Thursday, March 26, 2015

What Shall We Do Today?

Mom would wake up each morning, and ask of us kids, "What are we going to do today?  She wanted us to think about a project, of which there were many on a small farm.  We learned to NEVER say "I'm bored" because if we mentioned that statement, she'd find something really AWFUL for us to do, which might involve a shovel, manure, weeds, dead chickens or heavy lifting --- you get my drift. 
 
So, a few days ago,  feeling a bit bored, I asked myself, "What shall I do today?"  especially something that wouldn't use the word "Money" or "go to my favorite LQS" so this is what I started, using only what I had on hand, my lights and my darks.  I DID try to stay within certain colors.     

This is the THIRD of this type of quilt, called Strip and Slash, by Jackie Robinson.  I purchased her DVD years ago, from 9-Patch Media.  A few days ago, it was under $10.00. 
 
This starts with "a lot" of strips, both narrow and wider, sewn in two configurations, pressed appropriately, and then cut in more strips, and sewed back together, clipped, pressed, then cut diagonally!  Whew - a lot of steps, but they are easy .  I'm using up my scraps -- so it's FREE, right? 
 
Below is my basket of lights, all sewn together and cut diagonally, and now I'm working on collecting my darks, reddish browns, purples, etc.   I couldn't stand waiting to see how they would look together and made a few of the darks so far.  These little blocks will finish about 3.75 - small!  But holy smoke, do they make excellent use of scraps.  Chances are YOUR scraps will be in the colors you already like.   I am aiming for 12 x 14 blocks, plus borders. 
 
These blocks kinda match because I used the same strips.  They will be more mixed up when I have a few hundred!






11 comments:

  1. That is really neat how the light and dark create such a different look. Each and every block sample is great.

    ReplyDelete
  2. WOW! You do something great today.

    Also having grown up on a (dairy)farm I learned early in life to never say I was bored or else Mother or Grandmother could find something for me to do to occupy my time

    ReplyDelete
  3. a different way to make Split Nine Patch. Look easy. hugs

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is really cool. I've got my scraps now sorted into colors, just waiting for some good ideas. This one is at the top of the list! Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wundervoll, diese Farbenvielfalt und tolle Wirkung.
    Danke fürs zeigen der vielen unterschiedlichen Möglichkeiten.
    Liebe Grüsse
    aus Deutschland
    Uta

    ReplyDelete
  6. How neat is that. Just a quick question -- do you cut the 9 patch diagonally or is it offset a bit? First pic it is cut diagonally the second is offset. Just wondering. picking the right scraps help make a scrappy quilt look less like a bomb exploded in my fabrics. As much as I like this one I am NOT starting anything new until a couple more are finished! No, I'm not. no... well, maybe.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love the looks of these blocks. I've never done it and it would be something I would like to make in the future some day. I guess I'll add it to my mile long list!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh, the magic of lights and darks working together to form lovely patterns is fabulous here! Look at all the options you found, good work!

    ReplyDelete

I no longer will accept Anonymous comments. I hope my adjustments to Comments do not cause anyone hardships.