Any Old Left Over Block Quilt - Finished

33 comments
My Any Old Left Over Block Quilt is back from the machine quilter and bound. I love it.  When I gathered up the blocks  I wasn't sure how it would come together but I think it works.
I named my quilt Any Old Left Over Block Quilt because that is what I was thinking when I gathered up the blocks and tried to make a cohesive unit.  They were all just any old left over blocks and "old maids". 

The name came from a recipe in a cookbook I was given as a new bride (way back in 1979).  You can find the recipe here.  It is called Any Old Bottle Fruit Cake.  Quite different from traditional fruit cake and quite tasty.  I guess the cake concept comes from using up bottled fruit that might not be as pretty and fresh as when placed in the bottles.  I think I was afraid my Any Old Block Quilt wouldn't be as fresh and pretty as a planned quilt.  But I don't think that is the case.
I used the new extra wide Robert Kaufman quilt back fabric.  I really like it and it makes the back modernize the "old blocks".  I first found out about this modern quilt back fabric from Katie's blog post.  The fabric comes in great colors.  I like all the colors except the black.  I'm afraid machine quilting with light thread might show up too bold and contrast with the white circles on black. 
The blocks bring back great memories from trial blocks, pattern proofing, and cute little left-overs.  I can't decide where this quilt will live.  I think it is too cute to fold and put on a shelf.
The border fabric was a fabric I've been hoarding.  I took the machine quilting pattern from the bows in the border and had bows quilted edge-to-edge.

-nanette
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33 comments

Vicki said...

Oh my gosh. I love it. So beautiful. I couldn't sleep last night and was thinking about making a medallion quilt with all my leftover blocks (and some new ones, too.)

I love the colors, you have the perfect vintage feel here.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

This is just so cool! The dresdan in the bowl really catches my eye, now that is pretty. Just a wonderful quilt and really needs to be used, not stored.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

What a great idea Nanette! It turned out so cute too!

Lurline said...

Great quilt, Nanette - makes me wonder how many quilts evolve this way!
Hugs - Lurline.

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

I REALLY like it, Nanette. You know I hate to waste, and this is a good example of that, but you've gone beyond that and made it a real thing of beauty.

Julia said...

It looks great Nanette..and it's a beautiful quilt, not just "any old quilt"
Julia ♥

Carol said...

Nanette it is just wonderful...the border is perfect...really ties it all together, and the back is great. What a treasure! LOVE it!

Dresden Quilter said...

I love this. They look perfect together as though they were meant to be, and not left over blocks.

Lynn said...

Wow! I love this quilt. It's amazing what you've done with the leftover blocks. Such creativity! I love that half dresden block in the center.
My mother used to make a similar cake and it's been bugging me for a long time to try to remember how to make it. I'm going to give this a try, thanks for sharing!

nettie said...

such a great quilt! it's amazing what a few leftovers can become!

Thimbleanna said...

Very cool Nanette! You're an inspiration for millions of leftover blocks languishing in piles around the globe! My own leftover blocks drool in envy!

CuteStuffInside said...

Love the quilt! Did you say 1979? That's when I was married!

Karee said...

Love the history remembered with this quilt. You have inspired me to start an Old Maid drawer to hold my testers, BOMs, experiments, left-overs, etc. Fab! Thank you.

donna said...

OH my gosh. Your quilt turned out beautifully. You did a great job my dear. I can see why you where hoarding the boarder fabric it is gorgeous.
Hope you have a great day.
Hugs
donna

Kelli Fannin Quilts said...

I love it Nanette! So colorful, what a great project for your leftovers. :D xo

Bev said...

Wow, what an adorable quilt! Great job!
Thanks for sharing!

Cheery wave from
Bev

Brandie said...

Just gorgeous Nanette! You always make everything go together perfectly. Like they were meant to be all along.

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

On Nanette! My old maid blocks would never look like that! I love it! No, do not put that away.I bet it is filled with memories.

Quilter Kathy said...

So pretty...what a wonderful quilt!

PamKittyMorning said...

ADORABLE!

pratima said...

I am a huge fan of your border choices, Nanette! You find the most sweetest fabrics for them. The blocks are just the cutest! Beautiful colors and the quilting design compliments perfectly!

dream quilt create said...

Wow, it's gorgeous!!! What a great idea for a quilt :)

Jan said...

You are so right - this one should never see the shelf! Love it!!

Karen H said...

Fabulous quilt - you better put it on display somewhere!

debbie said...

I love your new quilt. It doesn't look like leftovers at all. The border is so cute, I would have hoarded it too and I love a striped binding too! You can send it to me now as it is COLD here and I would be happy to snuggle it tonight :)
xx debbie

Helen L said...

That is a FANTASTIC!! Love it! In 100 years people will be really studying it and loving it!! It is so fun to look at with so many different blocks!

Anonymous said...

It's fabulous! I don't understand how quilters have unused blocks!! I never have any - even when I make mistakes I use them! You did a great job - love it!

Barbara said...

I really love that ... makes me want to try something along those lines with the odd vintage blocks I seem to accumulate. Will have to check out that extra-wide fabric!

Carrie P. said...

what a fun quilt. any old blocks worked so well together. well done.

em's scrapbag said...

Absolutely love your any old block quilt!

Sherry said...

Oh my gosh! That turned out so awesome. Who would have thought leftover blocks could become such a wonderful quilt! :)

Sinta Renee said...

Wow... that is an adorable sampler! Seriously? Any old leftover? It looks just perfect!

Erin @ Why Not Sew? Quilts said...

It's just wonderful, Nanette! All of the blocks look great together.