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quilting scraps Uncategorized

Continuing a Sampler Spree Quilt again…5th time is almost a charm

I am still working on the 100 blocks from the Sampler Spree book. Only 18 more blocks to go!

Here are the 35 blocks that I created during the month of October. I was incredibly productive. We were at the cabin in Michigan on Long Lake. I made most of these blocks while my DH watched football. I am loving retirement!

Here is my tracking sheet. There are fewer and fewer plain white numbers left that have not been made. I am a little late getting started on November blocks…only one so far.

I had a serious brain glitch when I put this block together. The picture on the right is the correct assembly for the Buoy block. I incorrectly 1) added the corners and 2) assembled the block on the left. I think it looks like a butterfly or a beacon. I am embracing my stupidity and counting it as a bonus block!

I REALLY like the shape of this block. I think I will translate it into a larger size and make another scrap quilt. I am drawn to weathervane and quatrefoil shapes.

I also like these blocks. Who knows…maybe they will show up in some future scrap quilts, too.

This one has that four pointed shape that I am drawn to, but it doesn’t actually have the points. It was not an accident…they are not part of the block. This block would be fantastic for a fussy cut center.

Time to get back to making on this blustery last day of November! I have enjoyed making these blocks, but I am ready to be finished!

What are you making today?

Later,

Lorrie

If you would like to review the first installments, here are some links to follow:

  1. It starts!
  2. Second installment
  3. Third installment
  4. Fourth installment

Categories
quilting scraps

Beginning a Sampler Spree Quilt

This week I am challenging myself to make something different. I have made sampler quilts before but not one that had so many blocks. This quilt has 100 six inch blocks.

from Martingale Press

I have used this book before now. I constructed 256 Coxey’s Camp blocks that are waiting to be assembled into a rather large one block quilt.

This book features directions for 106 blocks. I don’t want duplicates. I want an assortment of background fabrics and dark scraps. I made myself a lovely grid to keep track of my progress. I decided to start with the two color blocks. I circled all of those on my chart.

Handwritten tracking chart

Time to pull a background fabric to begin…a strawberry covered light peachy pink fat quarter. How many blocks can I make from one FQ? The answer is nine!

Here are my blocks. Can you tell which one I had to “fix”?

These are all pinkish fabrics. The dark is a plum color.
The strawberries are easier to see in this picture.
A frame is a great fix!

Here are the left over small scraps and 4 bonus half square triangles. Yes, those little bonus pieces are only 1 1/2 inches. I will admit that I pieced some of the backgrounds in the blocks. My grandma would have done that.

teeny tiny pieces…all that is left

What new challenge are you tackling today?

Later,

Lorrie

Categories
quilting scraps sewing

Coxey’s Camp blocks

I started these six inch blocks last summer. It takes a little while to make 256 blocks…just a little while. They are made from scraps, scraps, and more scraps. Each block has 17 pieces. That is a lot of little scraps. You can do the math.

Here is the heap of completed blocks, just waiting to be assembled:

Large stack…a small mountain, really…

I was inspired by several blocks in this book: Sampler Spree by Susan Ache. You will see more blocks in the future. (I retired from 32 years as an elementary teacher. I will have lots of time to sew…finally!) Directions are well written and easy to follow. Sometimes simple sewing is just what is needed. All the blocks in this book finish at 6 inches. I made 256 Coxey’s Camp blocks out of scraps to make a 96″ square quilt, if I don’t add any borders.

Here is a sample of a completed block:

As I worked, I stored my finished blocks in a large storage bag from the Dollar Tree. The bags come in various sizes. (L…3 to a box, XL…2 to a box, and XXL…1 to a box…it is the size of a pillow). They are heavy ply. They also have a convenient handle. They are a bargain at $1.25.

I usually assembled 20 or so blocks at a time to maintain my own sanity. I parially assemble them and press them. Small steps that can be completed in about an hour are my best work sessions. Sometimes I get called away and let all the pieces on the ironing board. (The sections for an individual block are attached so there will be no problems picking up right where I left off.)

Time for dinner…or I’ve just had enough fun for the moment!
I love little trays for blocks that are waiting for the last 2 seams to complete the them…

I am taking this block set to Quilt Camp to assemble the top in September. I have lots of other projects to work on in my retirement. What will be next?

What big project have you been working on…even if it is taking a year or so? Leave a comment.

Later,

Lorrie