Update on the Orphan Blocks project

I've been working pretty steadily on these orphan Blocks.  The top row seemed pretty solid from the beginning and so I sewed that first hoping that the next row would become clear once that first row was done.  And that went pretty smoothly too.

Below is my first arrangement for comparison.  I decided I needed a little more yellow on the left side for balance so I cut the scrappy puss- in- the- corner block into four pieces and stacked them on the left. 

Another trick I use to make things work is deconstruct blocks.  Four of the blue pinwheel blocks were  actually one block which I took apart so I could spread them around.  This block is probably at least 30 years old, based on the fabric, but also you can see it's hand pieced!

But now I'm kind of stuck in the middle?!  I think I may have to make a block to fill the empty space.  I've run out of blocks with Aqua or blue so I think I'll just make something that goes with...

 Here's the final configuration.  Fortunately I had a whole yard of the aqua sashing in my stash.  That really helped tie things together.  I had to make some filler pieces (lower left corner and to the right of the kite).  And then the house block on the right to fill that space.  But over all I used 25 orphan blocks donated by 16 or 17 individuals and I'm really happy with the results!

I really like these kind of projects.  It appeals to the conservationist in me on many levels and it's fun!  Kind of like a giant puzzle. 

Generally,  I donate orphan block projects to charitable programs but I'm liking this one so much I might give it to my new grand baby due in August.  We don't know the gender but I think it could be for a boy or a girl, don't you think?!

Happy Summering!

Cheers, Claire W.