Unleash the Scraps!!
When I saw Kathie’s post today with photos of all of her 1.5″ strips all I could think of was one of those cans of snakes that explode everywhere when you unscrew the lid. They looked like they were squiggling. She’s looking for another project to use them and I thought turning them into 1″ half square triangles would be a brilliant idea. Simply brilliant. So, I suggested it. She’s still laughing, I think.
So, when I got home this evening I took a look at my own scrap box to see if there were some hst in the making for me. My bin has been getting a little bloated lately so, surely, if I made some 1″ hst then I could pare it down some. I’ve got a lot of scrappy projects going right now so I thought I would do something more orderly. Red and white! Digging around in my box I discovered that there weren’t too many red scraps in the size I needed for some quick and easy hst. I was looking for 2″ squares so I could get two 1″ hst from each one. Time, patience and supply lasted for twenty little triangle squares. If you have the urge to make your own, cut a light and dark 2″ square, draw a line diagonally on the back of the light square, pair it with a dark and sew a scant 1/4″ on either side of the line. Cut apart along the line and press open. Trim the square to 1-1/2″. I pressed my seam open I’ll let you know how the quilting goes.
As I said, my patience only lasted for 20 triangle squares. That is enough for what I like to call “bulletin board” quilts. They work out to be about 6″x9″ and are perfect for pinning to a bulletin board for a little bit of quilty fun. I’ve rolled them up and put them in jars, too.
Once I had all the triangles together, I measured and added 1-1/4″ border strips. Ta-da! A “quilt” top made from 1″ half square triangles. I used most of the reds in my scrap box that were 2″ or bigger and there were plenty of light pieces available. But, it definitely did not make a dent in the scraps. In fact, I had enough scraps left over from my weekend project to more than make up for what I used. So, I squished everything back into the box and locked down the lid.
Above is my weekend project! The Temecula Quilt Company “Spring T” top. I have a particular affinity for “T” quilts and this was a super easy block to make while still being clearly a “T.” I bought the kit because I just love the colors in the “T” blocks. The kit was generous enough to prewash the fabric and still have some usable scraps left over. The block was easy enough to crank out the top while the hubby was at Pilates. (Yes, Pilates, but I’m am not going there) I want to thank Jan from “What a Load A Scrap” blog for permission to prewash small fabric pieces. It was her post here where she mentioned she washed her 5″ squares of fabric that freed me up to do the same. It’s a personal preference but I can’t stand sewing with unwashed fabric. I dumped my whole kit into the washer and it turned out great. That is rarely the case with kits I am sorry to say so if you prewash be prepared to augment from your stash. Anyway, this little top is destined for hand quilting, too.
Finally, a “work in progress” shot of my various scrappy projects currently in progress. To the left are my own 1.5″ strips (A-ha! we are back to where this post started!) that are destined to become 5-1/2″ strips for my scrappy rails project ripped off inspired by Kathie’s project here. In the middle are more strips that will be come MORE (and bigger) hst for that pattern peeking out at the top of the photo. To the right are the hst for my Edyta inspired quilt for my son. I am currently up to 264 half square triangles. I need 720 for the quilt but I’ve decided I also need more variety so I will be making more and more and more. My goal is at least 120 different fabrics. I am at 44 fabrics right now.
Gotta love the scraps and the cute little quilts we can make from them!!
Oh my…perhaps I need to take a little inspiration from you…can't believe you have all those half sq triangles together already! I need to make some hourglass blocks to extend my birthday quilt so I can put the borders on that I am to appliqué. I just can't get myself to get going on these blocks…will think of your productivity and try again!! That is after my website reconstruction and prep for my next vending event! The list never ends!!
Oh, how fun! Her post got me thinking about my own plan for 1" finished hsts, but I'm using the die cutter to make it easier. 🙂
I love how your red & white bulletin board quilt turned out!
The T quilt is beautiful too.
You have a wonderful line up of future scrap projects. Amazing what treasures can be found in one's scrap bin.
I wonder what happened to the T blocks I was making. Seeing yours reminds me.
You need a lot of triangle units for your son's quilt. Something I would make over time as you are doing. I think it would be boring to make them all at one time.
I can't get over how tidy your scraps are. Mine are a real tangle becuse of diving into the bin too often. Good to see you making great use of them. I love the little quilts.
should I start handpicking some strips to send you for the rail fence nine patch quilt????
I think I need to make another one of those!
Kathie
I am NOT making 1" hst!
Great to see scraps used so beautifully! They get used up in applique and EPP here – even tiny pieces. Can't imagine making so many HSTs! good luck 🙂
Hilda
Love what you are doing! And Bulletin Board Quilts, what a great idea. Love all that scrappy-ness going on!
Love your two Bulletin Board quilts (great name, BTW).
That's a LOT of HSTs you are going to make. I can't think of numbers that high! : )
Aren't scraps just the best? So many stories & quilts to be!
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Can a person have too many scraps?? Definitely NOT! They are to be enjoyed and savoured I think :0) I always prewash too. Last weekend I bought a couple little mini charm packs… I haven't decided if I will wash those too – probably… Lol
Love the little T quilt! Have fun with all your hst projects!
Woohoo! Way to get some good stuff out of the scraps! It never does seem to make much a dent, but it sure is fun. I pre-wash all my fabric too, even the little bits. Love your mini quilts.:)