Tuesday 2 April 2013

Scrappy Strings

I had planned on getting a few odd jobs done around the house over the Easter break but instead I spent a considerable amount of time in my little sewing room.

I wanted to do something fun and easy (stress free) but I also wanted to challenge myself and do something outside of my comfort zone.  As I don't generally use bright colours I dug into my scraps and ended up with this pile of strings.


Then I "strung" to my hearts content on 6.5 inch paper foundation squares and ended up with this.


After trimming to 6 inch square I placed a 6 inch square of Kona solid on each string block, drew a diagonal line across the square then sewed 1/4 inch either side of the line.  I pressed towards the white fabric and this is the outcome.


It was liberating not having to line seams up or have straight stings.  I spend a weekend watching Friends (my all time favorite TV show) and managed to complete 65 blocks (finished at 5.5 inch square after trimming).

Now the fun really begins - deciding how to put them together.  I have come up with 3 layouts.




My husband likes option 3 but for some reason I find myself leaning towards option 1.  I just love the complete randomness of  it. The other thought I had was to do a series of mini quilts, say 3 or 4 each one using a different design.
I have a large undecorated wall in my family room that needs something on it and a series of (framed?) mini quilts might just fit the bill.

As I ponder what to do I had better get around to those household jobs that I keep putting off.

I am linking up with Plum and June Lets Get Acquainted & Freshly Pieced WIP Wednesday linky parties. If you have some time to spare, it is worth your while to head on over and see what everyone is up to.

Sue

30 comments:

  1. I like both 1 and 3. Isn't great how you can make different things from the same block :-)

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  2. I like option 2. These look great. I don't know if you read Stitched in Colour - but she has just launched a 'Strings' link up party you could add this to.

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  3. The string HSTs are beautiful. All of your layouts look so good, I would have a terrible time deciding! I like the mini quilt idea the best! :D

    Thanks for linking up to Let's Get Acquainted this week!

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  4. I love all three options. Your blocks are absolutely gorgeous. By the way I also like to watch/listen to Friends while I'm sewing such a fun show I never get tired of it.

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  5. A sight for sore eyes! So springy, it still an endless winter here in Switzerland, and it makes my day! Congratulations!

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  6. All options are so beautiful, good work! And household jobs can wait ;)

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  7. I like option 3 although they are all fabulous. Amazing what those piles of strips can become!

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  8. Looks great! I'd go with option two.

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  9. Oooh these are cute! I love option 3 the best too!

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  10. I love option 2 with the hidden star... love..love..love your colourful stringwork. Thanks for sharing

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  11. I love these in any arrangement, but #2 in particular stands out for me.

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  12. I am going with you on Number 1:)

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  13. I like 1 and 3, so pretty! 2 is nice as well...maybe the miniquilts are the way to go!

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  14. I love mindless sewing of strings.yours look so bright and cheery! I like all the layouts..especially number 2. just think if ya sew enough strings you could make all 3!

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  15. They are all lovely and you couldn't make a mistake with any of them! I think I need to head to my scrap pile to play...

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  16. Wow, these are so pretty. I don't think you could go wrong with any of them. I personally like #2, but #1 is awesome too! :)
    Great job!

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  17. All three are awesome, but I think #2 is my favorite:-)

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  18. hey thanks for the sweet comment on my blog! looks like you have been a busy lady . .you really can't go wrong with any of your options!! (though i really fancy #1)

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  19. Ha! I think I like 2, I'm a sucker for stars. All 3 are great, though!

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  20. LOVE the second option and all the great colors!

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  21. All of those strings quilt options are BEAUTIFUL!!! I love all the colors you used.

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  22. I like 2 and 3, though I think 3 is especially striking! Great little blocks, I need to make some sting blocks one of these days.

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  23. I love what you did with your scraps.

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  24. I'm with you Sue....though I love all three, I really, really LURVE No.1. BUT.....whatever quilt you decide to go with it will look wonderful......it's so pretty and colourful.

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