Here it is, my first test block using a new grouping of fabrics I wrote about in my last post:
The pattern is Refresh, designed by Deb Mulder for Anka’s Treasures. The instructions were written for an 18″ block but I resized it to 16″. Wonder why? Well, I like to make my block components — in this case half square triangles, flying geese, and hourglass blocks — slightly oversize and then trim them to just the right size. The directions for Refresh didn’t call for that, and I found it easier to figure the math for a slightly smaller block.
The other pattern I am considering for this fabric grouping is Swoon, surely one of the most popular patterns in the quilt universe. The original Swoon pattern, designed by Camille Roskelley of Thimble Blossoms, creates 24″ blocks. She has since added three other versions in different block sizes: Swoon Sixteen (16″ blocks, of course), Mini Swoon (8″ blocks), and Patchwork Swoon, one huge block that finishes at 72″ square.
I bought Camille’s Mini Swoon pattern last year but wanted this block to finish at 16″, the same size as my Refresh block, so I resized it as well. Here is my Swoon test block:
What do you think? Do you like one better than the other?
I’m making two baby quilts, both for little girls. I can either make both quilts from one pattern or do one of each. Because the blocks are so large, each quilt takes only four blocks (plus sashing and borders). I could be a fourth of the way done if I opt for both patterns.
Those are really turning out very pretty. Can’t wait to see one completed.
Dawn – Those are very beautiful!!
Oh my, beautiful! I want to get home and quilt! My favorite is the first one. I love the focus of the center block
And the intensity of the black. I can hardly wait to see the finished quilt!!
Hi Nancy. What you saw as black in that block is actually a steel grey, with metallic leaves printed on it. I corrected the color in the photo so that it is truer to the actual fabric.
Both of them are beautiful — I love the combination of fabric and colors! I think you should make the most of your time and make one of each. Like you said — you’re a quarter of the way finished with each quilt!
Oh Dawn! These blocks are beautiful! And yes, refreshing like a spa!! You nailed it with the fabrics!! I bought the Swoon pattern last year too! I love big blocks so, so much! Looking forward to seeing more of this!!!
I’m partial to the Swoon block. These both look great!.
How beautiful. I love your fabric choices!
Very pretty!
Both blocks are beautiful – but I think I like the first one a bit better – maybe because it has the dark dark. That said, use them both!!
You are asking for feedback and I will give it, but I just realized I am unable to articulate the “why” of my preferences! The Refresh pattern is very pretty but reads more sophisticated than Swoon (also lovely), hence I believe the latter would make a better baby quilt. For reasons I can’t articulate, I like Swoon the best!!
I love both blocks and I would definitely use each in a separate baby quilt. Each little girl would get her own individual quilt. Both blocks are beautiful!
These fabrics are amazing! I really like both blocks, but if I have to choose one it would be the Refresh block. I am smitten with that charcoal gray and the emphasis it brings to the block. I love seeing the out of the box designs and colorways you come up with for baby quilts. Inspiring!
Refresh, though either not only acceptable but very welcome.