Nine Patch Swap

Barb organized a nine patch swap and shared this really fun way of making the blocks.

http://funwithbarbandmary.blogspot.com/p/9-patch-swap.html

I had never made nine patches with this method. If you are looking for making a scrappy nine patch quilt, this method is very effective.

You need 2 - 4 1/2'' x 4 1/2'' squares of contrasting colors. 

Each pair of fabrics makes one set of nine patch blocks.

Kelly has chosen her fabrics very carefully and did not repeat. I was having more fun swapping fabric and seeing how different colors and textures react with the same fabric.

 

After first few, I realized I should keep them attached so I have easier time keeping track of them.

Way too much fun!

Few more! 

I am all done with my brights. Total of 100 for the swap and few extra just for fun.
Are you tempted?
I sure hope so!

There are enough people signed up for the swap but that doesn't mean you can't have fun. Go visit Barb's blog for the tutorial. Make some for yourself and your friends.

Distractions

For many months I have been cleaning my closets..Yes, my cleaning/purging lasts for months since I don't really stick with it. Little distraction comes my way and I am off to something better than that closet.
I found few old jeans and decided to cut them up. Not knowing what I would do with them, best thing was to tear them into strips.

And this is what it led to.

Here is how I made it.

Tear the strips 2 to 3 inches wide.

Make log cabin or house top blocks by layering the edges of two strips about 1/2'' and top stitching as you go. This avoids all the bulk on the seams on the back side of the block.

Also remember to back stitch front and back end of the stitch line. 

Make them roughly the same size. Now you don't have to sit with a ruler. Since they are all made form reasonably similar size strips, it isn't hard to keep them the same size. You can use filler strips when it comes to final piecing of the quilt.

Start arranging them next to each other however they fit. Sew the blocks into rows.

At this point you may want to pin the blocks. Denim is bulky even without those seams in the back, once you have sewn a few pieces, it gets heavier and difficult to manage.

Because there no seams, there is no right or wrong side. Have fun piecing them without worrying about the sides. Finished piece will end up with good character added to it.

Here is the completed top. I am still considering on how to finish the quilt. I made it during the dead of last winter. Cold and Gray with the touch of Gold!

Don't you think it was a good distration from cleaning those closets?

These days I am busy working on this quilt.

Click on the picture to read all about it on my other blog.

Hope you all are working on something scrappy and fun!
Sujata