What I’m Working On
A blog is a funny thing. When it’s really quiet, as in no posts for a while, I suppose people think that nothing is happening. That’s what I would think.
In reality,
quietness on this blog means that I’m sewing like a mad woman. Here’s what I’ve been working on.
Sample string blocks for an upcoming retreat
I’m teaching for a retreat in September, and the topic is string piecing. I’ve been making some new samples to help inspire people on their way. The scrappy strings above were so much fun.
Sample string fan blocks, all four centers turned toward the center
I turned to some reproductions next, and added cheddar-colored corners for spice. These can be turned many different ways for exciting and varied effects.
If you sew strings onto foundations diagonally and set them together, you can get this kind of effect. My color recipe here was blues, greens, and black-and-white prints.
I thought I should try something light and bright, too. Wouldn’t these make a wonderful bed-size quilt?
If tradition is more your cup of tea, I made an Ohio Star from string-pieced “fabric.” So much more interesting than just one fabric in each patch, don’t you think?
I finished binding the quilt above, which I named HelterStrips. I used the blocks as a way to kick off Stash Bandit’s social media presence a few months back. I’m not sure if I love it or hate it, but it’s finished. Which reminds me, if you’re on Instagram, you’re invited to follow me as I post interesting quilt photos often. You’ll enjoy them!
I finished piecing this top, Fractured by Kathy Doughty from the book Making Quilts with Kathy Doughty of Material Obsession. It’s based on a Pam Rocco idea, according to the book. I wish it had been my idea, because I think it’s dynamite! After quilting, it will go into my Jingle Bells trunk show of Christmas quilts. Maybe your guild would like to book it? (Yes, those are piles of junk on my studio floor. Just keepin’ it real.)
Find some time to quilt today, why don’t you?!
Tags: Fractured quilt, improvisational quilting, Kathy Doughty, quilt retreat, string ideas, string piecing, string quilts
Diane Paul
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What absolutely wonderful string quilts. I am going to be doing a lot of scraps quilts this year and I’m definitely going to try some of these ideas.
Thanks,
Diane
Julie Huffman
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I enjoy reading your post and I love all your string piecing ideas. I had bins of strings, but I have been cutting them up for a couple of years into 1″ strips for my boss for locker hooked rugs. It’s working out for both us us. I will finish quilting another quilt today!
Jan
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I guess I should try making a few string blocks. They just don’t look like fun, at least not like several have told me they like them. I’ve done a few potholders that I guess would qualify. I do enjoy your blogs and all your quilts.