Along time ago, Friend Julie and I started cutting Windmill shapes for each other. It’s possible that the last time I posted about this project was in 2012. Last weekend, I decided that it was time to sew them together. This project is coming off the Hunting and Gathering list.

The blades sew together very quickly once I got the placement correct.
My first layout, shown left, was kind of a wonky looking zigzag. I was starting to change the layout to the one shown below, so the upper right hand corner blocks are in a different layout. Check the bottom. 😉
The zigzag layout has its charms. Then I texted Friend Julie and she called the pieces blades, so I started thinking about them in a kind of fan format.

I rearranged the blocks into that format. I am not sure about this quilt in general. I think I might need to use all warm colors or all reds and pinks or something. I think both layouts look strange.
At some point, I decided to cut background fabrics, so that the foreground blades would be highlighted. The idea works; I am just not sure if I like the whole effect.
Also, I have a lot of these blades. I think I can make at least two quilts.
I definitely like the second layout best.
I think it is much better as well. What do you think of the scrappiness?
I love the scrappiness! I like contrast too, and might suggest to watch the values of the pinwheels that are in each block, if that makes sense. Some of the lighter ones seem to disappear with the background. I love the scrappy background too. This looks like a future happy quilt 🙂
Windmill and pinwheel blocks are so close to my heart, and I love to see yours Jaye! Something about the movement that grabs me 🙂 I also like the second layout.
Yes, the movement in the Windmill pattern is great. I may do the zigzag, but it would be better with consistent fabrics, I think.