Mar 25, 2015

Stringing Along

I have a new hobby! (As if I need something else to do.) It’s called string quilting. Have you ever come across it before? Have you done it yourself?

I’ve always fancied trying my hand at quilting, but it was one of those crafts I was putting off until I had time to focus on it. Well, that’s all changed now. My fabric scraps were threatening to take over my work room, so I decided it was time to do something with them. Many were too small to use – or so I thought.

I researched quilting with scraps and discovered string quilting. It involves sewing thin strips of fabric diagonally across a square of fabric until you have a quilt block. I also came across the ‘quilt as you go’ method where a square of fabric is sewn directly onto a square of batting and quilted, then the squares are joined and a backing added to create the finished quilt. I chose to combine the two techniques and sew the strips of fabric - my ‘strings’ - onto a square of batting. It’s worked out well so far.

While researching I found some quilts that used completely random fabrics, all mixed together with no attempt at control at all. That was too much chaos for me, I like a little more restraint, so I came up with a roughly colour-coordinated design with a white strip in the centre of each block which will form a diamond pattern and separate the colours.

I find it very relaxing and a great way to unwind. This is not going to become yet another project that I have to complete within a certain time. It’s comfort sewing, and I’ll work on a square whenever I need a break from everything else.

Here’s part of my first row - two more blocks will be joined on to the row at the right-hand side to complete it. What do you think?





17 comments:

  1. WOW Claire that looks really good I have a friend who does lots of sewing and quilting and it amazes me what beautiful things she makes I don't have the patience to do any of this sort of thing I used to knit a lot once and I also used to do embroidery but not anymore maybe someday I will get back to it :)

    Have Fun
    Helen

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    1. Thanks, Helen! Like you I went for years without sewing and I'm very glad to have rediscovered my love for it.

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  2. Oh, Claire, you clever thing! That looks lovely. Learning to sew is on my bucket list. I think it'd be so much fun to make things from scratch. I might even put string quilting on the must-try list. :-) It looks like a lovely way to unwind.

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    1. Thanks, Michelle. I suggest starting with something else and saving all your scraps, because one of the best things about string quilting is being able to use all the scraps I didn't want to throw away.

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  3. WOW - that looks amazing, Claire!! I take my hat off to people who quilt because the end results are always spectacular.

    Unfortunately I'm not a needlework kinda person but I so admire people who are!

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    1. Thanks, Amy. I think I'm hooked on quilting now. I'll have to try something more challenging next.

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  4. OMG! It there anything you can't do, Claire. This is just so gorgeous!!! Any chance you'd be putting one such quilt into a silent RWA auction? I would bid, bid, bid!

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    1. Oh, I hadn't thought of anything like that. I'm just using up my scraps! I'll start pondering my next project, and you never know...

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  5. That is fabulous, Claire! You are very clever, and I love the combination of the colours the way you've done them. I have a few unfinished projects (sewing, knitting, cross stitch) that I just don't have the patience to finish! One day....

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    1. Thanks, Louisa. I have some unfinished projects too. The good thing about this project is that it doesn't take much time and focus. I can fit in a square here and there without feeling guilty about taking 'me' time.

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  6. Claire, that is so very pretty. I love the idea of comfort sewing. I think there should be more things we do, not because we have to complete them, but because of the sheer fun of them.

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  7. Very pretty! I love how the colours match but you have such a variety of patterns and shades.

    I envy your ability to sew. I've tried my hand at a few types of sewing, knitting and crocheting...it's just not in my skill set.

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  8. These are GORGEOUS, Claire! I have a couple of friends who are very serious about their quilting and I've always loved going through all their gorgeous fabrics.

    I love knitting but haven't made anything since the kids were tiny. You have me inspired, though! Comfort knitting sounds lovely for the winter.

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    1. Comfort knitting and winter go together for sure. Hope you enjoy!

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  9. Wow, this is amazing, Claire! The strips of colours & patterns look so great together. I'd love to see more as it grows so please keep us up with your progress.

    I've got a friend who makes quilted baby blankets. So gorgeous! And the size is so much more manageable that a queen sized quilt!

    I started learning crochet at the end of last year but with summer handling wool got less attractive. I must pick it up again! You've inspired me too!

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