Friday, May 29, 2020

A Colorful Finish

A couple weeks ago, I shared some scraps I traded for a cone of thread.  The scraps were so colorful, I was instantly inspired.


Here are the scraps I started with.  I added in the solids.  
They consist of various Kona and grunge fabrics.




I kept the blocks simple.  I started with a 2.5" square and framed it in a bright color (usually a solid).  They I framed that in a skinny black.  I then just added frames until my block was big enough to trim to 12.5".  With each frame, I tried to ensure all the fabrics had nice contrast with the other fabrics of the block.



I didn't worry about the width of the strips too much.  In fact, I used whatever widths gave me the best yield on my scraps.  And when my block wasn't quite big enough, I framed those blocks with a small black solid.  

In truth, each of those black framed blocks are where my quilt math was off - no ripping for me, I just turn those errors into a design element!



To keep the quilting continuous, even though I echo quilted on the seams, I actually just spiraled down to the center square.  I used a black thread which I really like on those bright fabrics.



I kinda struggled to find a backing for this one.  My backing stash is low low low right now!  But I did have these purple and black hexagons.  I don't usually like a light backing on such a color saturated quilt, but I am glad I took the chance - I love how it looks.



 As I was sewing these scraps, I thought I would only get 12 blocks.  But I kept piecing strips together and attempting to use my fabric judicially, I was able to make quite a nice size quilt.  
This one is 48 x 60.

It is always amazing to me how just a handful of fabric can make lap quilt.
And a colorful one at that!

Hope you are able to have a fun weekend!
Stay well!




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30 comments:

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I love how colorful this is

Georgia said...

Cynthia, this quilt is lovely. You always come up with the best designs for your scraps, and I love your color choices.

Kathy S. said...

Wow, bold and beautiful!

Mary Malone said...

Beautiful! I love bright fabrics. This is on my "to do" list. Thanks for the inspiration.

Robby said...

Winner, winner! This cheerful work is just what I needed this morning to fix my uninspired feeling. What a marvelous quilt from those scraps.

cityquilter grace said...

soo pretty!

hetty said...

Stunning! Love what you did with a bunch of scraps!

DEBRA CAMPBELL said...

You are so talented! You have created a lovely quilt and it all started with a cone of thread. So inspirational.

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

It's inspiring to see how you can transform scraps into beautiful quilts. Lovely!

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

That turned out great! I especially like the pink, purple, yellow combination. (I may not be naming those colors quite right, but close enough!) It looks like these scraps really inspired you!

Jenny said...

This had turned out beautifully, such wonderful glowing colours!

Cheryll said...

WoW... this quilt is gorgeous... so bright, colourful & happy.
Great use of scraps... so well done...xox

Libby in TN said...

Thanks for inspiration! I have a collection of weirdly colored FQs that could certainly benefit from a similar treatment.

Pamela Arbour said...

Love it and the fabrics!

nancy b. said...

I love how you’re inspired and then, it’s a finished quilt! This one is gorgeous, too.

Sharon Kwilter said...

So pretty and so colorful. That was a quick finish.

Florida Farm Girl said...

What a great idea! Love the quilt.

Vicki in MN said...

Seriously girl you just amaze me with your scrappy talent!! This is just another one you need a pat on the back for:)

Lynn said...

Oh that looks so good. Scraps are the best. You often present squirrels I long to chase or follow!

Elizabeth V Kelbaugh said...

Fabulous color palette. I understand how you were inspired and love the results. Awesome quilt. Thanks for sharing.

Chantal said...

Bold and beautiful. Congrats! ;^)

Angela said...

What great colors. The black really makes them all pop. It is fun to see what a pile of scraps can turn into.

Emily said...

Love this! What fabulous colors! It's so vibrant and lively!

Barb N said...

I love your math error - perfect!

Louise said...

I love how this piece uses so many bright fabrics and still ends up feeling purple! How does that happen? And I agree, it is amazing how little fabric it takes to make an entire quilt. Certainly less than I usually buy at a shot :)

Sharon Leahy said...

Cyndi, I'm always delighted by your selection of blocks to work with -- and I like how you bring out the contrast in fabric while at the same time achi and in the shapes of the blocks themselves -- you bring the blocks to life and make them so intriguing .... I love your sense of colorplay and happy balance in the colors. You share your enthusiasm so well that I'm always ready to sew after looking at your photos. Always happy to see your posts in my inbox!

Mystic Quilter said...

Stunning quilt - the colours are glorious! Congratulations on a real beauty.

Ellie said...

You clever girl! What a stunning quilt! And to think it came from scraps, leftovers some would throw away as too small to bother with!

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

This is amazing!! Who knew those scraps had such a great life left in them!!

dq said...

I am so inspired by this beautiful pattern from your scraps! It is so lovely with bold colors and block. I must make one!

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