This is another of the 4 tops I pieced last week. Parts of this one were already blocks....I always seem to make way too many of everything....or maybe I was "sewing up scraps" and got carried away..LOL Either way, it's fun to work out a combination that is pleasing to look at, and also interesting. The blocks are 6.5", and right now the top is 7 blocks by 7 blocks, or 42" square. I think I'll probably add one more row to the length. If I add two rows to the length, I'd have 42" X 56", closer to a donation size. It can just be on the hanger while I "think" about it..*VBS*
Betsy was here for tea on Monday, and brought me a packet of these lovly fabrics. The line is called "Katmandu"....part of a collection of fabrics with a Nepal flavor. They are meant to be used for embellishing.Betsy and I have a mutual friend thst own and runs a resturant in Katmandu.
Here is one spread out. She split the half yards and I got a FQ of each. I'm not quite clear on whether or not they should be "pieced" into something and then embellished or if you just start adding beads and stitching to the FQ as is. Betsy promised to make me a copy of the article she read that inspired her ordering them. We had a nice visit, I made some muffins to have with our tea and we got all caught up on grandbabies *VBS* She and DH are off to Chicago(via Amtrak) tomorrow to visit with their new granddaughter. She promised me pictures *VBS*Thank you all you lovely gals for the opinions on the flying geese layout. I like it also, and will use it for sure. And yes, I'll send the alternate row of geese south instead of north...LOL
That particular batch of scraps wasn't hard to sew into "parts", as the HST's were already made and laying around...LOL. Making 4 patches is like eating popcorn...very enjoyable.
I'm continuing to cut scraps. I use the basis of Bonnie's Scrap Saver method, but I don't find cutting ALL strips or bricks to be useful. Right now I need the 2.5" strips and squares for 4 patches. But I am also working on a 12" Depression block top as a scrap quilt, and I am cutting 6" squares to be diced into hour glass blocks for that quilt. I have several other scrap quilts in progress, baby print bow ties for example. So I cut strips in Bonnie sizes, but I also cut squares and triangles in sizes I will be needing.
I counted things this a.m. and I have more than enough 4 patches for the Gypsy Quilter looking top, and a good start on another double 4 patch set with a bright kid print.
I don't find "scraps" to be a problem or a mess, they are my "drug" of choice...LOL. I'd rather be playing with scraps more than anything else. And even those I have scraps in many different baskets, boxes and bags, they don't seem to constitue a mess. I am finding, however, a real sense of satification in seeing them all nipped and tucked and stacked in neat piles in a shallow box. As with so many things, stacking them neatly in piles sure does reduce the volume!!! My next goal is to sort through my stash and cull out the small pieces. I will be cutting those up into designated sizes also. I have a top in progess that uses 6.5" squares of kid prints, one that 3.5" squares and I will continue to cut the 4.5"(new to me) for more Kitchen sink look-a-likes)
And I'm taking the scrap sorting one step further. Like Bonnie, I've always just tossed the cut strips into a basket or box(rubbbermade type). What I have found over the years, is that some of them have been in there so long, and pawed through so often, they are ravely along the edges. I hate that! So I've folding them along the length a couple of times and making stacks. You sure can get alot more strips in a drawer with them stacked instead of just tossed in. When I want a color I just lift the stack out and holding it in one hand, I flip through til I find the one I want to pull out *VBS* Works for me!
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15 comments:
Love your scraps and way to store them. I think I don't have much here in FL but I bet if I cut up a bunch of fabric, I'd get inspired. I still have the feeling I should pick fabrics before I cut but ... Sure wish you could come visis me in FL. I'd not be getting out of bed with those temperatures and snow/ice you are having.
I'm getting ready to a major scrap overhaul. Like you, I won't adopt all the points of Bonnie's 'system' But her information is sure helpful in seeing the usefulness of ready cut pieces. Need to get out the store and select a few bins and baskets to begin setting up my own system. Try to stay warm - I wish I could send you some, but it's been cold here (well, for us anyway *s*) too.
I, also, have adapted Bonnie's system to the way I sew. You are planning to do your long strips the way I do mine *s*. I happened to have several of those plastic, underbed, sweater boxes from Sterlite (I think) that work wonderfully for the strips. Like you, I pick up the whole stack and pull what I want. Works for me! We are in the deep freeze here too, just not any snow.
Seems to me, you have been happily busy!
I love the combination of 9 patches and bow ties. My strips are all ravelly. Maybe I should fold them.
The quilt at the top is very lively and attractive. I was confused by the math until I realized it was a typo and was 42" square instead of 62. Whew! =) Those are terrific fabrics, too. Love the red one.
I never thought about stacking my strips. It makes sense that they would take less room that way too.
I love scraps! I was looking at old nine patch I have and thinking how sorry I am that some of that fabric is all used up.
We are having nice sunny weather.....just turn on the TV to any sports broadcast and hear about it from the SuperBowl folks and the golf guys. We don't have to drive in ice and snow but the traffic around town is AWFUL! When this weekend is over, come on down! LOL
oh, oh...how wonderful this top looks Finn! I hear my scraps calling my name...and ya know? as soon as I finish putting the last two border strips on my latest top-they are coming out to play! thanks so much for the lovely inspiration.
I really like your quilt top. And good for you for cutting pieces/scraps in usable sizes. Bravo!
Julie
Love the new quilt top. It sounds as if you're making great progress with your "drug of choice." I too have problems with older strips fraying and have found that spray starch prior to cutting strips or trimming up squares really helps!
Those new fabrics are yummy. I've seen the article about the fabrics as well -- they were designed by Mark Lapinski (of Quilter's Home Magazine fame) and I think they can be used either way. You could piece them as traditional blocks, simply embellish the fabric, or a combination of both. I'll be interested to see what you do with them -- they've been sending out a siren's song to me as well :0).
fun bright blocks, Finn. you've been busy! that katmandu fabric has sounded intriguing - the red one certainly has character. will be interested to see what you do with them. a friend with restaurant in Katmandu???? how cool is that.
I cut my scraps anywhere from 1 1/2"-6 1/2" square usually. I'm currently making a brick quilt that calls for 4 1/2" x WOF then subcut into 8 1/2" bricks. I like to use my 4 1/2" squares for Happy Blocks or endings for these bricks. It's the first brick quilt I've ever made.
I love the idea of folding the strips for storage.I don't have a stash anymore....used up all I could sew this week...and boxed up the rest to "share" with my quilt buddies.We are having my last quilt meeting tomorrow.Then I am leaving for the coast and airport.But I will have a stash at home....er....way too soon! Colleen in hot Africa...for two more days!
ask Mark Lipinski about the fabric- he designed it. I would personally cut to what you want to use it in and embellish afterwards
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