Scrappy Quilting and the Eclipse

 Happy almost May!

I'm sitting here wondering how it's nearly May already. I've been busy with work, grandkids, Easter, quilting, and a few health issues. Time flies! 

How about that eclipse? Were you able to witness it? I was outside taking photos (see below) the whole time and chatting with my neighbor. It was a nice break during the middle of a work day.

Eclipse 2024

Eclipse 2024

The day after the eclipse I had an out-of-town (sort of) work conference. The conference wasn't that far away, but I booked a hotel room for myself to avoid commuting an hour plus each way in traffic. So much easier!

My body has decided to act its age and I have encountered a few health issues lately but am working on getting them sorted out. They did take me down for a few weeks though. I went to a few of my grandsons' baseball games and that was a lot of fun. Easter morning I spent with my oldest daughter, son-in-law, and my grandsons at church, which was very nice.

Easter photo with my growing grandsons!

And, I have been working on a few quilts too. I've always wanted to try the quilt-as-you-go (QAYG) technique, so I made a quilt and now I'm making another one! The process was a lot of fun and the quilts come together so quickly. 

For the second QAYG quilt that I'm working on, I must confess that I cheated and bought precut quilt batting from Missouri Star Quilt Company -- which by the way, is making the second quilt go way faster. I've got nearly all the blocks finished and ready to assemble the quilt. I did run out of backing fabric (I know what you are thinking -- What?! You own so much fabric, how could you possibly run out?) and had to order more to complete the last few blocks, so I'm waiting (ever so impatiently). 

The first QAYG quilt that I did is a scrappy string lap quilt made from 10" blocks. The second one that I'm working on is the same but with 6" blocks. I'm keeping the first quilt for myself and have no idea what I'm doing with the second quilt!

The front of my scrappy string QAYG quilt

The back of my scrappy string QAYG quilt

I have also been interested in making a crumb quilt (with my bazillion scraps), so I've started working on crumb blocks and have about 6 10" blocks made already (yes, photos are coming). Such a great way to use up scraps! Between all the scrappy blocks and quilts, I may not have any scraps left...LOL! 

The next type of quilt I'm interested in making is a Duckworth quilt. Have you heard of those? I feel like I must make one because my maiden name is Duckworth! They are named after Jo Ann Merrill-Duckworth who came up with this technique. I'll obviously need more scraps for a Duckworth quilt! 😁

My latest embroidery is coming along and should finish it up this week. It's from a kit that my youngest daughter gave me for Christmas and when I'm done she wants it. (Is that re-gifting or just buying something for yourself? I'm unsure.) Anyway, I'll be glad to move on with another embroidery project and have been studying up on new stitches to try out.

I think that's it for now. More to come.

Happy Quilting, Embroidery, and Sewing!

What to Do with All Those Scraps?

Hey there, quilters!

Have you ever wondered what to do with all those scraps that accumulate from cutting quilt blocks or cutting out stuff for applique? Well, I have some ideas on that.

Scrap quilts go way back to the beginning of quilting when pioneer women cut up old worn-out clothing and used them in quilts.Today, quilters tend to use a scrap bucket, bin, tub, etc., to throw scraps into for later use. 

Before I moved into my new house, I had an old laundry basket chock full of scraps! I donated a lot of fabric to a quilt charity and they also wanted all my scraps! I handed over the whole laundry basket and now I'm starting my scrap bucket all over again.

But seriously, scrap quilts are a great way to save money and make some quick and amazing quilts! I will use bits of fabric as small as an inch. Some of the larger scraps, I'll cut up into smaller pieces, depending on what I'm making. 

If you applique, you may end up with some really oddly shaped scraps (I know I do!), but not to worry, those can be cut down and used in scrap quilts. I have found that scraps work really well in my quilted landscape wallhangings. So, don't throw away your scraps!

String quilts are a form of scrap quilt and I LOVE making string quilts! It's a great way to use up any size of scrap fabric. I've even made string blocks and incorporated them into other quilts, which gives the quilts a whole new dimension. 

I like using a muslin backing for string blocks, mainly because I tend to buy muslin by the bolt, but you can use any fabric. You can also use newspapers, phone book pages, used dryer sheets, copy paper, wax paper, and even old bed sheets for backing. Basically, whatever you have handy. String borders are also super cute on quilts.

Some string blocks I made for a quilt swap

String quilt I made

One nice thing about string quilts is there is an extra layer of fabric in there for warmth. If you're making a summer or lighter weight quilt, then just add a backing and quilt, no need for batting. (Cost savings!)

Here is a link for how to make string quilts.

For basic scrap quilts, just start cutting scraps to the size you want and start sewing them together! Here is a link for scrap quilt ideas. There are also a ton of ideas on Pinterest for scrap quilts, or make it up as you go along.

Scrap baby quilt I made

Scrap borders are also fun to make and add another dimension to your quilt.

If you are looking for a quick and easy quilt to make, raid your scrap bucket and get to scrapping!

Happy Quilting and Sewing!