FUSSY CUT X PLUS QUILT BLOCKS

I have a new obsession: x plus quilt blocks. I don’t know how or why I started a new project. Well actually I do know how, I was looking for a distraction to help me avoid my massive to-do list and so I went in search of a new quilt block to try.

I have a list of blocks and quilts I’d like to try (and I currently have 5 quilts in various stages in my sewing room so really I shouldn’t have been looking elsewhere) so I just went to the list and picked one.

I decided I’d make blocks using fabrics I have in my stash that I’ve been “saving for a special occasion” and have some fun with them.

I asked google for a block pattern and found Amy (of Badskirt) had written a tutorial for a 7.5″ finished quilt block.

I didn’t really think about the size of the block I just started cutting.

I made my first block and was in love. I’ve not really played with directional prints much in the past so it was fun to think about what fabric would work as the x part of the block.

With my first block done I decided to try it again. No real plan in mind.

I loved my first 2 so much that it was time to make another. By the time I had 3 made it was pretty clear I was in the process of making a quilt top.

My to-do list hadn’t gotten any smaller, but I was motivated now, so I decided that each time I’d finish a task on my list I’d make another block.

The next day I used my x plus block quilt to help power through some of my to-do list. It was such a great way to stay motivated and focused.

I used some of my favourite fabrics in my next block. I loved fussy cutting the fabrics to try and create movement and draw your eye around the block.

For my next block I decided to use some extra special fabric. I follow an amazing Australian lady on Instagram, @missjessm, and a few months back she posted some images of fabric she was designing and printing on Spoonflower and I just had to have some.  It was this amazing print of cicadas on a spotted background.  (You can see more of Jess’s work here.)

I’ve held on to it for so long I was sure what to use it in that would really make it sing – then I found the x plus quilt block. Bingo!

I love this block. It was this block that made me decide to turn them all into a big quilt top just for me.

I make a lot of quilts, but I usually make them for other people. I’ve never made a quilt that’s all just for me. (The closest I’ve come is making quilts for our little family, but they always have design elements for others in them.)

I love this little all green number.

This is how much I’m loving this quilt, I cut into my precious Heather Ross Gnome fabric. I just had to team it with some flamingo fabric.

What does the fox say?

Time for another gnome.

Some dodgem cars…

Or maybe a little bird.

Or a lot of birds.

I’ve got 12 blocks made and I’m aiming for 100 – I like my quilts on the large size (lots of room for snuggling and less arguments about stealing the covers).

I love how they’re all playing with each other and I’m looking forward to seeing more made and put together.

I will probably need to start thinking about balancing out colours as I get more done, but right now I’m just having fun.

I’m also toying with the idea of making some 12″ versions (you can find the measurements here) and then some 24″ versions (you can find the measurements here).

It’s all just about having some fun. That’s what quilting’s all about right?