ScrapHappy March 2023
I told myself THIS would be the year I would finish ALL of my unfinished objects (UFOs) before I let myself start any new projects.
Okay, I would finish FIVE quilts before starting anything new.
Well, considering that in a good year, I make one twin-size quilt and about six baby quilts, maybe that goal was unrealistic. How about TWO finished quilts and all my paperwork (a very simple tax return and a pretty simple ranch report), before starting any new projects.
Well, scraps can’t be said to be new, can they! Plus how can I spread out my paperwork when all these scraps are stacked up looking at me?
Two blocks of Sharon Tucker’s String Theory quilt design.
I saw this quilt, String Theory, in the April 2017 issue of American Patchwork and Quilting. Last year I made a complete set of blocks with red and yellow sashing, and I thought it would also look good in blue and cream.
It is my favorite design for scrap quilting, because:
- for the scrap sections, you don’t even have to measure
- it lends itself so easily to long sessions of stitching mindlessly
- the alternating rows of sashing means that you aren’t trying to match lots of little corners
Sew strips of fabric together.
Slice them into strips 2.5 inches wide. (I toss the very skinny parts but keep the sections over an inch wide for future projects.)
Stitch them around a central square, log-cabin fashion.
And I am sure that after all this stitching, my brain will be refreshed and energetic enough to face my paperwork.
ScrapHappy Day is the 15th of each month, when various artists and craftspeople tame their scraps into something useful or expressive. It is hosted by Kate and Gun, the first two names listed below, and they would love for you to join us! Just let them know and they will add you to the list.
Paperwork vs. making a quilt. Hmm. Tough choice – not! Your little scrappy quilts are very fun, and a great way to use up those bits and pieces!
Someday those blocks should make it into a full-fledged quilt. And if I get into trouble with the IRS I am going to tell them, “My crafty friends said I could quilt first!” 🙂
‘but keep the sections over an inch wide for future projects.’ Now that made me laugh…you are starting to sound like me…just in case…you never know… very funny but yes, anything to keep from doing paperwork!
I don’t always keep strips that are about 1 inch wide because they seem just too skinny to deal with, but when it is a pieced strip of multiple fabrics, I do keep them — I think “I have a lot of cutting and stitching invested in that one little piece.” 🙂
Too true. Nice quilts by the way.
very pretty and a great use of assorted, colourful scraps. It looks like something I could do , might give it a try. Of course it is more fun to sew than do taxes! Mine are still piled up on the dining room table.
So glad your scraps have encouraged you before taxes lol! Very nice Gwen!
I do like this pattern, too. I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s so simple and looks so wonderful – much harder than it actually is. My favorite kind of quilt.
Exactly, that is what I am always going for! Lots more impact than effort. 🙂
I was so happy to drop off our tax paperwork to our accountant last week. Quilting is far more engaging! I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself. It’s nice to have goals, and it’s fun to play with scraps, too. From my perspective, your priorities are perfectly in order.
Great idea!
I like the blue and cream combination as a foil to the colourful scraps. I really must decide to do something with all the tiny bits I insist on keeping, and for which I specially bought a pack of till roll paper – perfect for paper piecing long strips to join together. Something like this would be a great use for those strips…
I love it! Those goals need to meet reality!
Hey – “One quilt at a time” – each one moves you closer! I love what you do with fabric scraps!