It's a String ThingChallenge

Turquoise String ready to Quilt

2011-03-12T21:34:00.000-05:00

After a year, I finally got the borders on this string. It measures 63" x 83". I hope to get it machine quilted soon.

Heart Strings and a Mug Rug

2011-02-16T22:24:00.003-05:00

I am still making string blocks. As part of the Rainbow Scrap Challenge over at So Scrappy blog, Angela designates a color of scraps that we are to use each month to help us use up our stash. The February scrap color is red, and since it is Valentine month I made this Heart Strings quilt.

And, since today is One Flower Wednesday over at Journey of a Quilter, I made a mug rug that has a hexagon flower on one half and a string block on the other half.

I am just loving these string blocks. I sew them on pages from a Scribble Pad that I buy at the dollar store. There are 60 sheets for $1, and the paper is like a porous recycled paper. So when I sew on it the paper perforates so there really isn't any tearing to get it off. It just lifts off. And, I sew string blocks chain piecing style so they sew up quickly. String block quilts are showing up all over blog land, and I am truly addicted to them.

Chevron String Quilt

2011-01-22T23:32:00.000-05:00

Since I'm the first one to post in 2011 - Happy New Year to all! I've been working on the Rainbow Scrap Challenge over at So Scrappy blog. Angela designates a color or theme every month and has challenged us to make something whether it be a small project, a large one, or to create individual blocks to make a single quilt at the end of the year. This month's color is blue. I decided to use some of my strips and make a string quilt. I also did the Bonnie Hunter Roll Roll Cotton Boll mystery, and after I'd sewn all of those string blocks for the quilt, I kind of missed them so this is what I've been working on.

Usually I make my string blocks like the one on the left below. I use either phone book pages or a scribble pad from the dollar store and cut foundations. This isn't necessary to make a string block, but if I'm watching TV or a movie while sewing, I can soon lose track of how long my strips should be for a block. Then I draw a line on the diagonal so I can get that black strip centered to create a secondary design. To make the chevron blocks as shown above, I sew the strips straight up and down.

Beginning of quilt with strips sewn on the diagonal.

To make the blocks that chevron, you layer two blocks right sides together with the strips running the same direction.

Draw a line diagonally on the foundation paper. Sew 1/4" on both sides of the drawn line.

Cut on the solid drawn line.

You will end up with two blocks that look something like this.

You can also turn every other row of these blocks upside down to create a different look.

I hope all of you out there are sewing some string blocks, too!

LuAnn

http://luannsloosethreads.blogspot.com/

Warm Moda Homespuns

2010-12-21T11:19:00.005-05:00

Burrr.....Baby it's Cold Outside!!!

This is still one of my favorite ME sayings.

This sweet little warm Moda Brushed cotton homespun string quilt is going to a sweet new baby boy.

Last year my friend Sarah gave me a bag of Moda pastel brushed cotton homespuns. Yip Yip Yahoo!! This is what I made out of them. Thanks Sarah :)

Picking Up the Pace ~ Again

2010-12-07T10:57:00.000-05:00

Here is a top that I completed last year when we had our snow storm here in Raleigh, NC.

You can link back to see the post here

I just finished quilting it and also made a super terrific monogrammed burp cloth to go along with it. This one goes to a sweet baby in the Soldier's Angeles Organization. I ♥ the backing on this one.

Spiderman

2010-11-21T12:29:00.003-05:00

Here are the last tiny bits of my Spiderman fabric. Once again I have used the diamond string block. The diamond centres are black fabric with a spiderweb design. The blocks are 7" by 10" and there are 36 blocks in this quilt. It is a happy and bright one. Joanne H

Nothing Girly

2010-10-31T12:07:00.001-04:00

Special request from a local Air Force family.

Nothing Too Girly

I love girly, but I love how this one turned out.

2010-10-30T19:41:00.000-04:00

This is why I love doing what

I do.

You all know that my special passion is making quilts for babies who are born while their daddies are deployed. Right?

I happened to find this blog while searching the Blanket Brigade website. I was looking for a new family for me to sent a quilt to. This one brought tears to my eyes. Please read Mrs. P's blog. Please continue to make your donation quilts. Please keep donating them to any organization, foundation, hospital, charitable orgainzation, family, or someone that is dear to your heart.

Our soldiers are dear to mine, forever.

Scrappy Border for my Green Strings

2010-09-13T15:44:00.003-04:00

I made this string earlier this year when we first started the challenge and it has been waiting to have the borders sewn on. I finally got to it and made a strip pieced border from the leftover strings. I will be machinequilting this one soon I hope.

It's a Green Thing

2010-09-07T11:16:00.002-04:00

A beautiful quilt for a beautiful birthday girl.

Happy 21st. Claire!

So you know the saying "When Life gives you scraps, make quilts"? Right?

Out of a terrible tragedy, emerges this bright lively string quilt. Without any details, my friend's daughter needed to come home from college for the weekend to spend time with her family. She needed comfort and needed something to do quick to feed her soul and help with some healing. So I taught them how to make a string quilt. This all happened last year. Well now mother and daughter are now hooked on quilting. Yipee!! That's a good thing. They finished the quilt and I sent it off the a long armer and I bound it for them. We both presented it to the birthday girl yesterday, September 6th for her 21st birthday.

mom and daughter are doing wonderful!

