Sunday, October 24, 2010

Amid the scraps....

 I found a quilt. And it's a quilt that "never would be", except for the scraps in a donation box. About a year ago I received a computer paper box of scraps and orphan blocks from a generous blogging friend. It may have been scraps from more than one quilter, but all in one box. Amongst them were these flannelish scraps that probably are brushed cotton. I'm not very familiar with that fabric, but these scraps are more than homespun but not quite flannel. Needless to say, they were pretty narrow and not very long. Just for the heck of it, I began sewing them together with no plan in mind. If a piece was too short, I simply added another scrap to it. There are some pretty odd angles in there...LOL. One scrap in particular wasn't "of" the family, being more a "calico" than anything else. It was warmer toned and brighter, but what the heck? I used it anyway. This little wall quilt is the result. Nearly all the scraps were used, barely a handful of odd bits are left. Not enough to go further for sure. And now the question is...does it need a border?
 I'm thinking YES...probably black, and I have this nice scrap of black flannel(from the same box, I think). Opinions???
  The Peppermint topper raised several comments and questions. In particular, the block. It's one that I saw at Making Scrap Quilts from Stash. Mary had used a jellyroll gift and this simple patch to make a neat quilt...easy peasy. A great suggestion from her was to alternate the turn on every other block to avoid seams lining up with each other. After I got going on this one, I remembered where I seen the block before....
 
In this quilt I call "Pumpkin Soup". It's a Thimbleberries design(from one of the books) by Lynette Jensen. She calls hers "Sticks and Stones". It's a great simple block and really works well with jellyrolls. Of course, it could be done in larger than 2.5" pieces for a quick donation quilt.
So far, there are 4, maybe 5, of us for the New Years Eve UFO Countdown Challenge. Any more takers?
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9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am in LOVE with your scrappy quilt with all the brushed cottons in it. LOVE IT!! Great job rescuing all those scraps.
p.s. yeah I think it needs a small black border.

Michele Bilyeu said...

I love your scrappy almost but not quite flannel lovie! I vote no on the black border because it might dominate and because I love the freedom of it just being how it is right now..makes me feel like taking a slow boat ride around Gee's Bend and relaxing and enjoying the ride. I bet Ebby would claim this one in a heartbeat! That is, if you don't get it on the wall or given as a gift, quick! How about a compromise and a thin black binding, instead? And if need it to be bigger a harvest color for a border and then the black binding?

Sweet P said...

I love your Peppermint Topper. It's so bright and cheery. I like the black border on your "found" quilt. As for the New Year's Eve Challenge, I am in the finishing mood lately. Since I have crochet and sewing projects I'll be finishing both kinds of projects. I'll email you my goal.

Chelle (Dana) said...

I love your scrap quilt! It's a perfect use of those small bits and I vote for the black border. I think the black makes it perfectly primitive.

YankeeQuilter said...

A UFO countdown...sounds interesting! You have two great finishes here...

Magpie Sue said...

Woohoo! Look at you go! You've got me thinking I may just sit down with my long strips and strings and start sewing.

The black strikes me as too strong or too heavy or something. If it were me, I would keep looking for another border fabric. Wish I knew what to suggest in its' place. How big is the top? I have some flannels, plaids, that might be fun as a wide border on this.

Mary Johnson said...

I love the rail fence blocks. I also like the combination of the boxed squares (as I call them) and the rail fence blocks.

Heidi said...

I'm loving that scrap quilt! I'm a big fan of log cabins and strip quilts and this one is great!

Libby said...

As ever I am lovin' those plaids!