snoring!
I want it to be FABLIOUS!!!  :P
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Iminei on July 03, 2017, 18:32:14 PM
Wow! You is on fire Syrinx!!!!

I think all the HST's are placed the right way round, but its difficult to see when the colours are similar...

Folks, I cannot emphasise enough how wonderful this block can be when the colours are opposites...

amusing ones with cats and dinosaurs

Those would probably work very well, I'm still trying to track down the fruit and veg quilt,
Fabrics which you wouldn't think using of but was beautiful!

Right back on the hunt for these pics....
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Iminei on July 03, 2017, 19:09:06 PM
Here we are ... Shimmer Gallery Deluxe

https://goo.gl/photos/jBbCCYG9fp7yjFhS8 (https://goo.gl/photos/jBbCCYG9fp7yjFhS8)

Click on the info icon for details..... enjoy!
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Acorn on July 03, 2017, 19:22:30 PM
  :loveit:  :loveit: :loveit:   WOW!!!!     :loveit: :loveit: :loveit:
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: supergran on July 03, 2017, 20:09:21 PM
 :loveit: :loveit: :loveit: Double WOW!!!  :loveit: :loveit: :loveit:
Nothing in my small stash will do, I'm off to get some large patterns and lots of colours.
Fantastic Iminei, how do you do it????
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Syrinx on July 03, 2017, 20:15:51 PM
Psst Imi, Lady Sew and Sew has some KF on sale!
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Sandra on July 03, 2017, 20:48:03 PM
The fruity one's lovely. I hadn't found that one when I was looking online....AND...I have some of those fruity fabrics...hmmmm??? I'll have to go back to rummage through my stash. I'll see them in a different way now.

Absolutely love the Kaffe Fassett one shown before the fruit one in your pictures. <3 I've had it popped up on a tab all day for inspiration.

Psst Imi, Lady Sew and Sew has some KF on sale!

ARGH!! Noooo. Syrinx...don't tell me that. I must NOT buy more fabric :fabric:....I must NOT buy more fabric :fabric:...etc

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Iminei on July 03, 2017, 20:50:28 PM
Fantastic Iminei, how do you do it????

OMG girls  ... please do not be thinking that these are my quilts ....

just examples by other talented peeps of what can be done with these blocks

The bigger the pattern, the busier, the more shimmer

not that the plainer ones, showing the exquisite piecing are not beautiful either
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Sandra on July 03, 2017, 20:58:27 PM

The bigger, the busier, the more shimmer

not that the plainer ones, showing the exquisite piecing are not beautiful either


I need the 'bigger, busier, more shimmer' bit, so I don't show how 'off' my piecing is.  ;)

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: supergran on July 03, 2017, 21:01:28 PM
Well, thank god for that, you were making me feel totally inadequate!  :D
I know very well that you could have made all those gorgeous examples given time though. ;)
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Sandra on July 04, 2017, 07:30:09 AM
So much for my willpower... :fabric: :fabric:

I have found my fruity print fabrics. I have eight different ones.
I've laid them all out but I'm not convinced they're going to look as good as the fruit image in your shimmer gallery  -<

So then I wondered if I needed to make a larger block to get more of the effect and I did what I knew I shouldn't have done, and browsed fabrics with fruit prints. :S
So....I've found the loveliest banana fabric!...and raspberry. There's also some green or red apples which I quite like too.

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Iminei on July 04, 2017, 07:36:54 AM
Im sooo excited...I always wanted to do a fruity one!!!!

