Monday, August 1, 2011

Don't Scrap Your Scraps! Project 1: Improv blocks

Welcome to "Don't Scrap Your Scraps"! I had a few projects lined up to blog about when I realized that they all had something in common - scraps! I thought I'd blog about them in series. I'm not going to post full tutorials for most of the projects, because these are more improv in nature. But feel free to ask any questions along the way. Here we go with the first project!

If you've been following along since earlier this year, you probably saw my City Weekend baby boy quilt. When I finished this quilt top I had a small stack of scraps that I couldn't part with-which is a big deal for me! Typically I chop my scraps into 5" squares and anything smaller is set aside to donate.

I pulled out my City Weekend scraps and decided to try some improv piecing. I had enough fabric for 3 8.5" (finished) blocks. Once I finished the blocks, I headed to my stash for a background fabric. I found some quilter's linen in grey, which paired with the City Weekend really well.

Using 1 yard of quilter's linen as a starting point, I pieced the top with the 3 blocks running down one side.
For backing I kept it simple with Kona charcoal.
The quilting is simple straight lines, which I achieved by sticking a large strip of masking tape down on the quilt sandwich and stitching with the edge of my quilting foot next to the tape. (I do not recommend sewing on the tape!)
I don't know if I love the improv blocks or the binding more! I used a print from the Make Life collection by SweetWater. Such a perfect print for a baby quilt! Finished size is 36" x 39".
Stay tuned for more scrap ideas!

8 comments:

Live a Colorful Life said...

I have three charm packs from this line, so maybe too small to do improv (unless they are teensy!). But I love how they pop against the charcoal! And Sweetwater fabric, with all its text-y goodness, is one of my favorites! Looking forward to all your scrappy posts!

CREATIVE DISORGANIZATION said...

Nikki, your very clever...my friend was stuck for a backing so I gave her your link...Also, what is the bind fabric...luv it.
Cheers Nic

Rylee Kettner said...

I just did my first quilt with improv blocks, but yours look waaay better! I am excited to see what other ideas you have in this series!

felicity said...

LOVE. IT.

Kirsten said...

I love your improv blocks - I would love to try and make some too!

Ruth said...

I love these scrappy blocks! I've used the same technique myself but these are truly striking!

Lyanna L. said...

Wow, this is beautiful. I really like your tip about using the masking tape as a guide for the quilting.

Deb said...

I'm just catching up a bit on your blog...I've missed a few great posts! I love your Scraps idea and look forward to more fun fun scrap posts.