Wednesday, March 22, 2017

A One-Derful Life

Have you made a One Block Wonder?  I've always admired them and now I'm making one myself! Yay!
Here is the fabric I've chosen.  Thank you, Norma and Pauline, for all of your advice on fabrics and patterns.
It is a great idea to mark your rulers with tape for the measurement you are using.  Believe me, I've made a bad cut on a 4-patch posie and yikes....you don't get that back.
Here are my 6 layers lined up.
I like to use soup cans instead of pins.  They hold it down without distorting the 6 layers.
I also like to work on the Dining Room Table where everything can layout nice and flat and I can walk around the end of the table.  I am also cutting the width of the repeat - NOT the width of fabric, 44" is too big to tackle for me.
If there is a spot on the strip I really want - I cut that FIRST, then I cut the rest.  You'd hate to cute this pretty lady in half, right?
and here she is.
Here is another one I planned carefully.
this is the same 6 pieces - amazing how different they look when turned a different way.
I've been studying the quilts of Bruce H. Seeds.  He is literally the King of the One Block Wonder and has taken this technique to a whole new level.    See his website here for a gallery of photos.

Here is another block shown in the 3 different sewing possibilities.
Which do you fancy?

This is TOO fun.  I'm really excited about this, can you tell?

Thank you again ladies of the Sisters Choice Quilters in Virginia for being such an enthusiastic crowd for my trunk show and lecture on Friday night.

xo

29 comments:

Linda Swanekamp said...

I love OBW! I have made three and just cut another one. There are links on my blog with the label OBW to see them. They are addicting and magical.

Janet O. said...

I have never done a OBW, but it does look like you are having way too much fun!
Each of those layout options has possibilities, but I think the third one is my fav.

Cheryl Lynch Quilts said...

Maxine Rosenthal, the author of OBW, is coming to Calico Cutters in June. You'll have to come back.

Quilting Babcia said...

Well, I'm liking that second choice of the 3 layouts! I've always loved the OBW's but with my spatial dyslexia attempting one would probably be futile, or at least laughable! I'll just follow along with yours and enjoy watching.

OTquilter said...

Fabulous!

Chantal said...

The chosen fabric is one-derful! Love, love, love! We can read your enthusiasm about this project in your post. You know what I like best about OBW? They look so much better when I remove my glasses. Try it. Love the star at the center of the last picture. Gorgeous! Enjoy! ;^)

Pinkadot Quilts said...

These look like fun! What a great way to use that fabric! Maxine will be here in June, you can come back if you want.....

Kyle said...

I've always admired OMW too, but never made one. The designs are always interesting and the fabric you've chosen is one-derful. I'm a soup can pinned too.

Karen said...

I have a friend who has made several of these quilts. She showed our small group the technique. I worked on the blocks and had them laying out. My husband looked at them and said that they did not look anything like something I would make. I decided he was right and gave the blocks to a charity thrift store. Years ago, I made maybe three wall hangings using a similar technique where your fabric ends up looking like swiss cheese. I had better luck with liking the blocks doing it that way and not making a large quilt. Your Oriental print works well for the technique.

Lori said...

Oh my gracious! I've been under a rock and never even heard of this! The closest thing I can think it reminds me of is stack and whack! It is truly lovely Barb.

Monica said...

Second one. :D

Béa said...

I love OBW technique, always beautiful especially with strange or ugly fabric you would never use XXX

Susan said...

I remember one of the first mini quilts I hand pieced was on of these. I seem to remember Jinny Beyer's name being associated with it. Would that be right? I love the fabric you've used Barb! Hard to pick a favourite out of those last three...#2?

Karen M said...

Love, love, love this! What beautiful fabric. Is a one-block wonder the same as stack and whack? Can't wait to see your progress on this.

CecileD said...

I admit I didn't know these fabrics but I can say that your quilt will be beautiful ! My favourite is the second setting ! Enjoy and have fun Barb ! :)

Aunt 'Reen said...

These blocks are so fun to look At! I can see how they could easily become addictive to Make! Looking forward to seeing more of your progress.

Barbara said...

Omigosh, Barb, these are absolutely one-derful! You've chosen a beautiful fabric to play with. I've never seen Bruce Seed's work before so thanks for the link to his website. Pretty amazing! Can't wait to see more of your OBWs :)

Chantal said...

So much fun with all that fussy cutting. It is really amazing how different the blocks turn out. It is going to be a beauty.

Rebecca said...

I have done a number of what we called Stack and Wack Quilts.... same principle I think.
I love your fabric for this project.... I am so looking forward to seeing the quilt when you get it done.

terry said...

Love your fabric and the possibilities. Ha ..... had to laugh at the use of soup cans - will have to give this a try. I do use paper weights when preparing applique but I love the use of the cans - so clever.

Terry

Wendy Caton Reed said...

Fascinating! It is sort of the Bethany Reynold's Stack and Wack (love that name!) quilts. I know this will be spectacular when all together.

O'Quilts said...

so wonderful

Connie said...

I did two Stack N Whack quilts that are made similarly. They were fun!

Janet said...

I did 1 Stack N Whack too. I like the middle arrangement. Thank you for sharing.

Thimbleanna said...

Wow Barb -- this looks like lots of fun. And lots of work LOL! It will be fun to watch the fun blocks that you'll make!

Robin said...

I so want to make a "One Block Wonder"! Your blocks look like so much fun. Thanks for sharing your hints. The soup cans idea is going to really help. Keep the pictures coming.

pandchintz said...

That looks like such a fun fabric to be working with, Barb. I started one years ago......wonder where that is?! It's amazing to see all the different effects one piece of fabric can bring. Enjoy!

Quilter Kathy said...

Wow that does look like lots of fun! Can't wait to see how it develops!

Rachaeldaisy said...

Wow Barb!! These blocks are all amazing!! You've picked such a wonderful fabric. Thank you for sharing your tips with soup cans and cut your favourite bits first.