When I was making it I had a request to teach a class for it, so I recently taught an X and Plus class to several members of PCQ. Understand, the block has been around for many years and there are dozens of tutorials out there. My students could just as easily have found a tutorial and proceeded on their own. But what I can give them - and what they expect from me - is a little more perspective on color and value than just a tutorial.
My plan was to start the class by looking at examples of X and Plus quilts on Pinterest and talking about color and value placement. I also had a handout illustrating different effects that changing the value placement could achieve. Then the students would make a block.
Pivot, last minute change of lesson plan: The projector was supposed to be delivered in time but the person who had it forgot and her phone was turned off. So we started the class by making the 12" block. Then followed, after the projector arrived, with looking at examples.
Many - most! - of the X and Plus quilts out there are a riot of color. Some are group or bee projects where multiple makers each made a block and then they were all put together. A few X and Plus quilts are more curated. My serene green version was inspired by one by Zen Chic. Here's the Pinterest board we looked at in class. You'll recognize Zen Chic's halfway down as you scroll. Scroll all the way down and you'll see an interesting version set on point with a black background.
I asked my students to think about their taste in color and design: do they like scrappy, all colors crowded together? Do they like more breathing room? Do they like something in between?
I made a handout for them illustrating the different effects of value placement, in the same layout as my serene green version. Here are the images I used, created in EQ8. All of the X prints are Kaffe and are the same in all of these images.
1. Bright X
Dark Plus
Medium extensions at the ends of the Plus
Light (low volume) background
Result is Balanced diagonal and straight grid.
2. Bright X same as original.
Dark Plus same as original.
Dark extensions. This is the only change from the first image.
Light (low volume) background same as original.
Result is strong vertical/horizontal grid.
3. Bright X same as original.
Light Plus.
Low Volume extensions.
White-on-white background.
Result is stronger diagonal grid.
4. Bright X same as original.
Dark Plus, same as original.
Medium extensions same as original.
Black background.
Result is Bold: Balanced grid and colors that pop.
The class was well received. Some of the students were particularly taken with that on-point black version at the bottom of the Pinterest board. Several of the students are going to Ritter (retreat) in July with me, and are planning to make X and Plus projects there. Me too! I'm cutting another version to take with me to sew while I'm there. Like my serene green version, it will have some breathing room but it'll be scrappier.
Have you made an X and Plus Quilt? Your own or with a group as a bee project? Do you prefer a riot of color or a curated palette? Crowded together or breathing room?
Linking up with Alycia Quilts 6/12 and Small Quilts and Doll Quilts 6/15
