I posted on Monday about my UFO #103 which happens to be two UFOs - both old swaps that use batik fabrics. I was thinking of making a couple of twin sized quilts. I have a very small amount of batik fabric so making more blocks of both to reach that size was out of the question. I'm trying to limit myself to complete these UFOs without buying new fabric.
So now I think I may have a plan. I have had this 24 inch block called Massachusetts from Quilter's Cache in my folder for awhile as a block that could be used for a big square of novelty fabric or big print fabric. The center is 8.5 inches. Well, guess what...my UFO #103a happens to be 8.5 inch blocks. So I made a block to see if I like it using the framed four patch as the center. Well, I do! And it will only take 12 blocks to make a twin sized quilt so...
I picked twelve blocks and paired them up with pieces of batiks that I thought might be big enough to make the remaining 11 Massachusetts blocks.
And these look gray because I used a flash to take the photo but they are pieces of black solids and BOBs (black on blacks) that I have that should be enough to complete the blocks.
I may use the rest of the blocks of UFO #103a on the back or if I have enough blacks and batik pieces I may be able to make another Massachusetts 12 block quilt. First things first.
After I make those 12 blocks and assemble the flimsy I will use the rest of the batiks to make more batik Happy Blocks (UFO 103b). Hopefully there will be enough for a twin sized top. If not I will decide if I want a smaller quilt, sashing or...
And lucky thing...UFO #103b has a bunch of four inch centers with the blocks that just need to be framed. And I had exactly enough scrap left from making that Massachusetts trial block to frame the fish with some algae.
And for those of you who are shocked I have so many UFOs...
I never used to have much money for fabric. So I would swap and swap and swap. That way I could buy a couple of pieces of fabric and make lots of the same block, swap, and get back lots of blocks in different fabrics. But I never had enough blocks to make a quilt, never had money to buy many more fabrics or battings or backings. I knew someday I would. The swaps accumulated. Thank goodness postage was a lot cheaper back then. And it was always nice to receive a package of blocks in the mail. It was a treat to look at all the different fabrics.
As time went on I slowly built up stash buying small pieces of fabric and remnants that were on sale or with a coupon. I also found fabric at thrift stores or cut up used clothes. I stockpiled sheets from the thrift store for backings. Then when I did have a little disposable income to spend on fabric I never had the time to sew. But still I bought small pieces of fabric, usually half yards, on sale and/or with coupons and as I grew older with senior discounts. My daughter started bringing me fabrics (real oldies usually) from garage sales and church rummage sales. The stash started accumulating. I couldn't find the time to use it.
And now I've been retired for almost exactly two years. I have the UFOs and I have the fabric and I have the time. (I knew someday I would). I've challenged myself to use my stash to complete the UFOs that way I can give the monthly dollar amount I budgeted for fabric in retirement to a cause near and dear to my heart. And when I complete a lot of the UFOs they can also go to causes near and dear to my heart.
It's all good.
9 comments:
Loved reading your post.."I have the fabric, and I have the time" ... and you put all those swap blocks together so well. Loving seeing what you make, so inspiring!
Having the time and having the fabric stash is the perfect combination. :)
i absolutely love the green batik with the purple splotches in the Massachusetts block. you called it algae, but I think it looks like seaweed. I almost think I have something similar. The Massachusetts block would make a good medallion center, too.
I'm doing much better at not buying more fabric. Only visited four shops in FL and didn't buy much. I'll be home tomorrow and then I must get caught up on RSC, two baby quilts, a guild challenge due in June, a come up with a plan for H2H. Phew.
Pat
Loved your post. It's great how creative you can be with scraps and swapped blocks you have had stashed away for when you had time to deal with them. I am always inspired by your blog posts.
That's a neat block! It would make a great center medallion, too. It's wonderful to see you using fabrics that you accumulated over the years. Usually when I read about folks stashing and not using their fabrics, I wonder if they will ever sew with it. More often than not, I think those stashes end up at estate sales, untouched. Keep touching yours! :)
I love your Massachusetts block; twelve of those will make a beautiful quilt and it's a great way to use your swap blocks.
I loved your story about accumulating your fabrics and all the block swaps. It's so impressive what you can create from your stash, and you are doing so much good with the quilts you make.
I agree about using what we have and being creative to make things work. How wonderful that you now have all three elements at the same time (fabric, time, energy). You are doing a world of good beyond what you even realize.
Great plan, that's how things get done!
As usual good practical inspiration here, thanks.
That is a great use for those blocks. It is going to turn out to be a great quilt. I am glad you have fabric time and energy at the same time now!
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