Some Rainbow Scrap Challenge Finishes

I've put the finishing touches on several Rainbow Scrap Challenge quilts recently, but did not take the time to photograph all the results.  Since we spent the long Independence Day holiday at our camp last weekend, I packed up my finished quilts so I could hang them from the balcony for photos.

I started making the 9-patch variation blocks in 2015 and put the finishing stitches in the quilt late last year.  

Diane Knott of Butterfly Threads Quilting did the long-arm quilting for me - lots of swirls to counteract all the squares and angles on the front of the quilt!  

The handprint backing fabric has been hanging around in my stash for 20 years, at least.  This seemed like a great project to use it up!  I also shopped in my stash for the binding fabric - a purple cross-hatch fabric that worked perfectly.

Another long-running Rainbow Scrap Challenge project is this sampler quilt.  Our RSC leader, Angela Feldbush, shared block instructions every week throughout 2014, resulting in lots of scrappy sampler quilts.

My finished sampler top languished in the "Needs Quilting" pile for a couple years, until I had the great idea to ask Diane Knott to long-arm quilt it for me.

I spent some binge-watching TV time hand-stitching the binding last week so I could add this quilt to the Finished pile.

I was being optimistic when I put the finished date on my label!

Windblown Wishes was a more recent Rainbow Scrap Challenge project.  My inspiration was the Windblown Wishes quilt in Diane Knott's Scrap Quilt Secrets book.  I used a different border treatment than Diane's pattern, but I think it worked out well for the RSC format.

Of course I had to ask Diane to quilt this project!  Even the quilting reflects the "windblown" idea!

I used some leftover binding fabric to make a frame for the quilt label.  

So the UFO pile has shrunk a little, but there are still plenty of projects waiting for their finishing touches.  If I can tear myself way from non-stop weather coverage on television, I might actually do some sewing today.  And since our power is still on, I'm going to go look at more Rainbow Scrap Challenge inspiration at Angela's Soscrappy blog.

(FYI, we're still waiting for Tropical Storm Barry to make his presence felt in the New Orleans area.  Forget about the sensational coverage on the Weather Channel.  We've had minimal rain, minimal wind, and little storm surge.  Conditions are a little worse closer to the coast, but still not life-threatening.)

Focus on the Finish!

Folks who read my blog blather on a regular basis know I have been trying to stay focused on finishing projects that have been in the WIP and UFO stage for too long.  I got started on this Finish Focus when the commotion made by all the stalled projects overwhelmed me every time I entered my sewing room.  

I've made good progress over the last few months, but when I sat down this week to make a list of projects to focus on for 2019, I found the list was still heavy with UFOs.  At the same time, the list of projects I want to attempt doesn't get any shorter, either.  All I can say is, "So many quilts, so little time!"

One recent project was to finish binding this large (88" x 88") quilt.  I'm happy to report the binding is finished, as is the label.  I haven't had an opportunity to do some really good photos of this quilt; maybe before year's end that will happen.

Autumn decorating season reminded me this candle mat was still unfinished, so I got busy and completed the embroidered details.  Once that was done, I stitched on the backing and pronounced it Finished!  This was a wool project started at a workshop at my LQS, Quilted Owl.  Pattern by Primitive Gatherings.

Another UFO was this knit shawl I started at least 4 years ago - probably longer, but the exact date is lost in the mists of time.  About three-quarters of the way through, I realized I needed more yarn to finish the project.  Although it was easy to obtain more yarn and the colorway matched fine, the texture of the second skein was a little different and the second side of the shawl came out a bit looser than the original.  Or maybe that's because my knitting became looser over all the years it took to complete the shawl?!

Pattern:  Nae Shawl by Anat Rodan.  Yarn:  Fino by Manos del Uruguay.  I finished the final stitches on this last night and popped it over my shoulders as Dear Son and I were binge-watching "The Last Kingdom" on Netflix.  It was the perfect amount of warmth for one of our cool, but not cold, fall evenings!

Another Finish Focus is to complete the binding for several quilts.  This Nine-Patch variation quilt started out as a Rainbow Scrap Challenge project in 2016.  The backing fabric has been in my stash for years and I thought it would make a fun back for this particular quilt.  Having a printed backing seemed to dictate using a solid for the binding, although I like to use bright prints for the bindings on these RSC quilts.  Fortunately, I found the perfect light purple cross-weave fabric in my stash - I love it when that happens!

Diane Knott of Butterfly Threads Quilting did the long-arm quilting for me.  This picture doesn't do it justice, but it's the perfect amount of swirly softness to complement all those squares.  Diane did a fabulous job and I can't wait to take some glamour shots to show off her work!

