Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 11: Off the Rails


Today is my stop on the blog tour for Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Volume 11.

My block, #1099 in the magazine, is a variation on rail fence, named Off the Rails. I found my inspiration from a picture in one of Kaffe Fassett's beautiful books, Quilts in Morocco.

See that tile in the background? I modified the idea and this is the block I came up with.
The construction is super easy. Four rail fence blocks with triangles in the corners. Make four blocks and you get something that looks like this--a great mini quilt idea. Get a head start on the holidays--it would look great in red, green and white!
I also tried the same idea with yellow, black check and solid white. It changes the whole look, so it's a very versatile block.

As always, Quilty Pleasures is featuring great giveaways during the blog tour and listing all of the participants for each day so you will want to make sure to stop over there.

Quiltmaker Magazine has generously offered to give away one copy of this issue to one of you, so leave a comment and let me know if you ever work with solids, or prefer to stick with prints.

For all the  blog tour stops and more giveaways, hop on over to Quilty Pleasures blog.

I'll be picking a winner for the magazine on Saturday, May 9, so make sure I have contact information, and thanks so much for stopping by!
This giveaway is now closed. The winner is Vicki in MN, who said: I have worked with solids just a teeny bit so far. I love the look for sure!

156 comments:

05 08
Nancy said... #

I like all the variations of your block!

GranChris said... #

I like the simplicity but the beauty of this block. It does indeed Pop.

Archie The Wonder Dog said... #

I love your block!
P.S. I'd choose prints (preferably tone on tone) every time but solids are useful, too.

Betsy said... #

I like how your block can easily change. I work with both types of fabrics but do prefer solids

shelleyjwilliams said... #

I like the ease of sewing in this block. Beautiful!

Anita said... #

Great looking block!
I mostly use prints, but I am more and more tending to sew with solids.

kt said... #

I mostly use prints, but do use some solids. Great graphic block!

Allison said... #

Love your block! Most of the time I use prints with an occasional solid added.

Unknown said... #

I rarely use all solids in a quilt, but I am seeing more and more patterns that are using all solids.

Michele said... #

I use mostly prints. I'm especially fond of low volume black on white as background. Fun block!

Alice Ronne said... #

Love this block's versatility! I'm usually a print person but find myself adding more solids in my sewing. akronne17@gmail.com

Dana Gaffney said... #

That's a great block, I like the movement. I like working with blenders rather than a pure solid and seem to be heading in that direction more.

curious said... #

Modern quilts use a lot of solids and our guild does a lot of lottery blocks so now I use more solids than I ever have in the past. Sincerely, Paula K.

ledamewood said... #

I haven't worked with many solids, but I use a lot of tone on tones to "read like solids"

Cecilia said... #

I've started working with a lot of solids lately. I like the way they can stand on their own as well as play nicely with prints. Pink love the simplicity of your block.

Julie said... #

I like working with fabrics that I think will work best for the pattern or theme I want to make. Thanks for sharing and the chance to win.

Dee said... #

I have incorporated solids, but have not done a true total solid quilt.

Anonymous said... #

Congrats on your wonderful block! I have never made a completely solid quilt but do use solids with prints. Thanks for a chance to win.

MoniqueB said... #

I just finished an all solid baby quilt for my sister. I found I really liked how clean and crisp it all looked with solids. Although prints have their charms for sure! coudre at dmdrafting dot com

Martina said... #

That is a lovely block! I normally use prints but just bought a FQbundle with blue to green solids. So lets see what i will sew with them,lol!

Michele said... #

I love working with solids, but prints excite me too. Never met a fabric I didn't like!

Vicki in MN said... #

I have worked with solids just a teeny bit so far. I love the look for sure!

MissPat said... #

I prefer prints and batiks. Solid colors just seem flat to me.

Your block is very doable (so many of the others are way to complicated with too many pieces).

Debbie said... #

I don't think my skills are good enough for solids. But yours is wonderful. I need to
add some to my stash

Drhodes9@cox.net

WoolenSails said... #

I have done some solids and what I like about using them is, I can practice my free motion on them and have fun with designs, since they show better.

Debbie

Brenda said... #

fun block and good eye in seeing those tiles as a potential quilt.

