It's A Scrapful Life: March

Greetings!  I am getting things organized over here and boy do I like making lists!!  I saw Judy's POST about listmaking in January and I knew I had to join up. You list the 4 things you want to accomplish for the month.  It shortens my UFO list to give me focus.  You can see the list-makers list HERE.

Things to Get Done:
1.  Make my monthly blocks:  Sugar Block Club (Block 2 & 3), Craftsy 2013 BOM (Block 1-3), Legacy Sampler BOM (Block 6 + 4 extra blocks), and Catch-up on the Skillbuilder Series at Pileofabric!

2.   Christmas Advent Calendar:  I found a random spool of thread when I was cleaning things out that matches the quilt!!!

3.  Finish 2 additional UFO's

March Scrap Challenge:
So I am back again with my own challenge for March.  I have yet another bundle of that fabric left over from a binge on Moda Scrap Bags a couple of years ago.   This month I am hoping to do a couple of different projects that are Christmas themed.  Any Suggestions?

Here is my scrap challenge fabric for March:

Kansas Troubles, a couple lines

February Recap:


* Shanna
Okay, now your turn, shop your stash and scraps, what will you challenge yourself with this month?  If you have time, link up your posts each month with your own personal challenges.  Check out Flickr group:  A Scrapful Life.

Really Random Thursday & Stash Report

The Evolution of a fabric stash

The Start of Organizing-September 2011

The Stash Boxes October 2011

The Stash Boxes Early January 2013

Stash Boxes February 1, 2013

Okay, I am resting I promise!  But I found these pictures that I forgot to share.  As I organize, buy and use fabrics the stash has changed over time.  I still have more fabrics stored away, mostly larger yardage pieces, and other bits scattered through storage, but this is fun to see.  I think I will have to start taking a picture on the 1st of every month.  Talk about a Stash update!  The containers themselves are just CD/DVD boxes I bought at a local department store when we lived in Juenau, Alaska.  I think you can find them or something similar at the Container Store or IKEA.  (there are clear lids that lock in place that are not seen in the pictures).

And I forgot to post last week:

Here is my Stash Report through 02/26/2013:

Used since 02/09/2013:  3 yards
Given since 02/09/2013:  0 Yards

Used/Given year to Date: 42 3/4 yards

Added since 02/09/2013:  0 yards 

Added Year to Date: 10 3/4 yards

Net Used/given for 2013: +33 yards

See you tomorrow!
*Shanna

Part 2: HST String Quilt Tutorial

Now that you have completed your HST Blocks we can move on to assembling the design.  To view Part 1:  HST String Block Tutorial, please see last Tuesday's Post HERE]

Materials Needed to complete quilt:
5/8 yard Bright print  for binding
1 1/2 yards  Coordinating Print for Border
2 yards Backing fabric for this project

Cutting mat, Ruler, & Rotary cutter
Sewing machine, thread
Iron & starch spray
Batting of your choice

Cut:
8- 2 1/2" X WOF strips for binding from "Bright Print" or another totally unrelated fabric
5- 4 1/4" X 50" strips for Border from coordinating fabric that is not your "Bright Print" and not your Coordinating Solid, this can be a fabric that was used in scrap materials in the String block-making.  This fabric will be cut parallel to the salvage.

If you are cutting borders from yardage, measure along the salvage 25", then fold the fabric so the measurement will equal 50" when trimmed.  Use your folded salvage as your constant in measuring because the outside salvage can vary in width, although most are constant, it is better not to take the chance. From the 1 1/2 yards listed you will have some scrap fabric as it is hard to describe the exact measurement of what is required.

Take the 50" length fabric fold in half and then fold in half again, making sure the folded salvage side lines up exactly to keep the fabric straight.  It may help to iron it in place to make sure you have a straight finish cut.  Trim off the salvage edge first, then measure out a 8 1/2" cut, subcutting into 4 1/4" cuts for the final border.  You want to start from the salvage edge and work towards the folded salvage so you can keep the largest piece of fabric for future projects!

Assembling the Quilt Top:
1.  Pick a layout or create your own.  Once you have the HST Strings on your design wall you can figure out if you need to make any modifications to ironing the seams one way or another.  For some, they prefer to just Iron them open to keep from the guesswork.

