Driven Rain: 16-patch chain, top completed, block and top construction tutorial

Driven Rain: a 16-patch chain
Top completed 2023
96 by 80 inches
120 blocks set 10 across and 12 down
Block finishes 8 inches
Piece count: 1920 total: 480 solid, 1440 scrap

I had let a pile of scraps build up, mainly from taking in other people's fabrics. After several sessions cutting them down, my 2 1/2 inch squares darks and brights bins (two) were topped off and that is my trigger to make a plan to use lots of them.

I keep these size bins active:
2 1/2 inch squares, 2 inch squares, 2 1/2 by 1 1/2 inch rectangles, 1 1/2 inch squares
-Lights/neutrals
-Darks/brights
-30's repros
-Solids
I keep the pieces stacked. This helps me look along the edges for colors I am looking for. Also keeps the pieces from getting wrinkled. Each bin is a quilt ready to happen.

This time I went with a chain of squares in the midst of the darks/brights. I again chose Kona Ice Frappe (SKU# K001-1173). It stands out well in the chaos..

Bins before this quilt

Bins after this quilt!

16-patches are my go-to for both efficiency and creativity. I love this block.

For each block make 4 pairs of scraps and add a solid

Then add a scrap to the bottom of two and to the top of two

Make units then half blocks, pressing units as indicated 

do not press the half blocks

Make blocks by rotate one half block.
Press blocks to one side

Take two blocks, rotate bottom one and sew into pairs

Sew pairs of blocks into fours

Press joining seams in one direction and rotate right one to make into units of 8 blocks

Make 15 units of 8 blocks and lay out into three rows of 5 units

Quilt is 10 blocks across, 12 blocks down, 120 total blocks.
My design--use at your pleasure.

Backing is by Miriam Bos for Dear Stella