Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Offset Block #10

What Happens When You Offset

Balkan Puzzle Blocks?























I am enjoying winter and if it wants to hang around, that's fine by me. But for some reason, when I look at a Balkan Puzzle block colored like this I think of flowers and I want to plant a garden.


The Balkan Puzzle flowers could be lined up in neat rows and columns.

This is static and conventional. Although, I do like the pinwheels that are formed as secondary patterns.


What if the Balkan Puzzle blocks are offset slightly?

This has more movement and is quite playful. The negative shapes create added interest.


What if the blocks are offset a little more?

This has lost some of its movement and the negative shapes, between the flowers, are now diamonds. This is more airy and there is lots of space to do interesting quilting.


What if the blocks are offset even more?

This has even more room for elaborate quilting and the negative shapes between the flowers are more interesting again.


When the blocks are offset so that only their corners touch, the result is a checkerboard of flowers.

The design has again become static and conventional. But there is some nice space for some decorative quilting.


Up to this point all the designs have been grid based. What if there is no grid?

Then designs like this circle, or wreath, are possible. And the door is opened to a wide variety of exciting designs.

3 comments:

  1. What if you not only offset, but also put the blocks on point? Thank you so much for giving me ideas. I'm working on a Balkans Puzzle quilt for our quilt guild challenge. After seeing what you have done, I'm making a baby quilt for my niece do in November with scraps. I can't wait to finish it.

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    Replies
    1. Trista
      I'd love to see what you come up with. Please send me a picture.

      Delete
  2. I tried to reply the other day but I think I messed up. I have attempted to put it on my profile pic so I'll see if it follows me on this post. Of course the borders will be cut off. I've also sent you an email. I'm so happy with how it turned out and it is my first free motion quilting as well.

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