2.  Sew your blocks in rows, then sewing the rows together.

Choose your design, then start joining 2 blocks at a time

Connect each 2-block segment together to form rows

Once you have all your rows together, it is time to sew your rows into 2-row segments

The other benefit to assembling two rows at a time in the design I have chosen is that it would be easy to flip the direction of  the zigs or the zags or whatever design you have chosen

Next you connect the 2-row-segments together

In this particular quilt I only have 6 total rows, so this is the completed center measures 32.5" X 48.5"

Here is where each quilt will vary.  As I shared yesterday you have several ways you can arrange your blocks.  Lets look at some layout ideas for the whole quilt.

9 options for arranging your HST String Blocks, there are more!

3.  Now you have a completed Inner Quilt top.  Some choose to cut their Border strips lengthwise to get a seamless border, I just happen to be one of those persons.  There is of course some pros and cons to this method; you will want to watch that the pieces do not stretch or ripple when adding to the main quilt top.  You may of course choose to cut your border fabric perpendicular to the salvages or decide to skip the borders altogether!

Finish quilt top measuring 40" X 56" for toddler bed or crib quilt

Finishing the Quilt:
1.  If you have not already assembled your backing, this is the time to do so.  There is of course several methods to this process, just be sure that your backing is 2 inches larger than your Quilt top on all sides.  Also, check out Craftsy's free class on Creative Quilt Backs!

2.  Layer a sandwich of:  Quilt top, batting and  then backing fabric on the bottom with wrong side facing down, towards the batting.  

3.  Baste using traditional thread basting, pins or spray basting.  There are several tutorials out there so I will not cover that today. Check out: Crazy Mom Quilts (Pin Baste), or Stitch in Color (Spray basting) for more information.

4.  Once you have basted the three layers together it is time to choose your quilting process, please consider checking out the Free Motion Quilting Project out, which has literally hundreds of different stitches.  She also has excellent tutorials via video that has been posted to Youtube.

5.  Once you have the Top stitching complete, it is time to trim your quilt and add the binding.
(Check out: Carolina Fair Designs,  Crazy Mom Quilts, Cotton Creek Sewing, or Jaybird Quilts for tutorials on Binding prep)

*Shanna
I made this quilt top as part of my "A Scrapful Life" Scrap challenge.  I want to make projects using my scraps and stash, learning to make do with what I already have on hand.  If you would like to see my February post, look HERE.  I have a link up each month and Flickr group:  A Scrapful Life, if you would like to join me, but no pressure, its just a change in mindset for me.

UFO/WIP List 9

Life In Progress:
So I am making progress, just a bit slow perhaps.  I had left over blocks from my Friday Finish so I put together a little table runner.  I have it laying on a black rug to see if I thought a black border might be a nice touch; what do you think?  I also decided to put together a little Checker board mini-quilt from yet more left-over bits.  It may not be the final checkboard I make as it is turning out super cute!

Still In Process:
Christmas Advent Calendar:  I HAVE FOUND MATCHING THRED!!!!! 
Dusty Rose Quilt:   I have figured out a new pattern for this quilt; currently in 4-patch and 2-patch segments, needs some love.
Dot Explosion Quilt:  This needs some reworking in concept, I almost have this one figured out.
Easy Street Mystery Quilt:  all the 4-patch blocks & Flying Geese are assembled (I am making half the blocks required for a smaller quilt ), I am currently using this as my Leaders & Enders project in between and around other projects (See Quiltville blog).
February's Scrap Challenge Project:  Partly pieced, one of my main Focus this week 
Fish Quilt:  Frustrating and hated pattern but I am trying to complete anyways.
I'll Fly Away Quilt:  No Progress yet.  I plan to use this one as my Leader/Enders project after the Easy Street Quilt.
March's Scrap Challenge Projects:  1 Project kit ready to go with fabric cut from chosen pattern
Martinique Strip Quilt:  Need to assemble more strips, some are sewn into two strip blocks
Party Dress:  Close to a finish! [AKA Ziona's Birthday Dress]
Poppy Wall Hanging:  No progress for a while

