Today I want to talk about orphan blocks. Most of us have some laying around. I have them from making test blocks for the Bee Hive and from testing out a new idea or color combo. I also have several that for one reason or another didn’t make it into the quilt I was working on.
So what do we do with these blocks? I don’t want to tear mine apart, although I have done that to one or two when I want the fabric for something else. And I certainly don’t want to through them away; I mean that is perfectly good fabric!
I’ve found that orphan blocks and test blocks are perfect for practicing free motion quilting designs and/or trying out different threads. It’s a great way to improve my FMQ skills and have a useful product at the end. And by practicing a quilt design on a pieced or appliqued block, I get a better idea of how that design will look on a quilt vs just quilting it on a plain practice sandwich. These blocks can be made into mini quilts, wallhangings, table toppers, mug rugs, placemats, etc.
Both of the blocks below finished at a size that was too small to work in the quilt they were made for. So I treated them each individually and they make perfect little mini quilts.
On this first one, I used a silver metallic variegated thread. It complements the piecing beautifully.
Even though this block was not made specifically for a Christmas quilt, the colors the maker used make this a wonderful Christmas mini quilt. It finishes at about 12″ square, and can be used as a wallhanging or table topper. This isn’t mine to keep, but I would love to have it!
Here’s a close-up of the quilting. I wish you could see just how beautiful the thread is.
What I learned by practicing with metallic thread:
- The thread leaves tiny little shavings in the scarf of the needle. I didn’t notice any on the quilt itself, but because they were on the needle I won’t use metallic thread on a sensitive project such as a baby/child’s quilt.
- I had to quilt super slow to keep the thread from breaking or shredding. The manufacturer suggests a slower speed and now I know why.
This next block was also too small for the intended quilt. It finished at about 13-1/2″. On this block, I quilted a crosshatch design using a ruler. I love the way the quilting looks.
What I learned from the crosshatch design:
- I love this design, and it’s not the first time I’ve stitched it. My ruler work was much better this time, with more control.
- I don’t have a stitch regulator on my machine and my stitches are improving every day. I like the way they look here.
In addition to providing FMQ practice, using your orphan blocks allows for some pretty quick finishes. There are days when I really want to quilt but don’t have a lot of time to get into a big project. Making these mini quilts allows me to practice some new quilting designs and gives me a quicky finish. I feel so accomplished when I get a project done! 🙂
I encourage you to dig out any blocks you have taking up space in your sewing room and make a beautiful finish. It’s always a good idea to have little things around to give as last minute gifts, and your work really shouldn’t be hidden away. Just because the block didn’t work in a larger quilt doesn’t mean it won’t be beautiful on its own.
My crush for this week are orphan block projects – hopefully I’ll have more finishes to share with you soon. How about you? What are you working on that has you excited to be in your sewing space? I would love to see all your quilty goodness. You can share any blog post, Instagram or Flickr pic – here’s how:
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I adore the crosshatch! Great ideas for those orphan blocks. Goodness knows, I have a stack that needs to be put to use!
I have been using up my orphan blocks to make pillows lately and practice quilting. Your minis look wonderful, Beth, both of them! I bet you had to be super careful with that metallic thread.
-Soma
Both of those minis are so wonderful – thanks for the good idea and for sharing what you learned. I used to use a LOT of Superior metallic from a cone – I used the variegated silver the most, just love it. I didn’t have problems with it breaking on my Gammill longarm very often, and I didn’t have a metallic needle, just a size 14 regular needle. When you need metallic again, if you aren’t already using Superior, you might try it. I liked it better than YLI or any of the other ones I tried. Whatever you used, it looks really pretty, as does the close cross-hatching. Thanks for the good pictures!
Great use of the orphan blocks. I loved seeing them with both straight and curvy quilting. The quilting style does make a difference.
I love this idea! It not only utilizes orphan blocks, but bits of leftover batting. This would be a good way for me to test the waters of freemotion quilting.
Good idea, Beth. I have a growing stack of orphan blocks, and a growing gift list for the upcoming months. I think they have a future with your little reminder.
Great idea – to practice FMQ on. Duh!! I am always making practice blocks out of discolored or damaged fabric that was kept in the basement. (Won’t do that again). I will still use that fabric but could use it as backing for orphan blocks. Thanks.
I’m never brave enough to work with metallic thread. These minis look great!
Great idea! I have a few of those orphan blocks that I can turn into little mats to use around the kitchen! 🙂
Both minis turned out beautifully. It is a great way to convert orphan blocks to something useful.
There is so much love for your orphan blocks in this post! I won’t be linking in this week Beth, because I have not done a thing with needle and thread all week….instead I have been creating a new look for Design Board Monday at Bits’nBobs.
Your stitches on the cross hatch look beautiful, Beth! I think that using orphan blocks as test quilting pieces is a great idea. I have had a few smaller blocks that I have used as the backs for some of the mini mini quilts I have made recently. 🙂