Hi all! Well, just like that, it's August. You know what comes this month-- the end of summer and the beginning of school. Amazingly, this week has so far been one of the coolest parts of the summer weather-wise. How does that happen? I don't know, but I'm not sizzling, so I'm pretty happy about it.
Today's post is brought to you by two overflowing bins, but first, here's a picture of what is coming out of those bins, just to have something pretty at the top:
A Snail's Trail block in blue and beige! It doesn't sound like it would work, but it does. They are the colors of water and sand, after all. And I can't resist taking pictures with the flowers, plus they're a nice contrast, aren't they? They are turning out great, even though they got a late start this year.
As you may recall, I sorted scraps and emptied the last of the boxes of bits and pieces over the last few weeks. It turns out that I have a lot more blue than I thought, and a whole lot more beige. I seldom use these colors, so they mainly sit in the bins.Take a look:
The beige fabrics multiply in the dark, I'm certain of it. I haven't bought any in forever, and I even gave a box of beiges and tans away, but I still have a ton of bits and pieces. I think most of these got cut off backings, but there are all kinds of pieces in there.
I decided to use these together in a quilt, and I borrowed an Accuquilt die from a friend to do the cutting. Quite a while ago, I bought a used Accuquilt, and I've been making good use of it ever since. Even used it was pricey, but it was worth it. The dies are also pricey, which is why I've borrowed this one. I have some dies that very kind friends have given me, and a few that I bought (also used.) Borrowing and trading with friends is the way to go if you can.
So, over the course of a couple of hours over a couple of days, I was able to cut the pieces for 30 Snail's Trail blocks out of those bins, and there are plenty of hunks and chunks left. I'm surprised to get 30 blocks, but I may try for a few more because these blocks are only 8 inches finished. Anyone know the math for expanding the size? I would just have to add more triangles, but I'm not sure I have any pieces that are big enough for that (now that I think about it.) Most of the scraps are truly scraps and are pretty small.
For these blocks, I've been using the dark and medium blue values, so I'm going to have to think up another project to use up those lighter blues. I have a couple ideas, but I'll have to finish this up first. I have no deadline for this, but all of those pieces are so nicely cut and arranged, it's a real motivator to get them stitched up. And it's August, so there's not a lot of time!
Hope everyone is having a great week. While I was out on the deck, I also got a photo of some very petite peach roses that I planted in a pot so the deer couldn't get to them, so I'll leave you with that photo. Happy stitching!
Sharing at Midweek Makers and Oh, Scrap!
13 comments:
That's a pretty Snail's Trail block! My blue scrap bin is stuffed too, and I don't think I use much blue in my quilts, so I think your theory is right. You have some pretty flowers growing - those peach roses are really gorgeous!
Blue and cream is a timeless combination - I love that you are doing it in scrappy! Borrowing dies is a great idea, BTW. I do love my die cutter for accuracy and ability to chomp through scraps in a hurry.
Your flowers are lovely and the blue works great with the beige. I did a snail's trail quilt several years ago for my RSC project. It went to my brother-in-law and new wife as a wedding gift. I used scrappy white backgrounds but the beige would have worked too. I do love a snail's trail block.
That block (and any number of friends) will make a gorgeous quilt, Mari!
I love your blues and browns together - that is the color of sand and sea! The snail's trail's blocks look like a wonderful way to use up some scraps. Wishing you a good August!
The accuquilt definitely makes things easier. Blue and beige go nicely together. Have fun with your snail trails..
Pretty Snail's Trails blocks! And pretty flowers. Thanks for sharing. Have a beautiful day!
I love your Snail's Trail block and all your very pretty blue scraps!
pretty! so are your flowers. I wish my beige bin would multiply... it's actually running,gasp, low!
Isn’t summer just flying by??! Love the blue/beige combo of your snail trails. I think it works so well because your blues are nice and vivid. I’m sure having the accuquilt to cut the parts must have been very satisfying. It seems like the perfect tool for that block with all those nicely trimmed triangles.
I love, love, love blue and cream/beige together. It's timeless if you ask me. Your little snail trail is a perfect example. I love it. I bought a few dies and I borrowed a machine from where I used to work. They haven't asked for it yet, so I keep using it. It is very pricey and I'm afraid to buy them used. Does it still cut nice and easy? Happy stitching. ;^)
The blues are so soothing and the beige looks like white. The Snails Trail block looks lovely. I am sure that the completed flimsy/quilt will be stunning. Increasing the size? I'd use the Pythagoras Theorem. Cut oversize triangles and trim to size. Once you make a couple of audition blocks, you could even make a freezer paper template.
I, too, went on a die cutting spree of the same shape. Certainly easier to cut and then sew!
Post a Comment