Once again I went to bed on Saturday night with one plan then got up on Sunday morning and did something different. Instead of quilting 
the postage stamp top I made my 40 exchange blocks to send to Cynthia and then started making string blocks.I know all of you were eager to see the postage stamp quilt, so I draped the top over the 
longarm and took a picture. In fact, I took a bunch of pictures on a bunch of different settings. No matter what I did the sashing always looked deep blue. Take my word for it - it's not blue at all. It's a deep royal purple. And the yellow setting squares are bright yellow. Since yellow and purple are complementary colors, the two really make the top sing.
Long time readers may remember the string quilt I started 
at a quilt retreat last March. This is the first time since then that I've worked on it. Seeing all the string blocks being pieced for the Heartstrings project made me eager to get back to work on this one. I got 15 more blocks pieced. I included pieced strings this time as I found them in the tote. Don't the blocks without the sashing look pale and uninteresting next to the blocks with the sashing? I need 33 more blocks to finish this top - that will make it about the same size as the postage stamp top.
I know I'll still have a big tub of strings left after that, as the number of strings hasn't seemed to decrease in number at all. I'll still make more blocks, but will switch to the Heartstrings method where a common color is the first diagonal center string in each block. That has the same effect as the sashing - it makes the blocks come alive. They will still be made from true strings - which are usually of uneven width from one end of the string to the other, but should still look much more regular than these do. I made these by starting at a corner instead of the middle - because I didn't know any better!
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Gratitudes:
1. Lots of quilty ideas everywhere
2. A big basket of appliqué to stitch at the hospital tomorrow while waiting for Sophie to arrive.
3. International block swaps
4. A big box of strings
5. Gas efficient vehicles
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Both quilts look great Patti, I just finished a string quilt without any sashing and although I'd previously used blue to sash a couple of these I love the look without sashing just as much. I'm just in love with all these string quilt variations and started blocks for a QOV top tonight from a Patriotic String Star that I designed in EQ.
ReplyDeleteI like your traditional strings, the uneven widths gives them more movement. Postage stamp looks perfect.
ReplyDeleteI just loved today's post! Scrap quilts are my first love. Your postage stamp quilt and string blocks are truly premium scrap quilts. I love the fact that you have used true "strings" in your blocks and not just strips of fabric uniformly cut in width from yardage. I have tubs of strings to use up too. You have inspired me to dig them out and make some string blocks. I could likely score some major storage space for stash if I just used up the strings I have in boxes and totes!
ReplyDeletei agree with Norma. I have enjoyed reading and seeing your post with all the quilts from scraps.
ReplyDeleteI'm still working on the last few blocks for the swap.
Your string quilt looks great, I love how it pops with the sashing in between the blocks. The postage stamp quilt is really pretty as well :)
ReplyDeleteGreat work as always Patti!
ReplyDeleteScrap quilts are the best and your's are just awesome! I'll be waiting with you from down here in Florida for Miss Sophie's arrival. What a wonderful day you will have :)
ReplyDeleteNow that you told me its purple, I see purple & I like it!
ReplyDeleteI love string quilts - yours is very pretty. Love the sashing!
ReplyDeleteYour postage stamp quilt is delightful, as well.
I'm becoming a string fanatic. It really is addtive when you think of all the patterns you can do with just a few strips of material.
ReplyDeleteLove your postage stamp and the strings, too. But most of all -- enjoy your applique time at the hospital. Good wishes for everyone.
ReplyDeleteOh that postage stamp quilt is wonderful! More inspiration for me to start cutting up my stash! I love it!
ReplyDeleteThat string top really does sing with the sashing!
ReplyDeleteThey are both just the kind of quilts I like........... Lots of scraps with a common bond........ Checking on your progress makes me want to do even more.
ReplyDeleteThis could be a pictorial class on the effect of sashing! It so clearly shows how it changes the way blocks look-depending on what you want to accomplish.
ReplyDeleteGreat setting for postage stamps, never thought of them set in windows from sashing! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThat postage stamp quilt is a beauty. That border does look blue - are you sure it's purple?
ReplyDeleteLove the string blocks, too.
LOVE the string blocks, I really need to try those LOL xoxo melzie
ReplyDeletejust beautiful!! Both of them!
ReplyDeleteYour Postage Stamp quilt is awesome! I love it. The string blocks are looking great too.
ReplyDeleteJust popping in to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeletehurray for busting so much fabric and aren't those strings blocks great! I think it is perfectly ok to start at one corner and make your string blocks-you know whatever works...starting in the center is just another version of doing them-way to go Patti!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I love the setting - the sashings add so much - almost like a stained glass window!
ReplyDeleteThe sashing really does make both quilts. And yes, I like the movement (wonkiness?) of the strings.
ReplyDeleteI'm inspired! I have tons of strips sewn together in a box in the basement. Wasn't sure what to do with them, just figured sewing them together was a start. Now I kind of know! The quilt look beautiful. :)
ReplyDeleteOh the quilts look fabulous Patti! Are you using a muslin backing for your strings or going without it? I love the look of these quilts and need to finish my big king size one soon for my own bed!!
ReplyDeleteFunny I've been sewing strings together also thought I was the only one doing it until you posted yours. The only quilt I have that my grandmother made is a string quilt. I like using the first string of the same color I'll try that. I've been saving my postage stamps and have them in a box. Someday I'll sew them all together.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on Sophie's arrival! I LOVE that name. Your postage stamp quilt is awesome as is the string quilt. Eye candy :)
ReplyDeleteWhen my daughter was about 4, I made her a deep purple and yellow shorts outfit...I've always loved those 2 colors together and they look great on your postage stamp quilt too! I love string quilts, too...the one with the sashing is great! I like the way you did that.
ReplyDeleteWhen my daughter was about 4, I made her a deep purple and yellow shorts outfit...I've always loved those 2 colors together and they look great on your postage stamp quilt too! I love string quilts, too...the one with the sashing is great! I like the way you did that.
ReplyDeleteLove your sashing - using the 2 different sizes makes an unusual setting I really like :)
ReplyDeleteYour postage stamp is an inspiration. my question is how did you start it. I have tons of stash and I would love to do one.
ReplyDeletemessage me at honeybit64@yahoo.ca