The only place I could find this pattern is on the first page of Maggie Malone’s “5,000 Quilt Block Designs.” She calls it “Big O”, but the name doesn’t have a reference to any publication. I thought I should change the name for this little quilt.
The pattern reminds me of Kansas Dugout (here is mine — also made with feedsacks), but Kansas Dugout has many set-in pieces and is usually hand sewn. Little “O” is pretty simple to sew on the machine, even in this reduced size, because you only have to sew one partial seam (Thanks, Dottie!). I drew several different layouts, but finally decided on this one with blocks in vertical rows separated by sashing; then vertical rows offset and sewn together without sashing. To me, this mixes up the blocks and makes the quilt more interesting, but it’s still relatively easy to put together.
The quilt has 46 blocks made with 184 different feedsack prints, plus a feedsack border. For the background fabric, I used a vintage muslin with a slightly coarser weave, which is very similar to the feedsacks. The blocks finish at 2″ and the top measures 17″ x 21″, although it’s actually 1/2″ bigger all around than this photo because I like to add extra to the border for ease in quilting. I’m happy with the way this turned out, because I love the scrappy look of it, and the scale of the blocks is pretty good.
This is my newest quilt kit, and I had a lot of fun selecting all the feedsack prints. I have so many scraps now that I will probably design another doll quilt using feedsacks. Right now, I have to go round up all the photos I took when I was making this top, and write the stupid directions.
Oh Martha that is too darling!!!
Oh, I have made a few quilts with a variant of this pattern. I love the effect of adding the sashing. So sweet done in feedsacks!
Oh how cute! That border is the perfect choice. 🙂
Went back to check because I thought I must have read that wrong: 184 different prints! Amazing.
You don’t need a set-in seam if you use the “partial seam” method to spiral the colored strips around the central square. All the seams will be straight lines; no corners to turn. (Or is that what you meant by set-in?)
I like the movement in this block. And I like the half-drop set.
Well, gotta have this one too. Off to Etsy I go!
Martha, Martha, Martha! You’re gonna get me in t-r-o-u-b-l-e!!
I love this quilt, and was especially appreciative of the close up so we could see the detail. I can’t image using that many different fabrics, but I have to say it was well worth it. The effect is stunning. Thanks for posting this.
What an adorable quilt!!
Knocked my socks off. Love this.