Bright Strings

2010-08-31T22:07:00.000-04:00

Hi I'm LuAnn and this is my first string quilt. This was not the original plan I had for these blocks. I made a pile of smaller blocks and some larger blocks. I thought I would set the smaller blocks in a 4 X 4 square in the center and then put an outer border of 5 of the larger blocks around the outside. I didn't take into account that if you have an odd number of blocks the strong diagonal line goes up and down but at the corner it doesn't go back down again. So I did some trimming, bordering, added a piano key border around the center and ended up with a quilt top. I loved doing these blocks, and I'll do another quilt soon.

Our quilt guild here takes donations of quilts for service projects, or they will take just the tops. There are a couple of meetings a month where volunteers gather and finish the quilts. Most of the time backing fabric and batting is donated. So I will either donate the quilt there to be finished and donated or I'll finish it and donate it to Project Linus.

2010-08-29T11:14:00.003-04:00

This one has been ready to quilt for a while. It measures 42" by 64" and will be donated to my local Scrapbaggers group for distribution as needed. It looks like Bonnie Hunter's Spider Web pattern but I did not get it from that site. I have fallen far behind on the challenge. This is quilt number 8. At one a month I am OK but the challenge was two a month. I will have to get busy this fall. Joanne H

Finished!!

2010-07-15T15:40:00.003-04:00

Because I sewed my strings for this quilt on a fabric foundation, it weighs a ton!! I broke many a needle. But once I found the magic combination of thread, needle and tension it went like a dream. I also stopped rolling it to get it under the throat of my machine and tried puddling instead. That made such a difference and everything moved along just great. And what a lot of bobbins to wind. All in all, it was an awesome learning experience for me and I am much more confident with my machine. Now I have to practice making another design instead of spirals! I have someone special in mind for this quilt.

Is Shabby still Chic?

2010-07-10T14:15:00.002-04:00

I think so.

Take a peek here at the shabby fabrics in our store.

Dear Blog,

Sorry I haven't posted as well as I should have. I have been super busy these last few weeks. I do have a really good excuse.

My daughter got married. Yes, I cried but not too much.

Now that the flurry of activity is done and the two are married, I can get back to my quilting life. And I love it!

I managed to make a little Kindle Cover and working on a small table runner with one of my all time favorite fabric collections Paris Flea Market by Moda.

Inviting y'all to come over to my other blog and take a peek at what I've been up to.

Lots of activity and a special Give-Away.

July 4th Cyber Retreat!

2010-07-01T06:49:00.002-04:00

It's another holiday and time for another cyber sewing retreat! Please go to my other site: www.susanround.com and click on the number next to the title post and you're in! Hope to hear from my former retreat guests as well as anyone new who has never participated in a cyber sew-in.

Just Sharing

2010-06-29T16:20:00.000-04:00

From Jeane in Canada who doesn't

have a blog :(

"I love making string quilts and they become very addictive. I have a few on hand ready to be donated. One isn't quilted but I thought it was interesting. I got most of my inspirations from here. I enjoy this blog. I donate my quilts to our Cancer Treatment Center".

Jeane in Canada

Hello, is any one home?

2010-06-28T16:55:00.003-04:00

Where are all of the little quilters and bloggers who live here? It has become such a lonely little place. Come on back. Show us some more wonderful string quilts! I would show you one today myself, except I haven't finished anything new either. Hope all of your sewing machines are in proper working order and your fabric stashes are fat! TTFN, Rana

String Challenge #2 ~ Patriotic String Quilt

2010-06-04T14:37:00.000-04:00

This is Rita and this is my second string quilt. I started this quilt way back in March, and I thought Memorial Day weekend was a good time to finish it up. It measures 52 x 66 inches so it's a fairly good size. I’ll be donating this quilt to the Quilts of Valor program.

It all began with a pile of strings in patriotic fabrics that I’ve had for years. I still have a bunch left so I’ll be making another string quilt to use them all up … finally!

Seems everyone enjoys making these string quilts as much as I do. I just love seeing all the projects ... they're all so inspiring!

Roman Stripes

2010-06-02T00:33:00.002-04:00

This is Rana and I have another little quilt photo for you. This time I thought I would try a liberated Roman Stripes in pastel colors. It is baby sized and heavily quilted, as you can tell! I hope you are all still having lots of fun with strings. I know I am! The next project is going to be tan and pink with a little chocolate brown or maybe a sage-y green. Decisions, decisions.

First String Quilt

2010-05-27T14:42:00.005-04:00

You can tell by the poor quality of the picture that I am a rank amateur, but it's all I've got! This is my FIRST string quilt, and I learned a lot! Lessons learned: (1) center strip is all-important! (so don't use dull gold and brown next time...) (2) save some bigger strips for the corners. (3) Figure out how to make the blocks so that they don't peak at the intersections.

I quilted it diagonally across the grain, plus in the ditch. Is that what caused the peaking? I did do FMQ feathers in the border, which I was pleased with.

All in all, I really enjoyed making this quilt, and donated it to the local Police Department. That is our guild's charity of choice this year. They use the quilts when they remove children from their homes.

