Category: Work in Progress

Not My Style, And That’s The Point

Sometimes I am given scraps, or even a partially finished quilt, that just isn’t my style. But, it is an opportunity.

It pushes my creativity, design skills and problem solving abilities. It makes me a beginner again. It makes me learn.

Sometimes a not-my-style quilt is just what I need.

ps–Judy asks a good question: What was I actually given? AGAIN, I didn’t take a picture of the starting point. But, there were a few pinwheels finished, with a dark purple strip sewn to one side. There were several sets of squares (light purple and background) sewn together all the way around, ready to cut on the diagonal, trim and sew together into pinwheels. There was extra yardage of both purple fabrics. And a few odds and ends of both colors.

Coin Quilt Tops Finished

That pile of scraps has become two baby quilts.

They are about 35″ x 37″. And it is fun to see them side by side.

They still need quilting, but soon…

Is this something you would like a tutorial for?

Wedding Flowers

While the wedding will be very small, practically an elopement, Sparkle Jane really wants flowers.

She found these Sola Woods Flowers. They are made from something similar to tapioca and can be shaped and dyed to suit.

So she got together with her friend Erica and had a party.

Many different colors and shapes and she is looking forward to creating bouquets and boutineers soon.

Also, thank you to those who have already sent blocks for her wedding quilt. It will be a beautiful gift of love from the quilting world.

Finished Top: Crackle Candy

I am calling it Crackle Candy for now.

The top was made from a pile of miscellaneous scraps received in hand-me-down bags over several years. I was certain there was a quilt in there somewhere, but how to efficiently use so many different bits and pieces?

The answer was to incorporate a variety of block styles. There are six in all…can you find them?

HINT: One block only appears one time. I would change that if I did it again.

Scrappy Rescue: Coin Quilts

Next, arrange the 2-1/2″ x 4-1/2″ rectangles (or groups of rectangles) into sets of 15. This will create a larger strip 4-1/2″ x 30-1/2″.

Then stitch them together.

Only a few steps to go.

Using all possible previously sewn seams makes a difference. Each of those seams feels like a gift from another quilter. Quilts like this stitch us together as much as we stitch them together.

Scrappy Rescue: Coin Quilt(s)

Once I started working on the jelly roll leftovers, I realized there was enough to make TWO coin style baby quilts, plus some leftover for another idea.

So, I cut all the pieces I could into strips 4-1/2″ wide.

And set the leftovers aside to be cut into 2-1/2″ squares, or sets, where possible. Smaller pieces will be cut into 2″ and 1-1/2″ squares.

Using every bit practical (NOTE: I didn’t say “every bit possible” because I have my limit, and that limit, most of the time, is 1-1/2″. Everyone needs to choose their own limit, and it can change, but having a limit keeps things from getting out of control in a way that has you keeping fabric you will never use.).