Saturday 14 March 2015

RSC 15 week 11: sunshine

It was a really sunny week here with temperatures shooting up to 15°C on Wednesday. Of course that was because I made not one, but two yellow stars!

When I'd made the pink blocks, I found the dark background in the lady of the lake block disturbing, probably because the placement is asymmetrical, and the dark blue gave too much contrast. I'm not going to unpick it: it is as it is. But when I made the air castle I chose a light yellow for the background within the small block, and then thought later this could well have had a dark blue background (which is when the symmetrical/ asymmetrical issue hit me!)

Air Castle in Sawtooth Star
So I returned to the dark blue background in the Monkey Wrench, which I like.

Monkey Wrench in Sawtooth Star
 And so we learn!

I also made two pieces of alternate blocks, at least sewed the 4-patches and the twosies. I'm still not sure how many of these part blocks I need to make to go with each star block - one, or two, or maybe even four. I've read Angela's posts and understand how the alternative blocks are built up, but I'd be grateful for your thoughts on how many four patches there should be to match the colour in every star block.

part of an alternate block:
one large unit
two 4-patches
and a twosie

part of another alternate block
For both January and February I made two such part blocks but forgot to show them.

I'm linking up to SoScrappy for
RSC 15

so pop over there for a viewing of lots more beautiful sunshine yellow.

Happy sewing

Marly.


27 comments:

scraphappy said...

I'll post "official' directions for the alternate blocks next week, but after a quick glance, it looks like 6 four patches and 6 "extra" squares. Great job on getting 2 blocks done! They look great.

Linda M @ Pieceful Kingdom said...

Your blocks are terrific. I like the dark background.

Chantal said...

Thanks Marly for being the reason why the sun is shinning more lately! lol. I love your Air Castle Star. Because it is very low contrast, the eye has to really look to depict the pattern. In the an unique block, it might look like a misfit, but once in a quilt, it usually adds a lot of interest. I would keep it that way. Just my humble opinion. Love both stars with the darker blue. Great work.

scraphappy said...

Thanks for letting me know that I was a "no-reply" blogger. How embarrassing! Trying to get everything working again. Let me know please if it doesn't work?

Debra said...

Love the contrast of the yellow and the blue. Can't wait to see your other blocks with them!

make.share.give said...

Coming along nicely! I love your navy blue background.

Christine B said...

Hello Marly.... that blocks both look lovely to me! Can't wait to see this quilt all pieced together, it is going to look beautiful! :) xx

Kate said...

Beautiful blocks! Using the blue background in the center of the star was an inspired idea, it really makes that yellow pop.

Scrappy quilter said...

Great blocks. I really like the darker background. It just makes the yellow show up better. Great job!

Judy@Quilt Paradigm said...

Love the Air Castle Star! I think the fabrics you chose are perfect - that middle spiral fabric is awesome!

Cathy said...

Lovely blocks. I also like the dark background. All blocks, no matter how you make them, will blend and look great in your finished quilt.

Quiltdivajulie said...

I do love the dark blue and yellows . . . terrific blocks!

Katie Z. said...

I love your blocks!

Birdblocks said...

Hi Marly,
Je kunt eventueel op de schets van haar quiltontwerp tellen, want het is niet bij elke kleur even veel. En soms moet je twee kleuren in je two-sies stoppen. Ik zou per blok/kleur even tellen hoe of wat.

Je bent natuurlijk welkom in de winkel, en Rijswijk staat ook weer voor de deur!
Groetjes, Merel

Nell's Quilts said...

Not a mistake but a gift. Both blocks will look wonderful in the quilt.

the girlfriend gap said...

Just wanted to say Hello. I have recently come across the So Scrappy blog. Enjoy seeing the progress of each color quilt blocks. I also love your little letters quilt. Each time I see one I want to make one. I saw the posts on Temecula's blog. Just haven't had a chance to do it.

I have found you through the Grow your Blog tour. I am not listed in the tour as I found out too late to join, but I would love you to come and visit. i am a quilting grandmother as well. :)

http://thegirlfriendgap.blogspot.com
Janita

Sheila said...

I love all your blocks!

Pamela Arbour said...

love your blocks. I think yellow was a good color for this month.

Mystic Quilter said...

Your yellow and blue Air Castle block is super, I love the dark blue background.

Deb A said...

Love your blue for the background on your sampler blocks. It goes to great with yellow.

Sandra Walker said...

I really want to make these blocks too; I've been watching for about a month; love blocks inside blocks and stars have always been my favourite. So, as of this weekend, I joined the RSC, but I'm making cow blocks and possibly Churn Dash ones for my aunt who turns 75 in December. Perfect timing, and easy to get a couple blocks done a month...once I catch up!! I like the blue BG in the little block too, but the Castles one doesn't bug me...I like it!

Vera said...

Look at all those perfect points! Well done!

Marsha Cooper said...

I have loved seeing all of the yellow this month and yellow and blue are very pretty together.

Ruth said...

Looks great - they are looking so crisp and love the yellows with that dark blue!

LA Paylor said...

DaVinci said, "I am always learning"

LeeAnna

Glinda ♥ said...

Gorgeous blocks - the colours contrast beautifully :)

Dasha said...

Just realised that I haven't paid you a visit this post. Lovely blocks Marly. I really like the dark blue/yellow combo.