If you use an off center layout you don't have to worry about running out of lights or darks because the design is not supposed to be balanced or equal.

I've done it before and you just quit making blocks when you reach the size you want the quilt to be.

Whopperjawed can be good. Here's an example of a more planned one I worked on six years ago ... 

judyinohio said:

Here's an example of a more planned one I worked on six years ago ... 

I love the look.  I have tons of strings to work with.

Grr! I hate when my machine's not 100%. Here's hoping they fix it right and cheap!

I never have enough of the same color to do string blocks like that. I've seen a lot of quilt/layouts like that with blocks all in the same color family, and I always think they'e pretty...but when I do strings I just pull from leftover box. I can't imagine how much work it'd take to pull only strings of one color, and I'd prob have to cut some. Hahah!

Judy, those are gorgeous!!!

Yeah, I didn't keep neutrals for a long time, and i've made a more concerted effort lately since they show of lovely fabrics just like this. Way to go!

Nice! I like that one too!

Here is the weird par...I've never liked orange. I was born mid 70's and I think it's just a product of my age...but I'm starting to like touches of coral in decor and such.

I saw that layout of string blocks too!  I saved it so that I could try it sometime.

i am making string blocks today.  But they are for a scrap mystery quilt that I am doing.  Yea for using up scraps!

Judy, your string blocks are looking great
 

So since my sewing machine is in the shop I can't work on my strings. I decided to attack that mountain of paperwork I have to go thru............making progress on it for sure.

Hope to have my machine back by Monday so I can start on the strings too.

Well I now just have one large box of papers. I started with about 5 so doing amazing on that front. I did a big one a few weeks ago and ran out of steam and started sewing instead..........the papers share the sewing space. Well I worked half a day of real focus yesterday and a good part of today and just dumped the really big bin into a slightly smaller one. I am going to tackle this one tomorrow and hope to have this task off my check list.

Good news on the sewing machine. The guy called yesterday and said there was nothing wrong with the machine. He said I was likely threading the machine wrong (well I have been using this machine for over 20 years and have made tons of projects with knits before with no probems. I told him I had even placed that piece of knit with the skipped zigzag stitches under the presser foot from him to see. Well he did the stitch on regular woven fabrics and said he would try on jersey knit..............well today when I called he said that yes he was getting skipped stitches too..............bottom line it was a timing issue and he said he adjusted it and I got charged a whopping $20. They called at 2:45 this afternoon and they were going to close at 4:00 so I jumped in the car and was there at 3:30 to get the machine. I have not tried it yet but will as soon as I clear out the paper sorting mess.