Monday, November 15, 2021

Housetops

Begun back in mid-summer, Housetops was purely a chance for some scrappy fabric play. I had seen a House Top quilt in Bold Expressions: African American Quilts from the Collection of Corrine Riley, and it seemed like a perfect choice to use up some scraps. Plus, I just needed a project to play with in between the more demanding projects I was working on. Gotta say, it was perfect.


For no particular reason, I began making 9" blocks - not too big, not too small. I'd say about 90% of the quilt top really was made from scrap. Blue and gray prints were my key focus, including some scrap lightweight denim, though the range of blues grew as I went along, some natural linen-cotton blend was added in later on, even a couple of blue solids. Eventually I cut into some stash, as I needed some larger pieces. Obviously, it was simple to piece the top together once the 72 blocks were done, and I honestly did not overthink it. There were so many prints involved, trying to balance them in any logical layout seemed pretty pointless.

For the quilt's back, why not piece some jumbo House Top blocks, amiright? Piecing quilt backs isn't usually my favorite thing, but this one was really fun. Definitely used up some stash here!

A simple crosshatch seemed like a good idea, and easy to execute on a quilt this large with minimal stress. And more scraps for the binding of course. The quilt finished at 68" x 76". Dare I say, I'm kind of sad it's done. Then again, it's since been washed and crinkled, and I'm looking forward to putting it to use!

All my progress photos on Instagram were labeled with the #aqthousetop hashtag... if you're interested! A faux block tutorial can be found here.

Linking up with Meadowmist Designs' Favorite Finish Monthly Linkup!

12 comments:

  1. So restful for the eyes, and I bet it’s perfect for coziness in the blustery PNW weather we’re getting.

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  2. Fabulous finish! Super Log Cabin quilt and colors.
    The back is just as super as the front. Congratulations!

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  3. Fantastic; I especially love the complimentary and oversized blocks for the backing.

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  4. it's been fun watching this one come together and I love the end result. a snuggly quilt for winter!

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  5. I love this quilt! A perfect plan for all the grays, neutrals and blue scraps still hanging around here. Thanks for sharing the faux tutorial too.

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  6. I read that first line in a funny way,,,, 9" not too big, not too small,,, um they are all 9",,, oops... I get it.

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  7. Me, again, also, that you had enough scraps to coordinate that big of a quilt, you must belong to my group, "Women Who Take Over the House with Boxes of Scraps" and don't care what the neighbors or husband thinks!

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    1. haha! Actually, I just have one big basket of print scraps, and a medium box of solid. I try hard to keep using them tho I still have plenty more. They accumulate so quickly!

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  8. I love it! At first I thought it was a square in a square design. But with a closer look and reading about this housetops quilt, I see the design is so much more than it appeared at a quick glance. I love the blues and grays. I love the “mansion” housetops on the back!

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  9. Great quilt - front and back! I think we sometimes all just need that "fun project" inbetween. Enjoy your new couch companion ;) xo

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  10. Just lovely, Debbie, and I'm not even a "blue person." I can see the attraction of making blocks like this - scrappy, and go-with-the-flow as you go. Nice too that you could add texture with different fabric weights like cotton, linen, and denim. Another very successful quilt, I'd say.

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  11. I love it! Thank you for sharing it with us!
    -Jean ❤️♥️❤️

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