Thursday, October 22, 2009

Whack Whack

I made these blocks a couple of years ago and they had been in a drawer ever since. They are Jan Mullen butterflies. For some reason they never spoke to me. I would get them out occasionally and look at them but never could figure out how to use them.





















I love the fabrics so I thought lets cut them up! So whack, whack and each block was turned into 4 blocks. You can't imagine how liberating it is to whack up quilt blocks!! It releases a lot of tension.




















I took the one of the blocks and made it into a house. I may make houses out of the rest or use them is some other way. The angles that are formed when you cut them up are really interesting.



















This is where I am so far. I welcome any suggestions. I was thinking of a bold sashing or possibly putting 4 blocks together. All the houses are 8 1/2", maybe I should make some taller or thinner. Maybe a more subtle sashing would work.






























I am a doting grandmother and I don't apologize. I have to include this picture of my "helpers". Why are stairs so fascinating to crawlers?



















Notice the tool belt! This boy is going to be a hand man!

10 comments:

jovaliquilts said...

You are a gutsy woman to cut up those blocks -- buy oh my, the house is just wonderful! Such a creative way to think. As for suggestions, I like things in varied sizes, so I'd suggest throwing in some different houses. Have fun!

Helen McNaught @ AuntyHennys said...

The House blocks are turning out great Nancy.....if you like cutting up blocks, try the X-Block ruler- it's heaps of fun!

quiltingnana said...

what a creative way to use old blocks...may have to copy that idea!!

Sharon said...

Wow, that was brave of you! I may have to try that on some old blocks that have me stumped too...I'll bet that's very liberating!
I think I'd do some houses in a few different sizes too. Kind of mix it up a little. Trees? And I think a different sashing might work better - maybe a more primary color??

Anonymous said...

Your houses are really coming along now and I'm really enjoying seeing the top come together. I like the house made from the cut up block - what a great way to reuse blocks you don't like!

Nina Lise@Mrs Moen said...

What a great idea to use your not-so-loved blocks for your houses. They look great!
I once slashed a whole top I was not happy with and sew it back together; it does feel good, doesen't it:-)

Tonya Ricucci said...

slash those unloved blocks. you could always make them into crumb blocks or a really interesting orphan quilt. Hmm, yeah, that sashing is a bit strong with those fun houses. good luck!

Rosalyn Manesse said...

Well I made one of those butterfly quilts and my little graddaughter loves it. However, I like what you did with those orphan blocks. the houses are so cute!

Cheryl Arkison said...

I like the idea of more house in different sizes, and keeping the background soft as you have it. Makes the houses really stand out.
When you showed the cut up block I thought you were going to add sashing to it for a totally different look!

jacquie said...

ooooh you are good! such a great idea cutting up those unloved blocks. smart woman!