Lay out your fabrics as shown here,

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/eMEKipukRA7wGaN0y9HSUlYOARaO3EsbnhAYyPsTm3miaME-8_bZGd4u5Znp4SOOOVQcB32Az5Y_sw8VcEyTI9Wy7xFAlUgx9kSxxxPWAstt8fpx0vh3izwp5k-wgUlXXVTseou8Ovep__9UfnNxmsIJ1YDoJqzx2yRvJgcgyw5xjMDatBuUEnlqtwMXglwvz9KFmqFZH_Y4rMJ6KNS7v-yCyBzbxLsTgGoqZUO2JKIlwyKWTce6iRVJoNBZUZFgie2L83zRGdpiue6zUOD3WPIuss4I0_Kol4kqVAQimmJrhroQme7L17E5ttntNuE80tAp1mZyYW6zK-uPIqUJHxUDrlot_t9cStS_bgKiY7vWm9TUWJG8-Hja5onLmgEN5HzmNPX4Z5_WviTe4LL5SmuX34N7yk3BO1juMTFaQRkLLuHTiApuMQdGLzYJiDyeJ6MX0m9j-6JZwOaRI-53PxZwc3jamkO45uhzHLAms9Jnv2CCl8k4ULB1G6LJ9AnS7i9o-PRzeBXeIAgtwpzBuGCWkCmebsAWxFtc51uCjEA-RhV4P9lbKXMZ9pBjMlkfI0faBgQ2xKCo3fVHcTlzjimSta1HWY32JtqKcuYKRpJyLAPyAf83kJl6ov75IbBrPCbtYjKx_n093sn1ZMwV9M-V842Vs4JVcJzr=w889-h789-no)

as many blocks as you have different fabrics, move them around so you have maximum impact and contrast

Look at this gorgeous example...

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/oLQWwqOArPlK3xvY240g9WjOC7RYduF-MGoslf7-V2RkBZnY9gEh1jTOgcuX-L0u6Ue5x14-p5t_t_2rfZSgVFq1fxVeu3FIVW9BXRViT6XXlK53bbnY6l5cKzUo-X1OnVQtQf3pJqSybugSCMQ2F6yx_uXdDZHlRUsQQrEtAH0r-q-jgvc707rNJ4ke9JyZXdGJXu2R5tRmVqp_0hFvrTQwOKHGoK3V_34-xnPO1aSF0uXLMe-bvio03jN37l9S9FN-_j2HrCS6iqVRC4qcfDPQ6rudMgHZovmzei90iVLry-3rwGWlgw0vrfxovyZai35VUjGy8qG8tTMOP76LodVPIpyBsXr-0TALFzVvRl1U2D1-1Olrld2TK7xbXWV00ff_a-ojlYW61ewW3RRsnIh1thxoS0wg6cI4PQaB31vby5vl09lilcZqi7HXoNA0P8tjf1TEsDkZyYYdF2lf8Svq0Y505zKD_HBuC0ZDOOdZkL3dFFixyzes9X7wF2EbPuHrGsTsbYSO6QZczY2eoax_PF9yekRfT-LQuhGFhiT4er1En5ucyhfx8Aiuj1i00LUvXpuFRuN4PFcb7sYIPWvAuhmqg9JOo5ruJw2k_0MRCgNd6ibjd6ku4Nkw_k8iiFiZ3bIjywHrfpCvREtTK90DgHOOglNE1QzM=w720-h697-no)

How many of these fabrics do you have ? I have the blueberry one ..... mmmmnnn Blueberries

See how well the busy prints contrast and shimmer against each other
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Sandra on July 04, 2017, 07:50:01 AM
These are the fabrics I have (for now ;))

(http://i.imgur.com/pOWMwtzl.jpg)

In no particular layout.

My daughter says to scrap the top left corner one...redcurrants with flowers scattered on it. It doesn't quite feel the same as the others....or does it matter? It's similar to the blueberries.

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: rubywishes on July 04, 2017, 10:16:00 AM
I am seriously desperate to do this one...have loved it ever since seeing your avatar Im. I'm off to rummage. Excited, excited, excited!
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Lowena on July 04, 2017, 11:47:59 AM
No way would I attempt this block, good luck to you brave souls. I love the fruity fabric but never buy "novelty prints" as I know I wouldn't use them. ( the ones in my Linus quilt were given to me and have been hanging around for 4yrs )
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: supergran on July 04, 2017, 11:57:59 AM
Same as you, Lowena, I have never bought novelty prints and I haven't got much at home that is "busy" enough. I haven't got much of a stash to be honest, I tend to buy what I need when I need it, so just have a few bits of leftovers where I've miscalculated. I really want to do this block though. Deep sigh!
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Iminei on July 04, 2017, 12:31:30 PM
Those are fabulous Sandra!!!

Do not ditch any...

The one with the flowers, that your daughter dislikes, will tie in with the blue in the blueberries and the other blue toned one ....strawberry, blueberry, cherry mix...Superb!

Now you need to lay them out as I have but expand a out lil ....no red fabric to directly touch another red fabric.

