Oh Scrap! : Improv Stripes

Happy Sunday!

Remember this pretty stack of scraps?

They are now all somewhere in this project!

Debbie over at A Quilter's Table hosted an #improvstripesqal and I thought it would be fun to join in the fun.  I knew I wanted to make a lap sized quilt so I decided to make my blocks more rectangular so it wouldn't get too busy.

I don't often do improv.  I find it to be a really slow process and I swear sometimes after sewing a bunch of seams, your blocks appears smaller!  Just kidding of course but I do find it to be pretty time consuming.

Even so, I have been enjoying this project.  I still have a couple of vertical seams to sew and I need to decide how I am going to finish the left side.  I like the large piece of black but I still need to determine if I will add any strips.  I do have a scrap pinned up there so I can think about it.

I also added a few bowtie blocks to my Rainbow Scrap Challenge quilt.  Such quick blocks!

How about you - what are you making with your scraps?

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Share your scrap projects.  Here are the details for linking up:

• This linky party is for any scrappy project - It can be in-process or a finished piece.
• You can link up your blog post (not your homepage please) or Instagram photo from the past week that features your use of scraps.
• If you are linking to a blog post, I ask that you link back to my blog somewhere in your post. So if you are writing about scraps, just get into the habit of including a link as there will be a linky party available every week!
• If you are using Instagram, please use the hashtag #ohscrap.
• This is a party so remember to socialize and comment on the posts of others.
• Following my blog is not necessary but it sure would be great if you do!

<a href="http://quiltingismorefunthanhousework.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XTyeCeIcFJ8/VJSHulTzvkI/AAAAAAAAGCc/O_OPzksuV2s/s1600/Oh%2BScrap%2BButton.jpg" alt="Quilting is more fun than Housework" width="125" height="125" /></a>

So if you love scrappy projects, feel free to grab my button for your sidebar or posts and get ready to share all your wonderful projects from scraps.  And if you have a great idea for using scraps and would like to be featured, feel free to contact me!

An InLinkz Link-up

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Linking Up:

Love Laugh Quilt (Monday Making)
Small Quilts and Doll Quilts (Design Wall Monday)
Cooking Up Quilts (Main Crush Mondays)
Em's ScrapBag (Moving it Forward)

TGIFF - Licorice Allsorts Finish

Welcome to TGIFF!  (Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday!)

I have been waiting for a special day to share my finished Licorice Allsorts quilt and today is the day!

I made this quilt following crazymomquilt's #junequiltqal.  I knew as soon as I saw her sample that this quilt would be ideal for all of those black background scraps that I had piled up and never seem to use. 
(I probably still have enough for a second quilt!)

I did make a few changes to Amanda Jean's instructions.  I knew a lot of my strings were up to 3" wide so I decided to make my strip sets 6" x 12".  I really am glad I made that change to the scale - it really fits these fabrics better.  The other change I made was to the cornerstones.  I decided to piece mine.  When I increased the size of the strip sets, that meant my cornerstones were larger too.  I felt a single fabric would stand out far too much - plus this way, I used more scraps.

That is always a big bonus!

One of my client's fell in love with this quilt before it was finished and offered to buy it.  Because it wasn't quilted yet, she got to pick the fabric for the backing.  She chose this mod print but there wasn't enough for the whole back.

I decided to add a giant strip set to the back.  How is that for scale!  I think she is going to love it.  I believe she plans on picking it up this weekend.

It is going to be a hard quilt to give up!  I am almost hoping she decides not to buy it....

Then it can be mine!

Thanks for stopping by TGIFF.  I hope you have a finish to link up!

 Please remember to visit some of the quilters that link up their finishes before you run off.  

It is a great way to be inspired and maybe make a new friend!  :)

An InLinkz Link-up

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Linking Up:

My Quilt Infatuation (Needle & Thread)

Confessions of a Fabric Addict (Can I get a Whoop! Whoop!)

Busy Hands Quilts (Finished or not Friday)

Oh Scrap! : Scrap Dealer

I am the first to admit, I am a bit obsessed with scraps.  To me, they are like a puzzle to be put together into a pretty product.  Want to throw my daily schedule out the window?  All it takes is for my "scrap dealer" to drop by with a new baggie of stimulant.

Recently, along with a quilt came a bag of leftover pieces of some brushed cottons.  She warned me she had a terrible time with these fabrics.  And as I quilted the project for her, I could see why.  She thought maybe I should just toss them and not mess with them.

Hmmm.  I admit, I felt the same way.  The fabrics were amazing soft but they had absolutely no structure to them.  But the pull of the challenge was just too strong!

I ended up using a LOT of starch (which helped some) and then decided to go to my stash and just add in some flannel horizontal strips to give the scraps a framework to hold them in place.

