Christmas String Progress

This past snowy weekend was incredibly productive for sewing, and I am so pleased with the progress made in my Christmas scraps box. My 40 blocks are all sewn, trimmed, papers removed, and edge-stitched.  Whew!

As mentioned in the previous post, I dug out a box of scraps to make string blocks during our weekend snow storm.  I had 6 made which were samples from a workshop I taught (back in the day when such things were possible), and most of the foundation papers and strips were cut, so it was all straight sewing.

The papers were removed while watching a movie;  I take a large recycling bag and work inside it as I rip so that the mess is contained.  Since the blocks had no seam intersections, the papers tore right off.  

Polly was a big help holding the finished blocks.

As soon as the papers were removed, I ran with the blocks to the machine to do the edge-stitching.  This step is SO important with string blocks, as the ends of the seams can open while removing the paper, and with handling.  Stitching 1/8" from all edges within the seam allowance with a short stitch length holds everything in place.  

A bonus when sewing multi-coloured scraps is being able to use up the thread on near-empty bobbins. I emptied 6 on the weekend!! 

Here are the blocks laid out on a queen sized bed. At the moment, the quilt top measures 52" x 57-1/2".  Originally, I had thought to make this couch-sized, but it's really not much of a stretch from here to keep going and finish it a usable bed size.  To do this will either involve borders or sashing, and I am rather leaning towards the latter.  My plan is to take some time to sketch it out on the computer in EQ8 and see my options.

So, this one will get set aside for a little bit while I do that.  In meantime, I am thread-painting a tree, and getting ready for February's Colour Builder block.  The threads are already on the way and I can't wait for them to arrive.  There was also notice of a shipment of fabric coming from Island Batik, which will be used in a magazine project. Lots to keep me distracted this week.  The weatherman is predicting some snowy weather for next weekend, so perhaps the string quilt will get hauled out again...

Storm Sewing 2022

 

There's a snow storm outside, and I am sewing up a storm inside!  I always like to have a simple sewing project for storms, as our power often goes out.  String blocks are perfect, as they are easy to pick up again if you are interrupted.  I had a few sample blocks leftover from a class I gave at the Nova Scotia Fibre Arts Festival a couple of years back, so decided I would add some more to the pile.  I dug around the bottom of my Christmas prints to find some usable scraps.

These blocks are rectangles, and a bit of an odd size: 6-1/2" x 11-1/2".  The dimensions were determined by the size of the newsprint being used for the foundation and really...what does it matter what size each block is, as long as it makes a good sized quilt.? I drew lines across each paper in a random way (no specific angle) alternating left and right in each foundation.  This way when they set together in pairs, an imperfect chevron stripe will be created.

The strips are also cut at random widths from 1/2" to 2-1/2".  Since I am sewing scraps, the length of each strip is determined by the size of the piece dug out of the box. The first strip is laid beside the drawn line with the ends extending off the paper a bit, and held with a pin; a second strip added right sides together on top. Then the strip is flipped down to the right side and pressed. 

When the paper is covered, simply trim the edges along the paper.

It's a quick and easy way to use up bits and bobs, and I love the scrappy look of the string blocks when they are finished.

Back to sewing.  It's a race to see how many I get made while it snows!