Don't Judge!

You wouldn't dream of judging me, right?

Even if I told you that I'd had several yards of red fabric languishing on the far end of my cutting table since July? And even if said fabric has been languishing thus since finishing the red and white Double Irish Chain?

Red  & White Double Irish Chain; July '22

Calling it a cutting table hardly seems honest. Mostly it is a foundation for massive piles with a corner exposed for actual cutting. So, you won't judge for that either, am I right? Below is a typical picture of the "cutting" table - not current, but since this is the general state of things at any given time, it will suffice. That bit in the foreground is the only part fit for cutting most of the time.

 

These true confessions have some background which, in my opinion, gives merit to languishing debris from old projects.

When Sharon came yesterday for sewing, I honestly did not have a single idea of what I would work on. I have a couple of machine-sewing things in progress, but for one reason or another, I need more time to think about the directions I am going with them before proceeding. It seemed fruitless to start a Christmas project - I really don't have anything specific that I want or need to make. Likewise, it seems ridiculous to start yet another project that would require digging out more fabric and patterns which would add to the already chaotic space.

Instead, I began a quilt that I have had on my radar for several months; the inspiration pic caught my eye many months ago while scrolling Pinterest. I screen-shot it and have revisited it regularly. That red fabric stayed out on the end of the table because of this picture.

I'd cut extra 2.5-inch strips of the red when making the DIChain. And you all know I have a ready supply of 2.5-inch squares in my scrap collections. With those pre-cut red strips and the supply of scrappy squares, it was meant to be - a project ready to begin, and I could start sewing immediately. Perfect.

I sewed all afternoon. Oh gosh, what fun! Creating on the spur of the moment like this was absolutely heavenly. I did not want to stop. Also, I didn't really have to even think! Sharon and I talked and talked, stitching all the while.Total perfection. (Sharon had an equally simple project which I will share another day.)

 As I often do when making lots of blocks, I count out groups of 10 and clip them together as a way of easily mapping my progress. I have 23 blocks with red squares, and 24 blocks of multi squares. That was a good day of sewing!

When I lay them out, the beginning of the red diagonals begin to appear. It will become more evident as I make more blocks. I am absolutely chomping at the bit to get back to the sewing machine.

And this productivity may never have happened had I been a diligent, tidy seamstress who clears her workspace and puts things away. I knew that red was meant for this quilt, and if I'd put it away, I might have taken ages before beginning it.

I have no deadline for finishing this quilt; I do know that it might be finished faster than expected because I am enjoying the process so much. Whenever the finish comes, the details will surely be shared here with all of you.

Happy Quilting, Friends!

4-Patch Delight

Here we are ending January, and even with all the travel time, I am sharing a finish for the month. And - bonus - it fits the last and very loosely defined goal on my '22 Goals List - "Numerous TBA Quilts." In this post I delve into many possibilities for gorgeous yet simple quilts that would fulfill this particular goal, and share appealing inspiration pics from my Pinterest boards.

Simple. Straightforward. Easy. Fast. Satisfying. Stash-busting.

Yes, this little cutie ticks all the boxes. I had the 2.5-inch squares prepared and on hand. I took my time enjoying the process of matching up light and dark combinations. The fact that I made enough for this quilt was a pleasant surprise - I guessed pretty accurately - only 2 4-patches left over.

I was winging it, for sure, and it just all worked out as if it were meant to be. Here are the most basic instructions; while I used 2.5-inch squares, this, of course, one could work with whatever size happens to be on hand.

1. Make a whole bunch of 4-patch blocks.

2. Attach 4-patches to make  4 16-patch units.

3. Attach 16-patches, then add inner border.

4. Attach two rows of 4-patches to the top and bottom.

5. Add two rows of 4-patches to the sides.

DONE! This measures 42.5 inches, and at present I intend to leave it as is. The possibility of adding to it appeals to me, but not as much as considering this particular piece FINISHED. I can use it as a table cloth, or drape it on the back of a chair. 

I don't mind square quilts, but if I were to make another one just to see what it would look like in a larger size, I believe I would play around with ways to make it rectangular for use on a bed. Six center blocks? That seems a likely place to begin.

And look - the bag is still full. I've barely touched the contents. The oft-heard cry from quilters about never running out of scraps is true! The more we use, the more the scrap bins/bags/baskets overflow.

I hope you are having a wonderful Monday. I need to take care of lots of loose ends today, chief among them - a massive grocery haul. 

