Sunday, October 29, 2017

Oh Scrap! : Patchwork

A couple weeks ago, while I had my AccuQuilt fabric cutter out, I chopped up a bunch of Christmas leftover fabric into some 4.5" squares.  Some of the smaller scraps, I turned into 2.5" squares.  



I love that my cutter turns out these standard cuts so quickly!
I can get to the sewing right away and the pieces are so precisely cut.

 The few 2.5" squares, I sewed up into 4 patches.
I always try to find ways to use up all of the bits and pieces.



This project is starting out as a large piece of patchwork.  I quickly laid out the larger squares on my design wall, and then scattered the 4 patches throughout the piece.

I wanted to sew this up quickly so I decided to chain piece more than one row at once.  This can get a quilter in trouble pretty quickly so I thought I would share a little trick I use.  


I pull all the pieces off the design wall by row - with the far left square on top.  I place one pin in the center of the top square for the first row and two pins in the square for the second row. (you can add pins if you want to work on even more rows...)


I then place the stacks in front of my machine with the first row to the left and the second row to the right.  I then start chain piecing.  I start with the stack on the left, sewing the first two squares.  Then I piece the first two squares on the right.  I then grab the pieced row one off the back of the machine and sew on a square from the left stack.  The pin always goes to the far left so you never have to worry about sewing to the wrong end of your strip.  And if you loose track of what stack you are supposed to trim from, you just have to look at the number of pins in the strip.  

Even if you are working on lots of projects at one time, you will always know where you are at.
It works great!



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

Now it is time for you to 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!

    Quilting is more fun than Housework

    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!








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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)
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    Thursday, October 26, 2017

    Pretty in Pink

    All of  my quilting projects seem to follow one of two paths.  Either they speed through the process or languish away half way completed for years.



    Lucky for me, this pink string quilt chose the first path and is already quilted, bound and ready for a home!




    I decided just to keep the quilting simple with some unevenly spaced horizontal lines in a soft pink thread.


    I didn't have a lot of larger pink yardage in my stash so I had to piece it a bit.



    I have been hoarding this cute scooter print for years but decided it was time to use it.  Someone who is young at heart and has a passion for pink is sure going to love this one!

    Maybe I should spend this weekend working on one of those projects that have languished....





    Linking Up:



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    Sunday, October 22, 2017

    Oh Scrap! : Too Little Attention to Detail

    There are just some projects I should only work on when I can go slowly and give them my undivided attention.  The Burgoyne Surround blocks are one of them!



    This is the third block I have sewn.  I usually have all the pieces laid out on one of my design boards so I can see where I am at and make sure everything is configured correctly.  This time I decided to just chain piece a bunch of things at once.  

    What a mess!  
    I think I ended up ripping out and re-sewing almost every seam.

    So it is not the flattest block.  Due to a bunch of handling, squares are stretched a bit and not all of my points match.  I am hoping it will still make it into the final quilt.

    But I definitely learned my lesson....
    and my seam ripper got a workout!



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

    Now it is time for you to 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!

      Quilting is more fun than Housework

      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!





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      Friday, October 20, 2017

      A Pink String Top

      For those who love pink!


      A big thanks to one of my quilting clients who held up my just finished pink and gray string quilt so I could get a photo with natural light.  The weather here has been wet and gray so the help was much appreciated.


      The quilt top was made from rectangular string blocks measuring 10.5 x 8.5".  I did make one block per row at 11.5 x 8.5".  When you place them on alternate sides in each row, I didn't have any seams to match up and it also hid the blocks to ensure a more improv look.

      The finished quilt will measure about 51" x 64".  Now I have to try and find a backing for it from my stash.  That might be a challenge!

      Have a great weekend!





      Linking Up:

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      Wednesday, October 18, 2017

      Something New

      I am pretty excited to announce that I have been accepted to participate in some of the Quilt Alongs hosted by the Fat Quarter Shop.  A couple years back, I took part in their Layers of Charm Blog Hop and really enjoyed it.  But at the time, I was so limited on time and was really trying to sew down my existing stash that I didn't pursue continuing to collaborate.

      Well, now I find myself with more time on my hands!




      I have started pulling some fabrics for my first project.  I will be going with Kona solids.  I am starting with Butterscotch, Black and Snow.  I can't wait to get started!


      Fat Quarter Shop Daily Flash Sale

      I have also recently become an affiliate for the Fat Quarter Shop.  They are one of my favorite on-line shops.  I love their quick service and extensive inventory. If you click through my site and make a purchase, I may make a commission - which I really do appreciate. That means I can make more things to share on my blog!!






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      Sunday, October 15, 2017

      Oh Scrap! : Scrappy Mischief

      Saturday was a busy day for me...filled full of scrappy mischief!




      I made another 12 rectangular string blocks for the pink RSC quilt I am making this month.



      And I also added another ten 6" string blocks to my rainbow collection of square blocks.  To match some of the blocks I made last time the RSC color was pink, I had to keep these soft and leaning toward lavender.



      Then I got out my AccuQuilt Studio and filled up my 2.5" square stockpile.  I love having so many choices already cut and just waiting for me to pluck them out for a block.



      While I was cutting, I also pulled out my 4.5" square die and cut up a bunch of Christmas fabrics.  Someone's going to get a patchwork tree skirt this holiday!