Looking at it you need one more cool coloured print .... limes, lychees, pears ....

http://www.thelittlehouseofpatchwork.co.uk/ourshop/prod_3698749-Farmer-Johns-Market-Lemons.html (http://www.thelittlehouseofpatchwork.co.uk/ourshop/prod_3698749-Farmer-Johns-Market-Lemons.html)

then you lay them out

 hot, cool, hot
cool, hot, cool
 hot, cool, hot
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Sandra on July 04, 2017, 12:41:38 PM
Thank you, Iminei :)

As I mentioned..... ><...I have some more fabrics to come in the post which I'll see how they go with the ones I have. I fancy trying the size of the glorious fruity one in your shimmer gallery....I think there's 13 main fabrics in that one and seeing as I'm over half way there with the 8 I've got....

I'll have to wait and see how they all look and try to imagine them put together properly.

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Pearl on July 04, 2017, 17:39:45 PM
I have spent far too long agonising over my fabric choice for this block so would appreciate some advice.  These are my options.  The three at the top are my favourites but which would go with them? 

TIA
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: supergran on July 04, 2017, 20:58:10 PM
You've got some lovely fabrics there Pearl. I wish I could help but I'm struggling as well and I've got fewer choices than you. It's getting the contrast right that's the hard bit, isn't it? I'm sure someone with a better eye for colour will be along soon.  :fabric:
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Pearl on July 04, 2017, 21:13:03 PM
Thanks, SG.  It's just like the Mystery Quilt, isn't it?  I think I'm going to go with two which are mainly blue, two that are mainly purple, then the yellow and the orange.   -<

I feel as if there is a secret that I haven't discovered yet. 
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: wrenkins on July 04, 2017, 21:15:22 PM
One of the steps says "cut 4 x 6.5" x 6.5" squares for each fabric". I see 8 x 6.5" x 6.5" squares for the centre one. Am I wrong?
I know it changes from all yellow to yellow and green but I'm counting them all as yellow for the purposes of this question.  :S
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Vegegrow on July 04, 2017, 21:28:06 PM
Having not managed to do Junes BOM I spent a good hour today going through my 4 boxes of cotton fabrics and I really don't think I have anything suitable  for this one  ..  I have a busy month ahead 2 weddings and several sets of curtains plus a lady who saw the  scrap bears and wants 3...!! so I'll see what happens and if I manage to visit a patchwork emporium I'll see what drops in the basket 0_0
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Lowena on July 05, 2017, 04:06:47 AM
Definitely the yellow although it's a pity it isnt more patterned, the orange is a bit dark and also a bit plain so I'll have to have a ponder...... remember contrasts use the colour wheel  :)
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Pearl on July 05, 2017, 06:26:28 AM
Definitely the yellow although it's a pity it isnt more patterned, the orange is a bit dark and also a bit plain so I'll have to have a ponder...... remember contrasts use the colour wheel  :)

Thanks, Low.  My thinking was that the orange contrasts with the blue but I agree about the plainness.  I have a day off work today so I think I might just have a little wander to the local fabric shop.  No harm in looking.   ;)
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Iminei on July 05, 2017, 06:49:24 AM
Ladies, Pearl those are fabulous but unless you want to do a monochromatic scheme (all one colourway different values) you must contrast.

My favourites in your amazing selection are ......

Top two patterned ones
Purple flowers on the left as you look at the screen
The Purple Geometric and the Blue Peacock feathers

you will notice that all these are PATTERNED ... this is a block for patterns!

The red and yellow batiks  are lovely but will read as plain and you saw how that works in the Shimmer Gallery didn't you?

Now you could go OPPOSITE on the colourway wheel, lime through yellow to golden yellow, with a PATTERN...

or you could use the plain OPPOSITE (such as that yellow batik) and have a real FLASH of colour but it will be very eye-catching

Looking at your selection tells me you want to make a monochromatic or two colour block/quilt.

If monochromatic, look at the one in the Shimmer Gallery and see how she goes from light to dark (Ignore the khaki aberration 2/3rds down...that's a mistake) and try for some much lighter fabrics to go with those you already have.

https://goo.gl/photos/jBbCCYG9fp7yjFhS8 (https://goo.gl/photos/jBbCCYG9fp7yjFhS8)
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Iminei on July 05, 2017, 07:00:44 AM
One of the steps says "cut 4 x 6.5" x 6.5" squares for each fabric". I see 8 x 6.5" x 6.5" squares for the centre one. Am I wrong?
I know it changes from all yellow to yellow and green but I'm counting them all as yellow for the purposes of this question. 