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Dealing With Scraps

Anyone who has quilted for any length of time will soon have a dilemma on her hands with regard to scraps. The situation in my quilting room has become rather a daunting one, and for several years now I have attempted to make some headway with using scraps.

My decision 3-4 years ago to cut leftovers into strips or squares of select predetermined sizes has served me well, and I continue to do this. My strips are cut into 2.5 inches, 2 inches, and 1.5 inches. When leftovers don't lend themselves to strips, then I cut squares. I mostly cut 2.5 inch squares, but also have gone as large as 6 inches and as small as 1.5 inches. Theoretically, all of these various strips and squares are separated into dedicated storage tubs or baskets. Truthfully, a lot of them are more-or-less stacked and simply corralled in a corner of my room.

Lately, I have given particular focus to cutting 2.5-inch squares, as the Frankfort Girls are exchanging these at our next gathering. We are each preparing a zip-lock gallon bag filled with squares for exchanging. So cutting has been underway.

I thought I had a pretty full bag ready to go, but I discovered that I'd sewed a lot of my squares into 4-patches, which can be seen in the photo above. I had forgotten that I'd done all those, so I'm not disappointed that I needed to cut more. Surely, there is more than enough scraps to easily fill a bag in short order.

The picture above illustrates the work of an afternoon recently. I have 3 towering stacks of 2.5-inch squares. The remaining stacks are 2-inch, 1.5-inch, and 5-inch squares. The crumbs at the top are waste. I give up if smaller than 1.5 inches square. 

My ziplock bag is getting full, and I will definitely have it stuffed to capacity by Friday. Even though it is a chore that doesn't immediately result in a block or a quilt, I do find some satisfaction in taking the time to deal with all the scraps in this way. First, I clean a space. That is simply the most satisfying feeling. It is almost freeing in a way, knowing that you've dealt with a task that has needed doing for decades.

Second, I get to revisit past projects. I can come across a fabric from years ago and recall the exact item I was making, or what was going on in my life when I used that fabric. It is remarkable the memories that some fabrics will conjure up. 

Third, if the fabric doesn't remind me of a past project, then it might remind me of a special shop-hop, fabric store, or outing. I have cut fabrics that were purchased on outings years ago when I shopped with Grandma, and more recently, purchased on vacations, or on special trips with the girlfriends.

Last, I dream up new projects to consider for using all these scraps I'm saving. I have a special fondness for scrappy quilts. The "make do" mantra of previous generations of quilters is one I hope to keep alive - remember that our quilting ancestors frequently relied solely on scraps for their quilt-making needs. How lucky are we today to have access to endless designers of top-quality fabrics for making our quilts! So many options! Think of the limitations quilters once faced. It's humbling to think about.

Wanna' see some of my recent scrap quilts? The three shown below have all been made from the scraps I've been cutting in the method described earlier. Of course these quilts have been chronicled in previous posts, but since they are a direct result of all this scrap-cutting work, we should look, right?

Scrappy Irish Chain

Spring Dreams

Scrappy 4-Patch Economy

Even though I have made some progress in my scrap-use efforts, I have a long, long way yet to go. I see many more scrappy quilts in my future, for sure.

Happy Quilting, Friends!

First Flimsy of August!

 My title makes it sound like I plan on many more flimsies this August, doesn't it? Well, we shall see. That is always the goal, don't you know. *wink*

So, yes, I do have a flimsy and I am so happy to see it done. I have wanted to make this quilt for such a long time. What a good feeling it is to have finally done it! 

This is Scrappy Irish Chain, a big, cheerful quilt measuring roughly 90" square. It makes this queen size bed look very small, doesn't it? Several years ago, I saw the pattern on Pinterest, discovered that it was a free download, so I have had this on the list for awhile. I read that the pattern came out in 2014, and I have to think I must have seen it very soon after. Stay with me; I share all the pattern info below. 

And now it is done. Yay!

I really went deep-stash diving for all the scraps required for this quilt. It has been rather like a reunion for me as I revisited some bits that were from early memorable projects. 

For the solids, I also used from the stash. The yellow has been waiting in a large tub of solids given to me by fellow Frankfort Girl, Sheryll. That tub of solids has a bit of a story, which is a tangent I will address in a bit. Stay tuned. 

