Be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged,
sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the wrong.
Sometime in life you will have been all of these.
~Lloyd Shearer
Quilting
Lots of reworking of this layout, I'm still not sure this is the "best" but I'm sure this is enough messing around. Funny how the colors affect the mood of each quilt. The block is a simple, traditional scrap design with fabric on the diagonal. Examples abound from Rod Kiracofe's Unconventional and Unexpected to multiple books on scrap quilting. It's a classic way to use and/or utilize our fabrics. Perhaps it's not so funny/unexpected that the color choices "make" these quilts.
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Diagonal Scraps 2 |
Most of the fabrics are my own, purchased by me. A couple are old clothes from our closet. But there's a wide variety of styles including batik, conversation prints, reproductions and 30s. While sewing them I enjoyed combining all these disparate designs.
Most of the back is a rabbit print. Do you see them? As usual, there wasn't enough so two greens fill in the rest. The binding is an orange and white deer print that I frankly thought I'd never use up.
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Diagonal Strips 2 back |
For all that there are wonderful fabrics in my stash, I spend more time working through my scraps... although the rabbit print was stash.
Quilt Specifics
Size: 44" x 44"
Design: String quilt
Batting: Hobbs Heirloom Premium Natural Cotton
Thread: Gutterman orange cotton thread
Quilting: Spiral with walking foot
Approximate yardage: 6.5 yds
More detailing continued at the house this week as I reworked the hanging mechanism of one of my quilts. Susan on Blue Moon River described various methods she uses to hang her quilt art. Because I'd already sewed the hanging sleeve on my quilt, I modified one.
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Ersatz welt buttonhole allows the quilt to hang |
The {poorly made} welt buttonhole would never do on a coat where would be used daily but gives enough space to hang the piece without leaving raw edges. Next time, I'll make the buttonhole before attaching the sleeve. But now, it's above the piano so we can enjoy it daily. The quilt is the first one I blogged about. Funny, that.
FUR (Fabric Use Rate)
I used 13 yards this month and 52.5 yards this year.
Aleisha finds a book list while working as a library clerk and starts reading them. When Mukesh comes in looking for a way to connect with his granddaughter, she shares the list with him. And a beautiful friendship is born. I enjoyed the book, the list in the book, and the other list of Sara's personal favorites.
22 comments:
Another very cute finish! Kudos to you for using up those scraps. I haven't touch my scraps in awhile.
Your entire post is uplifting, Ann! The fabric choices are wonderful -- like not-quite-pastel jellies that shimmer. I am going to copy the Shearer quote -- I need to abide by that message more and more these days. And I'm pleased you enjoyed The Reading List -- the power of books to connect people and change lives!
I love those diagonal scrap blocks--nice work!! The quote at the top is a wonderful one--thanks for sharing hugs, Julierose
P,S. I am also going to copy that quote for my journal...;)))
Thanks, Patty. We are always trying to use the stash or the scraps. Whichever we aren't working with breeds madly. At least, that's how it seems around here.
A comment like a hug. Thanks, Nann. Shearer's quote is posted on my bathroom mirror for daily reminder. Sadly, I need it frequently these days.
Stories with book lists may be one of my favorite genres although I don't know their name. Not like romance or mystery. What would you call them?
The mix of fabric in these diagonal sets works so very well, I've been enjoying watching your string quilts of yours come up on the blog, I love the soft palette.
I'm another reader who thinks the quote you have given us in this post is excellent!
Yes, these quilts are made up of simple blocks, but the fabric and color make a world of different to the mood and feel! You are becoming a master!:)
Hi Ann, there is a lovely effect from those strings in such soft colours. I love it!
I love this mix of fabrics! I'm not sure if you have said earlier... but do you use foundation paper or fabric with these blocks?
It's a pertinent quote/reminder for me.
The diagonal scrap block is a vintage idea but a great way to use up scraps.
It will be perfect in your beautiful journal. That's a real work of art.
Sometimes I sew scraps randomly but sorting by value or tone elevates these simple quilts, doesn't it.
Thanks for the kind words, Audrey.
Thanks, Jocelyn. I often grab strings randomly but taking the time to sort into values and tones added sophistication to these simple quilts.
I use paper - any scrap paper I can find. While I've used fabric in the past, the resulting quilt is too warm for my climate
Hi Ann, love your qiilts & quotes!
It is soft and sweet - a result of the pastel colors. Not many string quilts in my past. Let's just say that I am still collecting strings :-D Have a great weekend, Ann.
Thank you.
I collect strings, too, but they get out of hand. I don't have the scrap system others do. Enjoy your weekend.
This is so soft and pretty and I also like the back. I often piece together blocks to make up a backing. I collect strings too and should think of putting them to use. Happy Stitching!
Pieced blocks would be a cute back. I tend to use older half-yards but usually need to widen them a bit. That might be a good place to put some strings. Thanks for writing.
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