Saturday, July 11, 2020

The Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Blues

My scraps are getting smaller and smaller; itsy-er and bitsy-er;  teenier and weenier! 
This week I worked with 1.5 inch scraps mostly in blue since that is the Rainbow Scrap Challenge (RSC) color of the month. 

Last month I started some Double Irish Chain blocks (9 inch finished). Backgrounds will be light browns and center chain will be dark browns. The rest of the chains will be in the color of the month. I'm thinking 100 of these blocks will make a nice big bed quilt so what better way to achieve that goal than make a few each month from scraps. 
I started these Plus Postage blocks (10 inch finished) in December 2019.  Blocks are inspired by an American Patchwork and Quilting 2016 pattern designed by Susan Ache.  I'm thinking about 81 of these will make a nice big quilt. 
I don't have many solids but I did find enough pieces of different blues to make some PSP20 (Postage Stamp Pandemic 2020) blocks (8 inch finished).  Blocks aren't ironed yet. I'll wait until assembly to iron them so I can nest seams. 
I caught PSP20 last month so I've been catching up on blocks with solids in the RSC colors already called if I have the solids. I could only find one lonesome green piece to use but enough orange for three.  I'm not sure what size this quilt will be...maybe twin sized. That might be 80 blocks. 

I've been making Wishing Rings (3.5 inch finished) for a couple of years now. I cut the 1.5 inch sides from 1.5 inch scraps. I think last time we had a blue month I made blocks with blue centers and corners which are cut from 3.5 inch width scraps.  This month I made the blue blocks with light corners. 

I've almost cleared out my 1.5 inch scrap bin which was one of my goals. So from now on most of my 1.5 inch strips will be cut from scrap chunks. 


And finally, the Double X and Snowballs use 1.5 inch scraps. These blocks finish at 4 inches and I've been making these for a couple of years. They are inspired by a vintage quilt. 



19 comments:

Nann said...

Lovely blues! The DIC blocks will be terrific with the monthly "chain" color changes.

Nann said...

P.S. When was the last time you cut into yardage for a quilt?

maggie fellow said...

love your projects - are you using squares for psp2020? or strip piecing?

The Joyful Quilter said...

You could make an entire quilt of this week's Wishing Rings and I would be perfectly happy! Such a soothing color scheme. Nice work on stitching up all these blocks for the RSC!!!

grammajudyb said...

You have so many lovely projects going ! I should take a lesson on how you stay organized! My sewing space would be in a tizzy! I have project boxes, but still have pieces and chunks and patterns all over the place! Ugh!

---"Love" said...

I love that first one, and the double X and snowballs. How do your hands handle such small pieces for so long? Wish my scraps were so organized as your! ---"Love"

Linda said...

Wow, you have been busy! Some great blocks. Love your description of the ever diminishing size of your scraps. Itsy-er and bitsy-er explains it perfectly.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

Every time I see your PSP20 blocks, I want to make one, or some - but 80, wow! That will be an amazing quilt! I always enjoy seeing the others you're working on, too, Cathy.

scraphappy said...

It tinier the scraps, the more I love them. So much scrappy happiness going on.

Cathy said...

Your blocks are always so cute, and so prolific! I guess I should check out my strip pieces and see which might qualify for some 1.5” piecing. Not sure if I want to jump down that rabbit hole except that there’d be good company there!

JanineMarie said...

1 1/2 inches! Please tell me that eventually uses up all the scraps. I keep sewing scraps, but they never go away. (I really think they are reproducing in those bins in my closet.) Seriously, I love scraps, and all you do with them.

Jenny said...

My goodness, you are always so busy with your projects! Don't think I could work with teeny pieces like you do, you make it look easy!

gayle said...

I know it's hard to believe, but every one of your blocks is my favorite block! Especially the ones that use the itty bitties!

Quiltdivajulie said...

I have plenty of green solids - how many strips WOF do you need for one block? I can send two or three shades in one envelope (I think).

mangozz said...

I work with 1.5" strips quite often, but not usually to make a full size quilt. As much as I love postage stamp quilts, I don't think I will ever make one with 1.5" squares or strips, not in bed size. I am surprised that you are so productive with all of the hot weather we've been having. Maybe not so hot there?

Louise said...

I really like those Double Irish Chain blocks and am quite content to watch them come together slowly on your blog. Many 1" finished pieces in each block puts the Crazy in your blog title :)

Deb A said...

My goodness - so many fun projects! I have to say.... I love all your blues but that double Irish Chain with the browns is just amazing!

audrey said...

So many good projects! You definitely work with smaller scraps than I'm willing to save.:) The plus postage blocks continue to intrigue me. Gonna love seeing this one come together!

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

all those itsy bitsys make a huge POP of color!! LOVE them!