14 January, 2015

Low Volume Shoeman's Puzzle Update


This week's old project to work on was these Shoeman's Puzzle blocks. I was originally inspired by Denyse Schmidt's version in Modern Quilts Traditional Inspirations. Hers, however, is a two colour quilt.

The low volume prints mean the pattern is quite subtle, but it is there. That's because I used various shades of solid white for contrast. Print will always contrast with solid (as long as it isn't too tiny of a print) so the design still comes through.

I am so in love with these blocks. A lot of the quilts I've finished in the last while I've given away, or they are for teaching. This one, this quilt will be mine. With the slabs it captures the essence of my first book, especially because it is mostly made with the scraps from second book. Most of the slabs get made while I'm teaching - I use these as demo sewing. I feel it represents everything about my quilting as a career to this point. There is no way anyone else will get this quilt.

There are still more blocks to make. How many, however, is still up for debate. In my head I'd always pictured it 70'' x 70''. A generous lap quilt for me. For a brief moment I considered making it 80'' x 80'' so it could go on one of the girls' beds, but thought better of that. When the rows are an odd number the pattern is even. Normally I am all about the symmetry, but I kind of prefer the look with the uneven number. 50'' x 70'' is fine for a lap quilt, but I don't think that is enough to get the full effect of all the secondary patterns formed by this pattern.

So, I guess that means I have at least 21 more blocks to make. At least.

9 comments:

Amanda Jean said...

I love all the meaning and sentiment behind this quilt. It's lovely in it's quiet design as well. But my one thought is. Isn't 70" square kind of small for you? Hahahaha! I would definitely say, don't make it fit the girls' bed. They will steal it!

elle said...

Luv this low volume! Enjoy your 820. I have one also and there is a learning curve with ALL the bells and whistles! shh, I don't use the stitch regulator too much as I learned without one. :O

Unknown said...

I love it too. I notice that you've used scraps for some of the backgrounds with white for the triangle shape. Perfect!

Patti said...

These blocks are great! I love low volume quilts and scrappy makes it perfect. And it's more wonderful because it carries so much meaning for you. Keep enjoying!

Julie said...

Your own style shows through in bundles with this quilt. Beautiful! I think it's wonderful you're keeping it. We are also deserving of our work.

Angela @ Cottage Magpie said...

Oh my goodness, I love this!!! I've been wanting to do a kaleidoscope quilt but I hadn't considered doing it with the scraps like that. And I think it works so well with the Shoeman's puzzle vs. the regular kaleidoscope. I can't wait to see how it continues to come together. ~Angela~

Ashley Calder said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!! Amazing and perfect. Can't wait to watch as it progresses!

lmno said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
lmno said...

I made this one up. Originally intended for a 50"x70" size. I bit the bullet and made more blocks. I am so glad I did. It is 60"x80" and a keeper. I dug through the stash to find an age old tiny woven houndstooth for the binding. It turned out better than I had imagined. Very pleased with the results.