2010-05-25T12:23:00.003-04:00

Here is my next string challenge quilt. It is 48" by 60". Each small segment is cut 6 1/2". To make the block, draw a line on the diagonal of the base piece, place a light and a dark string right sides together and stitch them to the base on that diagonal. Then build up each side with either lights or darks. Joanne H

Double Pink

2010-05-08T18:06:00.000-04:00

This is the tail end of the mauve fabrics that I own. Some are new Robin Pandolph's and Sandy Gervis' and some are old. There are even some scraps from the first curtains I ever made back in 1990. The very thought of mauve curtains, yikes!! But, they were cute in their day. And, now instead of decorating windows these fabrics will be warming babies. That's a nice little transition.

My Inspiration String

2010-05-02T20:06:00.005-04:00

I made this string quilt to re-create the quilt top that a friend of mine had made. Check out my blog for the details http://bumbleknit.blogspot.com/

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

2010-05-02T13:50:00.003-04:00

Stacey's pink strings inspired me to try some of my own. Again the diamonds, white centres with pink and pink and white strings. Base was 7" by 10". This was donated to my local Scrapbagger group and will find a home as needed this year. Joanne H

Perfect Time for a Give-Away

2010-04-27T17:51:00.004-04:00

**Leave a little bit of love!! {That means a comment}**

Here is a set of 4 machine embroidered 6 1/2 inch snowball blocks.

Get creative and let's see what you can do with them.

Sweet designs from Hatched in Africa

Winner picked at random...soon..

Zizzybob is the Winner!

Yet another diamond string, beige diamonds this time

2010-04-25T11:37:00.003-04:00

This quilt has more of a country colour look. The blocks started at 7" by 10". A friend was the source of the scraps. Joanne H

Red Black and Tan

2010-04-18T15:49:00.005-04:00

Hello everyone, this is Rana. Well, I attacked my little pile of black scraps in the hopes of making them disappear. But alas, there were more of them than I thought! And I even sewed all of the solid blacks together to make the inner border and used Kim Diehl's scrappy binding idea to eliminate as many more as possible. But, it was a losing battle. So I guess I will just have to make another string quilt with black in it. What a pity! Can't wait to see what wonderful things all of you are doing with your scrap piles.

Finally a finish

2010-04-13T10:49:00.003-04:00

This is a baby quilt. Final size 30" by 41". The starter blocks are the 7" by 10" rectangles with the 14" long, 2" wide centre blue strip. The peach coloured srips were cotton drapery samples.

String Quilts for the Little Wee Ones

2010-04-09T20:29:00.008-04:00

I love how these sweeties turned out.

It's gonna be hard to part with that pink and green one on the top. {Oh, I love that one so.} Well come to think of it, the pink and yellow one at the bottom too.

I used to have a hard time making a quilt and then giving it away. I kinda hoard my quilts. But you know something, doing My String thing Challenge has made it possible for me to let them go. Knowing right off that they are meant to be donated has helped me with that process. Eight sweet little babies will get a special part of me.

I now have 7 more to quilt and my first shipment will be completed.

I hope you are getting as much joy from making your quilts as I am. Please let me know what your progress has been and where you have been donating any of them. It's super special to see where they will be going.

Happy Quilting.

Stacey

2010-03-25T15:12:00.004-04:00

{I'm Excited}

I just got a call from my Mom4RMarines contact saying that they need 8 baby boy, and 7 baby girl quilts. Maybe I better rethink the lavender and do blue instead. What do ya think?

Since I tend to do girly pinkish prints, I better get digging into my stash for blues. Good thing I've got a nice stash of about 10 string quilts all set and ready to go. Guess where I'll be for the next few days? In my sewing room of course. I'll post my progress when I get them all finished.

These are all going to families at Camp Lejeune, NC.

God Bless all of our troops

and their new little wee ones just born!

Stacey

I think in Pink ~ A Lot!

2010-03-24T20:00:00.001-04:00

I have to admit. I think in pink a lot! :) Doesn't it seems like most of my string quilts are for girls? What is it about pink? I always lean toward that color. Pink just shouts out to me

{Use me! Use me! }

I have pretty much depleted my pink string basket.

Maybe the next color to tackle will lavender.

A little Freebie to some lucky winner.

Green Strings

2010-03-22T18:25:00.004-04:00

here's my green strings. what fun!

A Green String Round-About

2010-03-18T17:44:00.004-04:00

This is Rana, and I am sharing with you my finish for March. It is the green round-about string quilt I had started in celebration of St Patrick's Day. The blocks are 12" each so it is a nice size, a quilt for a child rather than a baby. The blocks were made with the connecting square technique, so each produced 4 half square triangles. These were pressed into service as a border. And, I am happy to say, that this pretty much depleted my green scraps! Now, I am off to use up all of the blacks, and some reds and tans too! And, I am looking forward to seeing what you all have coming along as well! TTFN.

Ahh!!! Back to my color-controlled life

2010-03-07T15:42:00.000-05:00

Kind of random, but kind of planned. A little bit at least.

Just Grab and Go!!!

2010-03-07T15:33:00.003-05:00

No planning, no color-coordination, just grab and sew.

Bright Novelties.

My First String Quilt

2010-03-06T21:56:00.005-05:00

Hello, this is Rana. How exciting to be posting my first finish, which is also the first string quilt I have ever made. But, it is most definitely not the last. These little blocks are so much fun, and come together so quickly. And then, there is the little memory parade that all of those scraps bring to mind. Little bits that have not been seen in years, and were used for all manner of lovely things back when they were still yardage. This time I focused on blue and red scraps, which are plentiful. And, they fulfilled the challenge of a patriotic theme for February. Next is going to be greens in a roundabout type of block in honor of St. Patrick's Day. So, until next time.....

