Friday, January 13, 2017

Neutrals Strata Quilt Finish

It is funny how setting a goal and having a plan really does help you get something finished!

Earlier this month I shared my plan to finish 12 older UFOs this year.  I numbered my list and will be working on one each month.



Quilt #6 was chosen for January which was a Strata quilt I have been working on for a few years.  The fabrics, I have been collecting for about a decade!

I am happy to report it is now a finished quilt!




With all the snow and rain we have been getting, an outdoor picture is not an option but this photo shows the lovely taupes, grays and browns in my fabrics.  I have been wanting to make myself a quilt in these colors for years and knew I really wanted the quilt to be just about the fabrics.




The fabrics were all cut in varying widths and then cut up into a handful of lengths.  I love the patterns that are created from the different sized strips and as fabrics and colors run together.




One of my all time favorite fabrics for the backing.  It is a Michael Miller print that I have been hoarding for years.  Knowing this quilt is for me, this was the perfect time to get it out and use it.




So I have already reached my goal of finishing a UFO for January!  I am feeling extremely good about the coming year already.  Maybe I really can get my UFO list down to single digits.   :)







I will also be sharing this finish with Elm Street Quilts for the One Monthly Goal Finish Along.





2017 is off to a great start!













Linking Up:

My Quilt Infatuation (Needle & Thread)
Posted by at 28 comments:
Labels: , ,

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Scrap-A-Palooza! Orphan Blocks

Yes, Scrap-A-Palooza is coming back in 2017!  The first quilt I plan on working on is one made from orphan blocks.  But before I get started on the process of putting one together, I thought I would share what sorts of blocks I save as orphans.




I have a small suitcase that I store all my orphan blocks in.  As I finish or abandon a project, all the sewn items go in - hoping someday they will find a home in a quilt or other project.  I don't judge the pieces that go in here.  Some are made really poorly and some are assembled from really ugly fabrics.  Some blocks I only have one while others I have a number of pieces.  Just scoop everything up and store it for a future playtime!


So here are some of the items that make it into the suitcase...



First, there are quilt blocks of course.  They range in size from tiny to ginormous.  Some are test blocks, some are from projects I chose not to finish and some just did not make the cut on a long ago finished project.



I also keep quilt block components in my little treasure chest.  Lots of HSTs, 4 patches, geese, QSTs and rail fence.  I don't bother trimming them down to any particular size.  This way, I can cut them to the size I need when I find a project for them.  (I do keep these in their own little baggie within my suitcase so I can find them quickly when I am working on small projects.)





Even the really odd components go in the stack. I find these interesting pieces are what get used most in small projects like zippered pouches or for pincushions.









 And let's not forget all the pieced strip sets.  Many projects where you do strip piecing always leave you with leftovers.  Well, I save those too!  I find these can be cut and resewn to make filler components for an orphan block quilt.

So as you can see, pretty much anything that is left over from a project where there is a seam in it, I keep it.  I know I will find it a home in the future!


Once orphan blocks are saved, I know for some it can be a bit intimidating knowing how to use them.  So I will be making some quilts from my orphan blocks and sharing the process with you. 

I am going to show you there are some real treasures in there!





Linking Up:

Posted by at 20 comments:
Labels: , , ,

Sunday, January 8, 2017

Oh Scrap! : RSC17 Blocks

Another Sunday so that means some scrappy sewing!



I am joining Angela over at SoScrappy for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge again this year.  She picked purple for January's color.  Here is what my purple bin looked like - it was so crammed tight the fabric would not come out!



First, I tackled all those strips and strings.  I ended up with a big stack of about 25 ten inch string blocks and around 10 six inch blocks.  Someday I will get them out again to see what they become.




 Some of the larger chunks, using my AccuQuilt fabric cutter, I cut them up into 2.5" squares for future projects.  I like to have a stock of these pre-cut and waiting.




From some of the squares, I made these purple 9 patch blocks.  I am not sure yet how I will use these but I have all year to think about it!



 I can honestly say I made a nice big dent in my purple bin!
Now there is room for more  :)


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

I look forward to seeing how you are using your 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

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 me making a commission.  I appreciate your support!
Posted by at 17 comments:
Labels: , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
01 09 10