Rainbow Block Quilt:    I have made this my orphan rainbow block quilt
Summersault Patch Quilt:  Need to assemble more strips, some are sewn into two strip blocks

Limbo-landed Items:
Chain Quilt:  Top is complete, back & bindings in process [POST]
Red Eye Quilt:  Top & backing complete, bindings are in process [POST]
Squares & Patches Quilt:  Top & backing complete, bindings are in process [POST]

New Items not on First Quarter List:
Birthday Bibs:  Started, post to come this week
Cousin #2's Dress:  Paused, making some changes.
Scrappy Hearts Wall Hanging:  mini-hearts compete, assembly required.
Modern Squares Table Runner:  Needs backing, sandwiching and stitching! (See above)
Spring Checkers mini-quilt:  Made from the left over bits plus some stash pieces (See above)

Completed Items:
Four Squares Weekend Quilt:  Complete.  [POST]
Playdate Dress:  Complete.  [POST]
Two + Two Blouse:  Complete.  [POST]

Completed Items not on First Quarter List:
Coming Soon

* Shanna
Are you thinking of going scrappy this year?  If you have time, link up your posts each month with your own personal challenges.  Check out February post:   HERE

I am linking up to:
2013 Finish-a-long hosted by Leanne @She Can Quilt
UFO Sunday hosted by Leah @ The Free Motion Quilting Project
WIP Wednesday hosted by Lee @ Freshly Pieced

Finishes 8

So I am still finishing up taking the pictures for part 2 of the Tutorial I posted on Tuesday.  We got a little bit sick over here so I am slow going on that, but there is no rush is there?  I thought I could get posted the projects I have finished from Monday and Tuesday work though.  I am very glad I went with this arrangement.  The finished quilt should be about 40" X 40" when all is said and done.

Squares & 4-patches:

This is the front.

This is the back

I used some of the left over 4-patches I had for the back.  There are still some left over blocks as well so I might make something of them.  I might have to purchase something for the binding as that black piece on the back is my last bit of solid black.  I do have just a touch of the dark pink dot fabric, but I am not sure if I should be looking for a different color and/or print for the binding.  My favorite part about this quilt is that all the fabrics came from my stash!  This quilt shall get added to my Limbo pile.  It is working out great for me in that I am getting quilt tops and backs prepped even if I can't get Quilting them until I get more batting!  I cannot believe how much will get accomplished!

Linking up to:

TGIFF Hosted by Vickey@Gingersnap Quilts
WHOOP, WHOOP Fridays @Confessions of a Fabric Addict
Link A Finish Friday @ Richard & Tanya Quilt
Finish It Up Friday @ Crazy Mom Quilts

*Shanna

A delay...

Greetings!  It is late now in the night and I was expecting to be finishing up the 2nd half of my post from Tuesday, but it is not to be ready yet.  I started off my day distracted by another project and then my Darling Girl needed some extra cuddle time today, by the time I turned my eye to finishing this project, it was really too late to have a post ready by the morning.  Baby Girl and I laughed together and she hugged me tightly as I cried a little watching an episode of Downton Abbey with her.  Oh she has no idea why I was sorrowful, but I can see she already has the sweetest heart.

I will probably have everything squared away later today (as it is about 12:45am) as I am truly excited to share the finished Quilt top with you.  And then on Friday I shall have a  few more items to share with you!  It feels like an accomplishment to get the projects to the point where I have the top, backing and binding ready to go.  That is my new goal--Once the top is completed to prepare the backing and binding next!  I am astonished just how much fabric is being used right from my own stash!  I have been making a list of the fabric I need to purchase, and then I try my hardest to make something work that I already own.  It has been liberating in a way, but eventually there is some yardage I need to purchase, especially some solids as I am sorely lacking in them.

Well as usual I digress...
Goodnight to all, and I hope I shall be back later today with another post!

