July’s Scrappy Projects

This month I barely made it in time! I kept thinking about working on my two scrappy projects but there was always something else going on so I would put it off. But I squeaked them in. Part of the problem was that this month in RSC16 land, the color is hot pink with a lime green accent. People have been making some really awesome blocks with this combination but it just wasn’t calling to me. So I decided to change it up and pulled out my bin of red scraps instead.

Red scra[

Once I made that change I was able to get into the idea and worked first on my made fabric. Scraps came together well as the red bin is packed with scraps to choose from. For the Gemstones quilt, I wasn’t sure how any red blocks to make. I started with two. But I like the addition of the red so I will need to make two or three more. Looking at them all together, I am getting excited to finish this one up. Remember there will be sashing between the rows when I start to piece the top.

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Looking at the scrappy HST’s, I am at somewhat of a deciding point.

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I think it is time to commit to a layout. The layout will determine how many of any one color I will need. Well, unless I choose to go scrappy and not group by colorway. Above is a scrappy layout without grouping colors. Below is one where I am keeping colors together.

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If I keep colors together, I think I need to sketch this out and try to plan how many blocks of each color will are needed. Do I break the colors up in any one row, or make enough that the row is cohesive. Decisions, decisions… I think I will do some planning using the Quiltography app that I recently posted about.

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Alternatively, I could use a simpler layout. With this one, it feels like each row should be one color. Planning is still needed though. Luckily, I have been saving any chunks of the scrappy made fabric in case I need to make more of any color. It won’t take any time to add blocks here or there.

I am strongly leaning toward the first layout shown above. However, I am equally enjoying the scrappy look and the more organized, cohesive look. Will you throw in a vote? Striped layout or the diamond? Scrappy or organized colors? I am curious and would love to hear your thoughts.

This is the hottest part of our summer thus far with triple digit heat all week and into next. We were able to escape some of the heat while at the coast for a few days. Now that we are back home,  Julia and I have been hunkered down enjoying the AC. It is just awful outside. Julia has been trying out some fun techniques with her water colors, making stencils with painters tape. This one is an interpretation of the Seattle skyline with the Space Needle featured.

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She is also working on some lettering. Yesterday she was channeling Walt Disney.

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I am pleased to see  her enjoying other activities and relying less on technology. Three more weeks and school resumes. Hard to believe but summer is winding down. Hope you are staying cool these days!

Linking to Oh Scrap and Crazy Mom Quilts, both of which are listed at the top of the page, under Link Ups.

 

34 thoughts on “July’s Scrappy Projects

  1. Kaholly

    Your scrappy projects look wonderful! I’d have a difficult time deciding on a layout, too. Sometimes an organized approach to scrappy pulls it all together nicely, but the nice thing about scrappy is random works well, too, especially with a constance of background fabric. Whatever you decide, there’s no doubt in my mind that it will be beautiful. Julia’s projects are fascinating! Especially the watercolor! Keep cool, girls! XO

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Thanks Karen. It feels like today wasn’t be as hot. Last night we were finally able to open the windows for the night. Hurray!

      Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      This has been a great project for using up scraps. Very relaxing to just play with the scrap bin and not have to worry about points and pieces!

      Reply
  2. JanineMarie

    Oh, no, I really can’t decide which layout I like best. Scrappy is always fun, but I’m kind of drawn to the second version. It think it would keep it interesting and add movement, though, to have uneven sections of colors–not planning the colors too carefully from row to row. It think the last layout would look neat that way, too–several colors in a row with varying lengths. Hmm. I guess I do have an opinion. Funny how I can mess around in other people’s work but can never decide about my own. Julia’s art looks like such fun. Be sure to share the finished picture.

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Well, I appreciate your opinions! It is certainly easier to look at other’s projects objectively. I suppose because we don’t have any time and energy invested in the project so there isn’t any emotional tie to it. Hope all is well with you. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Rosemary Bolton

    Oh Bernie, nice stuff.
    I like the first layout the best. It just looks fun, not so orderly
    Julia’s art work is very inspiring!!!
    It is too hot outside

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Thank you Rosemary! It would certainly be simpler to go for a scrappy look – as far as planning and putting it together goes.
      Today was a bit cooler out and I am thankful for that!!

      Reply
  4. Donna M

    I like the scrappy look. Looks more fun.
    I’m just finishing a jelly roll quilt and am looking forward to trying a scrappy quilt.
    Tell Julia to keep at it she is doing a great job.

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Well the scrappy layout is certainly easier. Not as much planning involved! Send me a picture of the jelly roll quilt. I did one for my parents and it was lots of fun.

      Reply
  5. Nancy

    Love your gemstones quilt!!! And I’m liking the colors in order, on your improv piece. Neat painting and lettering by Julia!

    Reply
  6. Kate Heads

    I like the first one too Bernie. Sometimes things can look too coordinated I think. I’m all for having fun without technology, well done Julia.
    Smiles
    Kate

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      The scrappy look seems to be winning the vote. It has a more organic feel to it which makes sense, given the improv look of the blocks. I will pass your sweet thoughts along to Julia. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Wendy

    Definitely the scrappy one — it is such a nice creative look. Thanks for the peek at Julia’s work — she has some talent 🙂

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Thanks Wendy. Scrappy is beating organized by a long ways. It is helpful to have input from everyone and I will pass along your thoughts on Julia.

      Reply
  8. Liz

    I love the idea of a graduated spiral creating a winding like rainbow effect. Whatever you decide it will be great because that us what talks to you. And that is what is important.

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Thank you Liz. It is ultimately my decision but I love hearing input – so often, someone thinks of something I had not. I do love the spiral effect too! So glad you stopped by.

      Reply
  9. Diana @ Red Delicious Life

    I really like the HST layout with keeping the colors grouped together. It feels a bit more modern to me, so I guess it depends on whether that is something you want to consider. I see that creativity definitely runs in the family. Having been a former resident of Seattle, I really love her skyline watercolor project.

    Reply
  10. Diann Bottrell

    Your rainbow HSTs made with the little bitty scraps are just so amazing! What a great way to use the little bits and pieces! They are beautiful with the gray background fabric, too. I don’t know if I have an opinion about the layout, but I am always drawn to layouts that create a diamond shape.

    Reply
  11. Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow

    How pretty Julia’s artwork is.

    Hard to decide but I lean towards that stripe, though either one is going to look nice.

    Sorry that you are having such hot weather…it’s way over the top, temperature wise ! 🙁

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Thanks Christine! Are you home in AZ yet? I bet it is nice and warm there. 😉 Hope you are doing well and happy to be back home.

      Reply
  12. Nancy

    I LOVE the scrappiness of your blocks. It’s such fun to see so many fabrics all together in one square or triangle, then many of those together, too.

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Thank you! This is the first time I have done anything like this with my scrap bins and it is so easy. Glad you stopped by!

      Reply
  13. Linda Smith

    I definitely like the scrappy layout. I like to see each triangle, and that is the one that shows them off.

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Thank you Linda. I think that is the decision I finally came to. I like the whimsy that comes with scrappy quilts so I decided to leave the placement scrappy and random. So glad you stopped by!

      Reply
  14. Mel J.

    Love the colors grouped together in the second layout where it looks like it spirals. And I totally love seeing my city’s skyline – wonderfully done.

    Reply

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