Windmill Starts

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.

Windmill first sewn blocks - layout 1
Windmill first sewn blocks – layout 1

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.

Windmill first sewn blocks - layout 2
Windmill first sewn blocks – layout 2

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.

Author: JayeL

Quiltmaker who enjoys writing and frozen chocolate covered bananas.

5 thoughts on “Windmill Starts”

  1. 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 🙂

  2. 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.

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