Wrenkie, Can you let me know which step you are talking about as I am a bit confused...

To make this block you need ...

five 8 1/2" squares (for the main squares) and
four 6" squares (for each 8 1/2" square) for the HST's

Where you see 8 squares, are you looking at the finished HST's,
which measure 2 1/2" each before they are sewn together????
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Pearl on July 05, 2017, 07:34:17 AM
Thanks, Imi.  I think I'm going to go back to the drawing board and have a little wander round the fabric shop.   -<
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: wrenkins on July 05, 2017, 08:12:00 AM
I'm gettin' an ulcer.... -<  :\  :o  :S   :[  0_0
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Pearl on July 05, 2017, 08:17:58 AM
I haven't slept.  |O :[ :o :S :( ><

But I have found this which I think may help.

http://beadlust.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/circle-dancers-shimmer-quilt.html
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: wrenkins on July 05, 2017, 08:50:20 AM
Oh that's brilliant Pearl. I kept finding wee bits of that one but not the whole article.
I don't want you to think that I spent all day yesterday web wandering because I didn't...I absolutely didn't!!!!
I stopped for lunch... and Gaviscon.  :(
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: wrenkins on July 05, 2017, 08:52:03 AM
I might do a toile!  0_0  0_0  0_0  0_0  8)
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Lowena on July 05, 2017, 10:13:16 AM
Repeat ad nauseam .......... bright, colour, pattern. All you lovely people with huges stashes should find it a doddle...me, not so much....but then I'm not doing it  :D Looking forward to your choices  <3
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Iminei on July 05, 2017, 10:18:22 AM
Yup you've found the right blog!

If it helps you ... great

Pattern + Contrast = Shimmer
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: wrenkins on July 05, 2017, 10:41:33 AM
I don't have a stash. I'm forking out good money for this and having fun choosing.  :D
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: supergran on July 05, 2017, 13:31:39 PM
I'm using some bits I have in the house already and treating this as a toile. If I ever decide to do a quilt in this pattern, and I'd love to do it, I would look at Philip Jacobs designs as well. I've had a look already on Lady Sew and Sew, and there are some fabulous designs. A bit pricey but totally gorgeous and I think they'd be wonderful in this block.
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: wrenkins on July 05, 2017, 19:16:05 PM
I'm now officially making it up as I go along.  0_0
I've used my new glue pen, I've drawn all over the back of things with my vanishing pen and I still can't sew in straight lines. All the gear and no idea!!!!
WooHoo!! :D
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Ploshkin on July 06, 2017, 09:43:33 AM
Like others I'm struggling with fabrics.  I'm trying to use up bits that I have got (and don't think I will want to use for something else) for BOMs.

I started off with one centre fabric (the mint green / white) and 4 different corner fabrics but that was pants.
I changed to 2 corner fabrics as in your example - that is the top picture below.  Although the green has a big pattern it only has green & white in it.

I've also done another one using one of the fabrics that I originally had for one of the 4 corners.  I see the problem is that, because they are from the same range they use the same colours so not enough contrast - and yes I can see that I have some of the HSTs the wrong way round on that one.

Anyway, I'm going with one of them so which is going to work better - opinions please.
(excuse the spotty ironing board cover which is a bit distracting.)
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Acorn on July 06, 2017, 10:32:23 AM
Top one.
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: wrenkins on July 06, 2017, 13:17:26 PM
And just to be helpful I prefer the second. 0_0 It's gives more of the shimmer effect because the middle square is less defined. The top one works but is more contrasty because the centre reads as plain.
Any more for any more?  ;)
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Sandra on July 06, 2017, 13:44:34 PM
I prefer the look of the top one, but, as wrenkins says, the bottom one will give the shimmer better because the central square's a busier print.

