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Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Every Little Bit ~ American Patchwork & Quilting Magazine!!

If you're a fabric lover, fabric a-holic, and fabric scrap saver like me...do I have a fun quilt for you to make!!!
June, 2015 issue of American Patchwork & Quilting magazine
cover photo used with permission
I'm blessed to once again to have another original quilt design in the new, June issue of American Patchwork & Quilting magazine!!!  


Every Little Bit quilt, by Pam Buda of Heartspun Quilts
Appearing in the June, 2015 issue of American Patchwork & Quilting magazine
photo used with permission 
Photo used with permission of American Patchwork & Quilting magazine.
The quilt, called Every Little Bit, is aptly named as it really does use just about every little bit and scrap of fabric you may have!!  
Here is a close-up of one of the Churn Dash blocks.  The straight sides of the block are paper-pieced.  Now, don't be put off by that at all!!  Your fabric pieces can be fairly large when you are sewing with them....and...sewing them paper-pieced-style is easy because it's nothing but straight strips.  (Notice the little alphabet fabric print?  I jumped a line in the paper piecing in order to see more of the print.  You can do that, too, to fussy cut, or show more of a print if you'd like.)

Here's a photo I took while making the quilt, and I need to tell you that I worked on this quilt...on and off....for about a year.  

Trust me...you'll enjoy making the quilt a little at a time.  It could have been named "As Time Goes By" because you can paper piece and make the other units a little here and there as you come across scraps....because, of course, the scrappier the better!!
 Making this quilt taught me an important lesson.  Organize!!!  
Sorting the fabric scraps by color made picking and choosing the fabrics for each paper-pieced segment much faster and easier.  The key is to have some sort of organizational system in place, then while you generate more and more scraps, you can 'file' them for future use.  All of the fabric pieces stored in these containers are strips, or squares that measure less than 2 inches.

The beauty is you can use even the smallest little scraps...ones you might throw away, sewing those sweet prints into blocks, and make yourself a quilt of scrappy happiness!  

Every Little Bit was quilted by Linda Hrcka of The Quilted Pineapple
I was twice blessed in that the wickedly talented Linda Hrcka, of The Quilted Pineapple, quilted her magic into my quilt.  Please visit her blog to see more photos of the quilting.  If she hasn't posted about this quilt yet, she will very soon.

Now I know you have lots of scraps, and who doesn't love a classic Churn Dash block??  So the only thing left to do is run out to the store, and buy yourself a copy of American Patchwork & Quilting magazine.  It will be on the newsstand April 7th!!!

I have four orphan blocks leftover from making my quilt, and I think they need a good home. 

For a chance to win one of the blocks, please leave me a comment about how you organize your scraps, or what kind of scrappy quilts are your favorite.  I'll choose four winners Friday, April 3rd, and send you a signed block for your quilt.    

Happy Scrapping!!


52 comments:

  1. One of my favorite magazines! Love the quilt and what a great idea for using up scraps. I keep everything down to a 1" square. I have a long term project using 1" squares, so there is a purpose for them. I'm not just crazy. I usually organize scraps into dark and light.

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  2. I cut my scraps of fabric into strips and organize them in baskets according to size. Makes it easier to use them and they're always full and ready to go! Your new quilt is SO wonderful - can't believe it didn't make the cover! Congrats on the publication.....

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  3. A beauty of a scrap quilt, Pam! Churn dash is my absolute favorite block and this is amazing! I love the attention to detail--but then you are good at that. The alternating cornerstones add such visual interest! Your warm and cozy color selections create even more appeal. I am definitely looking for this magazine!

    How do I organize my scraps? I wish I knew! I have changed so many times I am embarrassed to think about it. Right now some of them are in baskets by "value". Then there are the tubs sorted by color, and finally the strips and squares sorted by size. A different system works better each time I make a scrap quilt and I can't decide what works best overall! And we shouldn't even talk about the baskets sorted by fabric variety--Civil War, Christmas, Patriotic, batik, etc. I'm a mess!! : )

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  4. I've been trying to organize my scraps for so long I'm not sure how they're even surviving the mess! I hope now that I am cleaning the room and getting the major items moved and organized, I will get to the scraps and get them done! Laura V.

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  5. I love it!! My scraps are organized by color in baggies~~ and then in a giant shopping bag. :-o I like your way much better! Thanks for the chance!

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  6. My scraps are sorted to colours and kept in freezer bags which in turn are kept in plastic boxes that fit on top of each other. Your quilt is really something and not one little churn dash looking like the other.
    Birgitt from Germany

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  7. I use my GO cutter and cut 2 1/2", 2 1/4", and 2" strips or squares, depending on how much fabric is left. I also cut 5" squares. Pam, your quilts are beautiful!