For the white, I am guessing that it was in with my grandmother's fabrics, but I cannot be sure. She did like to use white-on-white for her backgrounds, and this was a large enough piece. I do not recall buying it, but that is no surprise. My stash is generously populated with fabrics I don't remember buying! Regardless, I am saying it was from Grandma's things, and that's all I have to say about that. *wink*

So, I began. The first block took me forever. I sewed individual 2.5-inch squares together, row by row. Not only was it time consuming, it wasted a lot of thread. After a couple done this way, I knew I needed to find a better system.

I got the bright idea to lay out all 81 squares on the table beside my sewing machine, and then use that tried-and-true Eleanor Burns method of chain piecing. What a stroke of genius! It really cut down on both my time and my thread waste. Next, I saved even more time by pressing less frequently. I became a well-oiled assembly operator. About the time I was making my last block, I was really quite efficient. Hah! Isn't that the way of it?

Above, the horizontal rows are all sewn and seams pressed open. From this step, I pinned every-other row, matching each intersection, stitched and pressed open. Finally, I pinned the remaining seams, stitched and pressed. Cutting down the pressing after every little step saved a ton of time. I don't know why I was being so anal about pressing so often. Maybe I thought I'd have better success with accuracy? I don't know...

Here's a picture of the back of the flimsy. I have to say that I only actually worked at easing the fit in one or two places. For so many little parts, it matched up remarkably well. And no, I did not use starch. I know that is standard practice for a lot of quilters, but my spray bottle is empty, and who has time to refill??? (good grief)

Like I said, the pattern, Scrappy Irish Chain, is a free download from Jessica Fincham. You can find her several ways - Pinterest or her blog or Instagram. From reading her blog, I learned that she is a small shop owner in England, and offers quite an abundance of free patterns and tutorials. And from IG, I realized that I was already following her without even connecting her to the designer of this pattern! How cool?!! I really must like all her stuff, not just this one quilt.

I like how her quilt looks with the pink containing chain. My yellow chain is great, a bit garish and loud by comparison, perhaps. Gosh, her soft and hushed pink is so appealing with its gentle subtlety. I wonder if I would consider making another one? It could be that I am talking myself into it, for sure.

Now, back to that tub of Sheryll's solids. It all belonged to her mother. Knowing she would never use it, Sheryll generously donated it to any takers. (How could I pass up free fabric?) I am pleased to report that this is the third quilt made with Sheryll's solids. I have shared the wealth with Sharon P., who selected a peach/pink for her Scrappy Irish Chain, which she is currently working on. And before that, Sharon pulled a piece of blue for a single Irish Chain (below) which she finished up just a few months back.

On to other projects! For every one I finish, it seems I discover 3 or 4 more to start!  Is it that way for you, too?

 Happy Quilting, Friends!

A Scrappy Finish

After the busy stuff of last week preparing to host two different "events," I find myself this week with tons of free time for sewing. 

Yay!

It helps when I have a good audiobook, too. This week I have been sewing in the court of the York King Edward IV, at the beginning of the War of the Roses. His sons were the famous "lost princes in the tower." What fascinating, yet tragic history. The book is The White Queen by Philippa Gregory, and the story is told from his wife's point of view. Elizabeth Woodville saw much tragedy in her life.

from Goodreads.com

 

All that listening has provided me time for finishing my long-term WIP, the 4-patch scrappy quilt top. Over a year ago I was gung-ho on this quilt, and worked furiously to make these blocks and stitch them into a quilt top. I didn't have a pattern, and had no ideas sketched out for how many I would need, but I felt confident that 80 blocks would be plenty.

Ahem.

Thirty-five blocks cover about a quarter of the bed.

 

If I wanted a bed quilt, eighty blocks would not be nearly enough! Why, I needed at least 80 more!  Goodness gracious; that really demoralized me. So I put it aside and worked on other things. A whole year's worth of other things, actually. (Have you seen previous examples of my skill with avoidance??)

Blocks made at quilt retreat.

As I prepared for the Quilt Retreat last month, this came out of its year-long 'time out,' and ever since, I have been steadily whittling away on the additional blocks, and finally, this week have completing a full quilt top.

I call my scrappy quilt an example of "controlled scrappy." The 4-patches are 100% from my scrap baskets. I pretty much pieced them as randomly as possible. The shirtings (white) are not necessarily scraps, although some are. I used fat quarters from my stash and tried to keep them all as consistent in their coloration as possible. The red started out as scrap red and was intended to be consistently one particular fabric. But I needed a lot and I forbid myself from buying more, so I searched the stash for a suitable matching red. As I look at this quilt on the bed, I have a hard time finding differences, although they are quite evident, if one studies it.