      (That is if I stick with it and finish it on time!)



      While I was playing with my 2.5" squares, I may have started making my Rainbow Scrap Challenge blocks for 2018.  This year, I have been focusing on strings and my Kaffe fabrics.  Most of my scrap bins are clear of strings now so I will only be making a defined quantity of specific colors in the future.  This will finish off a rainbow string quilt I have in the works.  The bowties will continue into next year and I will make the above block my second design.

      It is hard to believe we have to start thinking about 2018 already!


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

      Now it is time for you to 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!

        Quilting is more fun than Housework

        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!













        This post contains affiliate links.  Clicking through and making a purchase may result in my making a commission.  I appreciate the support!
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        Friday, October 13, 2017

        Pincushion Party


        I love having a basket full of pincushions that I can use as little thank you for fellow quilters.  Knowing I have a couple trunk shows and classes scheduled in the near future, I thought I would have a little pincushion production party!



        To make the process go a bit faster, I pulled out my orphan block suitcase and was able to grab some already sewn pieces to get me going.  (As you can see, it is almost time for a few more orphan block quilt - my suitcase is stuffed full!)



        I started with these two made from bowtie scraps and leftover strip sets from my Burgoyne blocks.  They measure about 4" square.



        I also found some leftover HSTs from my Summer Solstice quilt and the start to a block I abandoned for the Splendid Sampler QAL (which still is not completed!).



        I made these two from some "cheater" fabrics I didn't use in one of my Layers of Charm quilts.  It came from the Modern Neutrals collection by Amy Ellis.



        And finally I made a pile of pincushions using some leftover bits from my Improv Stripes quilt.

        In no time at all, I had a dozen more pincushion gifts to share!





        Linking Up:

        Posted by at 20 comments:
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        Wednesday, October 11, 2017

        Pink!

        With the color pink being the RSC color for October, it is time for me to start making some string blocks.



        I already have some pink "standard" string blocks tucked away for a future project.  I think I need a few more but I have to find my "master plan" for these blocks.  I think it is written on a scrap of paper somewhere that I filed away so I wouldn't forget where it was....




        So in the mean time, I started making these pink blocks.  They measure 10.5" x 8.5".  I am using a fabric foundation just because it helps me to see where I am on the block.  I could use paper but I really hate the mess it makes!


         So far I have 18 blocks all finished.  I think I will need a total of 40 blocks for a nice lap sized quilt.  I am using a number of pink shades in each block plus one or two strings of gray.  

        This quilt makes me happy!






        Linking Up:

        Sew Fresh Quilts (Bee Social)

        Posted by at 22 comments:
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        Sunday, October 8, 2017

        Oh Scrap! : Progress

        Pink is the Rainbow Scrap Challenge color for October.



        So I dug around in my Kaffe scraps and sorted out some pretty fabrics to finish up 9 bow tie blocks.



        I now have a total of 28 eight inch blocks completed.  These blocks go together so quickly - and I really like how the blocks look all together.  My goal is not repeat any Kaffe fabrics - which if you have seen my stash, know that is easily doable!



        And look...I made a bit more progress on my sister's quilt.  I tried to add in some shades of slate green but I am not sure the blocks will make it into the final layout.  The quilt will end up at almost a king size so MANY more blocks are needed. 

        So right now I am just trying to focus on getting blocks done!



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

        Now it is time for you to 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!

          Quilting is more fun than Housework

          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!




          Posted by at 20 comments:
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          Wednesday, October 4, 2017

          October Deals

          I am the first to admit that I am not much of a consumer.  But when I do spend money, I do love a good sale on the items I love.  There are a few good deals going on right now with a few of my affiliates that I thought I would share with you.  


          Fat Quarter Shop Basic of the Month Sale


          Every month, I always love to see what items the Fat Quarter Shop chooses for its Basic of the Month.  This month they have all their Moda Grunge Basics on sale. This is one of the fabrics I keep on hand in various colors to use as background.


          I used the Evergreen color as a background for one of my Rejoice table runners.  It is a great color to have on hand for those last minute Christmas gifts.




          For Columbus Day, AccuQuilt has their Studio Cutter and dies on sale.  I think my favorite and most used die is my 2.5" squares multiples die.  It is almost always set up on my machine so I can quickly turn scraps into useable squares.


          Kit & Sampler SALE


          And finally, if you are looking for a fun Fall project, Connecting Threads has a great deal on some Autumns quilt kits and Halloween fabrics.  They have their books and threads on sale too.


          Happy October!




          This post contains affiliate links.  Clicking through and making a purchase may result in my making a commission.  I appreciate the support!


          Posted by at 4 comments:
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          Sunday, October 1, 2017

          Oh Scrap! ; Burgoyne Block

          Well, I am still ignoring my sewing room - but thank goodness for my Sunday blog commitment!
          I did spend a couple of hours in there on Saturday so I would have something to write about.  I finished a few more boring brown blocks for my sister's quilt...

          But I spent most of that time cutting and sewing up this second Burgoyne Surround block.
          Isn't it pretty!

           Now I have a total of two blocks completed.  So many more to go....


          I am looking forward to seeing what the RSC color announcement for October will be.  That will give me even more reasons to ignore my sister's quilt!  :)



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

          Now it is time for you to 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!

            Quilting is more fun than Housework

            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!





            Posted by at 15 comments:
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