Still more Finishing:  Fun with Barb's Nine Patch swap blocks (2014).  I had seen this setting years ago in a quilt magazine (remember when we got our inspiration from quilt magazines?), clipped the picture and added it to my quilting bucket list.  Barb's Nine Patch swap was the perfect opportunity to use this setting.  Some sources call it Tonganoxie Nine Patch, but if you Google that, you'll get all kinds of variations.  Yes, the background fabric is supposed to look kinda washed-out and splotchy - it's from a Betsy Chutchian line called Rachel Remembered.  

I'm still debating whether the quilt needs a border/borders.  While I was rummaging shopping in my stash for potential border fabrics, I came across this chunk of Mark Twain-themed fabric that will be perfect for the backing.

One of my focus quilts for 2019 will be Burgoyne Surrounded - another Rainbow Scrap Challenge project that has gotten stalled.  I need 25 BS blocks for the quilt (current count: 15) and 30 nine-patch (3 inch) blocks for the setting.  I pulled scraps from my 1.5 inch strip bin and cut lots of nine-patch parts to use as leader-enders over the next couple of weeks.  Here are a few that got finished as I stitched up the Tonganoxie/Fun with Barb Nine-Patches.

My big focus for the rest of this year is going to be working on the blocks for the Gathered Harvest appliqué quilt.  This was a BOM from the Quilted Owl.  My goal was to perfect my machine appliqué skills on this project.  All the pieces are ready to be stitched for this block, so I just need some un-interrupted machine stitching time.

Sorry for the long re-cap!  It looks like I've accomplished a lot over the past few weeks, but honestly, most of these projects just needed a few hours of attention to get them Finished.  It makes me happy to see the progress, and the noise from UFOs has abated somewhat.  I think it's almost time to reward myself with a new project!

A Rainbow Nine Patch Flimsy

I'm excited to have a finished Rainbow Scrap Challenge flimsy to add to the stack!  I had a few distractions, so it took a couple of weeks to get all the nine patch variation blocks sewn together. 

 

I assembled the blocks in sections instead of rows, but there were still some long seams to pin and sew before the entire top was assembled.

 

The flimsy measures out at 60" x 72".  I'm don't think borders will add anything, so I'm stopping there.  I'm contemplating some bright polka dots or a stripe cut on the diagonal for the binding.

 

Now that our weather has finally cooled off, I can no longer procrastinate on binding some quilts.  I've got 4 quilts that need the binding completed in the next 4 weeks - if I stay focused, I can get 'er done!

 

Somewhere in Blogland, I read about wrapping bias binding around a cardboard tube to help prevent tangles while stitching.  Since I usually struggle with a wad of binding and throw it over my shoulder as I sew, this idea sounded promising.  I pronounce it very useful - just unwind the binding as you stitch.  Of course, it also helps to have a sewing machine with a built-in walking foot - my favorite feature on my trusty Pfaff!

I can't wait to see what finished project the other Rainbow Scrap Challenge stitchers have to share today!

 

 

 

Scrappy Nine Patches Never Fail

Thanks to the Rainbow Scrap Challenge, I've been creating scrappy 9 patch blocks every month for the past two years.  I'm pleased to have completed a rainbow collection of blocks, but now it's time to assemble them into a completed top.

 

I needed 8 blocks with yellow centers to round out my collection of blocks.  These went quickly, as I pulled the centers from my box of 2 1/2" strips and squares.  I've run through all my white on white fabric scraps, too.  I've been cutting yardage for the last few sets of blocks.

 

All the completed yellow 9 patch variation blocks.

 

The design wall was empty once again, so I quickly worked out an arrangement and pinned up all the 9 patches.  I color-blocked them in sets of four, which works out to a 10 x 12 block arrangement.  That should make a decent sized quilt, 60 x 72.  I'll decide later if it needs borders.  I started stitching the blocks together last night - working in blocks of color instead of sewing long rows.  

I still have another unfinished RSC project - the Sugar Bowl blocks I started a year or so ago.  I kind of came to a standstill on that one because I wasn't happy with how the different fabric styles were working out.  Maybe that will be an RSC project for next year.   

More Rainbow Scrap Challenge inspiration at this week's linky party!

 

 

Nine Patch Finish in Sight

I believe I can see the light at the end of the tunnel with these 9 patch blocks!  This has been an ongoing Rainbow Scrap Challenge project.  I only need to complete the blocks for one more color - yellow - and I'll have all the rainbow colors represented.  

 

I finished the white/red center blocks last night.  I already had all the components cut, so it was a quick job to assemble the blocks.  