I had a helper when I laid the quilt top out on the bed; Rocky is here for a visit.

Now I am pondering whether to add borders or not. I suppose what I will do is check the stash for ample reds that would suit. If I don't find anything, I will just leave it borderless. I am ready to move on to the next quilt!

Happy Quilting, Friends!

 

4-Patch Frenzy

For a couple of years now I have been making slow progress at taming the 30-year-old fabric scrap situation in the sewing room. What a task! For awhile, I will be very industrious, making great headway through the boxes, piles, tubs, and drawers. The job is so massive, and my commitment never seems to last very long. Another idea takes my focus away from scrap management; I leave the task unfinished and move on to something more exciting. Scrap management is drudgery work in comparison to a new quilt.

However, I am making progress, and having a specific quilt in mind for the scraps makes it so much easier to muster enthusiasm for the otherwise dull task.

This scrappy project has been in the works for over a year, and I have renewed focus on it since last week's quilt retreat. Those 4-patch centers have been my main focus this week.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, I was up to my eyeballs in 2-inch squares! The bin they were stored in was quite full. I wanted to turn ALL the scrappy squares into 4-patches. Whew. Seemed like I'd never finish. But finish them I did.

The pile of chain-pieced 4-patches grew and grew behind my machine.

Finally, all were made. I took the pile over to the table to cut apart and stack. How many did I make?

As I cut them apart, I stacked them in groups of 10; the grand total came to 204. That means I started with 816 squares. Geesh. Next up: pressing them open.

The quilt I am making will not require 204 more blocks. Do you see how scraps work? The situation is ongoing. With each quilt I make, I amass more scraps that potentially will be cut down into 2" squares - the cycle never ends.

Well, it could end. 

I could stop quilting. Uhhh, no. End of that conversation.

I could stop saving scraps. Again, no. Fabric is too darned expensive; I can't bear the thought of tossing out a bit that still has potential. 

Mostly, I enjoy the challenge of using scraps to make pretty quilts. However, not all scrap quilts are created equal, in my opinion. Some are way too 'busy' or chaotic-looking. More and more I find myself subscribing to the 'less is more' philosophy. In previous posts, I've used the 'controlled scrappy' description. Yes, that is what appeals most.

Let's change topics real quick. Did you get snow this week? On Wednesday, we had about 2". Here's the maple tree in our front yard.

Tree leaves aren't out yet, but some of the undergrowth in the background is almost fully leafed out. The snow really clung to the branches and leaves. Made a pretty picture. It was all melted by afternoon. April in Ohio - snow is not frequent, but it's certainly not the latest snow we've ever had.

Happy Saturday!

My Retreat Projects

 My retreat week was extremely productive. I am known to be quite a procrastinator, but by gosh, I really focused on the projects I wanted to finish and got 'em done! 

I surprise myself at times.

Nearly everything I took to work on involved finishing works in progress. It feels very good to have made significant progress on these.

First up, I wanted to finish the Double Irish Chain that I'd worked on with Sharon. Here's a click back to details on our previous work. I had all the 25-patch blocks done; at retreat, I made the setting blocks and constructed the quilt top. I ended up decided to add a row to the width, so I made the extra blocks necessary. I won't be adding a border.

The next WIP on the to-do list:  my red and white stars quilt. I'd previously finished all the stars, so I went to work cutting and sewing. Below is a portion of the finished blocks. I did finish them all, and now have only quilt top construction to do.

It's been a very, very long time since I last worked on the scrappy quilt I am making from random 2" squares. Even so, I consider it a WIP, and not a UFO. (Just sayin'.) I took the project tub, hoping I would be able to recover my mojo on this quilt. I did! It had been over a year since I last did any significant work on this quilt.

I call this a controlled scrappy quilt. All the center 4-patches are entirely from my scrap tub. The red print and white shirting fabrics surrounding the 4-patches are more orderly, yet do not match. I like how this looks and am totally getting excited about finishing this quilt top.

In addition to these, I also worked on binding quilts. I shared the secret sewing in a previous post, and I shared the two little quilts here and here.

Onward! Today Sharon is coming and we have much catching up to do. I am unsure of what I will work on, but you can be confident that when I decide, I will share it all here.

Happy Quilting, Friends!