*Shanna

Part 1: HST String Block Tutorial

Half-Square Triangle (HST) String Block Tutorial

Inspiration:  Film In The Fridge's String Block

Materials Needed for Whole Quilt:
Bunch of coordinating Scrap pieces,
1 yard Bright print for center strips & binding
1 yard Coordinating Solid for HST Blocks
1 yard Coordinating Print for border
1 yard Muslin or paper for foundation
 Backing fabric

Glue Stick
Cutting mat, Ruler, & Rotary cutter
Pencil or Quilting temporary marker
Sewing machine, thread
Iron & starch spray
Batting of your choice

For 14 blocks Cut:
14- 9"X 9" Muslin squares for foundation piecing, can use paper too
14- 9"X 9" Coordinating Solid Squares
14-2.5" X 13' strips for center of string block
Scrap Strips ranging from 1" to 2" in width

Making Block 1:

1.  Make sure your 9"X 9" foundation blocks for strings are "Starched" as they are easier to utilize and it will help keep it from stretching.

2.  Finding center of  each foundation block,  lightly glue a  Bright print Strip to exact center of each block

3.  Right Sides together line up a Scrap Strip  to the edge of the  Bright print Strip, sew a 1/4" from the edge, then iron it back.  I like to spray with Heavy Starch as I continue the process to keep it from shifting or stretching.

4.  You will continue to add Scrap Strips  to each sides, ironing & starching as you go until the  foundation block are covered on each side of the  Bright print Strip which should still be in the exact center of the block.  You can chain piece your blocks, adding your Scrap Strips  to each sides before ironing & starching, then repeat the process.

Trimming Block 1:

1.  First make sure you starch and give your block a good iron to make sure everything is pressed.

2.  Be sure you have a fresh or sharpened Rotary blade in your cutter.  Because you are dealing with several layers of fabric you want to make sure the blade is sharp and cuts cleanly.

3.  Flip your block over.

4.  Next you will use your cutting mat to line up the corners; you will not be just trimming where you see the foundation block because there may have been some shrinkage as it dips into the valley between the stitch lines.

5.  Line up your ruler up using the lines on the cutting mat, then you will make your first trim.  I have not picked up a rotating cutting mat yet, but I use a smaller cutting mat for trimming that I can just turn instead of re-positioning the block for trimming up the next side.

6.  Trim up the next 3 sides, making sure that your block measures 9"X 9".  We pick this measurement to have an unfinished HST Block measuring 8.5" X 8.5", the finished HST block measuring 8" X 8" when it is all said and done.

If you would like a different measurement for a finished block size adjust your string blocks to measure 1" more on each side than your desired finished block size.

 You can use the strings blocks at this point and they will turn into a mighty fine project or move on to the further directions below to make them into HST String Blocks.

Completing a HST String Block:

1.  If you used paper as your foundation, this is the time to remove it from the String Block.

2.  Take each 9"X 9" Coordinating Solid Square and mark it from one corner to the opposite [see photo 2 below].  Mark all solid squares at once.

3.  With right sides together, match a String block and a marked solid square, making sure the marked side is up! [Photo 3]

4.  Sew 1/4" on each side of the line [Photo 4], iron seams to set and then cut apart using a ruler along the marked line [Photo 5]

You will end up with 2 HST String blocks [Photo 6] when you iron to one side (this may depend on how you plan to assemble your quilt as well) or iron seams open if you prefer.  Be sure to spray with starch.

Product:

 Here are some ideas of the kind of blocks you can make:

 Return for PART Two next Tuesday, when we shall complete a quilt top from these blocks.

Click HERE for part Two!

*Shanna
I made this block as part of my "A Scrapful Life" Scrap challenge.  I want to make projects using my scraps and stash, learning to make do with what I already have on hand.  If you would like to see my February post, look HERE.  I have a link up each month and flicker group if you would like to join me, but no pressure, its just a change in mindset for me.

UFO/WIP 8

So we are at the mid-way point for the first quarter and I am getting excited about the number of finishes on my list!  I made strong in roads to my WIP/UFO List last month but no complete finishes. Now we are well into February and I have 2 pieced tops (1 have backing & 0 have binding prepared). Next I tackled some clothing items as I wait to buy batting to finish off those quilts, 2 clothing projects were completed off my list. Now we are getting into some of the trouble areas on my list.  Either conceptually or some other issue it seems.  I continue to use the Easy Street Mystery Quilt as my "Leaders/ Enders" project in between and around other projects which makes it feel less daunting.  