When I finish the yellow 9 patches, I'll have 128 blocks.  I'm thinking I may make a few more so I can do a 12 block x 12 block arrangement.  I already have lots of parts and pieces cut, so it shouldn't take much time to add the additional blocks.  Maybe I'll have another flimsy completed before the end of the year? 

There's more red Rainbow Scrap inspiration to be seen at Angela's Soscrappy blog.

Don't Blink - It's a Quick Fix of Pink!

 

It's a new month and a new color for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge: pink (with a dash of lime for those so inclined).  I had all my pink and white scraps ready to go, so I had the white blocks with pink centers stitched up in no time.  I added them to last year's RSC pink 9 patches and did a happy dance!  This project is almost finished - only two more colors needed to round out all the white blocks I have in mind for the quilt.  I'm even thinking I might have enough blocks for two quilts!

When Angela announced the colors for this month's RSC, I was reminded of some fabrics that have been marinating in the stash.  I don't know if I will actually begin a project with any of these fabrics this month, but they are definitely fun to think about!

 

This batch of fat quarters is from a quilt shop hop several years ago.  I love the colors, but I'm not overwhelmed with ideas just yet.

 

I think I've mentioned before - I love flamingos and have a nice collection of flamingo fabrics.  This is a relatively new acquisition, and I've been admiring it for the past several weeks.  Lime and pink seem natural for a flamingo colorway, yet it's kind of unusual - most flamingo fabrics tend toward pink, blue and aqua.  

 

Check out the flamingos on the selvege.  I might have to get more yardage just for the selvege! 

There's more pink (and maybe some lime) scrappy inspiration at Angela's blog today.  Maybe I'll get some ideas for using my pink and lime fabrics!

 

 

 

Aqua to the Nines

It's June and Crescent City weather is heating up.  Already we've had days where stepping out the front door feels like entering a sauna.  For that reason I'm glad the Rainbow Scrap Challenge color for the month is aqua.  Aqua is evokes a sense of coolness and relaxation, so I'm going to focus on those qualities when I'm sewing my RSC blocks this month!

 

 I actually had to attend a job-related activity today, so my sewing time was limited.  Fortunately, I had lots of parts and pieces already cut for some 9 patch blocks, and was able to finish these up quickly.   There are only 3 more colors left to complete for this project, so maybe I'll be able to assemble a 9 patch quilt top before the end of the year.

 

I know many quilters enjoy listening to audio books or podcasts while sewing - I'm definitely in that number.  My son told me about the podcast Presidential from The Washington Post last weekend and I started listening to it immediately.  I'm only up to the 7th president, but it's been a refreshing alternative to the surreality show surrounding the upcoming U.S. election.

On that note, I'm heading back to my sewing room to see what other stitching I can accomplish before my eyelids get too heavy.  And of course, I'll be checking in on all the aqua accomplishments the other Rainbow scrappers have achieved this week.

The Greening of the Quilts

It's a new month and a new color for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge.  The official color challenge is Evergreen Forest - forest-y greens with a little brown for accent.  I will definitely be using some of that color idea later in the month, but for today it's more of a spring-y green.

 

I pulled out the white-centered green 9 patches from last year's RSC.  It was quick work to make some coordinating green-centered 9 patches from my 2 1/2" strips & squares scrap box.

 

That left me lots of time to continue working on last year's Maverick Stars quilt top.  I have one seam left to stitch up and the stars will be set.

 

I also did some more playing with ideas for a border.  Thanks to Sally, I now have a never-ending stash of selvages, so selvage playtime happened.  This is my current working plan, although I have yet to figure out all the math.  

We are enjoying one of the last wonderful days of Gu'f Coast spring weather at our camp this weekend.  It has been a marvelously long and cool spring here - the morning temp at the camp was 49º F.  Usually we blink and spring is over and searing summer weather is upon us.  The birds have been visiting the feeders and a great blue heron even stopped for a visit on our neighbor's dock.

 

My goal for this weekend is to mark my Eagle quilt top for hand-quilting.  I might have to set up a table outside for marking - I don't know if I can bear to be inside the house today!

Seeing Orange Stars

It has been a slow sewing week.  With more hours of daylight in the evening and warmer weather, it's been hard to resist the call to be outdoors - even if that means doing work in the yard!  We did a lot of pruning and cleaning up last weekend, but still had to deal with smaller jobs during the evening this week.  We love this time of year because it's great to be outdoors without the bugs, heat and humidity of summer!

 

I did work on some Rainbow Scrap Challenge projects, finishing the alternate white blocks in my 9 patch variation pattern.  At the end of the year I'll have 16 blocks in each color.  I'm not sure if the final version will be color blocked or have some other layout.  I'll figure that out later!

