Low-Volume Love for the Block Lotto

I often use the Block Lotto as a place to try ideas in a small way–making a few blocks, with no commitment to do anything with them (unless, of course, one happen to win a set in the drawing at the end of the month.)

This month, we're making string-pieced fabric and creating low-volume string heart blocks (6 by 9-inches, finished size).

Defining guidelines for the block lotto is the most challenging when I'm trying to describe to the quilter something possibly new and how to make their own design decision for their blocks. I never worked harder than during our year of liberated quilting ... and so it was this month with the concept of "low volume quilts."

I did a little research (with the help of google image search and flickr) and went looking for examples. I started a gallery on Flickr to capture them.

Follow the links underneath the mosaic for original photos and credits.

 

1. Low Volume Quilt, 2. Low volume quilting, 3. Low Volume quilt, 4. low volume quilt, 5. scrappy low volume start, 6. [workinprogress], 7. Low volume log cabin detail, 8. another close up, 9. low volume quilt- full front

Looking for examples, choosing fabrics and creating low-volume blocks was useful practice for me.  I may never make a quilt entirely from low-volume fabrics, but I definitely see some low-volume scrappy backgrounds in combination with other design elements in my quilting future.  As always, I hope others make the blocks and have an interesting experience, too, but I know that only time will tell.

You can download print-friendly directions for choosing the fabrics and making the String Heart block by clicking the pattern cover image.  It's also available from the Freebies page on this blog.

You can find complete guidelines for the February 2013 Block Lotto here:

Low Volume Love in February

If you are feeling some low-volume love, come play with us.

blocklotto.com

Joining the party on Confessions of a Fabric Addict to celebrate getting it all done in time for the block lotto.