Brenda E. said... #

I only use solids once in a while, mostly prints. I am a wild kind of gal, lots of color!

Jayne said... #

What a great version on a Rail Fence block! Especially when they are all together~solids are my main 'squeeze'! For some reason I'm more inspired looking at solids than prints!

❦Bayside Gal❦ said... #

I love, love, love, your block. I use solids for sashing and small borders. I would like to make a two color quilt one day though.

The Colorful Fabriholic said... #

Clever block, I like it a lot and can see it in a variety of applications including QOV or baby pastels.

The Colorful Fabriholic said... #

I work with both solids and prints, sometimes exclusively in a project and sometimes together in the same project. It just depends on the total palette that projects needs; sometimes a solid is a refreshing break from a lot of busy pattern.

Pamela said... #

I love the look of solids, but I'm usually doing a combination of prints and solids. Gotta do one all solids---on my to-do list!

Lee Ann L. said... #

I prefer prints; but, I like prints that reads as solids too!

Sandra said... #

You have a great versatile block. You have so many color options that is a block you will make over and over again. I like working with both solids and prints. Thank you for being a part of the QM's 100 Blocks, Volume 11 blog tour, sharing your creative block with all of us and the chance to win a copy of this awesome, priceless magazine.

Sandi Timmons
sandit1@sbcglobal.net

Mary said... #

I haven't made anything with just solids but combine them with prints quite a bit. I love your block and am thinking of lots of different ways it could be used. My daughter is just learning to quilt and this would be a great block for her to try, too.

Kathryn said... #

I've made a few just solids quilts, but more often use prints or prints with solids.

Tspoon said... #

Cute block and thanks for the chance to win.

Anonymous said... #

I absolutely love your block! I mostly work with prints. Thanks so much for the chance to win :)
Debby E
samtaylorcjsmimi at yahoo dot com

Poppyprint said... #

Clever you! I have a really similar tile photo from a local restaurant in my file! Great block design, Cindy. I'm working more and more with solids and with that gorgeous box of DS solids staring at me I need to get busy!

Jocelyn said... #

I do usually work with prints, but like to use solids as my co-star. Saw your post on Instagram :-) Congrats on being included in 100 Blocks!

kris said... #

I work with both prints and solids. Lately I have been doing some solid improv blocks with my scraps and have had so much fun with it!

Anonymous said... #

I work solids and prints in to a quilt to give it the extra pop !

Sandra said... #

You modified the idea and came up with such an amazing block. I enjoy working with either solids or prints or even both. Thank you for being a part of QM's 100 Blocks,Volume 11 Blog Tour and the chance to win a copy of this amazing magazine.

Sandi Timmons
sandit1@sbcglobal.net

mumbird3 said... #

Lovely block! I like prints but solids seem much more dramatic!

Jennifer said... #

Ya know, I love how solids and prints mix in a finished quilt - although, I don't like to work with solids. I can plow through the piecing, using solids, and really don't like how a finished top looks - until it's quilted. Then, a solid really lends depth and character to a quilt.

Donna said... #

I have always used prints, but now I have seen how stunning solids look and your block sure shows how great solids look.

Cynthia Brunz Designs said... #

I work with solids occasionally, shot cottons a little more often but mostly I use prints. Congratulations on the publication!

Deborah said... #

I really want to work and love the looks of a quilt done in solids, but alas I have mostly worked with prints to date. poladydwd(at)yahoo(dot)com

Dee said... #

I like to combine solids and prints. Your block has so many fun possibilities

Pat V. said... #

Although I enjoy seeing quilts made from solids, I tend to use tonals with sort of print that read as solids.

sophie said... #

I have only made quilts from ONLY solids for challenges ... and I admit, I DO find it challenging ;-)

~Kris~ said... #

I like using prints and tone on tone to give my quilts some personality.

Janet said... #

Such a wonderful block! There will be lots of ways to use it. Thanks!

Mary said... #

I like your twist on the rail fence block. Hope to WIN a Copy of Volume 11. I've seen a few blocks already I want to make into QUILTS!

stitchinpenny said... #

That is an amazing twist on an easy block - I have to try that.

