Sunday, December 10, 2023

Oh Scrap! : Two Bit Blocks

 Happy Sunday!

This whole weekend I have been fighting a horrible head cold.  

It has certainly turned my brain to mush!



I don't do well laying around while I am sick so I got out my blue scraps and made some two-bit blocks.



I wanted to see where I was regarding blocks so I put them up on my design wall.  Originally, I was going to make a 5 x 6 layout but I think I am going to do a 60" x 70" quilt for my Compassion Quilt project.  That means I need 19 more blocks - definitely needs red, pink and purple.  And probably a few greens.  The fabrics in these blocks are all over the place.  I have been trying hard to use the "unloved" strips in my scrap bins.

What scrappy things have you been working on?


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

It is now your turn to share what you are making with scraps.  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


You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter







Friday, December 8, 2023

Happy Quilt Friday

It is finally Friday and that means it is time to share more Happy Quilt finishes!



This fun space quilt is Happy Quilt #37.  A good friend of mine took a stack of blocks and some spaceship yardage that was gifted (sorry, she lost the tag that was attached to it) and created this quilt.



More of the spaceship fabric is on the back - isn't this print fabulous?!

This quilt measures 56" x 64".



This one is actually turned sideways because my quilt holder is short.

I received quite a few blocks that had dots and stripes in the center square, so I put a few of them together in this colorful quilt.  


I had been gifted a super thick polar fleece so I put that on the back.  It was such a nice piece of fleece; I didn't use any batting.

Quilt #38 is very snuggly and also measures 56' x 64".



Quilt #39 started with this piece of dog flannel that Lynette sent.  I loved the colors in it.



So I went to pile of dog blocks and found some blue, pink and purple ones that went with the backing.  I only had a small piece of the flannel so this quilt only measures 32" x 40".




For all you bug and beetle lovers, quilt #40 is full of crawly creatures.



Again, I used a piece of fleece for the backing.  This one was a bit thinner so I added in some batting.

This quilt measures 40 x 56".
(Why that size?  That was the size of the fleece!)




I was asked to share a few more photos of blocks for the current block drive.  Here are a few that Karen made.  They are pinned to my white design wall so they kind of blend in.  I will add this photo to the block announcement post too.  If you want to read more about the block drive, you can go here.

I still have lots more blocks to sew so I am not anywhere near completed with these quilts.  Now that I have all the blocks, I am going through each theme and seeing if there are all the pieces to put together a quilt.  I think I am just about finished with all of the fleece and flannel so I can now start using the cotton backings again.


Have a great weekend!


Follow Me on Bloglovin'                 Follow Me on Feedly


 

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

A Whole lot of Generosity

 All right - many of you stated you don't get tired of seeing photos of finished quilts. 

 Today I have eleven to share!


First up are four finished quilts that Sue sent in. 



I really like the block in this orange and green quilt.  It is one I have not done yet but it looks like you just use 2.5" strips.


The back and binding really tie this quilt all together!



This pretty blue one is so peaceful and serene.


Some pretty pink and white prints on the back.  Don't know if you can see the quilting on this but Sue quilted in some lovely butterflies!



The piecing in this one is so simple (Squares and HSTs) but I love how they look together.



Great use of those leftover fabrics on the back.



Lastly, there is this charming quilt - this one really inspired me.  I want to pull some strips and make one of my own!



Perfect fabrics for the backing.



Sue wasn't the only one to send a big box of finished quilts. I received the next six quilts from Beth.

This one has frogs and bright blocks of color.


Look at the fun dinosaurs on the back.  I love this print!  It is one I have not seen before.



This one had some fun fishbowl fabric.  It is just big four patches and squares. I love that she used yellow for the stop border and the binding.


More of that lovely yellow gold on the backing.




This quilt was made from a free pattern by Elizabeth Hartman.  The pattern uses charm squares, but you could use scraps too.  You can also easily adjust this pattern to any size!