My postie's been this morning with 3 more fabrics for my mad fruit shimmer block. Y'know, the one where I'm absolutely NOT going to buy any fabric for.
I now have banana, raspberries and red apple prints...The banana fabric is gorgeous  <3

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: wrenkins on July 06, 2017, 17:53:53 PM
Sounds like a rather delicious fruit salad may be on it's way.  :P
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: supergran on July 06, 2017, 19:39:17 PM
Here's my effort, just finished. Bear in mind that I wouldn't have chosen these fabrics if I'd had any kind of stash, but they were all I had available, so consider it a toile.
The last sections were the hardest, I found and were put together in a jigsaw puzzle mode, moving HST's around until I thought they were in the right place. If you can spot any out of place, let me know. Like Jenny Doan, I'm angularly challenged.  :D
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Sandra on July 06, 2017, 19:40:17 PM
I've got all the fabrics laid out on the living room floor trying to see what looks best.

It looks such a mad mess but I'm going to stick with my plan and have faith in the fruity one in Iminei's shimmer gallery. I still have a strawberry one to come in the post. It's got quite a lot of green in it from the leaves, rather than more red, and I have a bid on a mixed fruit one on Ebay which I think should fit in ok.

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Sandra on July 06, 2017, 19:42:31 PM
Oh, Supergran...That's lovely. :)

The fabrics have worked really well.

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Pearl on July 06, 2017, 19:57:53 PM
That's lovely, SG. 

Looking at yours makes me think I haven't cut out enough squares.   :[
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: supergran on July 07, 2017, 15:13:37 PM
Thanks girls, but it doesn't really have the shimmer effect, does it? I think it may be that the fabric designs aren't big and busy enough. I like the centre one, but the others are kind of meh!  :\
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: wrenkins on July 07, 2017, 15:40:03 PM
Mine doesn't shimmer either as there isn't enough contrast but I knew that before I started. They're the only fabrics I had and it was good practice for the HSTs. I need all the practice I can get.  :S
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: supergran on July 07, 2017, 16:39:04 PM
Don't we all, Wrenkie, don't we all?  <3
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Iminei on July 12, 2017, 06:15:38 AM
Ladies, I have decided that this particular marathonsewalongathon should be rewarded.

Those of you who successfully complete a full years worth of the BOM, with a block of your own in each months category, will receive a Unique, Not to be Found Elsewhere other than The Sewing Place Prize.

You have until midnight on the 31st January to complete and post your blocks in their relevant threads.

Good Luck

Imi
xxx
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Sandra on July 12, 2017, 07:48:13 AM
That's lovely, Iminei  :)...so far, so good. I've managed to keep up with each month.

I've been trying to get into patchwork and quilting over the past few years, but find it difficult to match complimentary fabrics. I agonise over not too much/not too bright/not too fussy/not too loud..... and then I have a go at this one. :S

It's bonkers. Completely mad. It's bright, fussy and very loud indeed.
It has looked awful as I've been cutting and stitching it, and I've wondered if it was a good idea, but I carried on because of the gorgeous fruity one in the shimmer gallery which worked so well.

So...this is where I'm at.

(http://i.imgur.com/fCaZWAcl.jpg)

Everything's just laid out on the floor for now. It makes me smile when I look at it. :) Check out my magnificent banana fabric  ;) Love it.

 I need to find something to fill in the gaps.
I'm thinking of green leaves, grass or green apples? I'll have to see what I can find.

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: wrenkins on July 12, 2017, 07:51:44 AM
Fabulous Sandra. FAB-U-LUUUSSS DAHLING!!!!!
Well done you.  0_0
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Ploshkin on July 12, 2017, 08:11:12 AM
I'm no expert Sandra but I think you've nailed it there.
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: wrenkins on July 12, 2017, 08:49:22 AM
I need to find something to fill in the gaps.
...or you could trim them off the extra bits and use them for binding.  :)
...or if you have any of the centre one left you could use it with the adjacent eight inch squares to give you a shimmerey reddy outer area all the way round.
Can you tell mine didn't go so well?  :(  I just used the only fabrics I had and it looks okish but defo not contrasty enough.
I'm going to pretend I meant to do that...I was going for goth! :[
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Lowena on July 12, 2017, 09:49:00 AM
That's lovely Sandra, and don't sell yourself short Wrenkie, I'm sure it's a great block. Forgot to say that yours is lovely too SG. :)
Wow... a real life prize, that's an incentive to stick with it  :ninja:
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Iminei on July 12, 2017, 10:01:14 AM
Oh WOW !!!! Sandra

That is Fandabadosie!!
Blooming brilliant!

I need to find something to fill in the gaps.
I'm thinking of green leaves, grass or green apples? I'll have to see what I can find.


