Saturday 6 October 2007

squares or strips?

I need some advice.
I'm making a quilt for my lovely father-in-law who had a serious stroke in March. I wanted to make something that would show how much I care about him and these fabrics from the Chocolat by Moda really seem to suit him. I love the brushed cotton for the borders - the colour is perfect and it is so soft and snuggly.
The fabrics are from two charm packs so are pre-cut (not entirely accurately!) and I have stitched them together as they came. The patchwork bit will be in the middle with the duck-egg blue for a 3" (ish) border. But my problem now is do I sew it in squares or strips?

What do you think I should do?
All answers on the back of a postcard in my comments section please!!!

17 comments:

Beth said...

Personally I like the offset brick setting. Gives alot more interest to the top IMHO.

Can't wait to see the finished product :)

Fiona said...

I'm with Beth, the strips are more quirky and interesting - and if the squares aren't quite square it has an added benefit. BTW I couldn't reply to your question by e-mail (you are no-reply) but Timtex is like a very thick, stiff interfacing - people use it for making fabric bowls (not something I've ever tried) and for the stiffening in fabric postcards. I think it might be used to strengthen the bottoms of bags too, the possibilities are endless .... if I just had the time. P.S. There is no way you are more untidy than me.

Monkee Maker said...

Stripes. Deffo.

~Molly~ said...

Here's the 4th vote for strips! They would be easier(no seams to match) and more visual interest. It is sweet that you're making it for your FIL.

Molly

Dana said...

I like the offset bricks too. I know he will appreciate the gift and the sentiment no matter how it is set.

Mrs Moog said...

What a lovely idea. I'm with everyone else so far - love the stripes xx

Anonymous said...

Just to add to everyones conclusions - go the strips!!! I think it suits the fabrics a whole bunch more! And good on you for your tidying efforts!! I managed to give that a go yesterday too! See how long it lasts. I cant blog for long - more sewing waiting for me (I need a machine break!!) Hope you are having a beautiful weekend =)

Unknown said...

I go with the offset brick setting too - and guess what, it meand you don't have to match up the dratted seams all the way along - binus result!

Unknown said...

sorry about that I mean bonus result and means not meand - obviously suffering from dyslexia of the fingers!

Anonymous said...

Must have been a day for tidying and cleaning yesterday, my sewing room is now spotless!!
I think you should go with the strips! It looks much better.

est said...

squares!! :)

trash said...

Stripes.Stripes and lots more stripes. Go Team Stripey!!!!!

Annie said...

Sorry to sit on the fence, but I like it both ways. Taking photos is a great way to see what it will look like. I have done that before with quilt designs. What ever you do, I'm sure it will be well received.

dutchcomfort said...

Definitely stripes for me! It will be loved by your FIL, whatever your decision may be! I read about the Timtex comment from Fiona. I couldn’t find it in Holland and bought Fast2Fuse. It’s something simular and it’s used to put between layers of fabric when making something like a note-taker.

Anonymous said...

Squares!!!!!!!!!!

Locket Pocket said...

The last one was darling daughter - who knows full well that the quilt is now in strips! Thanks for your advice everyone - my gut instinct had been to go with the strips - I just needed a little nudge! Lucy x

Lissa Jane said...

Lucy
I think you are hopping mad making a one legged doll *W*
I like the strips they have more interest... I have made a quilt like this (surprise surprise) I stuffed up and it went from 56x60" quilt on the pattern to 80 x 90".. Dags (aka Super DH) said 'thats a large lap quilt'.. I said 'lucky I have a large lap!'..

Cant wait to see the quilting!