I’ve just finished a new quilt pattern called Scrap Magnet. I really love the way it’s looking so far and I especially like the way it’s reducing my scrap pile.
Once I had completed 16 blocks (for a 4 x 4 block layout) I then started thinking about how to lay them out.
What order?
Rainbow or Random?
At first I thought rainbow order would be the way to go. Everyone loves a rainbow, right? And the rainbow trend is showing no signs of slowing down in the quilting world (yay!).
So I put the blocks out in a diagonal rainbow configuration, with yellow in one corner and the dark purple/grey in the other.
I liked it, for sure. But was it the best option?
Next I went for a more random order. I roughly put the warm and cool blocks in a checkerboard arrangement. Hey, this is nice too!
But which to choose? Rainbow or random? Tough choice.
But I knew just who to ask – my readers.
In my last newsletter I put the question to my readers – which scrap quilt layout did they prefer? I’m happy to report that there was a clear winner.
Over 1000 people lodged a vote and the winner was……
The random layout!
How did the vote turn out? Well, 79% of the almost 1100 people who voted chose the random layout. I think that’s a pretty strong majority.
Myself, I was sure that I would prefer the rainbow layout. That was actually how I chose the fabrics for the blocks – with the intention of laying them out in rainbow order. But once the two layouts were in front of me, I realised I preferred the random. I think it feels more evenly dispersed for me.
Some other Scrap Quilt Ideas
No matter which version you prefer, you can make a scrappy quilt to suit your own tastes. The Scrap Magnet quilt pattern is now available in my shop here.
As well as instructions to sew the 16 block quilt, the pattern also shows you how to sew just a single block (for a cushion or mini quilt) as well as a jumbo sized block (for a baby mat or for when you just don’t have time to mess around with small scraps).
Here are some other scrap quilt ideas using this block. Perhaps you’d prefer a scrap quilt with lots of warm colours (here’s a smaller version just using the warmer blocks):
Or perhaps you prefer the bluer hues (a fave of mine):
If you do make your own version of Scrap Magnet, be sure to send me a photo!
Cheers, Kirsty
P.S. I have another post showing my completed Scrap Magnet quilt (with details on quilting and binding) over here.
Great choice ,will be making one of these for sure
Incorrect Grammer – you used “myself” as the first word (noun) in your sentence (see paragraph after you told us about 79% of voters, etc…..) . I guess English Grammer is not taught any longer. Too Bad
*grammar
Thanks Lillian!
Thanks for correcting my typo, Kirsty. I am so tired of seeing/hearing this “new” English!!!!
Me, too, Sheryl :) I think that’s my favourite – it would be great for a baby quilt/mat.
Yes, I think it’s funny how random rarely is random – it takes effort to make sure there are no discernible patterns anywhere! I agree with you on the rainbow order – it is a bit chunky and hard to carry out across a diagonal. But I do love trying :)
Thank you, Connie!
Woohoo! I love the random layout (& the blues)!
I was one of the 79% and love the random placement – which actually isn’t totally random because of the alternating warm and cool. I think the blocks are big and because of that, the rainbow placement didn’t work as well. It looked structured but not really ‘rainbow’? Anyway, I really love this block and look forward to the pattern. The dark patches framing in the blocks make such a difference – love it!
This block interestingly combines both a traditional & a modern vibe. That’s always my favorite. Looking forward to the pattern!