Why not a really dark pattern to make those fruits really P O P and S I N G !

or a Dark Plain ... as a frame
Remember to keep those points extra sharp and snappy tho' as plains really show up!

I would be proud as punch to have made that ... now come along and finish it so I can get it the  the BOM HOF ....July is remarkable empty at the mo...

and Ladies, Can you try and get as 'heads on' a pic of this particular block as possible for the HOF ???

Pinning  the block to the wall (or another hung quilt ) or having the camera directly above the block helps get a real heads on pic.
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: supergran on July 12, 2017, 21:15:38 PM
Sandra, your block is amazing! Love it.
Meanwhile, I made myself a temporary "design wall" thing by hanging some wadding over the wardrobe door, in an effort to get a straighter view of the block. Not 100% successful, but better than before. It looks a bit wonky although it really measures the same top and bottom. Must be a warped door.  :|

Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Sandra on July 12, 2017, 21:33:10 PM
Thank you for your compliments  :) Nice to know you like it.

I've been having a little look today for my 'missing' outer fabric. I can't step away from the idea of using green...(sorry Lowena). I spotted a wonderful 'grass' fabric, very realistic, but don't wish to spend £13 on it.

I have thought of a batik but haven't found a dark enough shade...in fact, it's been quite difficult to find something dark enough. My sewing isn't tidy enough for a very plain fabric, ( Ha, ha!. Sharp and snappy points. Me? Lol !)... so I have looked at marbled type fabrics.
I'm trying to avoid the colour being too light, because it needs to show up against the strawberry leaf green in the bottom centre.

Anyway, I've found two fabrics, which I have ordered and I'll see which is best.

Confession time..... :(
Due to my shoddy sewing skills, ( I think I cut them accurately?)  I discovered my triangle blocks came up as a different size to the main squares, so have had to re-cut my central squares a bit larger...

Worse than that....I didn't have enough of some of the fabrics, so some of them have had to have pieces added on to extend them...(Blimey. That makes it sound a right botch-up). It sounds worse than it looks...honest. It's so loud and busy, you can't see unless you look for it....and I've pattern matched!...In fact, if I hadn't mentioned it.....(especially if I photograph it from a good distance away ;)).
 
I'm (just about) OK cutting my fabrics with the rotary cutter, but I'm not stitching an accurate quarter inch seam.
I must invest in a special foot for my machine.

It's looking good so far. I've stitched what I can to hold it all together.

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Iminei on July 13, 2017, 07:11:31 AM
Fabulous SG, thanks for doing that.
It is a hard block to get a completely straight pic of as its so big but at last July has a block so

Supergran .... Off you go
Into the BOM HOF with you.....

:angel:
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Iminei on July 13, 2017, 07:19:04 AM
Don't beat yourself up Sandra... we all stitch different 1/4" seams, even with the special foot.

But I bet they are consistent and if they are consistent the block will go together fine ...
so it may be  23 1/2" instead of 24" ... so what?
If all your blocks are 23 1/2" (or trimmed to the least measurement) you still have a quilt and who (apart from the QP) goes around measuring the blocks in quilts???

I love the fact you had to add fabric !!!!  :D

I have often done that, when I've cut wrong or as you say, I needed a 6 inch square and only had a 4" wide piece of fabric ... Generally it doesn't show ...

in fact I would challenge anyone to spot the joins in the Undulating terror (oh yes! I ran out of fabric for that one when I was constructing the strata) and even in my own Shimmer block!!!!!
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Sandra on July 15, 2017, 09:18:28 AM
OK....Here it is!

(http://i.imgur.com/Gv3usbTl.jpg)

I asked my parents when they visited yesterday afternoon which fabric they preferred for the 'filler' around the edges, and they both said to use this one.
The other fabric was a darker green, much more plain but it looked flat and dull and a bit boring.

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Vegegrow on July 15, 2017, 09:23:29 AM
That's fabulous Sandra
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Iminei on July 15, 2017, 09:42:49 AM
Words fail me ......Absolutely Amazing, Awesome

BOM HOF here you come ........