I love these giant prints for backings!



So many kids love dinosaurs so I am sure this quilt will be treasured!

This was also made from a free pattern - "Sea Birds Baby Quilt" from the Bernina site. (weallqult.com)



Lots of piecing on the back of this one.  Beth did a great job keeping the top and bottom lined up when she quilted it.



This one has a pretty whale batik in the center.


The backing really shows off the nice quilting.



Beth also turned some of her Happy Blocks into a quilt.  She said her blocks came out a bit small so she just finished them into a quilt.  Thank you Beth!

And if you are keeping track - this is Happy Quilt #36.



Looks like she is using up her stash on the back.  The colors are perfect!



This last little quilt I made from some flannel squares that Wendy (and the Sea Coast Modern Quilt Guild) sent me.  They filled up two boxes with flannel and cotton pre-cut squares.  I have been putting them together in quilts when I have a chance.

(A big thanks to my friend for holding up all these quilts.  It was pouring rain and we just got back from walking the dogs.)



Because the squares on the front are flannel, I want the backing and binding to be flannel too.  I had this darker pink print for a long time and was happy to find a home for it.

I will be making more quilts like this as I find backings that will work with the squares I have.

And that is it!  Quilts seem to be whizzing thru the pipeline now.  I have penciled out a bunch of time this month to quilt all the Happy Quilts I have put together.  They are all turning out so cute and I can't wait to share more with you.  This Friday I have a bunch of Happy Quilts to share!

Also, I will share more block photos for the current block drive.  I had a request to share a few more samples and thought I was going to have to sew up more blocks - but no, I already received a package with a bunch of beautiful blocks from Karen. (Thank you so much!)

Hope all of you are having a wonderful week!





Sunday, December 3, 2023

Oh Scrap! : Heart Quilt

 I have some great scrappy news to share today.


Remember this scrappy red heart quilt I shared back in March?




Well, you can find the pattern for it in the newest American Patchwork & Quilting magazine.

It is called Pieces of my Heart.





USED WITH PERMISSION FROM AMERICAN PATCHWORK & QUILTING®. ©2023 MEREDITH OPERATIONS CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

They did an adorable layout for the quilt and at the end of the pattern, provided information on donating quilts.



I also made this quilt with a pink heart and I don't think I ever shared it here on the blog.  These are both going to become Compassion quilts and will be sent off to bring comfort and compassion before the holiday.

Grab your copy of the magazine today and make this great scrappy quilt!
(Or any of the great designs included in the issue.


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

It is now your turn to share what you are making with scraps.  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


You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


Follow Me on Bloglovin'                 Follow Me on Feedly

Friday, December 1, 2023

More Happy Quilt Finishes

Happy Friday!  I hope you guys aren't tired of seeing all these Happy Quilt finishes.  Three are a lot more blocks stacked around my house, so I am not stopping with these any time soon.


Happy Quilt #33 is this cute and colorful caterpillar quilt.  Someone had sent the 16 Hungry Caterpillar blocks in red.  I also received the cute caterpillar blocks in yellow to give me enough to make a quilt.  I have been hoarding that rainbow sashing for years.

This quilt measures 39" x 48".


Nann had sent me the orange print on the back and binding.  I fell in love with this print the moment I took it out of the box. I knew the right quilt would come along!



Just like with the caterpillar quilt, I received a bunch of the same baby themed blocks in yellow and green.  Back to my stash I went and found a periwinkle blue solid that matched perfectly for some sashing.  I had just enough blocks to make a little 40" square quilt.

 


I found a nice blue back for quilt # 34.



I get so many fun blocks and it is very fun to come up with a theme that fits them.  These blocks just had summer written all over them.  Hamburgers, ice cream cones, flip flops and hot dogs.

Quilt #35 measures 40 x 48".



When I saw this panel that Irene had sent, I knew it could be turned into the perfect backing.  I had to cut and resew it at bit to get it how I wanted it.  But isn't it cute?!



