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Thursday, July 26, 2018

Scrap Frenzy


Focus has been my word for 2018.  
I’m one of those quilters who has multiple projects in the works
at one time.
I thought maybe I should just work on one project until it’s finished.
But that didn’t last long. 
I am in a scrap frenzy!
I think I need an intervention!

It all started when a quilty friend came to visit
and presented me with a bag of scraps
that had been cluttering HER sewing space for too long.
But that's a whole 'nother post!

In the meantime, I started a quilt in Texas
from leftover fabrics, in my attempt to use what I have,
and brought it back to Cape Breton to finish.




I have always been a big fan of Wendy Sheppard,
who shares her wonderful skill and creativity over at Ivory Spring,
and I wasn't surprised when I spotted this quilt 
and discovered it was hers!
Not only that, but it's a free download from RJR Fabrics!
And, the blocks finish up at 16" square,
which is perfect for a pillow
in ANY fabrics!
Ask me how I know!

I didn't have enough large solid scraps to make all the blocks,
but this one finishes up at 52" by 70",
and I'm okay with that.

I love to work with scraps and 'grow a quilt'.
To me, it’s like tending a garden.
Sometimes it takes a few years to complete a flimsy.
I’m okay with that!
So, while I have the solid scraps on the table,
I'm working on this:



You can see another scrap project peeking out at the top.
There is one more on the 'design floor'.
And one being quilted on the Janome.
I can't stop myself.

See?


Every little scrap!  These squares are 1/2" finished!

Help!

Maybe if I cleaned off my cutting table,
I wouldn't feel so compelled?
Naw!  What's the fun in that?

BTW, the tutorial for the cute little pincushion is here!
If you scroll through Karen's archived posts,
you'll see lots of cool stuff!
Sometimes, that's what I'll do. 
I'll choose someone I admire, then go for a nice, long scroll.

Thanks for popping in!
I love it when you come to visit!

~karen





35 comments:

Maria said...

OH!! I love that "Starry Night " hmmm!! do I need to start another..... May download the pattern..
Lovely patterns you've got up on your design wall and such a cute pincushion.
I'm working on Soul Searching with a grey background, Simplify, My Small World, Angels Story and more. Sew like you I can't just work on one project.
That would be boring. LOL.

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

I love your quilt! Beautiful colors, and great pattern, it's a beauty. Cute little pincushion, and great design wall!!

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

looks like you have been busy - love the quilt and all the other things you show that you work on. Yes who can work on just one at a time.

Sheila said...

You can make scraps look gorgeous , that quilt is amazing and the little pincushion is too cute . Some interesting projects happening on the design wall too . Great post my friend ♥️

Karen said...

Your quilt is beautiful! It's a very cool effect to have the sun behind the unquilted top, as it makes each patch so distinct. For a moment, I thought you had a line of grey stitching between each!
Hope you are enjoying our heat, Karen. You are no doubt more used to it than we are - I'm wilted :0

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Great post! Yes, put me on the list for an intervention as well....LOL. Your quilt is so lovely, and you can't go wrong with a Wendy project.

I can reassure you there is no fun in cleaning in your sewing room. I just made a pretty good path in the area you can see from the living room and left the rest of the mess...yea! all done.

hetty said...

Love your quilt! Who can work on only one quilt at a time! Some boring person no doubt. Love your pin cushion too!

Sondra said...

OH so very pretty!! Absolutely love that quilt. Hope your summer is going well...how's that deck coming along?

Pamela said...

I love using up scraps. It's like getting something from nothing. Fabulous quilt!

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

Some lovely projects underway, I really like your quilt in (mainly?) solids.

Fiona said...

Your scrap projects are so lovely.... big scraps little scraps are all being used up....

Hugz

Binsa said...

I find while working on a project something attracts me more.Enjoyed seeing what you are working on

Anonymous said...

Hi Karen wow i do love your beautiful work,that quilt is amazing ,well done my friend xx

kiwikid said...

Such a beautiful quilt..and from scraps!! Beautiful! I am always distracted by what I see on blogs...let me know if you really need that intervention!!! :) Off to look at that inspirational blog!