 

I also pieced a few orange Sawtooth Stars.  Since Angela mentioned monarch butterflies as this month's color inspiration, I pulled some scraps of monarch fabric I used for a quilt back several years ago. 

 

I also pulled some cheddar scraps in preparation for making a Scrap Jar Star block this week.  

I'm heading out for the Gulf States Quilting Association show when I finish this - can't wait to see what inspiration I will find there!

More orange inspiration can be found at this week's Rainbow Scrap Challenge link-up.

 

Orange for April

The Rainbow Scrap Challenge color for April is orange - with hints of black or brown if one desires.  The inspiration for this month's color was Monarch Butterflies and I happen to have some fabric featuring those beauties, so I'm sure I'll have to find a way to use it!

As the month is just getting started, I've only had time to start pulling orange scraps in preparation for this month's blocks.  Having a bin full of 2 1/2" strips and squares really helps shorten the prep work.

 

I try to make the time to cut my scraps into usable pieces and sort them by color.  I store them in clear plastic boxes so I can see what I've got without having to open the box.

 

I made these 9 patch blocks for last year's RSC, then decided I didn't have enough blocks for a quilt.  This year's project is to make reverse blocks: color in the center, surrounded by white.  I can pull from the strip stash to make the orange centers and the white borders.

 

I also started making these 4" Sawtooth Star blocks for last year's RSC.  I'm going to make more blocks this year and eventually they will all find their way into a quilt.  Again, I can pull from the 2 1/2" orange strips to cut the components for these stars.   

 

Since we're on the subject of scraps, I thought I'd give a shout out for a great new book focused on scrap quilts.  Scrap Quilt Secrets by Diane D, Knott has lots of inspiration for using up scraps.  Check out my blog hop post about Diane's book and leave a comment before April 5th for a chance to win a copy! 

Lots more scrappy inspiration can be found at this week's link-up for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge.

 

 

Where Have All The Purples Gone?

Yay!  This month's color for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge is purple!  Purple is my favorite color and I love incorporating it into my quilts.  Good thing I have a decent stash of purple fabric and scraps though, because purple is definitely not a color currently in favor with fabric designers.  I try to add new purple fabrics to my stash on a regular basis, but the pickings are slim.  Purple-themed batiks and blenders are fairly common, but prints are more scarce.  Purple does show up as a combo with orange and lime green in some Halloween prints.  And it shows up in some floral prints - think irises and pansies.  I'll just keep watching and collecting - there are great purple fabrics out there if you look!

 

A quick dig through the 2.5" scrap box produced enough centers for some white 9 patch variation blocks.  I added them to the purple 9 patch variation blocks from last year's RSC and moved that project along.  

 

Some scraps from the reproduction fabric scrap box got this Scrap Jar Star going, but I had to make a few new scraps to finish it.   

 

I added it to last year's Scrap Jar Stars and now that project is a little closer to completion, too. 

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's purple scraps at this week's Rainbow Scrap Challenge link-up.  There will be lots of inspiration, I'm sure!

 

Blue Scraps on a Gray Day

Although we've not had much really cold weather this winter, we've still had way too many gray, overcast and foggy days.  Too much gloomy weather can have a dismal effect on one's state of mind, so it's good to have quilty projects on hand for therapy.  I sewed after work yesterday until way past my bedtime and plan to spend most of today engaged in the same activity - a big dose of Vitamin Q!

 

Making some Sugar Bowl blocks in Kaffe Fassett fabrics was my first project.  I started making Sugar Bowl blocks last year, using essentially solid-color fabrics.  I decided I needed more blocks and wanted to use some bright, vibrant prints.  

 

So far, I'm pleased with how the blocks blend with their plain blue counterparts.  I doubt I will color-block the Sugar Bowls in the final quilt, but it's fun to at least look at them together for now.

 

The multi-fabric 9-patch blocks are from last year's RSC.  After playing with last year's blocks on the design wall, I decided more blocks were needed.  A quick dig through the 2 1/2" scrap bin gave me enough blue centers, and it only took a few minutes to cut enough white scraps to complete the blocks.  Again, I doubt I'll use a color-block layout in the final quilt, but it's fun to play!

 

These red, white and blue 16-patch blocks have been a leader-ender project since last July.  They will be the center sections for more Scrap Jar Stars.  I finally finished all the centers, so I'll need to cut some HSTs to turn these into stars.  I did the math on how many HSTs I need:  200 of them!!  Not sure how I will fit all that cutting into my plans; maybe it's time to buy an Accuquilt cutter! 

My coffee cup is empty, so that means it's time to get to work.  I'm linking up with the other Rainbow Scrappers over at Angela's Soscrappy blog - I'm looking forward to seeing everyone else's blue scrappiness on this gray day!