Christmas in January????

Yes, I know! Christmas is over for another year.... but I still have a bunch of scraps left over from my Christmas quilting, and they match so well I don't have to think about the prints, so can focus on the design!

I have seen a few quilting blocks on my Flipboard with white strips between random blocks (can't find any links at the moment, but will add when I can find it!) and have been racking my brain as to how they are done!! They appear so random, but somehow structured at the same time?? I have not been able to find any kind of tutorial, so trial and error was needed.

So, I tried PURE random, crazy quilt style, unsuccessfully. Then I tried paper piecing random, then cutting up and re-stitching in a different configuration, also unsuccessfully.

I finally decided to try paper pieced, planned (but random?) blocks, cut apart then reattached with white stripping. Success! Sort of....

Firstly I cut a bunch of white strips. I have cut mine 2cm, but this is a bit narrow, so next time I will make them 3cm. I cut some paper squares, recycled from the old Yellow Pages (I saw this once, but having tried it, I think its a bit thin...) and then got my ruler and drew random cutting lines. I decided what angle the strips will go, having discovered that without a guide, 2 pieces can be the same way and a waste of effort. This way you are guaranteed connecting blocks of different angles.

Lined up block with guide lines for angle of stitching

Same block cut into parts

So, once the pieces are cut apart, I just randomly pieced alternating print and white strip, making sure that the edges were always print. Then, I trimmed the pieces down to the paper edge and inserted the white strips between each block. Since my strips were quite narrow, the finished block size was almost the original size, however it was tight sewing between the paper sheets. I then trimmed the block down to square, in this case 6 1/2 inches (it is a doll quilt after all...).

Finished example

I had planned to do 9 blocks, but I don't want to lose interest before its done, so I will only do 6, sash it with more white between and bordered, and then some kind of interesting quilting (probably meander quilting) and then binding.

I hope to have this done before the end of January, but its so hot here at the moment, it seems ironic to be ironing with the aircon on! 

More info to come! Will also add more pics of during construction, as well as finding those links to the original inspiration pics. I know they are here somewhere!!!!!!

*UPDATE*
Found the name of the block that inspired me is called "Mod Mosaic" and there is a Tutorial here at Oh Fransson. The finished effect from Oh Fransson is more like the Ticker Tape style (which I have already tried and LOVE!!), however, mine is busier and I used foundation papers. I never seem to have much success when I do free form stuff, but I LOVE how this block works - however the effect is achieved! 


There is no set rules when it comes to quilting these days, and there are soooo many creative quilters out there always developing new styles and designs. I am just a in awe of them all!!!!