Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Calico Sunny Lanes

The Sunny Lanes block is a traditional block. The basic unit looks like this:





When the blocks are put together, they form diamonds among the patches.


This diagram and the one of the block above it are from Quilter's Cache--a wonderful resource for quilters.









When I began my Sunny Lanes, I went about the construction a bit differently. I have a big pile of 16-patch blocks I made when a friend gave me a bunch of 3.5" squares (over 2700 3.5" squares!).











 I wanted to use those in the quilt, so rather than making the block the traditional way, I used my 16-patches and constructed the chevron blocks from HSTs.











I chose to use a calico for the "lanes" in these chevron blocks rather than the usual solid color. I think it creates a more old-fashioned look.







This is a quilt where layout is very important. I checked back with the diagram many times to be sure that my diamonds were formed correctly. The assembly itself is easy--just sew the 16-patch and chevron blocks together.


This is before quilting.




I used a pretty, neutral fabric for backing. One reason I chose it is because it has a large repeat, and I wanted to show off the print. Cutting it up too much would cause me to lose the overall pattern. I used a red binding to bring out the reds in the quilt.









Here is the finished quilt.







Taking a different route in construction is something you may sometimes need to try. Don't be afraid to make your quilt your way.

11 comments:

  1. That is a very interesting pattern and I find the combinations you used to be bright yet creates a wonderful design.The eyes just kinda play over it. Thanks!

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  2. Thank you, Karen. I appreciate your visiting my blog!

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  3. Thanks! I thought looking at it here, with pictures, might be easier than trying to explain it in only words on the forum.

    Thanks for looking at my blog.

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  4. I just love this one. I enjoy reading the steps behind making something so intricate and beautiful.

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  5. I just love this one. I enjoy reading the steps behind making something so intricate and beautiful.

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  6. Thanks, Liz. As you can see, once you look at it one step at a time, it isn't so difficult. :)

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  7. I find particularly interesting that the HSTs would be made from different fabrics against the calico. It adds to the traditional happy feel.
    Thanks for all your help!

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  8. I meant scrappy, but happy works too! :)

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  9. I love this quilt pattern! Your quilt is beautiful. I am going to make a baby quilt in primary colours with a lot of calico prints that my mom had in her stash. I think it would work well with this pattern :)

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    1. Thanks, Laurie. Thanks, too, for visiting my blog. 😀

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Happy Quilting,
The Eclectic Abuela