HI Y'all! I may not have time to post for the next few days, so wanted to post what I have been up to on the quilt along!! This is so much fun to sew along with all of you! As you gather your plaids and decide on block size and foundations (or no foundation!), here are some of my blocks I made in about 2.5 hours this morning. A pretty eclectic mix of colors...no matchy/matchy here!!! I like the contrast between the bright/pretty colors and the dull/drab colors...fun!
I know that you have seen a ton of tutorials about how to string piece, but here is what I do. Lots of different methods are out there, so pick your favorite! By the way? any strings will do if you are not a plaid fan! I start by putting a strip on the foundation in the middle...
Then place another string right sides together and sew it up! You don't have to be terribly precise...just sew it on!
Then press the piece you just sewed on out...I will tell you a secret if you don't tell anyone...I only finger press. I just don't have time to run to the laundry room and press each strip, then back to the kitchen to sew, back and forth...nope! I like to use what time I have to just go for it, LOL!
Fill up your entire foundation with strips, like this, and roughly trim off the big strips left...now is when I press it all down flat with best press or starch.
Then carefully trim to the size you want your block to be. This is the time to be careful and cut carefully...ask me how I know, LOL!!
I always have some little pieces leftover that were trimmed off...the biggest I use to fill in the corners on the next string blocks...if the pieces are under 1.5 inches...they go to the garbage, or for filling pillows or something... It has to stop somewhere, right??
So here are my blocks are about 2.5 hours later...tada!!! I am going to make 48 blocks like this...so hey, I am 25% done with the blocks already! How fast and down and dirty is that!!!Have a great day all!!!! I will post again in a few days with my progress, and hopefully we can figure out a way to share pictures of everyone's quilts!!
Julie
20 comments:
Thanks for the lesson, did not know about that method. Sorry it has been long between visits. Hope all is well with you. Take care and hugs, Jen.
that was quick - so will you be finished in four days?
Nope, I will not be finished in four days, LOL!! I have work, work, work to do...so my next play time for quilting is next week!!! Have to make a living, darn it!!
They look great Julie, well done!!!
yes, strip quilts i love. but they do take forever for each block ha ha. love the plaids!
Yumo! Cool fun post...wish I was ready to start my scrappy/plaid strip quilt, because I would LOVE to join in....have fun.
You make this block look easy. I really will have to try it!
Dang....I can't start until Tuesday....dang work! Can't wait to start, though!
Your blocks are beautiful.....love plaids! I'll be doing mine in the plaids, as well.
I have been making blocks like this (only with the batting and backing added) to finish up my UFO....great use of scraps!
Geez, you are probably half way done by now! LOL
They are wonderful! I need to find some time to make some!
Is the Evelyn Sloppy book called: Strips & Strings?
This quilt is going to be another beauty! Wish I could join in but I have made a promise to myself to some of my UFOs done before I start yet another project. :(
Ok, so I have no will power!! I have started, I have heaps of strips.I will post about it in a couple of days...thanks for the boost, not that I need another project!
Hello Julie, looking forward to seeing your next steps...Hugs Lyn
Thank you, Julie for the pics showing the steps you take. Love these blocks. Happy 4th!
Oh Julie - fun, fun!! I think YOU were my inspiration for my recent plaid quilt. You are right about the speed of making the string plaind blocks - they go fast, don't they? 8-))) I'll be watching.
Oh, here's my chance to use my plaids and sew along with you. I hope to find some time tomorrow or Tuesday. Your blocks are lovely.
I have long admired the quilt in your header and when you first mentioned where the pattern came from I was thrilled to remember I owned that very book and immediately start pulling my plaid fabrics. That was some time ago. Your quilt along is just the kick in the pants I needed and this is going to be the next quilt on my list.
Love the string blocks. I will do a string quilt one day. Just cannot start another project right now, but ooooh it's tempting.
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