I am adding to my list of UFO’s with my BOM and WIP! What in the heck does all that mean?
It means I am starting some more quilts that are quickly becoming Unfinished Fabric Objects. My newest quilt is a Block Of the Month project where I make a couple of quilt blocks each month until it is done. As long as I work on my quilts on a regular basis, they become my Works-In-Progress.
Sound Wave
Magnum
Here are my two blocks that I just finished, following along with the Skillbuilder Block of the Month at PileOFabric.com.
I absolutely love these blocks. I think they are turning out very modern and I am gaining more color confidence in working with solids. I am using Kona Coal Grey as the background and am very pleased with how it looks against the solids.
Modern Block – Not!
A few months ago I tried to make my first “modern” quilt block by adding grey to a paper pieced block I was making from bright mottled fabrics.
The block design was awesome, but it just didn’t work with the grey! I think my blocks above are much better.
In these last few months I have learned that it takes a lot more than simply adding grey to your quilt to make it modern. 🙂
While sewing my BOM blocks, I used lots of starch to keep the skinny strips nice and straight. I also cut the strips on the grain parallel to the selvedge (instead of cutting them WOF – the Width of Fabric). This grain has less stretch and give to it. While sewing, I also flipped my sewing direction on each successive strip so as not to distort the fabric.
It’s amazing how much this block shrinks up due to the seam allowances!
I pressed all of my seams open first with a wooden seam roller (loving this tool!) and then with a dry iron. They are nice and flat!
You can read my previous BOM post about picking fabrics. If you would like to join me, my friend Alyssa and a few (hundred) others making these fabulous blocks, just go to PileOFabric.com and check out her Skillbuilder Block of the Month.
Christa Quilts 
Beautiful blocks, the more I see modern the more I want make some! Love that roller for seams! Thanks for sharing.
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WOW – fantastic job! Love your choice of colors! Thanks for sharing your tips as well.
I’m totally in love with your blocks! Love the rainbow and gray together!
I took a class at Quilt University on Bargello Quilts. One of the first things we learned was to alter the sewing directions for each strip. When you mentioned that it reminded me that I never finished that class, so guess what? It has to go on the top of my UFO list! I did just pick up the backing for a mystery quilt I did last summer. I want to finish that for my daughter’s birthday. (not going to happen though, he birthday is in 23 days!)
I love the two blocks you have done: Sound Wave and Magnum. the colors are fantastic!
Know what else I love? It’s staying lighter out later! YAY!
Great comment Ann! I sell those seam rollers in my shop. ChristaQuilts.com 🙂 I used them originally for paper piecing but now really like them for “finger” pressing my seams open.
Your blocks look great and I am loving that roller! Where did you pick it up at?? The acronym business of quilting is fun and crazy. Logically, it seems all WIP’s are UFO’s and all UFO’s are WIP. Its unfinished and work has progressed to a point. 🙂
Great comment Ann! I sell those seam rollers in my shop. ChristaQuilts.com [image: :-)] I used them originally for paper piecing but now really like them for “finger” pressing my seams open. –Christa ChristaQuilts.com (Online Quilt Shop) ChristaQuilts.Wordpress.com (Blog)
Sewing in the opposite direction each time is a great tip–thanks!
Interesting perspective about “modern” quilt blocks.
Christa – your first modern block is not bad just the dark grey took away from the rest of the fabric in the block. There is so many different hues of grey I would of auditioned others. A light grey might change your view of the whole block or even a grey batik (assuming that is what the fossil fern is). And I agree just adding grey does not make something modern, I think it is more the combination as a whole that makes something have a modern feel.
I like your skill builder blocks, I love the solid color.
YOur Blocks have turned out very nice! I am still stuck on the fabric picking portion!
I am buried in do alongs! Happily, I might add! Love your colors, looking much like those t-shirts we had in the late 70’s….happycolors!
Oh my goodness, I LOVE your blocks!! I might have to run out and buy some solids…now! I’m only 5’2″, BTW! Go shorties! 🙂
I have always wanted to try one of these quilts, thanks for the links I will check them out. I love your colors, too. Wonderful blocks.
Those blocks look fantastic! It’s a riot of color. Also, that seam roller is too cool. 🙂
Your blocks looks great. I also sewed the strips in the opposite direction with each set of two as well and ironed as I went. It all gives a smoother, flater finished block.