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  8. I just got my copy of the mag in the mail yesterday and I love this quilt and my scrap basket(s) are overflowing so this one is # 1 on the to do list. The quilting is superb too.

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  9. I already have the magazine and love the quilt! I make mostly small quilts and believe "the scrappier, the better"! Unfortunately, I'm not great at organizing my scraps--I have them in bins of lights and darks. I would be honored to have one of your blocks to add to a quilt! Thanks for the chance to win.

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  10. I have a tower of plastic tubs...lights scraps in the top shelf, yellow, orange, red and so on right down. When the tower is full it's time for a scrappy quilt...and this one looks PERFECT!! Thanks for the chance to win the magazine!
    Paulette

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  11. I use plastic containers for different width strips and now have some shoe boxes with odd sizes of different types-civil war etc

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  12. What a beautiful quilt - but LOTS of little pieces!!! I organize all my scraps into bins (1 for 2 1/2" strips, another for 1 1/4" strips, 1 for 2 1/2" squares, 1 for 4" squares, etc). What I'm not super great about is getting back and emptying those bins but I now have a great idea for that ;) Thanks Pam for the inspiration!!! CathieG

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  13. Love the new scrap quilt! I am addicted to Kansas Troubles fabric - all the lines blend together so well! They would be beautiful in this setting. I have baskets that I keep my colors in. They aren't near big enough, but it is a start!

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  14. I store all of my scraps in a bag as I don't have room to sort them out and store them separately- however maybe in a year my bag will be much smaller as I think this is a great quilt to try all those little pieces of fabric on!!!

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  15. I got my APQ a couple of days ago and as soon as I saw your name on the cover, I jumped straight to your quilt's article. And I wasn't disappointed! I love, love, love this.

    since I prefer a more controlled, less random scrappy, I sort my scraps by color.

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  16. Wi, too , am using smallish bins to organize scraps! Love the pattern! Impatiently waiting for my new magazine to come in the mail!! Thanks for the chance to win one of your blocks!

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  17. Oh this is going to be a labor of LOVE for sure! thanks for another great quilt!

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  18. I have a clear, plastic shoe holder (2 shoes fit in each pocket) hanging over the back of my sewing room door. I am able to tuck scraps in each of those pockets, sorting by color. When I need scraps or something for applique I need only check out what's in those pockets. When the pockets start to get full I pull them out and just assemble scrappy nine patches, four patches or string piece. Everything is there right in front of you to see! The scrappier the quilt the better ... I especially love those that have pieces of cotton shirtings stuck in here and there. Regardless of whether I win or not (though I would REALLY like to win one of the blocks) I plan to make this quilt ... LOVE the use of so many different fabrics in this classic block!

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  19. I store my fabric scraps, according to size, in bins which are on rollers. They were used in my husband's business for office supplies. They are clear plastic. I label the bins according to the size of the block or strip. I like to repurpose items and use what I have.
    Love how you have used your scraps for this quilt. Your quilt is lovely!

    Take care.
    Emily

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  20. I love all scrap quilts. Have made at least three of Bonnie Hunters' and all of your mini quilts. This one looks like something I will Love doing. I organize with the plastic shoe bins by color for my scraps. I always keep coming across more is different bags here and there. Patsy

    sewpatsy1@comcast.net

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  21. You've inspired me to organize my jumble of scraps. What a delightful quilt!

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  22. I cannot wait to get the magazine, I have all of those fabrics just looking for a new home! So far, I have stored just lights, mediums and darks in containers. Within the containers I have separated 1.5-2.5" strips from squares and other pieces. I think I will need to divide even more like you have done, into colors. Originally the strips were for a log cabin, but I want to make this quilt instead--oh the choices!

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  23. Love your quilt-received my issue in the mail today! I organize my larger scraps by color only and as I use them, I save the small scraps in baskets. I now have four baskets of really small scraps and this quilt would be perfect-thanks for the chance to win one of your blocks!

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  24. I love scrap quilts that mix all kinds of fabrics whether they are batiks, reproductions, novelty prints..the kitchen sink. I cut my scraps into "useful"sizes like 2" , 3 1/2", or 5" squares and also 2" strips and 1 1/2" strips and store them by size and light or dark. And then when I have a project in mind I will sort a little more. I can hardly wait until my issue shows up in my mailbox.. I Love churn dash quilts, sweat a treat!

