Category Archives: string blocks

String Block Progress

Posted on by
18

I have joined many of the quilters in blogland in the latest quilting craze–string blocks.

I started by using used dryer sheets as foundations. I made 10 blocks during the month of February and another 17 blocks during the month of March. The total string blocks that I have pieced to date on dryer sheet foundations is: 27. These blocks measure 6″ x 8.5″

Thanks to Finn I have also been using old color catchers as string foundations. Thanks to Mary I have been making these string blocks into coins. These blocks have been trimmed to 4″ x 9.5″.

These string blocks are more traditional in nature as they have been pieced on a muslin foundation. I made a total of 12 of these blocks during the month of March. These blocks finish at 9.5″ square.

At this point I am just making the blocks in the spare moments that present themselves during the week. As the blocks are finished they are sorted into boxes by type, where they will sit until the right quilt setting presents itself…………………..or until I run out of strings (Like that will ever happen! *VBG)

Quilting and String Blocks

Posted on by
15

Although I haven’t been posting, I have been busy working on quilting activities–most of them have been customer quilts so there hasn’t been much to show.

I did finish quilting my Wicked Easy Quilt this past week. I quilted it with a zig–zag design and random stars. The stars made for a lot of stopping and starting–it took all of Friday to tie off the threads and bury them in the quilt. I have never been a fan of back stitching to finish off my stitching. I prefer to hand tie knots in the threads and bury the ends inside the quilt sandwich so this takes quite a bit of time.

These are some pictures of the quilting detail.

I was also tempted to make some string blocks. This is a picture of the 10 blocks I made today.

These blocks are made using used dryer sheets as foundations–6″ x 8 1/2″. I understand why everyone has started making these–they are incredibly fast and easy to make. Today while taking to my Mom on the phone, I made two from start to finish–including the trimming. They are also “feel good” blocks because you realize that every block you make you are decreasing your pile of useless strings. Less strings means you can free up space in those totes and drawers that we all have bulging with fabric.

I like how Patti set her blocks together and I am thinking about doing something similar. I think she really made her blocks pop with the use of the narrow sashing and cornerstone between the four blocks contrasting against the wider sashing and cornerstones outside the group of four blocks. Excellent idea!