I can't say for sure when I started constructing blocks for the quilt - definitely over a year ago. I decided to use white cotton fabric as foundation for the blocks instead of paper. Once I got the foundation blocks cut, I dug through the shirting scraps and started slicing pieces into strings. I didn't think I'd have enough fabric variety, so I threw in some sliced up novelty fabrics I had also purchased with my dad in mind.
All the string components and blocks are at our weekend camp, so I only get to work on construction occasionally. This weekend was one of those occasions. I finally finished enough blocks to lay out my first star. Only 8 stars left to complete!
As I worked on the individual blocks (light blocks, dark blocks and half & half blocks), I was concerned that some of my "light" fabrics weren't light enough. I think I will have to be careful in how I use some of the lights, but when the quilt is done and quilted, I don't think it will matter all that much. I'm looking forward to making more string blocks next weekend!
*The Spring Clean Quilt was published in Issue 8 of the online sewing magazine Fat Quarterly. I've tried to find an active link for the magazine, or a stand-alone publication of the pattern, but so far I haven't been successful. Apparently there are some issues with Fat Quarterly's website, and it's currently inaccessible. I'll keep checking so I can add an active link to the pattern in case anyone is interested in making the quilt.
Lovely!! And from someone who spent the morning picking out paper from the back of a string quilt, you will thank yourself for using a FABRIC foundation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Trust me.
ReplyDeleteThis is a stunning block you made! Will look forward to seeing your progress!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I especially love memory quilts. This one is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous! And it being a memory quilt, too, just makes it perfect.
ReplyDelete(And I'm adding it to my ever-growing stack of string quilt ideas. How will I ever decide?)
This is going to be a very special quilt that I am sure you will love and treasure.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful homey and folk art style quilt filled with memories of your dad. The contrast is perfect.
ReplyDeleteThis caught my eye immediately! Of course, it is blue LOL!!! What a great way to make recycled shirts beautiful, especially when they are special shirts like your dad's :*)
ReplyDeleteString blocks are always so much fun to make. All the memories in those blocks will make this one special.
ReplyDeletethis string star is FABULOUS!
ReplyDeleteYes, I'd love to have that pattern, if you can find it. Great quilt. I've been wanting to make another string quilt.
ReplyDeleteI love string quilts, though I've never made one. The blues you are using are some of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea to use plaids and shirtings. This is going to be a spectacular quilt!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful use of your strings!!
ReplyDeleteFabulous !! The only word I can say, admiting your block !!
ReplyDeleteSo wish I had thought to keep some of my dad's shirts. But - 20 years ago, I had just started quilting, and don't think anyone was into repurposing shirts. Oh well... Your lovely blue star led me on a search. Finally found a link that works to order Issue 8 of Fat Quarterly. You will need to scroll down a bit to get to Issue 8. The cost is $8, payable through PayPal only. My download was available instantly. https://payhip.com/fatquarterly Thanks for the tip. I look forward to seeing your progress!
ReplyDeleteThis is going to look fabulous!!
ReplyDeleteNice way to use your dads old shirts!
ReplyDeleteSo many beautiful projects here, the blues are so pretty. I really like your Spring Clean quilt and how lovely with your dad's shirts, so many wonderful memories. I also like your idea of using fabric for the foundation, that would make it doable for me.
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