Patricia said... #

I love solids and your blocks may take me out of my comfort zone in choosing colors

Karen Ackva said... #

Fantastic block! I love your block with a scrappy edge. As far as solids, I usually mix solids and prints! I rarely work in only solids or only prints! Enjoy the hop! Hugs, Karen

Tinliz said... #

Interesting source for your block design. jtney41 at gmail dot com

Loris said... #

Fun, versatile block! I especially like how it looks in that version with the gold. I have not sewn with solids very much except in adding black. Will have to give it a try. Thanks for joining the Quiltmaker blog hop.

alaskamarge said... #

What a fun block. I like all the different colors you made your block. I usually use prints as I feel that I can make a more versitile block with them. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said... #

I love your block! I prefer to use solids, but recently I have been trying mixing some prints into my blocks. Thanks!

Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

Quilting Tangent said... #

I prefer prints, but will use solids. 24Tangent@gmail.com

Linda Big D said... #

I love your block! I use solids a lot; built up a collection when I was making grandmother's flower garden hexies. I really like to use solids for sashing, narrow borders, and bindings. They often add the contrast and/or continuity to the other fabrics in the quilt. And solids are great for kids' quilts. and to show off quilting.

JANET said... #

I prefer prints, as they add texture and movement. Don't get me wrong. I have seen some beautiful quilts made with just solids. But you have to have the right color combination. When I try to put solids together, something is missing, and I go back to prints.

April Shae said... #

I enjoy working with solids. I made a quilt out of different shades of tropical blues. I have by far received more compliments on that quilt than any other I made with print fabrics!!

Kelly Grace said... #

My go to fabric seems to be tone on tone, marbles. Fabrics that read as solids.

Lisa England said... #

I use solids and I like them but I have yet to make an all solids quilt. It's on my to-do list though!

dorothy said... #

I started with solids, so they will always have a special place in my heart; but I enjoy using prints these days.

CyndyK said... #

It's amazing how much your block changed when you made it w/ the black check, yellow and white. Thanks for the inspiration! I've not used solids much. I do use a lot of tone on tone. cknapp3626@sbcglobal.net

Margaret said... #

I love how your block changes with different color combinations

Lori said... #

congrats on being published. your block is so wonderfully fun. I love the colors you chose. they look so fun with more than one block together. thank you
quilting lady 2 at Comcast dot net

Wendy @ Wendysquiltsandmore said... #

I've only recently started using solids. I'm really more of a pattern person myself. That's just the way I was taught years ago. Great block you've designed. Congratulations on getting it into the magazine.

KathleenD said... #

I love using solids... Your Off the Rails Block is very striking! Congrats on being "published"!

Cathy said... #

I use solids just like any print: if it works, the color works, it gets used. Thus many of my projects have blends of both solids and prints.

Celeste said... #

I use solids, tone on tone, prints, whatever is in the stash. Your Off the Rails block is very good! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the magazine.

Jitka said... #

I sometimes work with solids but I prefer prints. I made only one quilt with hand dyeding fabrics - they are more batics than solids! I usualy mix both.

Bluebell Ridge Handworks said... #

"Off the Rails" - what a fun name! I love it made with multiple colors. Quick and easy is always a winning combination! I mostly work with prints as I don't have a collection of solid fabrics. Every time I see a beautiful quilt made from all solids I think, "I'd love to try that!" Thanks so much for an opportunity to win a copy of Volume 11 :o)

BillieBee (billiemick) said... #

I have worked with solids.

Elizabeth said... #

I love working with both, especially in combination.

SoccerMom said... #

I love working with prints, but sometimes it's nice to have solids to help highlight the colors in the prints. It's nice to have a mix.

fabricstasher24@gmail.com said... #

I'm building up my solids (Kona) so that I can make a pixel quilt! Love your block.
fabricstasher24@gmail.com

JoyceLM said... #

I've used solids a little bit, but I prefer to work with prints that read as solids. Love your geometric block. Thanks.

Unknown said... #

I'm learning to like solids, but prefer tone on tone for blenders. Great Block!!

Cathy B said... #

I really love the yellow, black, and white fabrics you used. Love your block!! Thanks!

Judy1522 said... #

I mostly use prints but often use a solid as my background fabric. Your block is so pretty with the brigh solid colors.

