How I Use BlockBase: Alternating Blocks

Summer Birthday

by the SewWhatevers.

We used 2 blocks with fabric from

my Morris Apprentice line from Moda

One way to get a design flow is to alternate two related blocks.

See more about repeat and flow in this post:

http://barbarabrackman.blogspot.com/2013/05/rhythm-repeat-and-flow.html

Relatives 1923

How to figure out related blocks that are going to flow well across the surface?

Look in BlockBase, my PC program for block identification and design.

In both BlockBase and the old paper index Encyclopedia of Pieced Patterns the blocks are arranged according to the seam structures. It's sort of a family tree for quilt blocks.

BlockBase #2020

"Nine-Patch"

Here's a basic seam structure,

which is indexed as

"Unequal 9 Patch Large Center"

You can find that category in the left hand column on the BlockBase display.

See the black arrow above.

I've found that blocks based on this structure go together well. The design has a proportion of 1:2:1---the center is twice as large as the outside strips.

I picked a few I liked in BlockBase, noted the numbers and then imported them to my EQ7 sketchbook.

49 blocks, 12" square = 84" Quilt

In EQ I set up a quilt with an odd number of blocks,

here 7 x 7. Using a 6 x 6 grid or 8 x 8 would create an off center layout.

So it's: 5 x 5, 7 x 7 or 9 x 9 grids.

With the block picker I hit both the Alternate Key and the Block picture at the same

time to get an alternate block set.

Do the same with a second block.

Once I get the quilt laid out I change the colors

to work on a flowing design.

I tried a variety of simple blocks with complex blocks.

Maybe too simple in the pinkish block--- I don't see much flow.

Two rather complex blocks

More flow--works better.

Another combination

Another way to find related blocks to alternate is to pick a block you like.

Here is Art Square by Becky Brown

from the Grandmother's Choice Block of the Month.

It's BlockBase #2403

Find it in BlockBase

You will see across the top an icon that kind of looks like a film strip

Click on that and it will show you the Art Square's family relations by locating

the pattern in the BlockBase hierarchy.

Here are some very close relations in the category "Square in a Square>Blocks with Unpieced Centers."

You can find a lots of cousins within the larger Square in a Square category by clicking on the left.

This Square in a Square category is another family that works well together.

Here's the Art Square alternating with #2385

They are sort of like fraternal twins.

They look enough alike to coordinate

but different enough to provide complexity.

If you love to look at twins check out Cindy's Pinterest page:

http://pinterest.com/costumecindy/vintage-twins/