 The colors in these fabrics are really pretty.  And the finished quilt is exceptionally cuddly. 
But these scraps about did me in!

I decided to just use up the rest of the fabrics on the backing and the binding.  

I am curious if you scrap quilters are able to resist the siren song of a bag of scraps - even when your "dealer" warns you against them!

I obviously can't!!

***********************************************

Share your scrap projects.  Here are the details for linking up:

• This linky party is for any scrappy project - It can be in-process or a finished piece.
• You can link up your blog post (not your homepage please) or Instagram photo from the past week that features your use of scraps.
• If you are linking to a blog post, I ask that you link back to my blog somewhere in your post. So if you are writing about scraps, just get into the habit of including a link as there will be a linky party available every week!
• If you are using Instagram, please use the hashtag #ohscrap.
• This is a party so remember to socialize and comment on the posts of others.
• Following my blog is not necessary but it sure would be great if you do!

<a href="http://quiltingismorefunthanhousework.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XTyeCeIcFJ8/VJSHulTzvkI/AAAAAAAAGCc/O_OPzksuV2s/s1600/Oh%2BScrap%2BButton.jpg" alt="Quilting is more fun than Housework" width="125" height="125" /></a>

So if you love scrappy projects, feel free to grab my button for your sidebar or posts and get ready to share all your wonderful projects from scraps.  And if you have a great idea for using scraps and would like to be featured, feel free to contact me!

An InLinkz Link-up

Follow Me on Bloglovin'          Follow me thru Email          Follow me on Feedly


Linking Up:

Love Laugh Quilt (Monday Making)
Small Quilts and Doll Quilts (Design Wall Monday)
Cooking Up Quilts (Main Crush Mondays)
Em's ScrapBag (Moving it Forward)

Rainbow Scrap Challenge Finish

Last fall, I started making 6" nine-patch blocks with no clear idea of how I would use them.  Then earlier this year, I decided to go back and frame them with some solid colored scraps.  

Finally, in July, I determined I had enough blocks to complete a quilt.  To make each block, I used black/white scraps and the appropriate Rainbow Scrap Challenge color for the month I made the blocks.  So when it came to sashing and the border, I pulled scraps/fabric from my black and white stash.

I am sure this quilt will probably get donated to a local charity (like almost all of my RSC quilts).  I played around with the quilting on this one.  I simply created a vertical "helix" design that went quite quickly.

I was able to use one of the backings I stashed away when a great sale presented itself.  I think it looks great with all of the scrappy colors in the quilt top.

This quilt went together REALLY quickly.  It all came out of the scrap bin except the outer border and the backing.  Now I am starting to sew up bow tie blocks.  I have been working on more blue blocks which I hope to share soon.

Have a great weekend!  Our crazy heatwave is supposed to be over so I am happy to see temperatures back in the 90's.  This is Oregon - we like out moderate temps!  :)

Follow Me on Bloglovin'          Follow me thru Email          Follow me on Feedly

Linking Up:

My Quilt Infatuation (Needle & Thread)

Confessions of a Fabric Addict (Can I get a Whoop! Whoop!)

TGIFF (Thank Goodness it is Friday Finish)
Busy Hands Quilts (Finished or not Friday)

So Scrappy

If you like to pick up backings at a great price for your stash, I see Connecting Threads has their wide backings back on sale.  Check it out!

***This post contains affiliate links.  I appreciate the support.

Oh Scrap! : Improv Stripes

I continue to attempt to use up a large majority of the black and white scraps I have accumulated over the years.  It seems the many Rainbow Scrap Challenge quilts I have made so far have not done the trick.  So when I saw the Improv Stripes QAL starting next week over at A Quilter's Table, I knew I wanted to join in.

I love royal blue with black/white so I pulled this lovely stack out of my folded scrap area.  I was getting all excited and made the mistake of opening another drawer....

 Next thing I knew, some red and yellow were thrown into the mix. Not sure how (or if) I will use all these colors but it will be fun to see where this quilt leads.

Of course, I also started pulling all my loose scraps from my color scrap bins.  As usual, I have FAR more fabric pulled than I need.  But I definitely see a lovely scrap quilt hiding in there!

Debbie will be starting her Improv Stripes QAL on Monday July 31st so there is still time to jump on board.  This one will be a great scrap buster!  Will you be joining in?

************************************

Share your scrap projects.  Here are the details for linking up:

• This linky party is for any scrappy project - It can be in-process or a finished piece.
• You can link up your blog post (not your homepage please) or Instagram photo from the past week that features your use of scraps.
• If you are linking to a blog post, I ask that you link back to my blog somewhere in your post. So if you are writing about scraps, just get into the habit of including a link as there will be a linky party available every week!
• If you are using Instagram, please use the hashtag #ohscrap.
• This is a party so remember to socialize and comment on the posts of others.
• Following my blog is not necessary but it sure would be great if you do!