Marla's Crafts said... #

I have been using more and more solids all the time and really like the effect of them. Kona is one of my favorite. Thanks for sharing and having such a great give away.

Marla's Crafts said... #

I have been using more and more solids all the time and really like the effect of them. Kona is one of my favorite. Thanks for sharing and having such a great give away.

Becky in Georgia said... #

I have worked with solids. My favorite is to combine them with prints. Love your block!

Rochelle aka Bella Quilts said... #

I don't usually use 100% solid - prefer more of a marbled solid and adding them to prints. Like what you've done with your block. Thank you.

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said... #

I have one quilt which is solids only two colors though. Which reminds me I probably need to get back to work on it.

Joanna said... #

Cute block. I have worked with solids. I like the AMB fabrics. But non-solid fabrics make up the major part of my stash.

Ellen said... #

I thought I had already commented, but it doesn't look like it went through. I am using more and more solid fabrics in my quilts. Started quilting with no solid colors, but like them more and more.

wendy said... #

I like to use a combination of prints and solids in most of my quilts. Great block! Seeing the two of them together it's hard to tell it's the same one. Thanks!

Jeanne in Ohio said... #

I usually use prints, but sometimes solids are better for the project. It just depends. Thanks for the giveaway.

Kathy H said... #

I usually use only prints but I really like your combination of prints and a solid.

Vicki H said... #

I mostly use prints but I am trying to incorporate more solids into them.

Unknown said... #

I have used solids along with prints but never all solids. Nancy A: rangerer@sbcglobal.net.

Kathy S. said... #

Simple and cute! Great block. Thanks for the chance to win. My go to fabric is usually white on white.

Unknown said... #

Love the versatility of the block. I use solids sparingly, but often.

Diantha said... #

I prefer prints, though use some solids occasionally. I like "tone on tone".
Thanks for the chance at the giveaway.

Leslie Schmidt said... #

I have never used solids, but I collect them! I keep telling myself that I have to actually cut into them sometime.

@lutzcats said... #

I enjoy solids occasionally, they make you pay attention to value instead of theme on a printed cotton. Lately...it's been 5 batik quilts in a row!

Emily C said... #

I like to use both. It just depends on what project I am working on and the effect I am looking for.

Laura Ferdal said... #

I lvoe working with solids - but am fascinated with combining prints off late.
Thanks for the giveaway.
merryorganic@gmail.com

Julie said... #

I use solids occasionally, but mostly I like the fabrics that read as solid. Your block is cute and fun.

Carla said... #

I have come to really like solids. Congrats on another publication

Anonymous said... #

I like to work with bright solids. Love your block.
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

Cathryn said... #

I work with both solids and prints. Sometimes I mix them together. This is a fun block and I can't wait to try it.

Aby Dolinger said... #

A very fun block; I will have to give it a whirl!

Deb said... #

I mostly stick with prints, but a solid could show itself occasionally.

Marie said... #

I like to mix an occasional solid in my favorite scrap quilts to give them a visual resting spot.

Farm Quilter said... #

Fabulous block!! Love how it plays in different colorways!! Definitely need to give this one a go!!!

Susan said... #

I'm a print girl!

Walter said... #

Great block! Very versatile. thanks. pjrcontest (at) msn (dot) com

Joyful Quilter said... #

I made my first all solids quilt this year. I really like the quilt but I think I like a combination of solids and prints better - they just seem to play better ;o)

pharmgirl75 said... #

I use mostly prints, but I like to throw a solid in once in a while.

Rachell said... #

I'm getting bolder with prints. When I find a few that I love, then I have a hard time cutting them up! That said, I still like the block designs to spotlight first. So I use a lot of blenders, solids, and tone-on-tones prints.
I think this could be intriguing and secondary designs could be great!
reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com

Katy McCoy said... #

That is a darling block! I'm not much interested in solids. Kind of like instrumental music to me - just better with lyrics. But can't do without them - they give the eye a place to rest.

LizA. said... #

I've recently started using solids and I'm liking them a lot.

Lee said... #

Congrats on a fabulous block! I have not made a block with just solids - need to!

Kathy Davis said... #

I mainly work with prints.
kdavis1@centurytel.net

Grandma Beth said... #

I use "solid prints" for solids- tone on tones etc. Nice block!

