27 July 2017

Scrappy Blue Block-a-Day


That was my scrap collection two years ago, when I got serious about using up my scraps instead of buying new fabric.

This is my scrap collection now...


Much of the collection is due to finishing existing WIP projects. Good thing, right??? Little did I know when I started trying to finish what I've started that my scrap collection was going to exponentially multiply and replenish our home!

At the beginning of the year, I began yet another Block a Day goal, using selected patterns from this year's calendar.


My only rule was scraps only. I could not purchase new fabrics for this project. The largest portion of my scraps is blue, so I decided to do scrappy blue blocks.






When the calendar featured block designs I didn't care to make, I used up existing blue scraps in whatever manner suited the shapes already cut - many triangles, even more strips and strings, and a few squares here and there.




This block was so overgrown, I ended up using it in the backing of Peacock Blues back in March.

As the weeks progressed, I was astounded that I might be able to create an entire quilt of scraps that actually work together using block patterns that were not necessarily designed to work together. As the blocks multiplied, I thought this might be appropriate for a grandchild or grandchild sibling. (Adoptions involved.) I'm trying to finish 15 quilts by Christmas. So far, I've finished 4 quilts and 7 more quilt tops. This is the 7th flimsy.


When I began incorporating my own blocks into this top, I didn't realize not all 12-inch blocks are created equal. One was 11.5 inches, a couple were 12 inches, a couple were 12.5 inches, and the blocks I created using the shapes of the remnants I used were 14 inches.

This same thing happened last year when I finished piecing Blue Floral Nostalgia, which includes some of the same fabrics as Scrappy Blue Block-a-Day. I'd started that quilt at least two decades ago, before I had proper tools, and the old blocks ranged from 11.5 to 12.5 inches. The templates I used to make the finishing blocks last year resulted in 13-inch squares.


For that top, which probably won't be a kid gift, I evened out the blocks by adding various sized sashing to each of the old blocks.

I repeated that process with Scrappy Blue Block a Day, trying to make the sashing look like it was part of the block and not sashing (math required!!!) except for the center block and two of the four corner blocks. Two of the corner blocks were already the right size, 14 inches, and I added darker corners to just two sides of the other two to create an outer-edge photo album-like frame around the four corners. Remember the photo corners we used to insert new photos in our big, heavy albums before cling pages came around?

I'm thrilled with the scrappy composition of this new top! If it wasn't going to a grandkid, I'm not so sure I'd be able to give this one away.

I still haven't made a dent in my scrap boxes, but if I can keep creating quilt tops that look this good with just scraps, I don't mind having plenty of scraps to last a while!


Oh, and somewhere between blocks for this project, I used fabric purchased in Durango during Ride the Rockies to make another bandana for Lizard. I owed him a birthday present. To bad he couldn't wear this one during Ride the Rockies! Maybe next year...


Linking up with Busy Hands Quilts, Confessions of a Fabric Addict and Crazy Mom Quilts.

18 comments :

  1. Sure shows that scraps are plenty useful indeed, bigger the pile the more you can do. Hopefully you'll make the full 15 by Christmas too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Pat! I'm beginning to get pretty optimistic about finishing well before the last minute!

      Delete
  2. THose are beautiful Blue blocks and quilts.... can I laugh and say... I too feel your pain ( about the growth of the scraps) ha ha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sometimes I wonder if quilters like you have a bigger scrap collection than me, Alycia! :)

      Delete
  3. Scraps do come in handy after all. Your work is nice and very detailed. Warm greetings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Blogaratti. I'm very grateful I am able to make use of scraps in such a fun way!

      Delete
  4. Your blocks are so pretty! Great job with the colors.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Tammy! I certainly had fun making them!

      Delete
  5. I agree that scraps seem to multiply when we're not looking. Hooray! for a new BLUE scrap quilt.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Joy! It was awesome to take the blue scraps down just a tiny fraction!

      Delete
  6. Excellent use of your scraps! So satisfying to be using them up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Gemini! I often wonder if the day will ever come when I don't have enough scraps to finish a scrappy project... :)

      Delete
  7. Nice work with your scraps. I, too, have acquired an explosive scrap collection as UFOs have been finished. Just today I sorted through my blues and pressed the Chosen Ones to start working on a scrappy Mystery quilt. It's so fun to remember the original projects as you sift through the color bins!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lynette, I think you are the first person who's mentioned what a wonderful trip down memory lane scraps can be, other than me!

      Delete
  8. What beautiful blocks. It feels good to get things done, and make your scrap collection bigger at the same time! We never need to buy more fabric that way. Just kidding!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good one, Sandy! I don't know that I like the scrap pile growing so out of control, but perhaps another couple of Scrap Vortex projects will keep it from boiling over... :)

      Delete
  9. Wow! You go girl! I have been trying to use scraps and finish old UFO's for over 2 years now and I still have sooooooo many scraps. It gets overwhelming at times. I really need to have a focus, like your calendar blocks. That is a great idea!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, GrammaJudy! I'm with you on the overwhelming aspect! But the block-a-day calendars really are inspirational and motivational.

      Delete


Dusty words lying under carpets,
seldom heard, well must you keep your secrets
locked inside, hidden deep from view?
You can talk to me... (Stevie Nicks)

All spam is promptly and cheerfully deleted without ever appearing in print.

If you are unable to leave a comment and need to contact me, please use the email address in the sidebar. Thank you!

Related Posts with Thumbnails