Sunday, February 7, 2016

I used a lot of my scraps this weekend

Only my scraps

Last month I went through my scrap binds and pulled out all the strips - long rectangular pieces with at least one straight edge - and then I put them in a box. This weekend I took them all out again.

Only my scraps

I picked the easiest block for different sizes of strip scrap - log cabins. Every log can be a different width and it does not matter, your log cabin can continue without issue. I picked blue as there were a lot of blue strips and it always makes me happy to sew with blue fabric.

For the first several rounds I could sew, lean over to press and then trim right on my table. Once the log cabin got too big I hopped up to the actual cutting table with each log.

Only my scraps

I made giant blocks - about 30" square, more or less. This was block one, finished on Saturday night. I decided just random fabric placement was working fine - I mostly looked for the next strip by size.

Only my scraps

This morning I made another. I figure it takes me about 1.5 hours to make one of these big blocks, working fairly steadily. At this point it was lunch, and time for a long walk - I managed 7700 steps today, I am in training for QuiltCon.

Only my scraps

I figured I did not have enough blue, so I later this afternoon I started a green one.

Only my scraps

Before supper I had three finished. After making the green one I was almost out of green scrappy strips, but I also realized that I had enough blue left for one more block.

Only my scraps

After supper - my DH cooked and did the dishes and it was yummy - I made the last one. This is not a great photo as it was dark and in my hallway, and I edited it heavily, but you get the gist. A 60" quilt top, all from scraps! It's a bit scary that I can name almost every designer of every one of those fabrics too.

I know that the February Scraptastic Tuesday link up is not opening until this Tuesday, but maybe you are inspired to join Nicky from Mrs. Sew and Sow and I now. Those scraps can turn in to lovely quilts.

I might have to start another, I have a lot more scrappy strips.

Best,

Leanne


23 comments:

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

I like that one of the log cabin blocks is green, it adds a nice dimension to the quilt top. I did a bit of sewing from my scrap bin, but in a much smaller size this weekend (mini mini quilts: they finished at about 4.25 inches square). I'm looking forward to linking up this month! :)

Kay said...

I just love what you have done, a great way to use up scraps and an easy quilt top into the bargain. I really need to go through my scraps and do something with them. I don't have lots of longer strips but could do something smaller. Thank you for the inspiration. x

myBearpaw said...

These are fab! Sometimes it's lovely to just sew fabric together without too much thought, and create something so quickly. I love that you are in training for QuiltCon!! I will try and blog something scrappy to join in tomorrow (I always forget!).

Teje Karjalainen said...

Hi Leanne! I really like your giant log cabin blocks! They become so beautiful with lots of shades of the colour. Are your strips about 2.5" as they look like in the first photo? x Teje

krislovesfabric said...

Great quilt top, love that you made it with scraps!

Svetlana said...

Such a great way to use up tons of scraps, Leanne. I love all the blues combined with the greens, it looks fantastic. I might have to go dig through my scrap bins now :)

Vicki in MN said...

Great idea! I am working on a few scrap quilts too!

Sandra W said...

I'd be tempted to cut the blocks and introduce a bit of the green into each of them. But that's just my ornery approach.
You do have some lovely fabrics.

Lesley Gilbert said...

I love the blue blocks. My fav colour is blue :)

Karee said...

Sweet progress!

What Comes Next? said...

Great bit of sewing! Major scrap busting, which is fabulous. You are inspiring me to create my own. I love the green with the blue, and looking at my stash, I suspect it will be similar

Paula said...

What a great way to use up scraps. Your finished blocks are gorgeous. I have lots of leftovers from jelly rolls and scrap bags and this would defintiely be a great use for them.

Live a Colorful Life said...

I really love these blocks! Glad you are training for QuiltCon. See you soon.

Jayne said...

I'm so glad you decided to go with four blocks! What a gorgeous quilt this will be!

Camilla said...

Love this Leanne! Especially the green and they compliment one another beautifully. Your centre piece choices anchor the quilt well. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished quilt!

O'Quilts said...

I love it. That is how I love to sew. I wish I had the energy now..just sitting here...gotta get going...very pretty

Robby said...

That green block really grabbed me, such a nice counter-point to the blue. Great use of scraps.

Mystic Quilter said...

Such a good idea to make these large blocks. I have two bins of strips, most of them trimmed from yardage to get the straight edge, I wonder if they could be used in this way, your strips all look pretty even.

elle said...

I am liking this big block idea. Good for you!

CurlyGirlMom said...

WOW!! I wish I had that many scraps... As a new quilter, I eagerly awaiting my turn to play with scraps! The fortunate/unfortunate part of this is that I've also fallen in love with English paper piecing hexies, so I use all my smaller scraps for that. :) Thus, it's taking forever to come up with a good stash of scraps. lol Thanks for sharing your beautiful squares. I always look forward to seeing what you're working on.

Hilary said...

These blocks are awesome!

Anne / Springleaf Studios said...

Great use of strips. Seeing this has given me an idea for my own scraps. Have fun at QuiltCon. I'm not going this time but enjoyed meeting you in Austin.

Marie said...

I. LOVE. THIS!!!!!