Hello! Welcome to the fifth post in my Sew Your Stash series. Today’s post is part one of a scrappy strip quilt idea.
I’ve been wanting to start this scrap quilt for quite a while now. A couple of
years ago I saw a wonderful strip quilt while I was attending a quilt retreat. While the quilter hadn’t used a specific pattern for her quilt, she did have a little handout with some of her ideas for piecing scrap quilts.
Begin by cutting strips of various widths: she recommended cutting strips from 1 ½″ wide to 3″ wide. As I started sewing I found that I will probably use fewer of the wider strips, though. (I like the occasional addition of a 3″ wide strip every once in a while, but I don’t want too many of them in order to keep the proportions better).
I’ll be using different lengths of strips for this quilt, too…for my first section I used strips cut to 10″ in length. You don’t have to trim them to this exact length, but use strips close in length.(Extra layer cake squares would work perfectly for this…simply cut 4-5 strips from each layer cake and add them in).
This quilt is going to be somewhat controlled as I’m using mostly blues, greens, taupes, and greys. I began by separating my strips into two piles: lights and darks.
I then began sewing strips together in pairs. Sometimes I sewed two contrasting darks together, and at other times I sewed a dark with a light.
Next I made groups of four strips, again paying attention to the contrast between the fabrics that were placed next to each other.
I kept sewing strips together until I had a pretty good sized piece (I measured it and it is about 10″ wide by 42″ long). This will be trimmed a little after all of the quilt sections are complete.
This really didn’t take much time at all…I probably spent 30-40 minutes finding and preparing the strips and another 15-20 minutes sewing them together. This is just one section of my scrap quilt. I’ll start out with longer strips for the next unit–and the unit after that will use shorter strips.
I’m so excited about this quilt…It was so rewarding to get such a big segment finished so quickly. I’ll share my progress on this each week and give the width and length of the segments I make. Then in just a few short weeks I’ll be putting this together and sharing those instructions as well.
Before I go today I just want to share some scrap quilt inspiration sent to me this week by Sigi, who is a regular reader of my blog. She has made several scrap quilts recently (the log cabin quilts are from last year, and the rail fence quilts were made this year). I sure never get tired of seeing scrappy goodness…thank you Sigi!
Let me know if you’re interested in joining in and we can have a parade of strippy scrap quilts in March!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Little Quiltsong says
I really have you to thank, Sherri – as you were the inspiration to attack my scrap baskets. Once started – it became addicting and also a mission to keep going. Again, thank you for all the tips you have shared over your blog in enjoying to sew even with those left over scraps from other projects. I love what you are doing with the above strips – the aqua strips really add to the whole color scheme.
judyquilts says
I will be interested in the direction you are going with this one. I love scrap quilting and will enjoy seeing what you and others are doing.
Needled Mom says
I live the controlled scrappy look of this. Looking forward to seeing your next step with it.
Rosa says
Wow, beautiful projects.I will be interested in joining a parade of strippy scrap quilts,sure will be fun!
Hildy says
Love the colors you're using for this scrap quilt would be a great quilt for a boy or man. I would love a strippy scrappy quilt parade that sounds like a fun idea:-)
mascanlon says
Can't wait to see what's next for this quilt. I love scrappy quilts so much but I also love the ones that come together without lots of tiny pieces…this looks like a winner! Thanks for sharing with us all.
Dody says
I love scrappy quilts!
Dorothy says
Count me in …I have lots of scraps
Janet says
I am still in the organisation of my sewing room and I'm at present sorting fabrics, putting them in clear plastics shoe boxes, and cutting my scraps into usable pieces…thank you for all the tips you have posted on your blog….As I am cutting pieces I wonder if you wash and dry and press all your fabrics before ANYTHING else ….I am doing so and would like your thoughts on this very basic prep. Thank you 🙂
Janet says
I am still in the organisation of my sewing room and I'm at present sorting fabrics, putting them in clear plastics shoe boxes, and cutting my scraps into usable pieces…thank you for all the tips you have posted on your blog….As I am cutting pieces I wonder if you wash and dry and press all your fabrics before ANYTHING else ….I am doing so and would like your thoughts on this very basic prep. Thank you 🙂
Susan Smith says
Can't wait to see this quilt come together. I love the colors. I've got to get going on my scraps!!
Brenda says
I've made several strippy quilts like your and love how they are always different. If you're interested in string quilting, check out our group blog at http://stringthingalong.blogspot.com We've got lots of strips and strings over there.
Dottie Cate says
The last thing I am is a scrappy quilter. I am inspired by your blog in general, and your latest comments in particular, especially that aqua strip…… maybe this will encourage me to get some of my lovely scraps to be something special. Thanks, Sherri….Here's hoping!!!
Leeanne says
I like your bluey strips together, very calming. I recently made a quilt with strips for one of my nieces, it is put together in an interesting way, did you see my blog post about it? http://www.quiltmekiwi.blogspot.co.nz/2016/01/play-time.html
Lara B. says
Scrap quilts are a favorite and I love the look of your string piecing Sherri!
Sigi's scrappy quilts are beautiful too!
kathleen says
I make these blocks using a used dryer sheet for my foundation.
This keeps them a consistent size.
And I make them every time I do laundry, just to pace myself.
It is good work for those days when you want to quilt, but cannot take on anything too big.
In no time at all, I have enough blocks for a quilt.
Stacking the completed blocks takes up so much less room that a basket of scraps.
And I love the results.
Dottie Cate says
Kathleen. What a great idea about dryer sheet and helping to work on a project regularly with just a little time here and there. Anyone know of a problem using dryer sheets….like crinkling when quilt is washed?
M&M FASHION BITES says
Like the first photo 🙂
BLOG M&MFASHIONBITES : http://mmfashionbites.blogspot.gr/
Maria V.
Linda R says
You are giving me much needed inspiration! Thank You 🙂
Linda R says
I am also interested in the dryer sheet as foundation. Can you explain how…another great way to use up scraps. Thanks
Anne / Springleaf Studios says
Love the simplicity of sewing with strips. There are so many nice options. I'm all about sewing my stash this year, currently finishing up the scrappy trip checkerboard made with strips.
Susie Hoover says
Great inspiration … again!!! 🙂
Amy Harris says
This is such a good use of strips. I have spent the last two hours searching for the progress/finished project and instructions. I found lots of great inspiration and tips, but I had no luck in the original search. Where might I find other posts with this quilt?