Well, so two things have been happening over here, in my classic monogam-ish fashion.
As always, there’s a blanket underway. This one uses 2″ two-round granny squares and could be at the halfway mark, if I just make a 64″ square throw for the couch. It’s only at the 20% mark if I choose to go with a king-sized behemoth.
Unfortunately, I really really want to make another behemoth blanket. Please stop me!
And because it’s getting warm enough to be in my sewing room, I finally got into slicing-dicing mode and started on this quilt.
Of course, I underestimated the amount of fabric I need and I can tell I’m running out, after making 6 of these 16.5″ blocks. Sewing faster doesn’t seem to be helping solve this problem. So I’m slowing down to re-evaluate. I might add some other shot cotton from the stash, or some linen, or or…? I dunno. I love these colors mingling all together in an unadulterated fashion–without neutrals.
By the way, you can now buy 10 colors of Oakshott from A Verb for Keeping Warm in the SF Bay Area. Go visit this great indie yarn/fabric shop in person (and meet little Cleo the wonder weiner dog!) or order online by emailing/Paypal-ing them (see their site for contact info).
I’ll deal with my two very minor crises over the weekend. But please advise, if you have an opinion! The two questions are: small blanket or big? and how to stretch a limited amount of fabrics in an improvisational way?
Follow your heart! Go big!
You have good instincts – if you feel the granny square blanket it meant to be king sized, then king-size it. Or finish #1 at lap-size and make another lap-size and smash them together when done if breaking it into smaller chunks helps you.
I love your quilt colors, and I can see keeping it all color-y.
My motto in any type of crafting endeavour is “Go big/bold, or go home!” I hope this helps.
I will always go for big, it’s my instinct too.
Could you stretch the fabric by making a larger version of the block? Less fabric lost to seam allowances…
i love a good big blanket. if you don’t have a deadline i don’t know what keeps you from going big.
If you can stand it, go big on the blanket. It seems to be calling to you.
As for the fabric…you could audition some other fabrics, but risk it not matching the original intent of the project, which is ok, if you’re ok with that. But, if you love it as it is and would be happier for it to stay the same, then get more fabric.
Whatever you do, I am sure it will be fabulous.
I usually take the easy way out, but I say go big on the crochet. The blanket is obviously speaking to you! That being said, I’m sure it will be just as loved if it is small.
On the patchwork, if you’ve got other shots that you think will work well, I’d go with those. Linen would look nice, but I do think it might take away from the lovely vibrant patchwork.
I’m really no help, it seems. I am confident that you’ll make good decisions, though!
Small blanket. I’ve made many out of that same impulse to go big, and they are not very practical in use; too unwieldy. Would rather have made 2 or 4 smaller ones in hindsight. Big enough to wrap round the shoulders is my perfect size now; 50 x 60 or 60 square. Ish.
No help for you on the quilt!
I’m no help on the fabric issue, but in regard to the blanket–make what you really, really want to make. Otherwise, you’re always going to look at what you’ve made that’s nice and functional but not what you really wanted and think “I wish I’d made that bigger.”
Everybody told you already to go big so I will just wish you a very happy, productive weekend! :)
thanks, folks, for all the advice! i think i shall keep adding to the blanket until i’m bored with it and then put it away for a while. and i found some off-brand chambrays in my stash (in 3 different colors) that should work with this quilt project. i just hope that they stretch far enough!
In regards to the blanket…is there really any stopping you??
The quilt blocks are beautiful….
I’m digging into my stash of shot cottons for my Oakshott project as well, but they aren’t quits as luminous.
I think the majority is advising big on the crochet, and I’m not one to go against the tide. But frankly? What USE is a small blanket? Unless you have a small child for it.Then small is good.
BIG. Because you want to wrap up in it, or double it to be warmer, etc…and to make a big statement, of course.
The quilt? BUY MORE. It’s not a race, do it when you can, when it’s available. And yeah, I know all about that “sewing faster” thing…it’s a lot like knitting faster to have enough yarn (neither one works well, unfortunately).
:)
yay! bigger! better! faster! and the ‘bigger’ part DEFINITELY applys to blankets :) all the better to cover things, warm you up and have room for cuddling the odd child or two…
I love big blankets (and am shooting for some larger blankets myself right now) so I vote ENORMOUS!
If you are going to the show in Lancaster, PA this weekend, Pinwheels is here with a booth on the first floor, but I am not sure if they have the cotton with them.
Lots of other beautiful stuff here, even yarn!
Step away from the sewing, put in a good movie and love that blanket. In the mean time you can order more fabric and let the universe settle it. Would it be crass to say “add a big border like a frame”?
i would go big with both just because i like big blankets!
C
Go ahead and finish the big blanket and then if you find you have too many, you can always send it to me.. I would love it and take care not it always:~}
donna
Do it till it feels right. As the queen of blankets, you will know when you are done. Both of your projects are fanstastic!
You know what they say “Go big or go home.” I think linens would be beautiful with the Oakshot, they would really set it off and dare I say it? Neutral linen, light tan or putty colored?
I think I might be in love with that blanket… go on make a behemoth!
I love how ‘big’ you go with crafting! That blanket is spectacular (I like the 2-color squares thrown in!).