<a href="http://quiltingismorefunthanhousework.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XTyeCeIcFJ8/VJSHulTzvkI/AAAAAAAAGCc/O_OPzksuV2s/s1600/Oh%2BScrap%2BButton.jpg" alt="Quilting is more fun than Housework" width="125" height="125" /></a>

So if you love scrappy projects, feel free to grab my button for your sidebar or posts and get ready to share all your wonderful projects from scraps.  And if you have a great idea for using scraps and would like to be featured, feel free to contact me!

An InLinkz Link-up

Follow Me on Bloglovin'          Follow me thru Email          Follow me on Feedly


Linking Up:

Love Laugh Quilt (Monday Making)
Small Quilts and Doll Quilts (Design Wall Monday)
Cooking Up Quilts (Main Crush Mondays)
Em's ScrapBag (Moving it Forward)
So Scrappy (RSC17)

Christmas in July - A Moose for Christmas Giveaway

Today we are celebrating Christmas in July!

Benartex recently contacted me and asked me if I would be interested in participating in their Christmas in July blog hop.  I quickly chose the whimsical

A Moose for Christmas collection by Cheryl Haynes.

.

I received  the fat quarter bundle which also includes a panel filled with lots of great designs to inspire various projects.  I love the warm colors and the lodge feel to these prints.

I instantly thought of my sister and her country home.  She loves to decorate for the holidays so I made her a new pillow cover for the 16 x 38" pillow she keeps on a bench in her entry way.

I loved the moose panel and used it as the central design.  Then it was just a matter of adding in pieces of all the great prints to fill the body of the pillow.  I decided to add a scrappy flange to give the pillow an added detail.  I know she is going to love it!

If you would like a chance at winning your own fat quarter bundle of A Moose for Christmas collection by Cheryl Haynes, leave a comment on my blog telling me how you like to decorate for the holidays.  Do you go all out (like my sister) or are you a "Bah Humbug" (like me)?  Or do you find yourself somewhere in between...

I will be randomly choosing a winner Sunday the 30th after 5 pm PST.  The bundle will be coming directly from Benartex and is only open to US residents.

For more chances to see some of the other lovely Christmas collections being featured by Benartex, you can visit their Sew in Love website.

Or check out the other projects on the Christmas in July Blog Hop.

Christmas in July Blog Hop

Wednesday: Mulberry Lane Placemats by Lisa Ruble

Thursday: Nordic Holiday Star Quilt by Debby Kratovil

Friday: A Moose for Christmas Pillow by Cynthia Brunz   (That's Me!)

Saturday: Winter Story Wall Hanging by Benartex blog design team

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Oh Scrap! : New RSC Block

I haven't had too much time this weekend to sew but I did decide on a new Rainbow Scrap Challenge block and sewed up a couple to see if I like them.

Yep...cute little bowtie blocks!

I thought for these blocks, I would use some of my Kaffe Fassett and my low volume scraps.  I decided because I tend to have larger chunks in these scrap bins that I would go ahead and make some nice sized 8" blocks.

I am not sure how many blocks I will make each month.  All of these prints have so many colors in them, at times it will be difficult to know what month the block was done.  And just like the "scales" above (from Kaffe's Gone Fishing print), I can fussy cut colors out of his large prints to get the colors I am after.

I hope you found some time to sew your scraps.  Please share what you made below!

************************************

Here are the details for linking up:

• This linky party is for any scrappy project - It can be in-process or a finished piece.
• You can link up your blog post (not your homepage please) or Instagram photo from the past week that features your use of scraps.
• If you are linking to a blog post, I ask that you link back to my blog somewhere in your post. So if you are writing about scraps, just get into the habit of including a link as there will be a linky party available every week!
• If you are using Instagram, please use the hashtag #ohscrap.
• This is a party so remember to socialize and comment on the posts of others.
• Following my blog is not necessary but it sure would be great if you do!

<a href="http://quiltingismorefunthanhousework.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XTyeCeIcFJ8/VJSHulTzvkI/AAAAAAAAGCc/O_OPzksuV2s/s1600/Oh%2BScrap%2BButton.jpg" alt="Quilting is more fun than Housework" width="125" height="125" /></a>

So if you love scrappy projects, feel free to grab my button for your sidebar or posts and get ready to share all your wonderful projects from scraps.  And if you have a great idea for using scraps and would like to be featured, feel free to contact me!

An InLinkz Link-up

Follow Me on Bloglovin'          Follow me thru Email          Follow me on Feedly


Linking Up:

Love Laugh Quilt (Monday Making)
Small Quilts and Doll Quilts (Design Wall Monday)
Cooking Up Quilts (Main Crush Mondays)
Em's ScrapBag (Moving it Forward)
So Scrappy (RSC17)