Tuesday, May 23, 2017

AIHC Challenge Two, May 23


TAKING SHAPE

I'm really enjoying these Ad Hoc Improv Quilts challenges run jointly by Ann at Fret Not Yourself and Kaja at Sew Slowly.  Kaja is directing this second challenge, which involves using two different blocks.

Back in April I made two sets of stack and whack wonky houses. I did it just for fun with no goal in mind.  So this month, when the new challenge began, I decided to put them to use.


I wanted to make blocks that would be a total contrast with the clean colorful houses.  They are 8 1/2 inch blocks.  I originally made two completely scrappy blocks.  However, I felt that they had too many warm tones in them and I wanted more grey tones.  So I grabbed my big scissors and slashed them into more than eight pieces.  That was fun and therapeutic!


Now,I had to start over. I have a terrific 8-1/2 inch ruler, which makes the job lots easier.  I just lay it over the pieced scrap to see where I need to add more fabric.  Then I trim it to size.  

Here are the first finished scrap blocks paired with two houses.


These are the basic elements.  I have more details to add which will make the top larger and fit in with my theme.  I will wait until next month to share the theme.

By the way, the last two photos were taken with my new iPad Air, which I love.  The pics are a lot sharper than those from my old iPad.  But I'm writing and posting on the old one because there are lots of new things to learn before I venture into the unknown.  

Thanks, Kaya and Ann, for running this challenge.  I'll be back next month for sure.  Come check out the Ad Hoc Improv Quilts doings at  Kaya's blog,  Sew Slowly, or Ann's blog, Fret Not Yourself



14 comments:

  1. It will be interesting to see what you do with these two very different sets of blocks.

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  2. I love those houses, Paula! The gray tones you added into your other blocks go nicely with the brights of the houses, too. It will be fun to see what you do with this project!

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  3. It's fun seeing where your themes take you--so creative--and I can never guess, but they are always amazing. I will remain in suspense until you reveal this one, and I'm looking forward to learning how to combine two seemingly disparate blocks. :)

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  4. I've made house blocks but not these freehand ines. Such fun colors. And you're so brace to cut up your old scrap blocks. They do set the houses off nicely. I'm curious what else you plan. Already looking forward to next month.
    Thanks for joining us and linking with AHIQ. So many good insights.

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  5. good to know the new ipad is working well, loving the wonky houses where did you get the instructions or are they your own?

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  6. I love your wonky houses! I've made wonky houses before but I've never tried making houses in that manner. What a cool idea. It will be fun to watch how you put all this together!

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  7. Your houses are great and I love that you've chosen such a contrasting set of colours for your second block. Thanks for sharing on AHIQ- it will be really interesting to watch this come together.

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  8. Super liberated houses and blocks, cheerful statement. Thanks for sharing, Paula.

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  9. Love your bold presentation of these two block types. Oh my these blocks are so different, they can become very special, such an interesting bunch of fabrics, love to see this as it progresses.

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  10. Improv houses are still on my list of things to try. I'm very interested to see how you will tie these blocks together!

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  11. LOVE your colorful wonky houses!

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