I have been throwing the crooked trimmings from clean up cuts into 2 plastic boxes for a couple years. I decided to sort them loosely by length for a new project.
This is the short and medium length strips and below the lid is a huge pile of full width strips. I have cut my starting squares and will begin piecing soon.
While trying to clean some of the mess off my sewing cabinet, I came across the trimmings from the African 16 patch stratas. I was able to make 3 mug rug tops from them.
Today Rosemary is coming back and we are going to baste another of her log cabin quilts. I finished basting my African 16 patch last night.
I have so many leftover scraps that I don't think I will ever be able to use them all up. I really need to concentrate on making lots of patchwork baby/child quilts and donate just to use them up
I've been trying a variety of approaches with a suite of muted near-solids that I've been saving for the (ahem) "perfect" project. I finally decided to just cut them into pieces and sew them together, already.
My first attempt was some free-form improvisational sewing a la Thinking Outside the Block by Sandi Cummings, but I didn't like the results.
Now I'm trying some cobblestone blocks. It's too soon to tell if I really like them, or not, but maybe not. Nothing seems to be going well on the design wall. A friend wondered aloud if it might be because the 1-year anniversary of my mother's passing is coming up, and I had a real, "Duh!" moment. I'd been thinking about the anniversary, but hadn't made the connection between that and nothing working quite right in my own everyday functioning. So, I will weather this, and enjoy your work in the meantime.
I have been working on controlling my scraps that are growing like mold in winter. The thought of moving and explaining moving drawers and pillowcases full of scraps gave me the incentive to start cutting them into pieces I can use. It is really very rewarding-will be done with the red/pink drawer tonight! My drawer of 2.0,2.5,3.5,4.0and 5.0 squares and 2.5 strips and odd strings look so much better:)
How funny that you have been working on that Wanda, I spent yesterday going through my big box of batik scraps and cutting them into useable strips and shapes. I also found some leftover blocks for mug rugs. Enjoy your day basting!
I, too, keep trimming in totes. Lights in one and darks in another. Never know when you just want to sew and strip :-) I find it very relaxing. Enjoy your blog.
O.K. you got my attention ~ what can you design with those narrow scraps ? This is going to be a fun challenge. I see those black and white poka dot squares too. I know you have something in mind, and I will be sure to check in to see what you do.
Amazing what leftovers can make. Sometimes our best work is with scraps. Chris
ReplyDeleteI have so many leftover scraps that I don't think I will ever be able to use them all up. I really need to concentrate on making lots of patchwork baby/child quilts and donate just to use them up
ReplyDeleteJazzy and fun! I like this one, already!
ReplyDeleteI've been trying a variety of approaches with a suite of muted near-solids that I've been saving for the (ahem) "perfect" project. I finally decided to just cut them into pieces and sew them together, already.
My first attempt was some free-form improvisational sewing a la Thinking Outside the Block by Sandi Cummings, but I didn't like the results.
Now I'm trying some cobblestone blocks. It's too soon to tell if I really like them, or not, but maybe not. Nothing seems to be going well on the design wall. A friend wondered aloud if it might be because the 1-year anniversary of my mother's passing is coming up, and I had a real, "Duh!" moment. I'd been thinking about the anniversary, but hadn't made the connection between that and nothing working quite right in my own everyday functioning. So, I will weather this, and enjoy your work in the meantime.
Frebblebit
What beautiful and colorful scraps. have fun playing.
ReplyDeleteI have been working on controlling my scraps that are growing like mold in winter. The thought of moving and explaining moving drawers and pillowcases full of scraps gave me the incentive to start cutting them into pieces I can use. It is really very rewarding-will be done with the red/pink drawer tonight! My drawer of 2.0,2.5,3.5,4.0and 5.0 squares and 2.5 strips and odd strings look so much better:)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, no scrap left behind! Some of my biggest "Whoops!" cutting mistakes have gone on to find their perfect place in scrap quilts.
ReplyDeleteIt will be exciting to see what you make with those trimmings :D
ReplyDeleteHow funny that you have been working on that Wanda, I spent yesterday going through my big box of batik scraps and cutting them into useable strips and shapes. I also found some leftover blocks for mug rugs. Enjoy your day basting!
ReplyDeleteI am a huge fan of scraps and love using them! Its hard to part with those strips, squares and little pieces!
ReplyDeleteI, too, keep trimming in totes. Lights in one and darks in another. Never know when you just want to sew and strip :-) I find it very relaxing. Enjoy your blog.
ReplyDeleteO.K. you got my attention ~ what can you design with those narrow scraps ? This is going to be a fun challenge. I see those black and white poka dot squares too. I know you have something in mind, and I will be sure to check in to see what you do.
ReplyDeleteGreat looking mug rugs.
JJM
Scraps - how they can accumulate! Looking forward to seeing what you do with yours. Love the African mug rugs!
ReplyDeleteMy mouth is watering! Delicious looking scraps there! What is the most common size mug rug you make from your trimmings?
ReplyDeleteThe African fabrics make great mug rugs and I'm looking forward to seeing what you're going to be making with your strips.
ReplyDeleteOh, yippee yay!!! What fun to be playing in all that wealth of gorgeous fabric. I'm waiting with bated breath to see what you create next!
ReplyDeleteI am trimming the leavings from a twister quilt and plan to male the same layout from one and a half inch squares.
ReplyDelete