2010-03-02T01:49:00.001-05:00

This is Rita and I'm getting started on my second string quilt. These are a “bunch” of strings/strips that I’ve had for years … some of them are leftover from previous projects and some were cut from fat quarters. Most of them (if not all) are novelty prints with a patriotic theme. I'm sure there is enough here for more than one. I am SO glad that I am finally going to put them into a quilt … clearing out the old to make room for the new!

Again, I’ll be using recycled dryer sheets for foundation, but I haven’t decided on a design. I may use a white string in the middle with red strings on one side and blue on the other. Or I may use sashing and cornerstones as Kaaren @ The Painted Quilt did in her quilt. I guess I'll figure it out as I work along!

Get Ready, Set & Go

2010-02-22T21:51:00.004-05:00

To the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival!

I wonder if the recent String Quilt craze will be on display at the quilt show.

Hmmmm!! I guess I'll let you know when I return.

Just last week, I got the privilege of shoveling snow and then pulling weeds...all in the same week!

A wintery mix is in the forecast for Wednesday. Oh no!! Maybe I'll get stuck with all those wonderful venders and quilts for any extra day in Hampton Roads, VA.
**********************************************************************************************

Here is what I saw that would qualify as string quilts to me at the Mid-Atlantic Quilt show.

Pretty Neat. Huh?

Presidents' Day Challenge

2010-02-19T06:53:00.000-05:00

This is Wendy. Here's my string top for the Presidents' Day Challenge. It was quite fun to put together and I have tons of scraps from it to put into a patriotic star quilt or something. Tx for the challenge, I might not have gotten around to this one otherwise!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-17T21:50:00.001-05:00

2010-02-15T09:15:00.003-05:00

Is it Presidents Day or President's Day or Presidents' Day?

To me, it is a good day to remember all of the wonderful freedoms that I have in this country. This summer I began reading as much as I could on the history of the United States and it founders. It has sparked an incredible desire for me to make and donate as many quilts as I can. I probably don't get out and get as active as I should in my community, but donating these quilts is the next best thing for me.

I won't go shopping for incredible deals at Macys. I won't go and buy a car or mattress. I think I'll shop stash instead.

This is a stack of quilts that all of the ladies in my quilting bee donated to Alycia last year. We all brought in fabric and it was incredible how fast and efficient we were. We made eight quilts.

Valentine Haiku

2010-02-13T15:44:00.001-05:00

Get creative and post a sweet valentine Haiku!!

I will pick my favorite and send you this sweet non-fat, no calorie chocolate valentine embroidery. It's the one in the middle.

Linda Wins!!!!

Confectionery Delight

2010-02-11T17:01:00.004-05:00

My favorite candy... Skittles ! In all types. Some folks like 'em sweet, some like 'em sour and some even like original and tropical. No matter what flavor, I eat 'em by the handful. Okay! Well! not that often or I wouldn't be able to keep this body of mine in tune.

Last night though, I ate a whole huge box at the movies. Sherlock Holmes is a very long movie. It's not often that my husband takes me out the movies. I kinda wanted to see a sweet romantic comedy or something along those lines. I bet it's been about 5 years since we went to see a movie together. We just can't agree on a genre. He likes guy stuff and I don't.

So I made him buy me the biggest box they had. I finished the whole box by myself. I didn't even share any of them with my him.

What in the world does this have to do with String Quilts?

You might be asking.

I made this bright and cheerful little quilt last weekend when it was brutally cold here. While I was making it, I was thinking of a clever quilt name for my post or even for a label. So Skittles it is.

Today is the first day of bright sunshine and no gale force winds bringing the wind-chill down to 24 degrees. It is a toasty 44.

_________________________________________________________________

On another subject. Is anyone up for a new challenge? How about if we make a patriotic-themed string quilt to commemorate President's Day. Let's make our Founding Fathers proud. I will pick a winner at random.

Ooohhhh !!

A neat 2 1/2 inch AccuQuilt Cut sweet treat of americana charm squares.

Just leave a comment.

Please leave me a way to notify you if you are my winner. Some of you are following anonymously or have your blog set to private. I don't want you to miss out on such goodness!!

Katie Wins!!

Me too! Yellow and Blue!

2010-02-11T12:55:00.001-05:00

Linda and I were both thinking the same!!

25 x 25 with 5-inch finished blocks

Remember when Blue and Yellow quilts were all the rage? I do and I have lots more blue and yellow in my stash. That's when I made my first Yellow Brick Road quilt. Hummm... That pattern came out in 2000. It is the all time top selling pattern.

Kaleidoscope

2010-02-11T12:51:00.002-05:00

Hi, I'm Wendy. I just found your lovely group and I HAD to join! I've made my own personal pledge to make a string quilt every time I clean out my scrap bin (which is after every quilt is finished). I figure that will come to one string quilt a month, with all the WIPs I have.

This is my first string quilt from that rule and I'm adding it to this challenge. It's my very first EVER string quilt. I've made a few strip quilts, and I expected it to be the same. But it's not! This was so fun to make. Just zip, zip, zip and it's done! It's 4' x 4'.

Blue and Yellow Strings

2010-02-07T08:26:00.002-05:00

Here are my blue and yellow string blocks that I sewed this past week. I still have to sew them together. I think I will add a border also. I still have lots of blue and yellow scraps leftover. There are 24 - 12 1/2" blocks sewn on a white tone-on-tone foundation. Such fun!

