Friday, January 18, 2019

Scrappy Fabric Wreaths - 3 Finishes and a Tutorial

Hi there quilting friends!!!  Today I am super excited to share with you my new Scrappy Fabric Wreath's.  These are so much fun to make and the possibilities are endless.  I have already made 3, and am thinking of at least 10 more fabric combinations so I can rotate them on the front door each month :)   And the best thing about them, they are a fantastic way to use up scraps!!! 


And if it is one thing we quilters have in spades, it's scraps!!!   I decided to start out with a Valentine's Day wreath, since it is just around the corner, so these are my pink and red buckets ;)   I find it helpful to store my scraps by colors.


So let's get into how to make this wreath!!!

STEP 1 - CUTTING

Now, this is where I saved some serious time.   For each wreath, you need approximately.(350)  1 1/2" x 6 1/2" strips.  We all know, cutting scraps takes more time and is more tedious than cutting yardage,  but of course,  we still want to use them :)  And since I got my new AccuQuilt GO!, (that I wrote about back here) I can't stop thinking of ways to use it to cut up my scraps, which is good, because I have a lot of them!!!   So I was delighted to find that AccuQuilt made a 1 1/2" Strip Cutter Die that can be used in my Go! Machine


CUTTING USING SCRAPS - So I just took scraps and stacked them on top of the die being sure to line them up with the lines of the die, which are easy to see ;)  I didn't worry about the size of the scrap, just stacked the larger ones first, and then the smaller ones on top of them.  You can stack up to 6 layers and if you have large prints (like the text one) you can always fan fold them.


Then a quick pass through the GO! Machine to cut all of the strips.  Now this is something new I learned from this little AccuQuilt video is to slide your mat off, so that all your pieces stay aligned on the die.


Then just slide your strips onto the mat, discarding the little bits of leftover scraps at the top and bottom of the die.   I just align these up in rows to make them simple to sub-cut.    And remember, these are strips for a wreath, so you don't have to worry about them being perfectly laid out, just straight is good ;)


Then simply use a 6 1/2" ruler aligned on your strips, and sub-cut all of the strips in a row to 1 1/2" x 6 1/2".  Because they are stacked and aligned, you can cut a ton of strips all at once as shown.


And just continue rolling scraps through your GO! Machine using the 1 1/2" Strip Cutter Die until you have approximately (350) 1 1/2" x 6 1/2" strips.  And just so you don't have to count all of those strips, if you stack up all your strips, it should measure close to 3 1/2" high ;)     And these are all set for a Valentines Day Wreath.  But you all know, I couldn't stop at just one Wreath ;)


CUTTING USING QUILT BACK LEFTOVERS -  I realized, one of the craziest scraps that I try and figure out what to do with are the leftovers from my quilt backs.  Ya know, the four sides that you trim off and are a little crazy wonky.   And you think, I could use these for a binding strip, but there is never enough for a whole quilt.   Well, I figured, what better thing to use them for, than tiny strips!!!   So I grabbed a rainbow of Quilt Back Leftovers (which is awesome because they take up to much room in the scrap drawers and made a little more noticeable dent :) and figured they would make a great Birthday Wreath!!!



And these are simple to stack on the 1 1/2" Strip Cutter Die.  Just fan fold them long ways back and forth over the die lines.  Then run them through the GO! Machine simple as that.


And just like before, slide your mat off, and align the strips onto your cutting mat and then sub cut all your long strips into 1 1/2" x 6 1/2" strips.  These were so fast to cut!!!


And just like that, I had a rainbow of strips.  I did about 60 or just over a 1/2" stacked up of each color.  And isn't that rainbow just to fun!!!  And I am just thrilled to use those quilt back leftovers!!!


CUTTING USING YARDAGE -   And of course, if you don't save scraps, you can always just cut the strips from yardage.  And it is going to be so super fast and easy.  Just simply fan fold your yardage on the 1 1/2" Strip Cutter Die, keeping it folded the way it comes off the bolt as shown. Then just run it through the  GO! Machine.


And again, slide your mat off, and align the strips onto your cutting mat and then sub cut all your long strips into 1 1/2" x 6 1/2" strips.  These were so fast to cut!!!  You can get (72) 1 1/2" x 6 1/2" strips per 1/2 yard.  So where I was wanting to make a 2 print wreath, I used 1 1/4 yards of each of the two prints to make 360 strips.


