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| Just a few of the hundreds of blocks needing a purpose. |
While cleaning out one of my many quilt closet’s I found a
plastic container of quilt blocks. I hate to admit it but… I totally forgot
about them. I’m sure it was one of
those ‘out of sight out of mind’ ‘let me forget’ moments when I placed them at
the back and on the bottom of two stacks of tubs. Unfortunately, they’ve been found. Now I can’t get them out of my mind. I’m a bit anal about finishing things (when I
remember).
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| Some of the many blocks from Block-of-the-Months from my shop. |
I’ve accumulated quite a stash of orphan blocks from Block-of-the-Month
samples from the shop, demos, step outs for both videos and the magazine. I’ve managed to stuff them away and pretend
they didn’t exist…well… until now. I
guess it’s time to deal with them. I’m
sure I have a few options. The problem
is when you’re making samples for a shop or a class it sometimes is something
that you probably wouldn’t make otherwise.
My taste runs very different from what is trendy or very different from
what I would use in my home therefore, my dilemma. What do I do with them!!!!
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| Oh My!! I have too many color options! |
Part of closing my shop was and is dealing with all the
leftover minutia. Sample quilts are making their way to some of my favorite
charities for raffles and fundraisers, but…..those blocks…..
The one good thing about putting out a Quilter’s World
Newsletter every three weeks is that I’m always looking for fun and useful
quilting information or projects. I like
to help solve dilemmas. I figure if I’m
having issues with something…well maybe other quilters are too. But with these blocks……I am drawing a total
blank.
What do you do with Orphan Blocks?????
If you’ve got some ideas for these blocks I’d love to hear
about them. Post your ideas. If I use one I’ll mention you in this blog
and the best idea gets a fat quarter collection.
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| More blocks needing a home. |
Keep Quilting!
Carolyn
Hot pads!! So you can toss out your old ones!!!
ReplyDeleteThat would work for some of the smaller one. Thanks
DeleteHot pads!! So you can toss out your old ones!!!
ReplyDeleteThey are all beautiful. You could donate to groups to make quilts and raffle for charities. You could give away a block for so much spent at your shop. You could have a quilt glass and let people pick one to make a hot pad. Or you could use them in a class to learn how to quilt.
ReplyDeleteDonating is a possibility.
DeleteI saw an article where people made dog beds out of them, then donated them to a shelter. Dogs don't care if the blocks "match"!:-)
ReplyDeleteAnother good idea.
DeleteBorder each with plain black or white and put them together as a sampler quilt....
ReplyDeleteThat would probably use up maybe a quarter of what I have. I like the black or white idea to bring them together.
DeleteMake pillows and keep them, gift them or donate them to charities. Make pillow cases from several and donate them to shelters. (There are children who are homeless and have all their possessions in a pillowcase, and they could have a special one of their own.) Or make baby quilts and donate them to be given to new parents.
ReplyDeleteCharities are at the top of my list.
DeleteCarolyn, I have a great book by Sharon Craig called "Setting Solutions" that is just what you need. Ugly blocks, different sized blocks, mismatched blocks - she had options for everything. You will be able to use up this collection in no time at all!
ReplyDeleteThis is a book I must check out. Thank you.
DeleteWhat about running a contest where people pay a small fee to enter, you give people 4 blocks and they have 2 months to make something & submit photos of the results, proceeds to charity. You could award some sort of fat q prize.... That would let you see lots of creative results!
ReplyDeleteNow I like that idea. I'll see if I can work out a plan and the logistics to make this happen. I'll let you know.
DeletePut them together in quilts to donate to homeless shelters. Homeless people will be very grateful to have them.
ReplyDeleteI do like charitable causes.
DeleteUse the book 'Beyond The Block' for inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI'll check it out. Thanks
Delete