For the past few January's, I've pulled out my scrappy strings blocks to work on. Maybe because it's fun to do something so colorful during a kind of bleary, gray month. This January was no exception. I had cleaned up Christmas, even cleaned up my sewing room and sewing table and there was my basket of scrappy strings and I suddenly got the urge to make string blocks.
Well, those 'few' blocks turned into fourteen. I had a good book on Audible (Boys in the Boat. Loved it!) so I just kept going.
These blocks are foundation-pieced on paper. I use the tutorial from Film in the Fridge. My blocks are 8 ½" x 8 ½" unfinished.
Here's the progress. This quilt started a few years ago. It's been interesting to watch the shades in the colors of the scraps gradually morph a little over the years. I feel like these new blocks are darker/more saturated than my earliest blocks. I also love these blocks because I've been gradually collecting scraps from various friends, just to give myself more variety in my fabrics. It's made the quilt much more colorful and interesting. And memorable.
Well, those blocks are now put away (hopefully not until next January), the organization of my sewing room has deteriorated rapidly and I'm in full crazy-work mode. Especially getting ready for Winter Quiltfest next week. One project in the works this week is with this new bundle of Amy Butler's Dream Weaver collection. More bright, cheerful, saturated colors to brighten up January. I added a couple of pieces from her True Colors collections as well.
Dream Weaver is showing up in stores this month, if you need your own winter-pick-me-up. I've also seen it online from Hawthorne Threads and may be coming to others soon.
Here's a sneak peak of this quilt. The fun quilting was done by Melissa of Sew Shabby Quilting. The pattern is called Nifty Feather. I'm going to work on binding it this weekend and I'll be taking it to Winter Quiltfest with me next week and then I'll share the full quilt.
In other news, there's a new kid on the block in my sewing room. Meet the BabyLock Crescendo. We are just getting acquainted this week. Already it's been working hard on quilting my new panel quilt top from Pattern Jam and attaching bindings to two quilts. So far, we are getting along splendidly especially thanks to big throat space and a giant quilting extension table. Heavenly. I'm excited to share more in the coming weeks after we've had a chance to get to know each other even more...
PS Craftsy is having one of their best Class Sales of the year - all classes are 50% off - even new classes. So if there's one you've had your eye, now's your chance.
*This post contains affiliate links.
Liza Costello
Hi Amy, I've been following your blog for awhile now and I see your teaching QuiltCon! Well I'm happy to say I will be going this year - your class is full, but it would be great to meet you anyway!!
- Liza
Karen Seitz
I can't wait to see your quilts next week! I head west to Wyoming tomorrow, and I hope the snow tapers off by the time I am due to land. 🙂
Karen Seitz
I can't wait to see your quilts next week! I head west to Wyoming tomorrow, and I hope the snow tapers off by the time I am due to land. 🙂
Susan
Loving your string blocks! And your new machine!!!!!
Susan
Loving your string blocks! And your new machine!!!!!
Mary ann
Thanks! I had bookmarked this string quilt oh so long ago but forgotten til now! A perfect quilt to sew away a day without much thinking and isn't that what we all need some days!
Sharon
Your scrappy quilt it beautiful, and I love the jumble of colors and prints. I'm a huge fan of Amy Butler, and I adore this new collection. I can't wait to add it to my stash!
Allison Erb
I love your string blocks quilt! One day I hope to collect enough scraps to make one of my own! I love super scrappy quilts!
Lara B.
Really beautiful string blocks Amy! I love the way all the fabrics look together!
Lauren Terry
I love how your quilt top is coming along - and such a good idea to do a few blocks here and there (until you get the momentum going). Awesome!
Deb Walters
Amy, your scrappy quilt is beautiful. A big ray of sunshine on a grey day. So cheerful.
I love the look of the new Dream Weaver fabrics, yummy.