So there's a quick run down on the cutting.  However and whatever your choose to cut, (if you had some leftover Honey Buns they work great for this too!!!)  in the end, you want to have approximately (350) 1 1/2" x 6 1/2" strips. 

STEP 2 - TYING THE WREATH

So now with your strips all cut, you are ready to tie your wreath!!!  You will need a simple wreath frame.  These can be found in lots of stores.  I have seen them in my local Craft Store, Wal-Mart, and I actually found these at the Dollar Store.  Sweet!!!  My frame is a 14" circle, so if yours is a little smaller, you can use less strips, and a little larger, obviously will need more strips ;)  So let's start Tying that Valentine's Day Wreath!!!


TYING USING A SINGLE KNOT - The simplest way that results in the "fluffiest" wreath is just tying a single knot.   Fold a strip in half lengthwise with wrong sides together.  You don't have to press this or anything, it just helps to show off more of the prints and less of the wrong side.   Then tie the folded strip onto the inner ring of the frame with a single knot.  (ya know the one you use to start tying your shoes.)


Keep tying strips to the inner ring.  There are 6 sections in the frame and I find it easiest to just move all the way around the circle, alternating colors randomly.


Once you have finished tying the first ring, you can move outward.  I found it easiest to tie the second ring and third ring at the same time as it made it easier to deal with all of the other strips in the "way".   I like to tie 4-5 strips onto the second ring, and then 4-5 on the third ring, and just alternate back and forth until you have tied all the way around the second and third ring.  And if a few strips wind up in the back of the wreath, no worries.  Well poke them all out at the end.  For now, just worry about tying.


Then, all that is left is that outer fourth ring.  Just push that third ring out of the way a bit, and tie around the outside ring.  These will tend to want to flip backwards a lot, but no worries, we will fix that at the end.



And once you have gone all the way around the outer ring, you can now poke out all of those little "flipped" strips.  I found the easiest way to do this was to wedge my fingers through the rings from the back around each of the four rings.   This just pushed out all of the strips to the front.   Then flip it over and "fluff" it from the front.


And just like that, you have a beautiful Scrappy Fabric Wreath!!!    Isn't that just so fun!!!!  And it used up a ton of fabric scraps, double bonus!!!   How great is this going to look on the front door February!!!



TYING USING A DOUBLE KNOT - And since I couldn't stop at cutting out strips for 1 wreath, I figured I can share a few alternate ways of making your wreath.   If you have a screen door and don't want your wreath to get "flattened" you can always use a Double Knot.  It will also make your knots more secure.


So when tying, rather than just tying one knot, do two, making a square knot.   You remember, right over left and then left over right.   The red strip below is a single and the orange is a double.  you can see the difference it makes.   The double knot will be shorter but have a fun "bunchy" look to it.


So it's just like before, do the inner ring first and then continue out doing the second and third ring together and then on to the fourth ring.    For this wreath, we just alternated the fabrics in rainbow color order.


My daughter was tying this wreath and decided when she got to the fourth ring that she was done.   And that's always another option and gives you a wire to hang the wreath on.   So if you run out of strips, or just get tired of tying, you can always just do the inner three rings.   Once you are done tying, pop out all your strip sets as shown before. 



And you will have a cute little bunchy Scrappy Fabric Wreath and we even already had a birthday at our house to use it for!!!   Nothing says Happy Birthday like a rainbow of scrappy goodness, right!!!


TYING USING A SLIP KNOT - And finally, a last variation on tying your knot, and this one is fun, because it gives you three options for different looking wreaths at the end.


So again, start by folding the strip in half lengthwise with wrong sides together.  Then look the the strip behind the inner frame as shown below.


Now simply feed the tail ends of the strip through the loop created at the bend of the strip wrapping it around the inner frame.


Pull tight and you have a cute little slip knot.  If you have a crochet hook, it can make it a little easier than using your fingers, but ya, kind of crazy, but I couldn't find a crochet hook in my house ;)   But it is also pretty easy to do with your just your fingers.


I alternated my two Christmas prints.  And just like before, Inner circle first.  Although different from before, this one I found easier to do all of the second ring, and then all of the third ring.  Where you can just turn all of the slip knots inwards, that don't tend to get in the way very much.


