Exquisite Quilt #4
The History of Exquisite Corpse
Please read about the history of the Exquisite Corpse at the following link:
Exquisite Quilt Game No. 4
Goal: Create two 9”x9” finished size blocks that connect to other blocks through a common connector point. All other design elements of the block are left to the creator.
Rules: Directions below are based on finished block size of 9”x9”.
1. There are four connector options and each collaborator will choose at least 2 different connector patterns for a least 2 blocks. For example, your Block #1 is a right-angle connector pattern and Block #2 is an Ender Connector Pattern. If you make more than 2 blocks, only 2 blocks need to be different connector patterns.
2. Connector points are centered on each side and are 1” wide by 1” long at the point of connection.
3. Create a block, and within the block, join both connector points with the connector fabric.
4. Block design and connector design is up to the designer. Only the point of connection needs to be 1” wide.
5. Any piecing technique can be used to make the block: pieced, FPP, EPP, Applique, Improv, etc.
Colors:
1. All fabrics used are solid colors only.
a. Fabric Color 1: Any shade of brown without undertones of yellow/gold.
i. Color Skill Builder: It’s very easy to find browns with undertones of yellow/gold. This skill builder is to avoid browns with undertones of yellow/gold. Try to use browns with undertones of red, blue, green or gray.
b. Fabric Color 2: Any Shade of True Green with minimal undertones of yellow and blue.
2. Connector Color: Participants are notified by email.
3. Minimum: Use at least 1 color for Fabric Color 1 & 2 plus the connector fabric.
Exquisite Quilt Block Pattern Example
Unfinished Straight Block Pattern
Only the 1”x1” pink area above is required. The gray is 1/4” seam allowance. The tan is filled in with your design, somehow connecting the two pink squares with the connector fabric.
Additional patterns and instructions are emailed to all participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Must the block be my own design?
A: No, you can use any block design of your choice, customize an existing block design, create your own design, use improv techniques, etc.
Q: Should I buy my own connector fabric?
A: I’ve purchased the fabric and plan to mail everyone about 10”x21” fabric piece. If you think you will need more, let me know and I am happy to send more.
Q: How much of Fabric Color 1 and Color 2 must I use in each block?
A: It is totally up to you! If you want to create a block 90% brown and 10% green, you can! If you want to do 50/50 of each color, that works too. You can even make your coral connector 50% of the block and Color 1 and 2 are the remaining 50%.
Q: Can the connector fabric touch any other sides of the block other than your 1” pattern requirements?
A: Yes, except for the ender block. The ender can only touch at the one connector point. I recommend limiting the amount that touches the sides on all blocks.
Q: Must the connector be in the foreground, or can it appear to go behind an element?
A: Yes, it can appear to go behind an element…about 75% or more of the connector fabric should be showing on the block, about 25% can appear to go behind an element.
Q: Can I use transparency colors with the connector fabric?
A: Only the connector fabric color can be used for the connector. No other shades of coral can be used.
Q: Should the fabric be pre-washed?
A: No, you do not need to pre-wash and I’m not worried about mixing unwashed and washed fabric. I do not plan to wash the quilt often and I am not worried about fabric shrinking differently from each other. If you think your fabric is a bleeder, please pre-wash. I may send out the connector fabric pre-washed.
Q: Should the seams be pressed open or to one side?
A: Either method works for me. Personally, I do both methods for pressing my seams; I prefer seams pressed to one side and will press them open if they become too bulky. Use the method you prefer.
Q: Can I use any method of Applique?
A: My only request with Applique is not to include visible contrasting top stitching or big thick top stitches. My experience is that the contrast stitching and big thick stitches really pop out from the other blocks…like a bullseye! Be sure the connector at the edge of the fabric is raw edge.
Q: What if I have additional questions?
A: I will send out my contact information via email. Feel free to ask any questions, send pictures, etc. I work full-time and it may take me 24 hours to answer…but I will try to respond quickly.
Q: Where do I send my blocks?
A: I will send out my address via email.
