I really like to play with scale in my quilts. Taking the same block and using it in different sizes can add interest. It may look difficult but it’s really quite easy.
The secret is to use blocks with common multiples. My Bear Scraps quilt uses blocks with multiples of 3 (ie 3, 6, 9) This scrap busting log cabin uses 6″ and 12″ blocks. You could also do 5″ and 10″. You get the idea.
A little more difficult are my Plan B quilts.
Made from blocks intended for other quilts. Test blocks because sometimes it’s a good idea to make sure everything fits before you commit. Orphan blocks, because some blocks are so fun you get carried away. Mistakes, not failures, but lessons learned. Healing blocks made by friends. And scraps because when life falls to pieces remember there is always plan B. And life is all about how you handle plan B.
These quilts use up all sizes of blocks. I like to put similar sized blocks together, add strips to build up blocks that are slightly smaller.
Pat Sloan has a tutorial for her method that is helpful.
These are fun quilts to make, kind of like a puzzle. If you haven’t made one I would recommend it. My orphan bin is getting full. I think it’s time for me to make another one.
