It's RSC Saturday! I haven't posted any of my Rainbow Scrap Challenge blocks for a long time, but I make them each month. This year I've been trying to tame the string bins, so both blocks use strings.
These classic string blocks are made on paper foundations cut to 8.5" squares. That makes good use of standard size 8.5"x11.5" paper from junk mail. I like using paper rather than fabric foundations because the blocks end up lighter. And tearing off the papers later is rather satisfying!
I'm starting my blocks with a dark strip down the center diagonal, then doing all darks on one side and all lights down the other. For most colors, the lights are a paler version of that color. But for red, I had already used most of my pink strings during the pink RSC month. So I chose to use white or cream scraps with bits of red in them. I'm making each color in groups of four so that I can do this diamond layout later.
My second string block is made after the squares are finished. The remaining strings are cut into 7" lengths and sewn into wonky herringbones. Because the string widths vary, the point of the herringbone wobbles from side to side. When they get long enough, I trim the length to 17" and square up the width to 7.5". Why 17"? Because that's how long the first one ended up back in January! (What color was that? Early 2020 is a complete blur...)
Linking up with Angela at So Scrappy.
Nice job on finding two fun patterns for your string-y RED scraps, Louise!
ReplyDeletegreat projects for your scraps... I did have a giggle at your reason for the length of the wonky herringbone blocks....
ReplyDeleteHugz
Your string blocks look great, Louise! I have some I made last year that are 6.5 x 9.5 because that's the size of the phonebook page I could find for the foundation!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous string blocks!
ReplyDeleteI've done a lot of projects using perfectly arbitrary measurements, too! Carry on!
Both versions of string blocks are great. Good idea to have half red/ half neutral with red flashes for the regular string blocks. They will look good in your finished quilt.
ReplyDeleteMaking string blocks is so satisfying isn't it! I love your red version. Your leftover zig-zag idea is great. It's so smart to use paper. I started out using fabric (duh) and have some of the thickest blocks imaginable. I graduated to muslin, and even that is a bit thick.
ReplyDeleteClever use of your strings, Louise! I have a basket that is overflowing with strings. I do prefer the paper backing to muslin, too, for a lighter weight quilt. Nice work!!!
ReplyDeleteOh those strings have a way of multiplying double time don't they! I need to do something with mine, I just need to find the time. I always thought the paper needed to be lighter weight than those mailers, you don't have a problem tearing those? What is the widest string you like to use?
ReplyDeleteVery clever use of strings. I skipped RSC this year but I’ve seen a lot of cute ideas to use for the coming years. This idea is going on my list for sure.
ReplyDeleteThey look great. I am sure that with limited space, you need to keep the scraps under control. LOL
ReplyDeleteGoing to make a wonderful, colorful scrap quilt.
ReplyDeleteI love these blocks (red being my favorite color...:)). I especially like the wonky herringbones. Your logic is perfectly logical on the 17" trim length. I know you've probably told us before but where do these challenge blocks end up? Are they for your use or a charity?
ReplyDeleteI like how you are doing the darks and lights on your strings. It will be fun to see all of the colors of the year together. Paper tearing--so messy, but so soothing... I'll also be interested in see the result of the herringbones. With their wonky points, I know they are going to be a wonderful batch of blocks. And what a year for wonky!!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen a wonky herringbone before. That sure looks fun and interesting. After I wipe out my scrap bins stored by width I will be working on strings and crumbs so looking for fun and interesting ideas. I think I found some.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading about and seeing your red string blocks. And you are so right about 2020. I have kind of lost my motivation to sew this year but I am slowly getting it back. I still love reading your blog though, Louise!
ReplyDeleteI really need to get busy with my string box! I make such a mess! I can’t just reach in a grab one, I needs to be close to the right length and be the “right” neighbor to the other strip! I know...weird!
ReplyDeleteCan't beat string quilts! I like how you're doing half the block light and luscious reds in the other half.
ReplyDeleteLove these! I've been making mine too, though I never did do a RED post. Love these. Next year is a strings year, OMG they're out of control.
ReplyDeleteThose are all such great string blocks! I LOVE the idea of the light and dark contrasts. I have so many low volume strings I could substitute. I’d already thought of limiting certain blocks to pairs or sets of four, depending on the pattern or potential use. Instead of just depleting all the scraps and having orphans to deal with, I can control things a bit more. Obviously, it took me longer than necessary to figure that out.
ReplyDeleteA great way to use up those odds and ends. Very vibrant reds in those blocks.
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