Strips, Strips and More Strips!

 I have been obsessed with making strip blocks lately.  I decided to make at least 5 strip blocks per day for a while and before I knew it, I had enough for a quilt!  These are totally random, mixed colors and I plan on 6 across and 9 down (I have more than that done now).  The blocks measure 8" unfinished and yesterday I went to my LQS to purchase sashing/border fabric and backing fabric.

Here's the sashing (left) and backing fabric (right).

My LQS has punch cards and when the card is totally punched, you can use it to buy $25.00 worth of fabric and notions.  The week of your birthday, you can also get 20% off regular priced items and my birthday is coming up next month.  I have 2 full punch cards that I'm saving!!

 

I also make smaller 4" or 5" blocks using civil war reproduction fabrics.  Here's a small one that isn't finished yet.

I'm always trying to find ways to use up fabric and found a couple more that are pretty easy.  I found the first one in a large book I recently got from Martingale - "The Big Book of Scrappy Quilts."  It's called "Pieces of Eight" and I cut out 12 blocks worth and have made one as a sample.  It's super easy and measures at 18"!

I love it because it's scrappy, large and easy!!  All the blocks will be different.

Another one that I started (testing it out), is from the Buggy Barn.  I think I got the pattern either at a garage sale or at the quilt guild free box.   I made 12 blocks.

You make 2 blocks at the same time and the star and background are reversed.  This one was somewhat harder, but by the time I had made 12 of the wonky stars, I pretty much had it figured out.  The blocks measure 9" x 14" and require 2 fat quarters.

And finally, I just finished this small wall hanging 11" x 14 1/2".  This will be a gift.  The flamingos are paper pieced (some unsewing was necessary) which is not my favorite method, but certainly is great for something like this.

And lastly, I have the first flower from my new clematis plant!

I bought this one because I wanted one that would bloom all summer.  I have another one that just blooms once in May and then not again till the next year.  My new purple one is supposed to bloom all summer!

Happy summer to all!  Hope you will enjoy some freedom for a change.