And here is where the fun is.   Once you have all of your strips tied on, you can leave the strip sets pointed inward and the wreath will look like this.


Or use that little finger poking trick to point all of the strips straight up, and the wreath will look like this.


Or you can go all the way, and spin the slip knots all the way, pointing all of the strip sets outwards like this.   Whichever way you like it, they all make for a super adorable Scrappy Fabric wreath!!!  And now I am all set for next Christmas :)




And that's how they are done!!!!    Scrappy Fabric Wreaths that are super fun and super fast.   And of course, you can make them for any holiday or occasion.  Just pull out the coordinating fabric scraps and away you go.    I think I need to make one for Easter next ;)   And they make you feel so great when you are done because you have just busted more fabric scraps, yippee!!! 


I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial and if you make your own Scrappy Fabric Wreath I would love to see it!!  You can email me a picture at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com, post it to social media with #happyquiltingwithmc  or or add it to my flickr group here ;)  I can't wait to see your Scrappy Fabric Wreaths!!!

I hope you all have a very Happy Quilting Weekend!!!

Linking up these finishes to Sarah's and Myra's ;) 

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Thursday, January 17, 2019

January Bee Block and a Bee Looking String Block!!

This month's bee block is for Lori, and she was so sweet, she sent us one of her works in progress, as in, the fabric came with the HST's already made.   So ya, I had this cute HST diamond block put together in no time.   Which I have to say Lori, Thank You!!!   January has been crazy and it was a relief to have a bee block that could be turned around quickly ;)


And speaking of that crazy busy, I know I have promised a tutorial on Selvages and Selvage Stars.    I just made another star yesterday to get one more "practice" in and I wrote down the helpful little tidbits while making it.   So I will get pictures this weekend and share that next week!!!   And isn't the yellow block just fun, with the dark background, it reminds me of a Bee :) 


And speaking of tutorials, I have a fun new project and tutorial to share tomorrow, so be sure to pop back in ;)   I can't wait!!!

I hope you all  have a very Happy Quilting Day!!!
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Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!!!

It's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day, so let's have some fun!!!

First,  lets announce the winner from last weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway :)

The winner of the Regency Ballycastle Jelly Roll from  Green Fairy Quilts  is . . .  Number #53 . . .   Congrats Cecilia!!!   I have emailed you :) 
    

        
And on to today's

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is being sponsored by Fat Quarter Shop.   Fat Quarter Shop is amazing and they never cease to amaze me with everything they have going on at their shop!!!     And if you follow around here, you know about Fat Quarter Shop's awesome Sew Sampler Subscription box, but did did you know they have a Box just for Valentine's Day!!! It's called The Cupid Box and you are so going to want to scoop one of these up before they are gone!!! 



And for today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Fat Quarter Shop is giving away a sweet Love Grows Layer Cake by Deb Strain for Moda to one lucky winner!!! Isn't this just so perfect for next month.  Just in time to make something special for a special someone!!! 



You have two entry chances, the second being optional, and please leave a separate comment for each.  All Entries are welcome, including International Entries.  Please just be sure to leave an email address if you are a no-reply blogger ;)  

ENTRY 1 - Simply leave a comment that tells me if you have one thing you Love about Quilting!!  (it's hard to pick 1, I know :)  

 ENTRY 2 - Show your Fat Quarter Shop love.   You can follow them on   FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYou Tube or at their Blog.  You can Sign up for their Newsletter which will ensure you catch all of their amazing sales, or you can visit The Shop and then share a favorite item ;)   Just be sure to leave a comment of how you showed your Fat Quarter Shop Love!!!

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, January 22nd, when I will announce a winner at the beginning of next weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Post :)

Good Luck and Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

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Monday, January 14, 2019

Threadology Quilt Along Stars Today!!!

The Fat Quarter Shop's  annual Charity Quilt along, stars today and this year has us making awesome patchwork blocks in two sizes for the Threadology Quilt !!!   I am so super excited.   This year the Quilt Along will benefit the Make a Wish Foundation .   I just love this quilt along and how great it is to be quilting for such an amazing cause!!!     And each year when I finish my Charity Quilt along quilt, I donate it to the Festival of Trees fundraiser in honor of my sweet little nephew David .  So it just doubles the great causes, and makes it all the more awesome!!!   