:angel:
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Lowena on July 15, 2017, 09:46:29 AM
What a lovely block Sandra  :)
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Ploshkin on July 15, 2017, 10:53:34 AM
You've got it spot on there Sandra, it's stunning - it must be huge.
I will finish mine although it is a bit of a car crash.  I knew the fabrics weren't right but didn't really know to what extent until I started to put it together.  Out of all the BOMs to date this one has enthused me the least but has been another valuable exercise in fabric choice.
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Pearl on July 15, 2017, 11:29:24 AM
Stunning, Sandra.

Interesting that this doesn't enthuse you, Ploshy.  I am really enjoying the process.  Hope to finish it today, but I think I posted that on Monday.    :)
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: supergran on July 15, 2017, 11:46:47 AM
That's fantastic Sandra. How Big is it, it looks enormous?
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Sandra on July 15, 2017, 12:31:15 PM
Thank you  :)

It's not that big....it only measures 41.5 inches square.

Once I found I'd got 8 fruit fabrics already in my stash, I couldn't stop myself from going larger on the block to make the most of the shimmer effect.

It looks awful as you're putting it together. Really loud and clashy. You have to stand back to appreciate the effect.

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: wrenkins on July 15, 2017, 13:58:31 PM
Wow!  <3
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Acorn on July 15, 2017, 16:51:30 PM
Incredible!!  And... delicious!
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: maliw on July 15, 2017, 19:40:05 PM
Fabulous, good enough to eat!!! Sorry couldn't resist.
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Lilian on July 15, 2017, 21:45:58 PM
Absolutely stunning block Sandra, it looks delicious!   :toast: :vintage:
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Ploshkin on July 17, 2017, 11:30:21 AM
There are few certainties in life but one is that I will never be doing anything resembling a shimmer block again.  The men in white coats are just down the road.  That said, it has been a good exercise in how not to do many things.
I knew my choice of fabric was off once I had got going but it looks marginally better than I thought it would.  The green works ok but definitely not the magenta - that has too much of the same colours as the central fabric and the other lesson learnt there was not to use a directional print anywhere near triangles.  My brain nearly exploded trying to get the print running the same way & I could only do it by turning one of the corner blocks by 90 degrees and having the print in one corner running the opposite way from the other corner.

The other issue I had was after trimming the blocks of 4 HST squares.  There was a lot of trimmage to get them to 41/2" square which meant that I lost that excess bit that means that the points join nicely when you do the 1/4" seam.  I've ended up with my points truncated by 1/4" and can't work out where I went wrong.  Neither could I work out what I was supposed to put in the gaps on the 4 sides because there wasn't sufficient space for another row of HST squares.  So I just cut the corner squares down to get the thing finished.

Please may this reside in a dark recess of the BOMHOF well out of range of Sandra's lovely fruit cocktail.
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Pearl on July 17, 2017, 12:50:43 PM
Please may this reside in a dark recess of the BOMHOF well out of range of Sandra's lovely fruit cocktail.
 

I think that is what we are all aiming for, Ploshkin.  I might take a photo of mine now. 
I like your colours, very subtle.
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Iminei on July 17, 2017, 14:24:17 PM
Awww Plosh, I'm so sorry you didn't enjoy/like the result.

I bet you anything though; that if you started again with a new set of fabrics and after re reading the tut, your next block would be much better not only in technique but also aesthetically for you.
'
That said your block isn't bad at all and for a first attempt you should be pleased with yourself.

So after all that off you go ....

Into the BOM HOF with you ....

:angel:
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Sandra on July 17, 2017, 15:31:33 PM
Oh, Ploshkin.....don't be so hard on yourself. I can see shimmer in it. Your block works.

If it had been made as a larger piece with more blocks it would have shimmered more.

I simply copied someone else's and even then, I doubted it was going to work. The prints mixed together looked...  >< -< :S :o....ugh!

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: wrenkins on July 17, 2017, 18:13:17 PM
I love it Plosh. It's fab!!  <3
Two of my fabrics were way too close in colour to get any shimshimeree at all but it was really good practice for triangles.
I'm amazed at how many "quilting" fabrics are directional. It's a pain in the bum. My SIL's runner nearly put me daft trying to get fabrics that didn't have baubles pointing upwards on the trees!!!!
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Cheesecake on July 21, 2017, 15:43:00 PM
Hi, here is my block for this month.  Really love the fruity ones that people have done.