Spring Has Sprung ~ Not!!!

2010-02-04T17:32:00.004-05:00

From some blog here in NC. I don't believe it. It's cold! Baby it's cold!!

"Sir Walter Wally did not see his shadow, so there will be an early Spring. This is good news since there is still snow and ice on the ground from last weekend's storm and another storm may be on the way this coming weekend. So at least in North Carolina we can look forward to an early Spring."

Another Give-Away!!

Win this machine embroidered daffodil quilt square on Kona Cotton. Wouldn't this be terrific for a quilt label or somehow incorporate it in a string block?

Leave a comment and I will pick the winner as soon as I can see some yellow on my daffodil plants.

Be sure to leave me some method to get in touch with you if you are my winner!

Judy wins!!

2010-02-02T14:47:00.002-05:00

**participants still welcome!**

come on. It's fun!!

No rules just lots of creative fun and sharing.

Oh Where, Oh Where have my Daffodils Gone?

2010-01-31T17:59:00.008-05:00

Somewhere under our 6 inches of snow are the sweet tips of my daffodils.

Here is my sweet show and tell of what I got accomplished this weekend with my "Snow Day"!! Hip Hip Hurrah!!
I have enjoyed every minute of my personal retreat.

Did I see a snowflake in the forecast for next week. I think so :)

Each block is finished at 5 inches and the quilt top is 30 x 30.

These Ice Blue strings are cut wonky and crooked. I still used phonebook pages as my foundation. They too are finished at 5 inches and the quilt top is 25 x 30 inches. I can't wait to get these quilted tomorrow. With the temperature going to be just 10 degrees, you won't see me out on the road.

I really didn't know what I would get done with the mess of strings that I posted about on Friday. It seems like I didn't even make a dent in the pile.

Here is a peek at my street!!

Next week I am going to try and use my precious Amy Butler, Heather Bailey, Tina Givens and Kaffe Fassett strings. Ohhh it's gonna be hard. I just love them so!!

My Mess of Strings and Scraps

2010-01-29T20:22:00.006-05:00

* everything AND the kitchen sink *

The snow has started falling here and I am about to tackle this mess of strings and scraps. I am having my own little retreat all by myself. HooT Hoot!!!

Anyone want to join me?

No kids or hubby around for the entire weekend. They are all in Florida. They said they are lucky to be out of the snow and in the nice 75 degree weather.
I disagree. I'd rather be with my sewing machine cranking out a few sweet quilts.

We can't go into to work tomorrow because North Carolina shuts down with any amount of snow on the ground.

I have no idea how I am going to color-control this mess. Be sure to come on back on Sunday night to see what I unveil.

Getting Ready for Mother Nature

2010-01-28T22:25:00.000-05:00

"As storm warnings go into affect for this area, many Triangle residents are getting ready to deal with what Mother Nature may bring".

Hummmm, I am planning a weekend full of sewing. No one home and tons of cool strings ready to go. We better not have a nasty ice storm here. Well, if we did I would just stay inside anyway, But Pleaseeee don't let the power go out. I need my sewing machine.

Ladies, I love seeing all of your quilts. Keep 'em coming and sharing your pictures and progress. I have teamed up with a group called Moms For Marines to give some of my quilts to.

Happy Quilting
Stacey

Novelty String Quilt ... Finished!

2010-01-28T17:56:00.000-05:00

Wow, this is a really scrappy, busy quilt! I did an all-over loopy meander design. I tried to keep it simple since there is so much going on with the top. I was going to use a 101 Dalmatians bed sheet for the backing, but instead I used a really cute Raggedy Ann-Andy print that I found in my stash. It has a medical theme and the characters are dressed as doctors and nurses. I thought this’d be appropriate since I am donating this to Project Linus and the quilt will be going to the Loma Linda hospital.

My Turquoise

2010-01-25T16:28:00.002-05:00

I have just started making turquoise string blocks..

No Sewing ~ Just Sweet Treats

2010-01-24T21:38:00.002-05:00

While gathering up my new strings for next month's string quilt, I got so very side-tracked. I never even touched my sewing machine this whole weekend.

Instead I used my Happy Embroidery Machine and stitched out lots of these cuties.

2010-01-23T18:10:00.002-05:00

This is another quilt for the challenge. It is 51" by 74". The blocks were made using shirting fabric as foundation. The centre string is yellow and the other strings are various blues. Joanne

MiniString

2010-01-21T19:35:00.004-05:00

What fun this was! I made 24 x 2 1/2" finished string blocks on phone book pages. I am a beginner free-motion quilter so dont look too closely!!

Bari's black and white and colored strings

2010-01-18T21:29:00.004-05:00

I have wanted to make a string quilt for ages and just hadn't gotten around to it. I like things planned out, and the general "throw-it-up-there" scrappiness just isn't my thing. Kind of out of my comfort zone if you know what I mean. Stacey started showing her color-controlled versions and I thought, "I LIKE those! I could do one of those!"

Then along came the StringThing Challenge and, I need something else to do like I need a hole in the head, but I just had to jump on the chance to start making string quilts. I sorted through my scraps and decided I would use my black and white scraps, but use the ones with all the wild colors in them for a child's quilt.

