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Sunday, January 3, 2016

Scraps, Scraps, and More Scraps

Happy 2016, y'all!  I don't know if it's because I have been a little bit lazier with using up my scraps in my quilt backs, an increase in productivity, or a combination of the two, but my scrap jars were overflowing once again.  If you remember, I completely emptied them this summer with Shattered Rainbow Encore and The Kitchen Sink. At any rate, since returning from our Christmas travels, I got to work to combat the ever-increasing mountain of scrap fabric that I seem to accumulate.


Improv piecing has always been my go-to method for busting through the scraps in my jars quickly, and over the past three years, I have had enough scraps to make a large queen-sized quilt each summer (plus one extra throw-sized quilt this past summer).  I love improv piecing, and it really appeals to the lazy side of me that would rather not have to cut scraps into uniform sizes, but I wanted to branch out and use my scraps differently this time.

In looking around the seemingly unlimited inspiration that is the online quilting community, I saw THIS quilt, along with several others, and decided to jump right into turning my bits and pieces into an X Plus quilt.  I particularly loved how this quilt utilized light and dark values in all areas of the blocks.  My first X Plus quilt, made with Pat Bravo's Carnaby Street collection, has a more uniform look.  This is the quilt I like to take on trips, and even though I still love the planned design of my first, the X Plus pattern in scrappy brights really is mesmerizing.

I made my blocks 10 inches (finished), so the quilt will be twin size, 70" x 90."  I'm sad (and a bit surprised) to say that although my scraps are greatly diminished, I still have lots left.  I would have kept on making X Plus blocks, but the remaining leftovers are just too small.  I seem to have lots of strings that are less than 2.5," so once I get this quilt finished up, I'll need to figure out another plan for those (and I need to get back to using more of my scraps in my quilt backs)!


30 comments:

  1. Kelly, this is exquisite! Wow! You are a machine - those blocks take forever! ;)

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  2. Very eye-catching! And I can't believe you still have scraps leftover!

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  3. What a cheery way to start the new year!

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  4. This is gorgeous! I have a tote that I keep under my cutting table that I throw scraps in and it is very quickly filling up.

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  5. A stunning quilt and a great way to use up scraps.

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  6. How great is that! And I'm nuts over your inspiration quilt. It makes me want to dive headlong into my buckets of scraps

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  7. Love it! Could you share your cutting dimensions? Ty

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    1. Thank you! Absolutely! Here are the measurements-

      X pieces- cut 4.5 inches square
      background pieces, plus pieces and "ends" of the plusses- cut 2.5 inches square

      This will yield a 10.5 inch block, finishing at 10 inches in your quilt.

      :) Kelly

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  8. Love it! Thanks for sharing the cutting measurements!

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  9. As always, this scrap busting quilt is gorgeous! So pretty, and *so* fast!!

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  10. Love this quilt! So bright and cheery for the bleak part of winter. The fact it's a 'free' scrap quilt makes it super special!

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  11. I love this quilt! It has lovely bright colors and it is so happy!

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  12. That is one happy quilt! My scrap bin is getting quite full...again. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  13. You and I have very similar tastes, both in fabric and quilt patterns. So, I thought I'd share with you what I've been doing with my scraps! I've been making hexies via English Paper Piecing. I NEVER thought I'd be a person who did any hand sewing. I'd never seen EPPing, until I watched a video tutorial someone posted on FB. I tried it and have been hooked ever since. What I like about it: 1. I can use up all my happy scraps, or at least most of them. 2. It's super easy, fun and relaxing. 4. It's PORTABLE! I take it with me everywhere! While my daughter plays at McDonald's playplace and swim lessons, during road trips, at work, etc... I have a small bag and am always prepared. I love always having something on hand to do. 5. They're versatile! I've used them as embellishment on dishtowels, bath towels, hand towels, flat sheets and pillowcases (coordinated with the quilt!) and I've seen it done on clothing, but I haven't done that yet. Obviously, you could make a quilt out of them also. Anyway, enough about how wonderful hexies are... Just trust me and try it. If you decide to try it, I recommend starting with a printed paper (found online) with a 1.5"-2" hexie and cut them out. If you like it, I recommend buying a paper punch. It's a great way to recycle paper and get your craft on all at the same time. Best wishes!!!!

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  14. ty for sharing ....I am putting together another scrappy quilt....Can't let myself cut up my new fabric till most my years of scraps are gone...They make great linus quilts or women's homes quilts....not much money in them just time and love....

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  15. I love how happy and cheerful the quilt is--you have great scraps!

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  16. Did you follow a specific tutorial or size the blocks up yourself? I love your finish! And your inspiration quilt is beautiful! I'm inspired too!

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  17. A block tutorial would be much appreciated! Such a beauty!

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  18. Wow, impressive! I haven't done any major scrap-busting, just little projects. I'm starting to work away at a few baby quilts with scraps, though.

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  19. Beautifully bright and bold. Great way to use up those scraps.

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  20. This is on my list too! I love all the colors in yours, gorgeous! It is amazing how fast scraps build up. I think this one has inspired me to actually get to making one sooner that I thought!

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  21. Kelly, this looks fantastic! I love scraps and yours surely have great colours! I like how you have used this pattern! x Teje

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  22. What a stunner this is!!!
    I adore the impressive scrappiness! (What does your stash look like, if this is your "scrap bin"? WOW!) This rainbow quilt with cheer up any room and heart!
    Esther
    esthersipatchandquilt at yahoo dot com
    ipatchandquilt dot wordpress dot com

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  23. Marvelous! Scrap quilts are lots of fun to make and view.

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  24. This quilt block is on my hope to make one day list! So awesome looking!

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  25. The scrappier the better, I always say! You've given me some terrific ideas for using up my scraps. Thank you!

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  26. Go with an increase in productivity. And stick with it!

    Your quilt is gorgeous, what a wonderful use of scraps. I admire your discipline with the scrap pile.

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