Scrapatches said...

Beautiful! Love your happy scrappy projects ... :-) Pat

Christine B said...

Just love having a glimpse into your quilting World Karen! It is a wonderful World! Love your on going projects and who doesn't need a cute pincushion made with scraps?! Hugs Christine x

Needled Mom said...

Scrappy quilts are best. I love Wendy's work too. Your Starry Night is beautiful as are those great Plus blocks.

JanineMarie said...

No, don’t stop yourself. I’ve become very fond of scraps, and am loving seeing all the projects you have going.

Preeti said...

That is such a beautiful star pattern. Wish you'd share more pictures. I remember seeing a similar pattern on Lorna's Sew Fresh Quilts a while ago. Thank you for sharing the link. I will be downloading it :-) you know because I need another project on my to-do list. Oh, wait there is a squirrel. It has been so hot and soggy here. Hope you are staying cool :-)

Cheryl said...

I love all of the items you are working on, but that pincushion is my absolute favorite, so tiny and adorable!!

Beth @ Cooking Up Quilts said...

Your excitement and passion for working with scraps definitely comes through in your post! Your scrappy star quilt is so pretty, it looks fantastic. I have a crapload of scraps that I need to do something with. Your post is very inspiring Karen!

Anja @ Anja Quilts said...

It would be boring to only work on one project at a time LOL I love that pattern. Will have to download. Thanks.

Louise said...

I love Wendy's patterns, too! Starry Night Squaredance is new to me, so thank you very much for the link. Your version looks super, flying in the breeze like that :) I tend to start new projects when I clean my studio and unearth fun fabrics that got piled underneath something else. Oo, look! I think I'll cut that up and make something...

sunny said...

I've heard that there are people who work on only one project at a time. Horros! How is that even possible? I've tried, but something new and exciting comes along, and I HAVE to make it right away before I forget. And like you, I love scraps! What wonderful fun when someone gifts me a bag of scraps. You've put yours to very good use! I seldom have solid colors, but would have fun with them.

Susan said...

Such adorable projects! Thanks for sharing every one of them. I do like your finished star quilt, too.

Createology said...

Your quilts are always amazing and the fact that you use even the tiniest scraps is wonderful. I hate to throw anything away so I understand your plight of using each and every possible little bits and pieces. I don’t quilt but I just might have to wander down Wendy lane. Happy Summer Sewing Dear...<3

Ann said...

Enjoy your projects. Sum er’s A good time to work on them. Thanks for sharing your photos and links.

Barb said...

Oh I love Wendy as well......love all your projects and the quilt.

Kate @ Smiles From Kate said...

Yay for scraps! It’s wonderful using scraps given to us because they are invariably in fabrics we haven’t used and thereby so interesting to work with. That’s a lovely star top you mDe a great job Karenand such a nice size too. FOCUS, I do like that word, I need a think on that one, nice inspiration,thank you.

Karen S said...

Lovely to see what you are doing with the scraps. The stars are amazing. What a great result.
Lovely to see what is on the wall, too.

Lin said...

Great scrapbusting and I adore the pincushion! xx

Katherine said...

Oh, this is gorgeous, Karen! You are speaking my language when it comes to scraps - I love your analogy of it being like tending a garden! Imagine my delight to discover that I am not alone in working like this (or in finding one scrap project leading to another and another and... ;o).

Mary Marcotte said...

I love that you can have a couple of projects going and know what you're going to do with each. I can have one project going and get distracted!
I love the way you're growing that plus quilt. Those colors are so yummy! And your precious, adorable, little pincushion!

Carol Swift said...

I don't focus very well, either, and tend to bounce between several projects that I have happening in my sewing room. The quilt and pincushion are beautiful! You are amazing at using scraps.

Judy said...

I love scrap quilts! Lovely, lovely job on the Starry Night quilt. I love how bold the colors look. And your design wall is quite inspiring, I'm curious to see how you blend the blocks together. It sounds like you're having a blast sewing :-)
Take care,
Judy