I finished this top in about 15 days making a few blocks a day. It was made on phone book foundations that were about 8.5 by 8.5, cut down to 8" for a 7.5" finished block. I had actually cut the foundations a couple of years ago when I first had the impulse to make string quilts, and just never jumped into it.

I still have to quilt and bind it, and figure it will take me the rest of the month to get that done. This quilt will either go to Quilts for Kids or to my guild's pile of charity quilts for local hospitals.

I definitely will be making more and am inspired by all the beautiful quilts everyone is making. Keep it up!

Bari

http://crossroadsquilts.wordpress.com/

Shirley's Terrific Donation Quilt

2010-01-18T11:36:00.001-05:00

Shirley says:
"Here is my little string quilt for January. It measures 36" X 45" and I chose to do the center string in the bright yellow to brighten up these dark winter days. This will be donated to Project Linus in the Pittsburgh, PA area".

Bobbi's Bright String Quilt

2010-01-18T11:30:00.000-05:00

Here is Bobbi's Bright String Quilt. She says:

"This is my bright strings quilt. The entire quilt which measures 45" by 45" was made of scraps from previous projects. I tried to keep the strings in two color families. My string bin in still bulging so I can start another one for next month in a new color combo".

We've Made Some Great Progress

2010-01-17T23:14:00.000-05:00

Wow! Ladies you all have made some great progress. Thanks for such a great Show and Tell.

As for me, I got no sewing done this entire weekend.

Check back often, you'll notice a different blog background most of the time. I love to choose them at random. Either to coordinate with our challenge, the season, my mood, or if I find one that is just too CuTe!!

This one is from My Style Backgrounds!!

Karen's Goal for 2010

2010-01-17T21:46:00.005-05:00

Karen asked me to post this for her. She made a great string quilt with lots of scraps. I love her star fabric as her common center string. Here is what she says:

"My goal for 2010 is to use up my all stash. And what a better way than to make string quilts, so I joined the string quilt challenge. I loved using Stacey's method of telephone books pages it was much easier than other ways I have tried to make string quilts. This one I made is not color control but I love the way the different colors compliment each other. This quilt will be giving to a children's charity".

First Strings

2010-01-17T09:04:00.004-05:00

This is my first attempt at making a string quilt. I really enjoyed making it and using up all the scraps I had accumulated. Now I want to make a color controlled one like everyone else has been making. They are so pretty. This one is going to Journey of Hope a charity for children my guild Cotton Boll quilters supports.

Finished blocks

2010-01-16T21:26:00.002-05:00

Well I did some power sewing this past week and completed 80 - 6 1/2" blocks for my pink string quilt. I thought I only had enough for 64 blocks but found some more scraps and was able to make my quilt larger. I love it. Just have to sew the blocks together and get it ready for quilting. I may try to machine quilt this one. I have not done a larger piece yet on my machine so I guess this one would be a good one to start with. Its so much better to have all my awesome scraps together now in a quilt top rather than squished into a plastic tub out of sight.

Here's a Sweet Valentine Needle Case You can Win!

2010-01-14T13:19:00.003-05:00

Hi Ladies, remember I said there would be lots of freebies and fun?

Well, here is my first freebie and contest. To add a little fun to our challenge, here is a quick Valentine-themed String quilt. I whipped up this little quilt in the last few days. I just used red and white strings. My blocks are a bit smaller then I usually make. They are finished at 4 inches.

I am calling it "My Love Letters Quilt"

Now comes the fun part!! The first person to complete a red and white themed string quilt will get this valentine bouquet needle case. Machine embroidered by me!! Your quilt needs to be entirely finished. That means quilted and bound.

You've got 30 days to get it done. The first person to finish, gets the prize!! Please post your pictures if you are a participate and of course email me with any questions. If you don't have a blog, I can post your pictures for you provided that I don't get bombarded with new participants. (I wish) Please tell your quilting friends about our challenge. New participants are always welcome. I would love to reach 100 participants!!

Happy Quilting!

2010-01-12T10:36:00.000-05:00

Quite a while ago, I saw a table runner on the Heartstrings Yahoo Group that was made of yellow and red strings. I just loved the color combo. It was so simple and so very stunning to me. Well, naturally I had to make one for myself too!! I dug and dug deep into my stash to get to all my reds. That is one color that I don't have very much of.

I started this little quilt a few weeks ago and finished it up this weekend along with the Let's Celebrate quilt show below.

A 1/4 yard will do it for me

2010-01-11T22:11:00.005-05:00

Some of my friends might consider me frugal (aka cheap). I used to work in a quilt shop and when a new fabric collection would come out, I wanted it all. Don't we all have that same thing in common? Well, I didn't need to get a yard of each fabric in that collection. That would have been over-the-top for me. Just a 1/4 yard would do the trick. Leaving the store with my sweet little bundle of goodies all tied up in a nice neat bow, I felt like I had won the lottery.

Now with a nice big stash these 1/4 yard cuts (which made me so happy back then) these collections make the prettiest string quilts. I just finished this one from a collection called Let's Celebrate.

36 Pink Strings and counting.....

2010-01-11T17:26:00.002-05:00

I have been having so much fun since last Friday when I took up Stacey's challenge to make string blocks. I have now completed 36 blocks for the pink quilt. Not sure how far I will go and what I will do for border or if I will just continue to make blocks. What a great Stash/Scrapbusting block this is.