Today the fabric requirements are being released.   If you want yours to look like the original above, you can order a  Threadology Quilt Along Kits which comes with half yards in Bonnie and Camille's adorable new Little Snippets line as well as some bonuses like Aurifil thread, the full pattern (so you can work ahead if you like) and keepsake box with a magnetic closure .   I totally love Bonnie and Camille fabrics, but figured I best use some of my stash, since I have quite a few bundles stacking up ;)   So my plan is to use some Handmade, Hello Darling,  Little Ruby, and a bit of Daysail.  It's going to be so fun picking out which fabrics to use each month!!! 


And of course, you know I always have to change things up a bit :)   Since I will be donating this quilt when it is done, I wanted to make it a little more universal, rather than specifically for a quilter.  So I am not going to do the spool layout (even though it is so totally adorable!!!).  Instead, I plan to make 3 Large Blocks and 6 Small Blocks each month and than turn it into this fun patchwork layout that will finish at 72" square.   So if you wonder each time I post blocks why there are so many, this is why ;) 



 So what do you say??  Wan't to quilt along for a great cause???   If so, be sure to pop on over and get the Fabric Requirements and then grab a Kits or gather from your stash, and be ready.  The first block pattern release will be on Feb 1.  It's going to be so much fun!!!   And you can always pop on over to the Threadology Quilt Along page for all the details on this awesome Quilt Along hosted by Fat Quarter Shop :)  

Happy Quilting!!!!

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Friday, January 11, 2019

Star Surround Finish . . . Finally!!!!

Well, today is an exciting day because today I get to share my oldest Work in Progress all finished!!!  I can't think of a better way to start the year out then with a finish that has been waiting since Sept. 2013 to be completed!!!     So without further ado . . . Here is my Star Surround Quilt all quilted and bound and ready to be loved!!!! 



So, if you can't remember (because ya know, 5 years) Star Surround was my Annual Quilt Along that I hosted back in 2013.  We had nearly 100 folks quilt along and some amazing finishes, in fact, you can still see the Parade of Finishes over here!!!  And, if you want to make your own, just like all my Quilt Along's all the posts are still available.   Here is a quick link to each of the tutorials for making this quilt ;) 

And so why so long to finish this quilt.   Truth, I'm not really sure.  It just kind of happened.   I finished my quilt top right along with everyone else's back in 2013 but then I had a deadline project so I didn't quilt it right away.   So I hung it in a closet since it was all pressed and ready (which I don't do anymore!!!) and sort of forgot about it in there.    Then two years ago, I was participating in some online prompt of pictures and it asked for your oldest WIP and I remembered this in the closet.   So I pulled it out, and put it on the "to be quilted ironing board" by the long arm.   But I was thinking it needed some major custom quilting, and I knew that would take a little bit, so other quilt tops kept being put on top of it, that would be faster.    And needless to say, it got buried for a while again. Until I finally decided, it was how I was going to start the new year, and it didn't matter how I finished it, just as long as I finished it!!! 


And I am so happy to have it done, because I just love it!!!  I always loved this design!!!  You all know how much I like to make star quilts, and I just loved the surround and the secondary designs it created.   And I made mine in the 96" x 96" big queen size, so now it can be used and loved ;)



So the quilting, like I said, I just wanted to finish it!!!  So I did an all over loose feather design, which is so fast and so fun to quilt!!  The whole time I was quilting it, I just kept thinking to myself, why did you wait so long for something that took 3 hours to do!!!   And I even had the binding all ready to go.  Yes, it has been sitting on a shelf for 5 years!!!  So it went right on after this came off the frames. 


And it just looks so awesome!!!  This pic cuts off three of the Stars, (it really is a big quilt!!!) but it is the best to show the actual design.   I love these big blocks, and it is just going to be a stunner on a bed :)   Know to just decide whose bed to put it on, tee hee hee.  


And that is my Star Surround Quilt Along Quilt!!!   And I am so, so, so happy with the finish!!!   And I want to say thank you to everyone that quilted along with me back then,  as well as to those that have participated in other Quilt Along's with me throughout the year.  It really is so much fun to sew with you all.   And I promise, I won't ever let one of these hang out this long again!!!  In fact, with this done, I only have 2 quilt tops waiting in the "to be quilted" pile, and that just makes me smile!!!


I hope you all have a very Happy Quilting Weekend!!

Linking this finish to Myra's, and Sarah's ;)
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