I have been really trying to focus on finishing as many baby and infant quilts as I can - that is where the need is right now.  I received this baby panel that I was going to try and turn into a backing but then I decided just to make it easy on myself and use it as the top of a quilt.


I received a cuddly flannel from Lynette that was perfect for the back.  No piecing required!

I have been purging out any flannel or fleece I can find so I can build tops to match.  With it being winter, this is the time to get them into quilts.  I have quite a few already quilted - I just need to get them bound.  I should be sharing some soon!





If you haven't seen the post yet, I announced the next Compassion Quilt block.  You can read about it here.  It is a bit more involved than the blocks in the past but I am hoping this drive will give me some time to catch up.  But you guys have continued to surprise me with your generosity.  

Thanks to all!



Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Compassion Quilt Offset Log Cabin Block Drive

 It is hard to believe it is time to announce the next Compassion Quilt block drive.  I am not even close to getting all the Hapy Blocks from the last drive into quilts.

So, I thought I would choose a more involved block this time around to give me time to get caught up.  One of the traditional blocks I love to make with my scraps is a log cabin.  I thought an offset log cabin might be fun to play with.  These blocks will make some great quilts for adults.



Here is my example of the block we will be doing.  It will create some fun curves when it is laid out with other blocks. And it is all done with 1.5" wide white based strips and 2.5" wide dark strips.

From Dark Prints, cut:

• 2½” x 10½” J rectangles
• 2½” x 8½” I rectangles
• 2½” x 7½” F rectangles
• 2½” x 5½” E rectangles
• 2½” x 4½” B rectangles
• 2½” A squares


From Light Prints, cut:

• 2½” A squares

• 1½” x 11½” L rectangles
• 1½” x 10½” K rectangles
• 1½” x 8½” H rectangles
• 1½” x 7½” G rectangles
• 1½” x 5½” D rectangles
• 1½” x 4½” C rectangles

***It will make assembling the block really easy if you label your lengths A-J***



Here is a diagram of where each piece falls in the block.  First you sew the light and dark A pieces together.  Then you just attach the pieces alphabetically in a counter-clockwise direction.



This diagram shows you placement of the light and dark pieces.

The completed block should measure 11.5" square.



Colors:

Dark Prints - Blue, Green, Purple

Light Prints - please use white based prints.


*You can get as scrappy as you want with these blocks - but please keep to the green, blue, purple color scheme and try not to introduce other colors.

*You can also make your blocks from just two fabrics if that is what you have.  All of the white-based strips can be the same and all of the dark based fabrics can be the same.

*If you don't have a big stash of scraps, you can use multiple colors for the dark side of the block - as long as you stick with blue, green, purple prints.



Updated:  Here are a few more samples of some blocks sent in by Karen.  They are pinned to my white design wall so the white fabrics blend in.


If you have my Spin! quilt pattern, these are the same blocks that are used in that quilt.  You will also find the block instructions in that pattern.  We are making the Dark Blocks for this quilt drive.


This block drive will run until the end of February.  I know everyone will be busy over the holidays but if you could get your blocks sent out by the middle of February, that would give me a bit of time to get them sewn before the next block drive.


If you have any questions, just email me at cynthiabdesigns at gmail dot com.  Try not to put questions/requests in the comments unless you know for sure I can reply to them.


A big thanks to all.  I will be trying to finish up the Happy block drive as you elves start sewing these Log Cabin Blocks.  We shattered all previous records and it is going to take me a bit to get all those kid quilts sewn.  Once I get them almost done and a final tally on all the blocks received, I will write up a summary post.  You are not going to believe the numbers!


If you are curious, these quilts will be supporting multiple programs at Sacred Heart Hospital here in Oregon.  They are called Compassion Quilts and you can read more about the program here.


Again...Thanks for any help you can give.



01 09 10