Pink Strings

2010-01-09T15:59:00.002-05:00

I started sewing my blocks last night. I am working on 18 blocks right now. I have finished them and am now squaring up. Love them. I decided to do the pink strings on both sides because this wont be my only string quilt and I have always wanted to do a romantic/girlie quilt with pinks and this is IT! I will start the two colour blocks when I get to the blues, purples, greens. (Can't wait for that but I must!!)

Joanne's Beautiful Jewel Tone Diamond String Quilt

2010-01-09T15:18:00.005-05:00

Isn't this lovely? Joanne asked me to post this for her. She made a diamond string quilt with lots of jewel tones. Here is what she says:

"Here is a little flash of colour to brighten your afternoon. The starter block was 7" x 10". Centre strip was 2 1/2" and then strips were every bright thing I could find. Doll quilt using the left overs is pinned but not quilted."

Worked on Two String Quilts Today!

2010-01-08T04:56:00.004-05:00

I made 4 7 1/2" squares today that will eventually be a 14 1/2" block. The small squares have a diagonal section that is made up of 8 or 9 scrappy strips on a muslin foundation. The other two corners are solid. There are many ways to assemble this block, so I'll wait until they're all done to decide on a pattern. But I'm leaning towards a Hugs and Kisses design. The second quilt is one I started quite a while ago, but have a long way to go. It's the Quilt of Valor pattern made up of rectangles with a black center string, using light weight non-woven innerfacing as a foundation. I made one more block for it today. Stacey, I love your Organized Color Strings! After I finish with these 2 scrappy string quilts, I'd love to do one with a color theme. I love the fact that you're using phone book pages as your foundation, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for the mess. ;-) Happy Stringin' everyone! Eileen S Spokane Valley, WA

Getting ready

2010-01-05T15:53:00.002-05:00

I just finished my Quilt for Kids and am ready to start finding "strings" for my string quilt project. I will be making rectangle shaped blocks and I'm going to use black in the middle of each one. I haven't tried this yet, but in pictures I've seen it really changes the look of the finished quilt. Wish me luck because my center strip may not be in the center once the block is squared up. Also wish me luck in keeping up because my mind is always thinking up new things to start instead of urging me to finish what is already started. Anyone else share this affliction?

I hadn't thought of making a blue and white quilt to commemerate this cold and snowy winter-but it sure is a good idea!

I'll be watching the Orange Bowl tonight and maybe sorting scraps at the same time. University of Iowa is playing. New Years Eve Iowa State University (my Alma Mater) played in the Insight Bowl. Two Iowa teams in Bowl games in year! Life is good!

Happy stringing! Judy K in Iowa

It's a String ThingChallenge: Getting Ready to start my first String Quilt.

2010-01-04T16:38:00.000-05:00

http://bumbleknit.blogspot.com/

Getting Ready to start my first String Quilt.

2010-01-04T14:04:00.002-05:00

As a scrappy quilter, I am, of course, attracted to string quilts. Since seeing Stacey's method of using two colour combos of scraps I am even more attracted. So...I spent the last few days sorting all my scraps into colour piles. And I was also able to sort out all the teeny-tiny pieces for crumb quilt blocks. My 2010 personal quilting resolution is to use up all my scraps and I have tons of scraps. I inherited my quilting buddy's scraps when she passed away so lots of memories will go into these scrap quilts I am going to make this year. I will post a block or two when I get a few completed.

Ice Blue Strings!!!

2010-01-04T08:43:00.008-05:00

What a weekend so many of you had!!

After reading your blogs and seeing the amount of snow that so many of you got, I had to make a quilt that reminded me of these ice cold winter temperatures. I just couldn't believe it. How do you get around in all of that white stuff? Or do you stay in and make quilts?

I especially enjoyed seeing Judy's photos from Iowa. Judy, do you actually get mail delivered in all that snow?

We reached 32 degrees here as our high here yesterday. That is considered brutal for me. I stayed in all weekend and finished this quilt.

If you got an invitation to participate in this blog, please feel free to post your pictures and share your string quilt progress with us.

Getting Ready

2010-01-03T19:43:00.002-05:00

Spent the last two days just sorting all my scraps....tons of scraps. I am trying to keep with Stacey's colour-controlled method of doing string quilts, so I sorted all my scraps into colour piles to make it easier to grab strips. I am using "scraps". - less than fat quarters but nothing less than 2 in squares. I am saving these for crumb quilts. I have two bins of these. My plan for 2010 is to use up all these scraps and make string quilts or crumb quilts. Let's see how this turns out!! I havent made a block yet. I cant decide what colour combo I want to use. I wont dwell on this too long. I am leaning towards blues, greens and purples.

Yummy Spray Starch Recipe Cranberry and Frost Scent

2009-12-29T15:19:00.013-05:00

Here is a yummy smelling starch solution that I created one day after looking for some spray starch at the grocery store. I didn't want an aerosol can of the usual stuff and it was after hours for a local quilt shop and of course, I needed it "now".

You only need two ingredients. I got everything I needed from Walmart.

It's so inexpensive and easy.

Walmart had this neat seasonal Febreze ~ Cranberry Frost ~ spray bottle

***Ohhh Limited Edition***

1 bottle of Sta Flo liquid starch (I get 64 oz. for I think $2.99)

1 spray container of Febreze Limited Edition Cranberries and Frost scent spray

Water

I just put equal parts of each (about 1 cup each) in a separate spray bottle

and OH My! I love how it smells. You can adjust the quantities if you like

more or less starch.

