Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Orphan Block Compassion Quilt

Earlier this month I completed two compassion quilts. In the same post, I showed you some orphan blocks that were hopefully going to become another compassion quilt but they needed to sit awhile until the design appeared in my mind.

That happened last week and the orphans have become a flimsy.

I took some pictures along the way with the intentions of giving some measurements but I didn't keep up with writing down the measurements.

The blocks in the center are all 12" finished. The sashing and cornerstones finishes at 2". 

The top and bottom blocks finish at 10". 

They don't line up with the 12" blocks but I'm calling this an design element. I did have to add pieced coping blocks. It's 40" wide and 60" long.



The 9 patch blocks finish at 5". I sewed 2.5" rectangles on one side of them while the other side had 3.5" rectangles which means the length of these blocks becomes 10"by 5" finished. These blocks were sewn onto one side and the bottom of the quilt. It finishes as 53.5" by 77". 

I did stay-stitch along the outer edge of the flimsy to keep seams from pulling open. Some people say they don't have a problem but I do even though I make my stitching length shorter when I piece quilts. Prevention is easier than repairs!

I'd like it better if it was a little wider, adding an outside border of the yellow fabric would have made it the perfect width but . . . this yellow is the last of the yellow from the bolt I purchased when I started Hearts & Wreaths. All that is left are squares which will go into their appropriate box to be used in future scrap quilts. 

This flimsy used a lot of the orphans. There is one album block left, 4 of the 9 patch blocks and 2 of the patchwork blocks.  I did not buy anything to make this quilt which was a win-win! 

This flimsy, and the others I have made or will be making, will be quilted sometime next spring. I have absolutely no idea how this flimsy will be quilted but I have decided the best way to start is to stitch in the ditch along the main seam lines that run the full width and length of the quilt.

More orphans were pulled from the box and this is the arrangement I came up with for the next compassion quilt. This is not the final arrangement, it has to rest awhile before the sewing starts.

Someone once asked me why I have so many orphan blocks? What can I say, apparently I run an orphanage!

I am taking a blogging break until the middle of October. See you then and of course, happy stitching! 😉

Linking to To Do Tuesday, Wednesday Wait Loss, Needle & Thread Thursday, Put Your Foot Down, Free Motion Mavericks, TGIFF!, Finished or Not Friday, Off the Wall Friday, Beauty Pageant, Patchwork & Quilts

22 comments:

Linda at Texas Quilt Gal said...

Your orphans made a beautiful quilt. Love the "design element"! I understand having a lot of orphans, I have amassed a bunch myself and your post has given me ideas! Love the start on your next compassion quilt.
Enjoy your break!

Cheree @ The Morning Latte said...

What a great use for the orphan blocks!

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

I love how the yellow sashing ties all the orphan blocks together! Very pretty quilt, Gretchen!

Nann said...

What a wonderful combination!

Jennifer Fulton Inquiring Quilter said...

I did wonder why you have so many orphan blocks but who cares? These quilts are wonderful! Thanks for sharing on my weekly show and tell, Wednesday Wait Loss. https://www.inquiringquilter.com/questions/2025/09/24/wednesday-wait-loss-451

Lin said...

Blue and yellow always look gorgeous and I am liking the look of your next project too. Great use of your orphans. xx

Helenchaffin said...

I've got to start saving my orphan blocks,they usually get turned into something else 😄the quilt turned out fantastic!

Kate said...

All of your orphan block projects look great. The yellow sashing really works to both let the blocks shine, but unify the quilt. Beautifully done!

Ray and Jeanne said...

Your orphans found a great home! This is very pretty. I always serge around each flimsy with a narrow seam so I totally understand your stay-stitching.

Kat Scribner said...

I love the buttery yellow fabric surrounding the orphan blocks, Gretchen. It is so soft and warm looking., great choice.

Jeanna said...

The first think I noticed was the nice yellow sashing. It really brought all those orphans home (together). You are on to a another nice compassion quilt, too. Enjoy your blogging break!

TerryKnott.blogspot.com said...

Those orphans made a great top! I like your thinking on the beginning of quilting it! Your second orphan block top in process is going to be awesome too!

Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting said...

Cute way to set off the blocks!!!

Gwyned Trefethen said...

What a creative way to combine orphan blocks or different sizes and occasionally even different color ways. Great play on words when you stated you run an orphanage.

Barwitzki said...

It's great that you sewed your "orphan blocks" so beautifully. Since I'm practically a newbie to quilting and the like, I hardly have any.
I hope you have a nice blog break. See you later... best wishes from Viola

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

Oh my...only you, Gretchen, could bring together orphan blocks and create such beauty! There used to be a saying that every quilt should have a little yellow in it. Your yellow is just lovely.

Kathleen said...

You did make me laugh with your orphanage comment. You do a fabulous job working with the orphan blocks! Your quilts are stunning and some people start projects and collect alot. Mine are more test blocks, and I have to decide which block becomes my Stay At Home Round Robin block/s this year! Thanks for linking up to TGIFF!

T Holzer said...

This is a great use of blocks, Gretchen! I wish I had your creativity…I can send you my 20 years of orphan blocks!!

CathieJ said...

I rarely have extra blocks. The compassion quilts you are assembling with your orphan blocks are beautiful. Enjoy your break.

PaintedThread said...

How nice your orphan blocks went together. It's a great looking quilt.

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

Your flimsy is beautiful, I love how creative you are with the use of your orphan blocks. It's a joyful quilt, and you managed to make it united. Yes indeed, you run an orphanage ;)) Thank you for sharing and linking up, and enjoy your break!

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

What a super fun way to use all those orphans!!!