Living as far south as I do, I have no desire to sit under a quilt during the summer months. So for the most part I work on machine piecing or applique during those long hot summer days. This summer I decided instead of starting a new applique project I would concentrate on getting more scraps pieced into tops. I have been making scrap quilts from scraps and stash since the summer of 2011.
Then I made a quilt for my sister's 60th birthday!
Amish Ice Cream Social was next!
Then a quilt to honor my brother in law's military service.
As I cut scraps for these quilts, I cut smaller scraps into 1.5 inch squares and started sewing them together into twosies then foursies. Not sure where this one is heading yet. But, it will be fun putting all these into a quilt, so many memories in all the bits of fabric.
Last summer I paper foundation pieced my Go With The Flow blocks. This one is just waiting for me to find the right background fabric.
A few weeks ago I took my grocery bag full of plaids and homespuns and started cutting 1.5 inch strips to make log cabins. This week I finished up the blocks I needed. I have decided on the layout and need to start making my borders so that I have everything I need to make this one a top.
Looks like I have plenty to do this summer to get all of these projects to the point that they are ready for quilting. You would think, that having all these tops to quilt would overwhelm me. But, once I get the top made the stress is over. I really enjoy the hand quilting process and since I quilt for pleasure there are no deadlines to meet. No stress, just time with needle and thread and pure enjoyment.
Looks like I have plenty to do this summer to get all of these projects to the point that they are ready for quilting. You would think, that having all these tops to quilt would overwhelm me. But, once I get the top made the stress is over. I really enjoy the hand quilting process and since I quilt for pleasure there are no deadlines to meet. No stress, just time with needle and thread and pure enjoyment.
you have accomplished a lot - love all the quilts
ReplyDeleteI can't go all summer without hand quilting! I just can't. While we're a little further north than you, it still gets plenty hot here. I just crank the AC up to the level where DH would prefer it anyway, turn on the ceiling fan, point a little personal fan on me and continue to quilt away. That's one time when being moe cold natured has its benefits. ha! I love the setting on the log cabin. That quilt turned out spectacularly - I love it! The barn raising setting is my favorite, and that variation is spectacular. The variety of settings is one of the reasons why a log cabin quilt is such a favorite of mine.
ReplyDeleteI know I will fit in doing a practice piece of hand quilting for my album quilt and I am hand piecing my TATW so that will keep me happy when I want to sit and stitch. But I am determined this year to get these starts made into tops. But I can't wait till fall when I can start hand quilting Baltimore Garden.
DeleteBeautiful projects. So nice when hand quilting in relaxing!!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part of making a quilt!
DeleteOh how organized you are. Have a wonderful happy stitching time this summer! Love them all.
ReplyDeleteThis has been a great journey and I have learned so much. I was amazed that just a simple task of organizing my scraps by color that first summer gave me so many quilt ideas.
DeleteAll pretty...I remember most of them. The log cabin layout is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI spent a few hours on pinterest and when I saw this one I knew it was the one I wanted to use! Love when that happens
DeleteThey all look wonderful! You sound very organized and ready for the next months.:)
ReplyDeleteI do like organization and when that large rubber maid tote started to overflow, something had to be done
DeleteWow! Love the setting you selected for the log cabins. I'm lucky that my recliner is right under the AC vent in the great room and sometimes it is a wee bit chilly at night. I hope to continue some nights with hand quilting the big one..... but I have those 30 inch blocks to work on and lots of hand work to keep me company while it is too warm. You are so organized and I love your scrappy quilts. That first one is gorgeous... love the second one too... oh heck. I love them all!
ReplyDeleteYour too sweet! I do plan on a practice piece for Baltimore Garden and working on TATW should keep me happy between all the machine piecing.
DeleteCarla... I love all the quilts you have been able to make from your stash! Is there any stash left? lol I am sure there is but you are doing great at utilizing that stash too! Great flimsies and quilts to be finished to flimsy state too... esp love your log cabin. I haven't made one yet and it is a bucket list... I like your 1 1/2" wide logs for sure! Thanks for sharing such great work :) Kathi P. S. Hand quilting it my fave part too!
ReplyDeleteI am getting to like piecing more, but that hand quilting is hard to top!
DeleteYour work is georgous... I love stitching too...Mary
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Mary! Isn't it wonderful that we have our stitching to enjoy!
DeleteWow....what one can do with scraps! Every single one of your quilts are LOVELY! Can't believe you have accomplished so much! And they will all be hand quilted....well WOW is all I can say. You are very talented and organized to accomplish so much.
ReplyDeleteFor me it is pure enjoyment! Thanks so much for stopping by
DeleteAll of your quilts are fabulous but I particularly like Amish Ice Cream Social. I too love making scrap quilts because the variety of fabrics keep the quilt making interesting. This just reinforces why I don't like to throw out even the smaller scraps!
ReplyDeleteI have to say it is my favorite also. I agree about scraps so much fun! I know it wasn't fun cutting all those inch and half squares out of bits and pieces but then you look at the variety and the memories they hold and they are priceless,
DeleteLove the log cabin layout. You completed those blocks lickiety split! Scrap quilts are so wonderful. Both for the maker and the receiver. Sounds like your summer is well organized with lots of ideas and fun.
ReplyDeleteI hope I can get the piano key border done quickly too! I agree lots of stitching is needed to get these done this summer.
DeleteLooks like you have lots of fun things lined up--I especially love the string pieced stars!
ReplyDeleteThat is my favorite too! I just hope I can stay motivated!
Deletewhat a great group of quilts! do you the quilting designs planned for all of them?
ReplyDeleteYou know me pretty well, I dream about how I will quilt something before I make it. It motivates me to get it done.
DeleteGood job! You inspire me.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you Christine! I love getting comments that say I inspired someone, that is my goal to encourage and promote such a wonderful craft.
DeleteGood Job! You inspire me.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tops.....love the scrappies....I spent all day yesterday cutting the scraps of flannel and baby wale corduroy into 4 1/2" and 2 1/2" squares......also don't know where this will lead....but it will be something oneday. I have not ventured into the handquilting.....but it is on the horizon. Winter....I am south too.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it fun to just take fabric scraps and let them lead you to what they will become! I love working that way!
DeleteAwesome scrap quilts and tops! It is amazing what one can do with 1.5" strips.
ReplyDeleteSo true Rose Marie! I love scrappy quilts and two color quilts which will be my next undertaking.
DeleteReally beautiful scrap quilts! You will be a busy lady, although you have gotten a Great Start!! Hugs, Mary
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary! I just love sewing have since I was young.
Delete