WIP String Quilt Challenge

-

I’m finally getting caught up on my string quilt blocks.  As I previously posted, I already had two 4-patch blocks made up: 


Each string patch measures 6 inches, and each block measures 11-1/2 inches (unfinished).  I’ve been saving up “used” dryer sheets for months and have saved up a binful.  Should have enough for a couple of string quilts!


I’m going to make the quilt with 5 rows of 4 blocks each, so I’ll need to make 80 string patches.  I first had to iron each of the dryer sheets (argh!) so they would lay flat before I cut them:


The standard size for each dryer sheet is 6-1/2” x 9”.  So I just layered 6-8 sheets and cut the 9” side down to 6-1/2”.  Each sheet is now 6-1/2” square: 


So far I’ve made an additional 20 patches.  These are so much fun to make … and easy!  No seams to match, no tiny pieces to patch … just a straight stitch to zip through the sewing machine while I watch TV. 

I love using the dryer sheets.  Not only are the sheets lightweight but they also smell good.  They don’t need to be torn out like paper, and I’m recycling, which is good for the environment.

I still need to make 58 more patches!  Maybe I can make a bigger dent in my stash of novelty print strings:


Until next time … keep on quilting!


Comments

  1. BethJanuary 20, 2010 at 4:13 PM

    What a fantastic idea to use dryer sheets! I have never heard of that - I have been buying muslin for the foundation of my string blocks but I will definitely be using your idea for my next string project, thanks for a great tip! Your blocks are so cute - love all your fabrics!

    ReplyDelete
  2. West Michigan QuilterJanuary 21, 2010 at 6:40 PM

    I've never used dryer sheets before. I'm so new to this that I just sew my strings together. Maybe I'll try the sheets if I remember to collect them. Love what you've done.

    ReplyDelete
  3. ChrisJanuary 23, 2010 at 7:53 AM

    HI - I've used the dryer sheets as interfacing but not as a foundation. Didn't work so hot. Great idea - that would work slick! Can you tell me if there is a difference between "string" quilts and "strip" quilts? Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. QuiltpiecerJanuary 23, 2010 at 10:10 AM

    Hi, Chris, thanks for stopping by. String quilts are made from strips that are leftover from other projects. They're called "strings" because they are sometimes too narrow to use in a strip quilt ... some strips are as narrow as 1" to 1.25" ... so they are called strings. Hope this answers your question.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tutorial: Fold and Turn Coasters

-
Image
These fold-and-turn coasters are SO easy and fun to make!  I first saw this pattern in 2002 at a guild meeting, and the instructions were handwritten.  There were no pictures … only hand drawings.  Well, we’ve come a long way in 8 years! I made this set of 4 coasters to include with the potholders I made for Amy’s Potholder Pass #2 . These coasters were made with five 5-inch cotton squares and one 5-inch flannel square.  These can also be made in other sizes as long as the squares are equal in size.  Suggested square sizes range from 4-1/2” to 6” … your choice.  You may also use one 5-inch batting square, but I found batting was a tad too thick.  But, again, your choice. Instructions: (1) Y ou will choose three different fabrics.  Two fabrics will be used for the top of the coaster and one will be used for the bottom (backing).  I chose the light blue for the bottom: (2) Cut fabric to the desired square size.  I us...
Read more

Weekly Finish #13: Halloween No Point Stars 2020

-
Image
  I previously posted about my Halloween No Point Stars top and I am happy to say that I finally finished the quilt ... just in time for Halloween! I used a polyester snow blanket remnant for the batting.  Yes, a snow blanket used for Christmas villages.  This was not originally intentional.  I didn't want to use Warm & Natural as I was not going to use this as a "blanket" but rather as a display/decoration.  I wanted a lightweight batting so I looked through my bin of batting remnants and found what I thought was just right. As I was basting the quilt, I noticed some glitter - not much - just a tiny bit on the "batting".  It finally dawned on me why it felt a little different!  How did this snow blanket get mixed in with my regular batting remnants?  Anyway, I was already halfway done so I decided to go with it. I didn't have any Halloween fabric large enough for a backing but I found this black-and-white toile fabric, which is  actuall...
Read more

Weekly Finish #1: Free To Be Wild Horse Panel

-
Image
  Free To Be Wild Finished Size: 67" x 72" I saw this quilt on social media a couple of years ago promoting Riley Blake's Back In The Saddle Collection.  I was immediately captivated and knew I wanted to make it for my daughter. Sadly, this was an older collection, and this particular panel with the black horse was nowhere to be found. However, I found this panel with the running wild horses from the same collection and knew my daughter would love it. In December, I decided to make this quilt for my daughter's birthday this month.  I searched social media for a pattern and found a tutorial for this quilt by Quiltscapes . Luckily, I found the pillow panels from the same collection for the quilt's four corners.  Sewing the top was fast and easy -- just add strips for borders and done. I quilted it with an E2E design from My Creative Stitches and used Warm & Natural for batting. My daughter's birthday is next week.  But she came for a quick visit this past...
Read more