Star Surround Quilt Top - QAL

So many thanks to Melissa at Happy Quilting for hosting this Quilt A-Long and designing this gorgeous pattern.  I have finished my quilt top and I have to say, I truly adore this quilt!

The colors and fabrics in this top are so darn yummy!  Many, I have collected over quite a few years and I think this was the perfect quilt to use them on. 

And the Kona Ash in the background really frames everything so nicely.







Because I had so many fabrics I wanted to use, I decided to make my top a bit more scrappier than the pattern called for.











I love these big bold blocks and how they let the fabrics shine.

I have even carved out a big block of time so I can get it on my longarm and get it quilted.  (yep...sorry quilting customers.)

I have been hoarding a great gray and black Moroccan tile looking fabric that I plan on using for the back.

my....it is even pretty in the shade....

 ...and another little pic of it folded up on the gate.

Okay...I'm through.  But I really can't get enough of this quilt.  Thanks again Melissa!

You can check out all the other finished tops here.

Sharing this lovely top with Sew Cute Tuesday at Better Off Thread, Show and Tell Tuesday at I have to Say and WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced.  And as it is the first day of the month, I will also be linking to Fresh Sewing Day at Lily's Quilts.

One Scrappy Finish

 If you read my last post, you know I spent a frenzied afternoon creating blocks and multiple quilt ideas from my overflowing stash bin.  I thought I would share my progress.

Here is the finished top on the first of the three scrap quilts!

While digging in some drawers looking for another piece of fabric, I came across this sage green linen that I have been toting around for at least 10 years and knew it would be the perfect sashing for these scrap blocks.









I wanted something subtle and calming.  I think it works really well with the many colors and prints in these scrappy blocks.





Now to get it quilted (always a hurdle for me!)  It is ready to go as I was able to rustle up a piece of fabric for the back so the entire quilt evolved from scraps and my stash.  Gotta love that!

Looking at my camera, I realized I am really into a "gradation" groove.  Here are the blocks I planned for this month's group sew project.

Hey...which is another great scrap project too!

Thanks for stopping by.  We finally got some rain here in western Oregon so I was unable to get photos of my Star Surround top today.  It turned out so fabulous, I want to get some great photos to share. So you should be seeing those soon!

Linking up with Needle and Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation, Thursday Threads at 627handworks and Finish it up Friday at Crazy Mom Quilts.

A Whole Lot of Scraps

I see you scrap bin...peeking out from below my cutting table. You think no one notices how you grow and overflow hidden way below eye level.  I know at times I seem to ignore you but I have my eye on you!  No longer will you languish in the shadows, I am determined to bring you out into the light and find the beauty in your depths!

You and scrap bins everywhere seem to have us quilters stymied over your crumpled mess. Your disarray has intimidated many and built up the reputation that scrap quilts have to be unseemly and disorganized.  

But sadly for you, you don't scare me.  I have found beauty before within your depths.  Patiently, I will listen to your contents and puzzle out the lovely quilts that are held hostage within you.

First up, a quick sort through you to eliminate solids, tone on tones and neutrals. Today I am looking for your difficult fabrics...the ones that never seem to find a home.  The ones that have lived in your deepness for years.

I will start by cutting squares from your shaggy pieces.  First 3 1/2" then 2 1/2".  I will gently let the quilts evolve.

TaDa - A quick grouping by color and from the larger squares easily comes these blocks.








I love how the colors gradate across the quilt.  A closeup reveals the lovliness that is evolving.  Mister bin, even at this stage, I believe the win goes to the quilter.







But I know total victory is not mine.  The challenge is still there to determine a use for all the bits of bright fabrics on black backgrounds that have collected in your darkest corners.

Stack after stack is cut....so much there to use.....

Wait...A quick sketch creates a block that not only uses theses squares but will create a home for some scrap solids.  Double bonus points!









Working a little further, I quickly realize if I sew a combination of these two blocks, I can fill a complete top with your pieces and add fun shades of different solids.

HaHa - challenge met!

 

And finally, what to do with the other 2 1/2" squares?  Luckily I saw something interesting the Corvallis Modern Quilt Guild was making and it inspired an idea. (I think they call them urban chicken blocks).








Once again, a quick grouping by color and the addition of some solid scraps and these blocks are created.  Before I  call a victory here, I will need to let this one continue to mature.  But even now, I am confident it will look great.

So take that scrap bin.  I will leave you to cower back in the shadows under the table.  I will let you be for a bit as you build your strength back up.  But know this...when you are ready, I will be here waiting to show you again who is boss!

And for my readers, I will continue to work on these quilts and post progress as it happens.  Feel free to use any of these ideas as inspiration for tackling your own scrap bin. Get creative and see what evolves!

Linking up with Fabric Tuesday at Quilt Story, Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River, Sew Cute Tuesday at Better Off Thread and Show and Tell Tuesday at I have to Say.