I like to use spray starch on my blocks before I square them up. This works great and your sewing room will smell terrific too. I wonder what the next seasonal scent will be?

It's a String Thing Quilt Tutorial

2009-12-28T12:41:00.063-05:00

Tutorial: Making a String Block Quilt

First decide what size quilt you would like to make and your block size. Since I use the mini-phonebook pages as my foundation, I can get a nice 6-inch square out of one sheet of paper. Tear out your pages carefully and square up each sheet paper to

6 inches.

My finished quilts range from a 30 to 36 inch square.

Add borders if you like.

There are no rules, just fun.

Gather up your color coordinated strings and get ready to sew!!

I use strings or strips anywhere from 3/4 of an inch to 2 inches. Two inches is probably my maximum width for a 6 inch block.

You can cut strips from your stash. You can use the strings you've collected. Don't be afraid to cut them crooked.

The wonkier the better.

I like to have two piles in my color-controlled life. One pile is for one side of the block and the other pile for the next side.

You can decide what color you would like your common center strip to be. You can see that I like to use white and yellow a lot (white is always very stunning). Use your imagination and take a peek at my show-and-tell for other quilts that I have made.

The Heartstrings Quilt Project prefers you use red as your center strip.

***

Here we go...

If you use a 6 inch piece of phonebook paper, your center common strip will be approximately 9 to 10 inches.

Cover the paper from tip to tip.

I like to chain piece these as I go. Usually working on up to 6 blocks at a time.

If you have a strip or string that is 42 - 44 inches long, sew along the right edge of the fabrics (right sides together) until you get to the end of your first page of paper. Snip the two fabrics apart. Grab another piece of paper, a commom center strip, center it along on the diagonal, add another colored string on top and repeat this process until you have a nice pile behind your sewing machine.

Finger press as you go along toward the outer edge.

Your string requirements will be getting shorter and shorter as you move along to the edge of the paper. Save your short strings, and add them as you like as you work yourself along to the last piece. When you get the last needed piece, they may work for you. I also like use up some of my "waste triangles" that I have saved from other projects.

A 2 1/2 inch square cut on the diagonal works perfect as well.

If you are as obsessed as I am, I just can't make one block a day. But that is all you really need to do in this challenge.

Once you get all your strings sewn on to one side, start on the other side with your coordinated string or strip. Sew along from the top to bottom using a 1/4 inch seam.

Finger press and then repeat the process until you get the whole page covered

with fabric.

You can now easily tear away your phonebook pages. It helps me if I fold one end over and finger press the paper just a bit.

Now just rip away.

I haven't had to change the stitch size on my machine. However, I would check your stitches before you make a lot of these blocks. I'd hate to have your seams pop open with all that tearing. All machines and threads are different, so do a trial.

Watch out because this is where the mess comes in. Pretty soon you'll have a mess of torn phonebook pages all over.

Turn block right side up and Press!!

I like to use a lot of spray starch.

I'll give you my special yummy spray starch recipe in my next post.

Press all your blocks before squaring them up. This will make them nice and flat. It will also press away any extra room in between the seams.

I now make sure that I will be able to square up my block to

5 1/2 inches. Lay the ruler on top of your pressed uncut block.

Check the markings on your ruler and then square up one side.

Flip your block around and do the same for the other side.

You will now have a perfect 5 1/2 inch block

Arrange your blocks in a pleasing manner

Diamonds are fun (and a girl's best friend)

Zig-Zags are Cute!

Enjoy this method and let me know if it works for you! Feel free to ask me any questions that you may have.

Come on and join the fun!!!

Why Not Join Us!!!

2009-12-27T12:13:00.019-05:00

please join me in my special quilting challenge.

let's make lots of string quilts together and donate them to charities!!!

***

what are string quilts?

a method of using up little bits of fabric strips

left over from other quilting projects that you just can't part with called "strings"

I am a color-controlled string queen fanatic

here are the guidelines and they are super easy:

***

try to make one string block quilt a month

that can be as easy as one block a day

***

work at your own pace

there is no time limit

but the challenge will end January, 2011

***

*Participants still welcome!*

***

{sign up in the comments section}

If you need some help getting started, you can follow along with me or feel free to do your own thing!!

You can look at my short tutorial on my method.

i get my inspiration from the Heartstrings Quilt Project

the possibilities are endless and no two quilts will ever be the same.

wonkiness is totally accepted, and well,

the wonkier the better

***

i will be making my blocks at 5 1/2 inches

use phone book pages as my foundations

setting them 6 across and 6 down

or 7 x 7 for a slightly larger quilt

you can of course make them large to suit your needs

you can also add borders

***

my challenge is to donate them to kids in need charities

Let's see how many we can make in one year.

We'll keep track of your progress here and then at the end of the year, go ahead and donate them to your favorite charitable organization.

grab the blog button on the side and add it to your blog

Let's get ready to sew

Let me know if you have a blog. I'd love to share it with all our readers.

Welcome to my blog!!!

***
***participants are still welcome***

thank you in advance for signing up

if you have any questions, feel free to ask them. I'll answer in the comments section.

Or you can email me by clicking on the link at the top of the page

If you need some color controlled fabric strings, I will be offering some sweet assortments for sale in my store.

SewFarSewGoodQuiltShop.Com

Happy Quilting

Stacey