I promise a better Picture next time!

Over the next couple of weeks I will be focusing on my February Scrap Challenge Project which I have been quietly working on in the background.  I don't know what to call it yet except "Scrappy Paperclip" which is based off the Paperclip Quilt I made August 2011 [see Post].  It is slow going because I have to work on it in the evenings when Miss Z is completely asleep so I plan take pictures during the process for a Tutorial.  I actually still get requests for a tutorial for this one, so I thought this would be a great opportunity to make one and complete my challenge at the same time.  I am almost finished with my January Challenge Project and its Tutorial!!  

On the Friday Night Sew-in on Thursday I finally sat down and took the time to get the 4 patch & Squares Quilt blocks trimmed and ready to sew together!  This Project is really getting exciting because the colors have just turned out super so far.  Take a look:

Still In Process:
Christmas Advent Calendar:  I have an idea...besides throwing out the window of a moving vehicle...I am just going to use another thread that purposely doesn't match the first thread.  I have to think more about this before committing.  I really, really don't want to rip out this thread for the 2nd time.
Dusty Rose Quilt:   I have figured out a new pattern for this quilt; currently in 4-patch and 2-patch segments, needs some love.
Dot Explosion Quilt:  This needs some reworking in concept, I almost have this one figured out.
Easy Street Mystery Quilt:  all the 4-patch blocks & Flying Geese are assembled (I am making half the blocks required for a smaller quilt ), I am currently using this as my Leaders & Enders project in between and around other projects (See Quiltville blog).
February's Scrap Challenge Project:  Partly pieced, My Focus this week 
Fish Quilt:  Frustrating and hated pattern but I am trying to complete anyways.
I'll Fly Away Quilt:  No Progress yet.  I plan to use this one as my Leader/Enders project after the Easy Street Quilt.
March's Scrap Challenge Project:  Project kit ready to go with fabric cut from chosen pattern
Martinique Strip Quilt:  Need to assemble more strips, some are sewn into two strip blocks
Party Dress:  Close to a finish! [AKA Ziona's Birthday Dress]
Poppy Wall Hanging:  No progress for a while

Rainbow Block Quilt:    I have made this my orphan rainbow block quilt
Squares & Patches Quilt:  Squares are trimmed up ready to assemble!
Summersault Patch Quilt:  Need to assemble more strips, some are sewn into two strip blocks

Limbo-landed Items:
Chain Quilt:  Topis complete, back & bindings in process 
Red Eye Quilt:  Top & backing complete, bindings are in process [POST]

New Items not on First Quarter List:
Birthday Bibs:  Started, post to come this week
Cousin #2's Dress:  Paused, making some changes.
Scrappy Hearts Wall Hanging:  mini-hearts compete, assembly required.
Completed Items:
Four Squares Weekend Quilt:  Complete.  [See POST]
Playdate Dress:  Complete.  [See POST]
Two + Two Blouse:  Complete.  [See POST]

Completed Items not on First Quarter List:
Coming Soon

Now that we are back from a nice family luncheon  I am off for a quick nap, but tomorrow I shall get going again!
* Shanna
Are you thinking of going scrappy this year?  If you have time, link up your posts each month with your own personal challenges.  Check out February post:  HERE

I am linking up to:
2013 Finish-a-long hosted by Leanne @She Can Quilt
UFO Sunday hosted by Leah @ The Free Motion Quilting Project
WIP Wednesday hosted by Lee @ Freshly Pieced

Finishes 7: Fist Full of Lavender

I have been swamped since my early edition of the Friday Night Sew-in on Thursday.  It must be admitted that the light was burning far into the night and I decided in the end to focus on two projects, although progress was made on the Birthday Dress, I actually forgot to take into account one important matter...It is not Miss Z's color!  I wanted an outfit that would look good on her for her birthday pictures in the end I decided that I wanted her to wear one of the lavender purple projects.  The Original Birthday dress certainly will not go to waste, I have a very special little girl in mind for it; she herself will have a  1st birthday herself very soon!

