I've decided I want to try the Rainbow Scrap Challenge that SoScrappy is hosting. I don't know how long I can manage to actually do this, but I figured it's time to start doing something with all the scraps that are accumulating around here! Even if I'm not 100% successful with playing along, I hope to at least be able to make a dent in the scrap pile.
This month's color is blue, and boy,do I have a LOT of blue scraps! I tried to narrow down my choices of what exactly I want to do with scraps this year. So far, my list is about 5 quilts long! So I started with 2 different blocks.
Here are my first 2 Tic Tac Toe blocks. These were a Block Lotto block back in January 2010 (see the directions here), and I really liked the quilts that the winners made with these blocks. So, time to do some for me. I'm trying to use tone-on-tone fabrics. The one on the right that looks black is actually a blue and black marble. I'm not sure this block is going to work for this quilt, but it was my first attempt. I like the block on the left better. But, I'm trying to turn off the critic in my head and just sew.
I'm also trying some "made fabric" a la Bumble Beans. I have no idea what I will use these for, but they at least use up some of the smallest scraps. They are great "therapy" sewing too.
You can see what others are doing for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge by clicking here.
I've decided that this year is the year to start putting together some of the projects I have started that are this close to being a quilt top. You know, the blocks are all done and are waiting for me to do something with them. I'm tired of having all these almost-done projects nagging me. They get pretty insistent sometimes.
Santa (my DH The Potter) gave me a free-standing design wall for Christmas and I love it! We put it up in the mostly-unused living room, and I had to christen it right away by putting some blocks on it, of course. *grin*
These are some 16 Patch blocks that I started way back here in 2011. Wow, didn't realize it had been that long! I've made some here and there along the way. I'm trying to use only the bright plaids, but some read a little darker. I think that will be OK. I have 34 blocks in this photo. I've made another 3 since the photo was taken. Now I have just 11 more to make and then I can start finalizing a layout. I have all the plaids cut - I just need to cut some more black fabric.
These were the result of a demonstration that I did at our quilt show in 2011. I use a method that is sooo easy and fun to make these blocks. I'm thinking of doing a tutorial for this method. Any one interested? I've never seen this method anywhere else on line, so I thought you might like to know it too!
After getting those blocks sorted out, I decided to pull out a project that I haven't touched in years. The blocks are ready to put together.
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| first half of the blocks |
I made these Disappearing Nine Patch blocks from some random charm squares that I had hanging around for years. Well, when I put these on the design wall, they just screamed "Yuck!" at me. Dull, boring and UGLY. Oh my. What to do? So, I put on my thinking cap and came up with this:
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| second half of the blocks |
Better, definitely better. Now to find something for the sashing. I was planning on this being a charity quilt. But it's too big to have them all together, and a little small to make two lap quilts.
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| all the blocks |
So, I haven't decided yet just what I'm doing. First I'm sewing all the block quarters together, and then I'll see what size it is, play some more and see what I can come up with. I'll keep you posted.
Great tic tac toe block. I will have to try that one out. As for the made fabric. It can go into any quilt block as a replacement for fabric. It is great as nine patches, or the center block of stars. Also great in potholders, mug rugs and placemats. Whatever it becomes in the end, it isn't in your scrap basket anymore.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your scraps. The funny thing is, they never seem to get depleted very quickly, do they? Fun seeing your scrappy quilt projects.:)
ReplyDeleteWow, you have been busy, too! I love the tic tac toe blocks. I have been thinking about taking part in the rainbow scraps challenge, too. Love your disappearing 9 patches and your 16 patches.
ReplyDeleteWoo Hoo….good stuff here girl! Of course I love your use of the scraps. I have been over and read all about the Rainbow Scrap Challenge. There just aren't enough hours in the day for me to do EVERYTHING I want to do, but I guess I can watch your progress!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you are off to a good start for the new year.
I LUVVVV your 16 patch blocks….as well as your demo blocks. You are going to have some good finishes here before long and you won't know what you EVER did before without a design wall. What a good hubby!!!!
This is my favorite kind of posts. Scrappy finishes and therapy quilting. I hope to do some more myself tomorrow
ReplyDeleteThat's actually quite a lot of progress on more than one project! I just read about Debra Spinic's Smokin' Hot Quilt Challenge. She's trying to get quilts made for firefighters in her area. This will be a year-long project. As she is a long arm quilter she will accept tops and do the quilting herself. I'm thinking your D9P might fit the bill. You can check it out at http://www.debraspincic.com/2014/01/smokin-hot-quilt-challenge
ReplyDeleteThe tic tac toe blocks are cute! I will have to try making some of these! I like your other projects as well, especially the 16 patch. I'm sure everyone would enjoy a tutorial on how you make them if you want to take the time to do it!
ReplyDeleteYou obviously have been a very good girl to get such a sweet gift from Santa! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteYou've been busy making great things. I really like the tic tac toe blocks, they'll make a great quilt! Your blue scraps look fabulous sewn together. I couldn't live with a design wall, it makes such a difference. You certainly had some great blocks to cover it with. I'd be interested in a tutorial for your 16 patch blocks, I'm intrigued...
ReplyDeleteLove all of them !
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what you did to improve your Disappearing 9-Patch, perhaps MORE was better, or standing back and allowing one's eyes to blend the fabrics, but it sure is better! The sashing will be even better and will uplift that humble quilt into something waaaaay more. My statement when a quilt is finished is frequently, "It turned out better than I thought it would!"
ReplyDeleteLove how you're using your blue scraps. I agree making fabric is great therapy. So good to use up those little bits. Yes, definitely interested in a tutorial. Looks like you are enjoying your new design wall. They make such a difference.
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