Brrr it is cold outside! Temperatures – not the “feels like wind chill numbers” were in the low single digits yesterday. We didn’t receive as much snow as predicted but the 6-7 inches we did get is beautiful. I say this as a retiree with no place I must go. Hats off to those who must go out–first responders, medical staff, service personnel, and those who will lose their job if they don’t show up. I am grateful I have a warm home, plenty of food and good company.
So what did I do with this mandated stay home time? Correct on the first guess–I sewed while listening to an audio book and watching the latest episode of Shetland. I am still on my quest to use up the tubs of fabric in my sewing room and closets. And even though I really wanted to start a new quilt, I am determined to take three scrappy tops to the long arm quilter this next week. The last one I need to finish is a string quilt I started last fall.
These are examples of string quilts (the photos are from on line). String quilts are scrap friendly and utilize leftover fabric strips an inch to 2.5″ wide. The strings are sewn on a foundation, either paper or muslin. The blocks are trimmed to a specific size and sewn together. The blocks often have a focal point, either the middle string is the same or in the same value or the corners are sewn with a similar fabric. This gives the quilt more of a pattern. The blocks can be “on point” (the photo on the right) or in straight rows (the photo on the left and in the middle).
Some string quilts use solid spaces to create an entirely different look-less scrappy.
I used 10.5 inch muslin squares. Bonus points in scrap busting, the muslin was clean, used fabric I had saved from curtains, etc
The first strip is either a 2″ to 2.5″ strip of dark blue solid or print or black. It is placed diagonally, extending from corner to corner. A second strip is place wrong side up on one edge of the center strip.
Sew along the raw edges–sometimes I pin, other times I don’t.
Press open, either with iron or fingers. I prefer to use the iron.
Repeat on the other side. Just like other piecing, it is best to have a mixture of dark, light and medium colors and a mix of prints and solids.
The block is trimmed to a 10″ square–I try to put the 90 degree angle (corner of square) in the middle of the focus strip. Trim from the muslin side, much easier.
I now have a stack of 48 squares and my strip tub is still full. But by using a foundation square and having several seams in a block, the pieced quilt top is heavier than a normal quilt top of the same size. So, I don’t think I want to make a full size quilt; it would be too heavy with the addition of batting and backing.
Which layout should I use?
The first photo looks more organized to me, so I will go with that layout.
The best part of this quilt is that I used scraps that I just couldn’t toss. I am a craftsperson, not an artist, so I appreciate methods that are quick and easy.
Watch for the finished quilt this spring. Machine quilting and binding always add to appeal of a quilt. Recognizing this quilt will not be everyone’s choice, I look forward to meeting the new owner, who ever you are!
What new projects came to the quilting room this past week?
I Spy a Unicorn and a puppy and a teddy bear. This child’s quilt is a learning tool as well as a fun nap quilt. “I Spy” quilts keep children occupied on long car trips and when they need quiet time on their own. The quilt, 46″ x 48″, is the perfect size for tummy time. The quilt is machine quilted, with a machine sewn binding making it very washable. $75
Batiks are a special group in the fabric world. This 46″ x 60″ lap quilt is all batiks–even the backing. The neutral batiks used in the sashing allowed all the vibrant colors to shine. The binding is hand sewn. $150.
The fabrics in this table topper are from the Kansas Trouble line. It is a 17″ diameter. The design is machine appliquéd with hand sewn buttons. Perfect for a small end table. $30.
Here is a cleaning “hack”! Hand embroidered on 100% muslin. $10
Stay warm and make sure your chocolate supply is adequate!
Quilts, Etc. 