Buried in Scraps

   I tried to store some 1-1/2" scraps last week and couldn't close either container (storage had already increased to 2 bins).  Something had to be done!  As a result, my sewing room is exploding with strips of fabric, the floor is covered from strips spilling out of those bins, and the 6 foot cutting table has a 12 inch spot free for any cutting.
    I looked at those bins and couldn't see any possibilities.  I had just read a blog post form someone else, that talked about sorting their scraps into color ways.  Maybe that would help.  So, I sorted and sorted, and sorted, and sorted………You get the picture.  I sorted into an autumn group, a red group, a neutral group and a black and white group.  The rest went back into the bins.  At least the lids would close now.   Now, what to make?  I love doll quilts, so they immediately came to mind.

I decided to stay with the Civil War theme for now.

I love those double pinks!

These are just from four-patches.  I haven't even thought about

 all of the other options.

 Of course, log cabins are always a good solution for 1-1/2" strips.  So I tried a quilt as you go version of a table runner.  Its even finished!  All of the doll quilts still need quilting.

Lately I've been attracted to the braid patterns.  Chevrons are so popular right now, so I decided to give that a try.  Here's a table runner from a braid pattern.  I think this could be quilted as you go, but didn't try it this time. 

I'm going to make an attempt to link up with Oh Scrap!  I love the name of Cynthia's blog and she always has great ideas for scrap quilting.  She is having a linky party this week, so here goes.  

Oh Scrap

http://quiltingismorefunthanhousework.blogspot.com/

Hopefully this works for you.  She has some great ideas so you can 

Keep on Stitchin'

Judy

Mystery Quilt Photos

     May was a busy month and this post should have been done two weeks ago, but here goes.  Quilt Camp happens in Arrow Rock the first week of May, thanks to my neighbor, guild sister and friend Paula.  I have been teaching a Mystery Quilt class for her for the past three years.  It is one of my favorite weeks of the year, partly because of the class itself and partly because it also involves some of my favorite people being my houseguests, as they attend camp every year too.  They are mostly the same people I see at Winter Sew-In, so it gets us together at least twice a year.
     This year I taught a version of a rail fence quilt, adapted from a quilt featured in American Patchwork and Quilting a few years ago.  I saw it online and went from there. I try to use precuts in this class, so adapted it from 2"strips to 2-1/2" strips.  It goes together fast and IMHO, makes a good-looking quilt. I called it Country Proud.  Some of my students took my title for it as a patriotic statement and made it in RWB and they were great.  Actually, every one of them turned out wonderful.  Here is my version:

     And here are some of the beginnings from the class.  Finished ones can be viewed on the camp Face book page, Arrow Rock Quilt Camp. I apologize for the quality of some of the photos.  I'm primarily a sewist, not a photographer.

 Black, white, grey and red.

 Desert tones

Brights!

Sunshine!

Blue and yellow

Country Proud!

Made from strip stash!

Pinks!

I hope you enjoyed our little class quilt show.  We had a lot of fun!   I always learn as much from my students as I teach, probably more.  This year, I had all experienced quilters, but in previous years, I have had people new to quilting.  This is the class Paula recommends to new quilters, so I try to keep it simple, so they are not overwhelmed.  Our experienced quilters like it though, because it goes fast and can be a flimsy before the day is over, if there is not too much visiting, snacking and shopping.  In other words, they just have to

Keep on Stitchin'

Judy