After I finished my Dashing Through the 30s quilt top I had a bunch of five inch strips of 30s reproduction fabric scraps. Scraps leftover from making a scrappy quilt. What to do? What to do??
Then I happened to see Ann's (Fret Not Yourself) post about Indian Hatchet blocks. I loved the way she arranged her blocks in streamers or ribbons and decided that is what I would make with my scraps. Ann made her blocks with 5.5 inch squares and 3 inch corners. I decided to use 5 inch squares but wasn't sure what size corners to use.
I consulted my Block Tool and there was no block size made with five inch squares. In fact the Block Tool doesn't call for squares. Now as much as I don't like making "flippy corners" I really don't think I would like cutting that center piece at angles.
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| Hey, I have a drawer full of 30s reproduction 2.5 inch scraps. I think I'll use 2.5 inch squares for the corners. |
So I made 47 Indian Hatchet blocks from my 5 inch and 2.5 inch scraps. Then I figured out how many blocks I would need for a nice throw quilt.
Let's see how they look as ribbons. Hmmm...not sure. And there's definitely not enough contrast on those fruity blocks. Good thing I haven't trimmed anything yet.
Well, I could always arrange them as Xs like this...
...or Os like this...
...or Xs and Os like this...
...or stretched stars like this...
And then funny thing...I started seeing versions of Indian Hatchet all over.
I saw a wonky version at Gretchen's Little Corner and I saw a completely different layout at Diann's Little Penguin Quilts and Diann had started making blocks because she saw Mari at the Academic Quilter making them.
Then I moved on to the scraps leftover from making my scrappy Whirlwind top. I decided to make a variation of Squares and Strips found at Cluck Cluck Sew. From the Whirlwind scraps I cut fifteen 8.5 inch squares and forty-three 2.5 x 8.5 strips. And I had a few strings left that went into the string box.
Then I dug into my 2.5 and 4.5 inch scrap bins and scrap chunks and cut pieces for more 8.5 inch squares and 20 framed squares and...
...more 2.5 x 8.5 rectangles...
...and I cut pieces for some Four Patches and Sixteen Patches. I kept with the same color scheme I used in Whirlwind. Now I have all the pieces necessary to sew up the four different blocks for my version of the Cluck Cluck Sew quilt Strips and Squares.
I planned this year to use my scraps right away after I make a scrappy quilt. I have not been very good at that goal but I'm working on it.
Leftovers are the best! I love all your ideas about scraps, especially using the scraps up after making a quilt.
ReplyDeleteI've been eyeing Ann's hatchet's, too. And sitting on my hands because I know a squirrel when I see one!
ReplyDeleteNever mind the Whirlwind leftover scraps, my head’s spinning, trying to follow so many cutting projects! I’ll keep watching and hope to catch up with the plot. 😏
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing (and frustrating) how scraps beget more scraps!
ReplyDeleteGood to know those are called Hatchet blocks! I like all the different designs they can make. They especially look different if you're using all solids rather than prints. Yours are fun in the 30s prints! I only had a 30 x 24 piece of my background fabric to use up, so am making something small.
ReplyDeleteThere are always so many different paths to take with scrap blocks. You have some great choices!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with Oh Scrap!
When i saw Ann's Hatchet design I was struck yet again by how a simple change in arrangement makes such a difference! And of course you've found a great way to use up those bits and pieces.
ReplyDeleteYou have a lot of great starts there. Love them all.
ReplyDeleteLooks like BIG fun with those yummy leftovers!!!
ReplyDeleteLoving thoise 'hatchet' blocks too! I made the 'stripes & squares' quilt a few years ago, a great way to use up those precious scraps!
ReplyDeleteYou're so organized, I can't stand it! I need to start making and leaving notes with all of my projects and pieces. I always think I will remember what the sizes are and how many I have made, but I don't. I have one of those block tools but I never think of using it. I am going to have to drag it out and look it over. Thanks for the reminders.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful that we can all get great ideas for blocks and quilting from each other, change them a little, and make them our own!
ReplyDeleteI always love how you start with an idea and transform it as you go. What fun you have, especially with an seemingly endless source of stash. The Xs and Os are a good variation.
ReplyDeleteAnd then you moved to your Whirlwind. What fun. I made a similar design but started in a different manner. This gives me some new ideas. Thanks!