Pick Five Monday: Shayla's Strip Tease edition

Today we have a Pick Five Monday brought to you by Shayla (flickr: sharpshayla | blog: Raggie Girls).  Just as a reminder Pick Five Monday is a feature here on Quilting Bee Blocks where I have a member of our Virtual Quilting Bee community "pick five" blocks from the group Flickr pool that they're loving.  It can be five blocks in a theme or just five random blocks they're loving this week.  If you want to do a Pick Five Monday for the blog, email me!  I'm always in need of guest posters.  This week Shayla had a terrific idea for a Pick Five Monday theme so I'll just let her take it away!

----------

About me: I admin Bee White Black and Sew Buzzy quilting bees. I participate in Moody Blues Bee, Scrap Happy and Bee Scrappy bees. I also participate in some swaps: S.T.U.D. (Swap Til You Drop), Doll Quilt Swap 9, Charming Mini Quilt Swap, Fabric Postcard Swap and Hoop Up! Stitch and Send Swap (embroidery).

Pick 5 Topic: Strip Tease (blocks made primarily with strips (or strings) of fabric)

Strips are such a simple thing but when combined right they give stunning effect.

(block made by tingtongandthings)

1.  The classic string block yields endless variation and is a great way to use up scraps. These have a solid center strip that is uniform in size and color throughout all the blocks which lends organization to the overall quilt and gives the eye a resting point while random sized strips allow the block the randomness of a scrap quilt. Coordinated prints keep the entire quilt from appearing visually busy and overdone but still gives the scrappy look that is so much a part of string quilts.

(block made by flossyblossy)

2. A spiderweb block is another great example of using strips. This block in particular grabs my attention not only with the gorgeous summery colors but also the fussy cut center. While most spiderweb blocks use a solid color center, this one takes it that step further, showing that a little extra planning and work can really set your design apart from the rest!

(block made by OhFransson)

3. This block just sums up the idea of a modern block--clean lines, bold graphics, well distinguished coloring. The simplicity of the lines combined with the random widths of the wedges add visual interest where straight even strips with such a simple color scheme would have been a bit of a yawn.

(block made by Miss Monny Quilts)

4. Working with strips doesn't mean you have to end up with a square shape. Who would have seen straight strips of fabric and thought hearts? Careful piecing, clean applique and just a touch of hand embroidery really makes this block memorable. I could see this block all sorts of places--quilts, pillows, wall hangings, placemats, fabric postcards...

(block made by Flaun)

5. This circle block combines the linear lines of the fabric strips with bold graphic patterns for a contemporary block with stunning effect.

----------

Thanks so much, Shayla!