Monday, April 30, 2007

Forgotten project

In the process of clearing out those three plastic shoe boxes I found these five Courthouse Steps blocks that I paper pieced years and years ago. This is why I was saving tiny strips and squares. I'd forgotten all about these. The logs measure 1/4" finished and the blocks 3" finished. Not sure what I can do with a strip of 5 blocks. I remember that I couldn't believe how long it took me to make each block. I thought it would be a fast project. Was I wrong! I think I worked at least half a day on these five. Of course much of that time was spent searching through bins for the just the right fabrics. No way I'd be that picky these days. I can see my growth as a quilter just looking at these blocks.

Anybody have any idea what I could do with this strip of 5 blocks?

23 comments:

Unknown said...

Turn them into a nine patch with four plain (or embroidered, or appliqued) blocks between them and make a dinky wallhanging - that's what I'd do with them :o)

Tracey in CT said...

The blocks are cute. I once made a log cabin quilt with 4" blocks because I thought it would be 'faster'. LOL. In the end that 20" quilt could have been a queen size in the same amount of time.

As for your 5 blocks,with a couple of borders they could be a little table runner or a bellpull type hanging. Add 4 alternate blocks and have a little mini wallhanging.
Or you could use them as the center square of another block like an Ohio Star or something.
Or you could use 4 of them together in a square and put them on the front of a sweatshirt or totebag.

The Chicken Lady said...

I think they'd make a darling table runner. Just add some borders and there ya go! :)

swooze said...

Sash them and add a border to make a table runner. http:/too-many-hobbies.blogspot.com did that with some of her miniatures. Looks great!

Anonymous said...

Look, I know you're new at this, but are you having total grandmother's block or something? Put them into a dolly quilt for Sophie, of course! (Or make her a simple dress with big collar or yoke of blocks, or wide hem or insert of blocks.)

Nicole said...

How about making more blocks and turning it into a pillow or even a lap quilt? You would probably be amazed at how your skill level has improved since you make them, and the new blocks will go together in no time flat! Very pretty colors.

Greenmare said...

A table runner! definately a table runner. Or you could use it on a dresser or piano, gosh those are really sweet!

Susan said...

Use them as a filler strip in a random setting? That's *tiny*! Put each one in the center of a sawtooth star, or even a 9 patch.

Anonymous said...

Patti,
I will make it easy on you , send them to me and I will make a dolly quilt for sophie and send it back to you.
Kathie

Juliann in WA said...

I can't believe that you have gotten so much done! You are on a whirlwind. As to those little blocks I would make them into a pillow - using a 9patch design like Anne mentioned, or I would use four of them to make a little needle case that I could use or give away. Have fun.

Cynthia said...

those blocks certainly are tiny. There have been a number of suggestions as to what to do with them. So i'll just wait to see what you decide.

Finn said...

Hi Patti, *VBS*, I'm back...LOL. The little blocks are adorable. And so many suggestions for you think about.
Have to say how impressed I am with your progress of emptying 3 shoebox size boxes!! That's HUGE!

And while you many have a obsessive love for each tiny fabric triangle, I have to say my admiration is ALL for you(!!) and what makes me smile is how MUCH you love fabric *VBS* Very down to the tiny scraps, and I'm sure the price you paid has little to do with using up the crumbs....that's pure love!! Big hugs, even huge ones, for all those HST's just waiting to pop into a quilt of some kind! Keep up the good work. Hugs, Finn

Susan said...

Something that special deserves a special setting. How about down the front of a jacket........

Anne Ida said...

Hmmm, what to do with this hidden/forgotten treasure..? I think both the idea of table runner (add some borders) and doll quilt (set some solid squares in between) is great way to use these cute blocks. Or if you have more forgotten blocks somewhere you can make a scrappy sampler...

Have fun!

Jenni said...

Patti, what were you thinking? 1/2 inch strips finished???

Tracey @ozcountryquiltingmum said...

You are just my hero!! All those tubs of little bits and pieces, all organized and then all sewn. When I grow up i hope my quilting will be so organized. (and that is a compliment, it's not inferring age! )LOL tracey

Linda C said...

On an article of clothing or a bag/tote? Someone probably already said that no doubt---I didn't read before I started yakking.

Luísa Silva said...

Something that people can see often. I agree with the idea of an apliqué on a tote bag.

Sharon said...

I believe that you have 15" of blocks, correct?? (5 blocks @ 3" each).

How about making a 15" square with borders and/or additional blocks and turning it into a candle mat. . .or, if you don't have candles you could use it under a candy dish or something similar.

Of course, you could make a table runner also.

Have fun!

Rhonda said...

I think maybe sew them together in that long strip, put a border around the outside, quilt it or tie it and use it over the back of a sofa or chair.

Anonymous said...

I think a nice tablerunner and gift it to a elderly friend would be a great thing to do.

atet said...

I'd say table runner or a nine patch. Hate to be repetative but it's a good idea. Or even possibly a nine patch made into a pillow?

Unknown said...

So, have you decided what to do with your log cabin strips? As for your triangles, do you use them as leaders and enders? That's what I've been doing for a while now. I need to get around to seeing how many I've done. I may have enough for a quilt by now.