Been busy but decided to quickly fit it in before I start making a summery skirt but decided since it was quite a large block and I don't have much of this fabric left I would continue enlarging it into a small quilt and it's taken me all week.  Very glad I got it done.  :toast:
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: supergran on July 21, 2017, 15:56:45 PM
It's lovely cheesecake, and you've definitely got the shimmer effect.  :D
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Lowena on July 21, 2017, 15:58:40 PM
That looks really nice  :)
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Iminei on July 21, 2017, 16:39:20 PM
Very nice with all those monchromatic colours ...

And so clever of you to use flying birds (and are there also schoaling fish ???) ...
Its like being caught up in a murmuration of starlings ... clever cheesecake!

Into The BOM HOF with you .....

:angel:
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Iminei on July 21, 2017, 16:46:50 PM
Can I remind you peeps that I have decided to award a special The Sewing Place prize to anyone who completes all 12 Blocks Of the Month ....

You needn't have made them each month indeed you could, if you wish, spend Christmas catching up, as long as I receive pics of all 12 BOM's by midnight on 31st of December 2017.

I will post the email to submit your entries to later in the year.
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Sandra on July 21, 2017, 17:44:48 PM
Cheesecake...That's a lovely block.

Great choice of fabrics.

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Pearl on July 21, 2017, 18:05:00 PM
Can I remind you peeps that I have decided to award a special The Sewing Place prize to anyone who completes all 12 Blocks Of the Month ....

You needn't have made them each month indeed you could, if you wish, spend Christmas catching up, as long as I receive pics of all 12 BOM's by midnight on 31st of December 2017.

I will post the email to submit your entries to later in the year.

I was ridiculously excited to hear that there was going to be a prize, but then I remembered I didn't do June's block.  May have to rethink that decision.  (My teenage daughter hates it when school offers incentives but I am easily bought. :D :D)

Lovely block, Cheesecake. 

(I had to edit this post as I typed 'here' instead of 'hear'.  It's been a long term!)
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Iminei on July 21, 2017, 18:46:42 PM
There is no problem when you do your blocks .... I do realise that people have lives (unlike me) ...

Just that you have all 12 blocks done, dusted, photographed (as squarely as you can please) and sent to me by midnight on 31st December 2017 !

Oh ... and the prize is unique to The Sewing Place!
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Vegegrow on July 21, 2017, 20:44:42 PM
feeling guilty that I haven't done June or July ... busy time of year and August is always hectic  :[
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Lilian on July 21, 2017, 23:53:52 PM
I haven't done June or July yet either, personal life is full on atm  :)  I will try to do them when I can  :vintage:
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: fajita on July 22, 2017, 00:00:21 AM
I'm hoping to catch up several months worth now that school is finished for a while.
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: maliw on July 22, 2017, 16:57:58 PM
I haven't done July yet either, I sorted some fabric and then used it for something else :|
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: fajita on August 08, 2017, 15:21:26 PM
Well ve done it, but it must be the most un-shimmery shimmer block in the world. Assuming because I've used almost plain fabrics and not patterned.

I don't think I'll be attempting this one again any time soon.

Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Iminei on August 08, 2017, 16:55:39 PM
You guessed absolutely correctly Fajita,

If those fabrics had been patterned they would've shimmered right off the screen ... which is a shame as they are lovely fabrics, but a beautiful example of how the block is made up!

Well done, and off into the BOM HOF with you...

:angel:
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Pearl on August 10, 2017, 12:33:40 PM
Finished at last! 
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Lowena on August 10, 2017, 13:15:48 PM
Very shimmery Pearl, looks great   <3
 :ninja:
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Pearl on August 10, 2017, 17:56:37 PM
Thanks, Low.  I loved making this.  I may have popped to Cotton Patch to buy this to do more. 
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Lowena on August 10, 2017, 18:32:12 PM
Yummy fabric.... is it Kaffe Fassett ?
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Pearl on August 10, 2017, 18:43:09 PM
Yes.  I may need to add to it at the FOQ.   0_0
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Iminei on August 14, 2017, 15:03:58 PM
Well you were busy whilst I was away ... Lovely shimmer!

Off you go Pearl, into the BOM HOF with you ...
:angel:
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: maliw on October 03, 2017, 17:31:40 PM
At last, I finally got it finished.
Title: Re: Block of the month - July
Post by: Iminei on October 03, 2017, 18:48:13 PM
You've been a busy bee, lovely HST's....

Into the BOM HOF with you....

 
:angel: