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loisflan

Has anyone ever made a One Block Wonder?

11 years ago

I saw several examples of this process at Blue Bamboo, and I was intrigued. You take about 4 yards of fabric with a 24" repeat and cut the fabric so you can stack the 6 repeats on top of each other and align them exactly. Then you cut strips and then triangles out of it. Each group of 6 identical triangles then forms a hexagon. You use these hexagons to design a quilt that looks very different from the original fabric. Here is the fabric I chose and some examples of the hexagons I've gotten. I've had this fabric for a couple of years and just got around to cutting it. I thought sewing the 228 half-hexagons together would be a good project for Hawaii.

Comments (15)

  • 11 years ago

    Some of my friends LOVE the One Block Wonder technique! I love seeing what they make, but it's not for me. One quilting buddy added some floating boxes to her quilt design, which is a very cool effect.

  • 11 years ago

    Those are neat, Lois! I've seen many OBW, but it's not my thing, either. They come out too busy for me.

    I did a four-patch made the same way, and it was fun and easy. I used a directional print with seahorses, and discovered that is was really too busy. It needed more background to show the kaleidoscope effect, and I'm sure a "tossed" design rather than one-way would have better results, too.

    Donna

  • 11 years ago

    I did a small Stack and Whack several years ago. It was interesting to see how each block emerged. I like looking at these but They aren't calling my name.

    Theresa

  • 11 years ago

    Lois, I think you are going to be very busy in Hawaii.

    Isn't that supposed to be R&R time? (Says she jealously)

    Theresa

  • 11 years ago

    I have made three or four quilts using this method - the largest was like a sofa throw size. I love the technique and am always amazed at how the different blocks look based on your starter fabric. The real challenge for me is figuring out the setting blocks to accent the hexagons.

    I really like your fabric and how it is coming out!

    Sue

  • 11 years ago

    I made one with 6 tri angles and one with 4. With the one using 6 I used some fabric that I couldn't find a use for and it turned out interesting. I liked the one I made with 4 but I framed the blocks with a different fabric and border it with the primary fabric. I kept that one. Your fabric is perfect for the project and should make a very nice quilt. TFS.

  • 11 years ago

    I love them! Stack-&-Whack quilts are what got me in love with the quilting in the beginning. My first five quilts were twin size S&W.

  • 11 years ago

    I've made four or five and even taught it. It's a lovely technique for just having a splash of color easily. It's only as good as the fabric you choose. Large prints, especially oriental, do the best job. It's so easy I had a couple of beginners start with that process and they turned out lovely quilts. It takes an overall quilting pattern well. Go for it. I have her books here somewhere, too.

  • 11 years ago

    My first quilt class was a Stack & Whack class. I made 2 baby quilts with the blocks. I also won a One Block Wonder book on a shop hop but haven't made anything from it.

    Linda OH


  • 11 years ago

    I've not tried this technique, but it's most interesting. I like the effect of your blocks thus far...I can see where the results can be intriguing. Do keep us posted on your progress.

    V.

  • 11 years ago

    I've never made one, but yours is going to be stunning and elegant! It's amazing the different hexagons you're getting!

  • 11 years ago

    I love the idea and have always wanted to make one but feel like I need a class.

  • 11 years ago

    The hardest part of this process, after fabric selection, is the layering of the fabric strips exactly stacking the design and the basting them together. By the time that's done, the stitching is easy!

    i have one done... Started with an oriental fabric with koi. I didn't keep enough fabric for it, but I think it's fun to put a piece of the 'before' fabric on the quilt back.

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Glassquilt, that is a really beautiful quilt. Thanks so much for posting.

    Jennifer, what seems like it would be the hardest part is the positioning of the hexagons into an artistic and pleasing pattern. It will be for me anyway. I do have a piece of the fabric for the backing. I'm glad the person at the quilt shop suggested that.

    Theresa, I had a little too much time on my hands last winter. It's hard being away from your toys for so long. I hope all these quilts keep me busy. I have to get a knitting project to take too for when I don't feel like taking the ironing board and sewing machine out and putting them back.

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