Terri said... #

Right now I am in a polka dot phase - there are so many to choose from these days! I occasionally use solids to set them off.

Unknown said... #

I do use some solids in my quilts, it helps break up the prints. Love the block, the colors are so vibrant paired with the black. congrats on being chosen to be in the magazine.

quiltynan said... #

I like more solids and just a few prints to mix it up!

vwlady said... #

I like solids or fabric that reads as a solid. I just love this Block Tour....always look forward to it!

Karen in Breezy Point said... #

I usually use prints, but do have a small stash of Kona's and Cherrywood's to throw into the mix.

craftygramma said... #

I have just begun to collect solids as I saw a couple of quilts I love that are made from them.

We'll see how they turn out! I fear they leave too much space to see mistakes...

your block looks fun!

Kim said... #

I've worked with both - tend to work with prints with small figures or tone on tone. I've never done a quilt with all solids.

Anonymous said... #

I have not used solids much previously, but am beginning to be attracted to them in the new patterns and ideas featuring them.

Unknown said... #

I haven't used solids other than as a break between really busy blocks - it seems a bit too like colouring with fabric - and I like the interplay of patterned fabric with the geometry of the block.

Wanda said... #

I have started to use solids and enjoy the results.This spring I've started to collect dots and can't wait to get started using them.

Jill Hicks said... #

I worked with solid when garment sewing, but need to venture there for quilts.

Linda said... #

I've never worked with solids before! I'm a new quilter!

Jen Barnard said... #

I do use solids, but so far only as backgrounds and borders.
jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com

Celtic Thistle said... #

I love your interpretation of the tile in the photo Cindy!

I am naturally drawn to prints rather than solids, but I am slowly adding solids to my stash.

Unknown said... #

I've always used primarily prints with bits of solids thrown in.
mabay1981@gmail.com

Tina Short said... #

Have always used prints but love seeing quilts in solids so I've joined a monthly solids colour club to build a solids stash.

Tina Short said... #

Have always used prints but love seeing quilts in solids so I've joined a monthly solids colour club to build a solids stash.

VA said... #

I've never made an entire quilt using solids, but I do mix them in with prints on occasion. I actually went to a quilt shop once and asked where the solids were, and was told that I shouldn't use them in my quilt!

Kate said... #

I tend to be a print girl but am learning to use more solids as I really like the modern look to quilts. Thanks for the chance!

Tu-Na Quilts said... #

I'm really partial to yellows so love the yellow one. I like to include a solid or two in my quilts just to keep the pattern from being too busy. kthurn@bektel.com

Auntie Clark said... #

I like what I call "muddy" solids. Like Moda Marbels.
auntie.clark@gmail.com

Lavonna ZWB said... #

I have always been drawn to prints. I don't feel as though I have enough experience with only solids. Perhaps I should look at that more. Hmmmm.

Farm Quilter said... #

I adore working with solids! Sorry didn't read very well...so glad I came back by!!

betz2u said... #

I am a new quilter and so far always have solids in my quilts. I love your block. Thanks for the opportunity to win. bettyharden@charter.net

Charmingbubble2 said... #

My morning inspiration is to use solids (something I've not done before for a whole quilt) and randomly choose blocks from this volume to make a quilt for a friends son. How much fun would that be? Better yet I could let him choose the blocks!

Gill said... #

Great block!
I love to use solids!

Debbie P said... #

Thank you for designing such a cute block and posting great tutorials! I like working with both solids and prints - each can blend well together or make a statement in the design.

Dody said... #

I definitely need more solids in my stash. Your block is awesome, great job!

Andee said... #

Love the look of your block!

Donna said... #

I work with mainly prints ... I like solids, but prefer prints. Love the block!

KathySue said... #

Love your block. Great use of color. kathleendotlutzatcomcastdotnet

Christine said... #

I use both solids and prints. Can't say that I prefer one over the other...

Pip said... #

I enjoy working with solids, and like to add a print sometimes to zing it up. Thanks for the chance to win.

Anne / Springleaf Studios said... #

I'm oh so late in seeing this. Great block Cindy!! Love it. You need to make a whole quilt with it for sure.