Two + Two Blouse:

Two + Two Blouse:  Front

Two + Two Blouse:  back

Two + Two Blouse:  In Action 

It was so fun to see Miss Z wear the Two + Two Blouse with her pale purple leggings.  With all the people milling about we just knew that she would be wanting to run about from side and side.  It was just perfect for her personality and her wonderful 1st Birthday!

Playdate Dress:

Playdate dress: Front

Playdate dress: Back

Playdate Dress:  The Details

 My husband simply is delighted with this dress and so am I!  Both of these projects have been a long time in coming to completion and it makes me feel amazing to get some more items knocked off my list.  I am still trying so hard not to start projects but I love the variety that working on multiple projects brings me.  If something is not working out on one project then I can put to the side and get as far as I can on another.  For me, it has helped me to get a lot competed because I feel motivated.  I think that things like the Friday Night Sew-In and The Finish-a-long give me the small bursts of motivation I need to get over some of my problem areas.  I am going to admit that I did have a friend who came over and helped me set the finished white Yoke-ish area on the Playdate dress, but I was able to get everything else completed myself.  Now are you looking to make either of these projects, both patterns can be found at Oliver + S pattern company.

I was a little lost on what exactly to do for a First birthday as many of our friends have children who are much older than our darling girl, but a simple celebration is not a bad thing.  Miss Z really did not know what to do with the piece of cake we gave to her so she just dragged her finger from the frosting to her lips.  In the end Daddy had to come teach her how to play with her food as she really did not wish to get dirty!

I also was able to trim up the rest of the blocks for the 4-patch And Squares Quilt, but I will share the updated picture tomorrow!
*Shanna

Linking up to:
TGIFF Hosted by Emily@Sewing By Moonlight
WHOOP, WHOOP Fridays @Confessions of a Fabric Addict
Link A Finish Friday @ Richard & Tanya Quilt

2013 Finish-a-long hosted by Leanne @She Can Quilt 
(Via Flickr when projects are complete)

WIPs & Friday Night Sew-In plans

Last Friday I pulled out those purple UFO clothing items to fiddle with and to take new pictures; they were going to be my focus for the early part of this week, but it just didn't happen.  I have been struggling to get this white part laying down perfectly and pinned, my hands just are not cooperating with me here.  With the temperatures already getting warm here (70's-80's), my hands are starting to swell again which turns my fingers into sausages!  I am not afraid to admit I am failing on getting this set in.  Thankfully a Friend came over on Saturday to help me get it set in place and I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I was for that!  Sunday my Husband drove me over to Jo-Ann's to buy some buttons and a zipper.  He has requested that the next dress I make have a zipper as he is in charge of Sunday morning dressing of Miss Z and she is a bit wiggly!

Dress sleeve cuffs

Now much hasn't been worked on the dress as other things have come up so...mainly house-cleaning.

These are the projects that I plan to work on Thursday for the Friday-Night Sew-in.  I cannot participate exactly on Friday night as family is coming in town for the Birthday party on Saturday.  Hopefully Everyone is okay with me participating a day early this month!

Playdate dress:  Adding the Yoke is giving me fits still

Two Plus Two Blouse:  Sleeves have been inserted, everything else still needs to be done.

These are the other 3 projects I am focusing on tomorrow night:

1.  Miss Z's Birthday dress:  I accidentally stripped out the gathering threads while working on this project, tossed it under my work table and promptly forgot about it.

2.   Birthday Bibs:   Someone has contacted me to commission a couple special birthday bibs for their Grand-daughter's first birthday, I will tackle this project if I have time.  I will probably make one for Miss Z while I am at it!

3.  Finish up the HST Quilt:  It is my Scrap Challenge Project for January and I almost have the top completed.  I really want to finishing making the Tutorial for it as well, but that might not all happen in one night!

You can see the full UFO/WIP List for the Finish-a-long first quarter (with pictures) HERE

I am linking up to:

2013 Finish-a-long hosted by Leanne @She Can Quilt (Via Flickr when projects are complete)

WIP Wednesday hosted by Lee @ Freshly Pieced

* Shanna