Monday, March 07, 2016

Think Small

The blocks on my design wall and work table right now are of the small variety.

Tiny PinwheelsThese pinwheel blocks will finish at 1 1/2 inches. They are made from the bonus triangles from the violet blocks I made for the Block Lotto and my scrappy rainbow graduated sampler.

I seem to be missing one pair ... not sure if I tossed the first set of small bonus triangles before I had an idea for these itty bitty pinwheels. I woke up thinking about it, so it's what I will be making later today.

Do you toss or keep those "bonus" half-square triangles (HST) after you trim them away from other blocks. The left overs from making 6-inch violet blocks create 3/4 inch HSTs which are right on the cusp for being usable for me.

88 bonus triangle squaresI also have a plan for the 88 bonus HSTs from making the 11 batik violets for my Old MacDonald's Mystery Sampler.

Look for two new small quilt projects from me soon ... one traditional and one not so much ...

After dealing with these little bits, I pieced some scrappy letters that felt downright enormous in comparision to audition for an idea that has been percolating for a while.

It was fun to dig through my black and white scraps and use a unique fabric (or two) for each of the letters.


Alphabet SoupThese "enormous" letters are 2 1/2 inches tall.

They are waiting on my design wall for a few more of their friends ... and a design decision from me.

This letter style is my go-to font that I think of as "thick and thin. Strips in two sizes are used to improvise letters that turn out looking pretty regular (and some would might say–have said–not wonky enough). They work for me and are quick to produce ... a good thing when you're not sure you'll end up using them ...




7 comments:

Sharon said...

I love your use of the little triangles. Just shows how important little things can be.

Quilter Kathy said...

Oh I love the bonus triangles and keep them all!

Sewing Up A Storm said...

I have made lots of things out of my scrap bin. I keep all those little pieces because I never know what I can dream up to make out of them. Your pinwheels are on the tiny side and can't wait to see how you use them. Love your letters!

Ramona said...

I keep the bonus HST's too. In fact, I am making some Christmas ornaments from some saved from a quilt I made a friend out of her husband's shirts. They will go to her for her children and grandchildren. Great little pinwheels!

Bonnie said...

Um, considering all the cut off triangles I have and most of them small, I've decided to toss the little ones. I've made a few cute small blocks and quilts but I really don't feel like fussing with these little ones anymore. I don't tend to use the sew and flip method for bigger blocks. Hum, I wonder what I could make with my boxes of triangles I did keep?

Mystic Quilter said...

Tiny, tiny pinwheels - I admire your patience Sophie - and they're looking good! I did one keep a good sized box of bonus HST for quite some time but in the end I gave them to a friend, arthritic hands not the best for teeny tiny pieces!

Anonymous said...

For me, 3/4" finished anything is punishment. =) So, no, I don't save those little ones. If something will finish to 1.5", I probably save it. I'm looking forward to seeing where those letter wind up! I know your projects will be adorable, and you are definitely the waste not, want not girl. =)

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