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  25. Hi Pam your quilt is beautiful! First of all I sort my stash by era, type, etc. All the 1930's on one shelf, all the Civil War fabric on another shelf. Homespuns also have their own shelf. Then I have four baskets under my sewing table.one for 1930's scraps, one for Civil War type scraps, one for homespun scraps, and also one for everything else. Then these scraps get sorted or trimmed into basket that hold colors, different sizes and strips. It works good for me and also helps me control scraps a bit.

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  26. Just received my magazine and excited to use my "well sorted" scraps. Mine are organized by color in plastic drawers. I always go there first when needing a small piece of fabric. This will be the perfect quilt to get those drawers out and start digging. Thanks for another wonderful pattern. You are the best!

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  27. I organize my scraps by color in small plastic containers.

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  28. I use small containers to hold scraps by size and type of fabric, like Christmas, 30s, and by color. I love seeing them lined up on my shelves and counter! A Churn Dash quilt is on my list to make and yours is so scrappy!!! Great concept!!!

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  29. I love your new quilt. I will be looking out for the magazine. I sort my scraps in containers similar to yours. I have 2 sets of containers. One set for squares and one for long strips. Each set is sorted by colour. It means a lot of containers but it makes scrap quilting so much quicker.

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  30. My scraps were all jumbled together in bags and the bags were in different places. I've been trying to go through them and sort by color. I love scrap quilts made over time such as with Bonnie Hunters' "leaders and enders" method or by just choosing a block and making it when you have the scraps and time.

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  31. I love the quilt. I ready to start as soon as I get the magazine. I sort my scraps by size of strips and all colors mixed. Will get them ready like yours for this quilt. Nancy P.

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  32. Wow, your quilt is beautiful. I have never had an organizational plan for my scraps probably because I like a more color controlled scrappy quilt, but I do now, as these are colors I love. After seeing your boxes sorted by color, I know what I will be doing until the magazine arrives. The quilting is beautiful. Thank you for the chance to win and for sharing with us.

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  33. I currently organize my scraps in baskets all together, but I like your idea of sorting them by color and think I will do the same. I have to admit that I didn't think this was a quilt I would make when I saw it in the magazine but after reading your blog I think I will. Thanks, Margie margie 0519@msn.com

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  34. I sort my scraps by size not color. Some days I don't think they are organized at all. Very pretty quilt.

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  35. I also separate my scraps by color but I love to put them in different old crocks so I can see and play with them. I also use them for my hexagons! I love your new quilt!

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  36. Well, I have just been storing a mumble jumble of scraps. But now I am inspired to sort by color. Am camped with the husband and cattle, and have a new bag of scraps started from a quilt I am working on for my granddaughter. So inspired this morning. Love that quilt and will be buying the magazine as soon as it comes out.

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  37. Right now, I am in the process of making scrappy log cabin blocks for a quilt. Sew, my box of scraps is quite low. How did I organize them, you asked. I DIDN'T ! Everything less than 2 1/2 inches was just thrown in a box. It worked for me but was a mess.

    Love the churn dash block and the way you made it scrappy. Very creative.

    Charlotte S.

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  38. I organize by size. A true scrappy!

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  39. I organize by size. A true scrappy!

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  40. I have my scraps sorted into plastic containers. Some scraps I cut into 4" blocks. Another container has strips of various widths. Another contains oddball craps and even leftover parts of blocks. The 4" blocks go into charity quilts, usually something involving 4-patches or 9-patches. The other scraps get cobbled together into scrappy blocks usually. Recently I put some strips together and made a small Chinese Coins hanging. It looked great. Scraps are fun!

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  41. I just love scrap quilts. I am in the process of sorting my scraps into bins of color.
    Your quilt "Every Little Bit" is lovely and I do like the title "As Time Goes By" because of the process of working on your quilt over a period of time.

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  42. I organize my scraps by color. I have been looking at doing a churn dash quilt, this pattern would be perfect!

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  43. My scraps are organized by size of squares (1.5", 2",2.5", 3.5") and strips of the same dimensions. They are also separated into colours and neutrals . I love your "Every Little Bit" pattern and would love to make it.
    maureeneh52@hotmail.com

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  44. I just got the magazine and loved your quilt. It's on the todo list. Have a couple or four in front of it first.

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  46. I organize my scraps in tubs of colors as you do, chunks and pieces. Sometimes I cut 1 1/2 trips for scrappy strip piecing. I saw Every Little bit in the magazine and love it.....going to make at least a throw for a chair.

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  47. Hi, Pam! I went nuts when I saw your quilt in APQ. As my friends can attest, the Churn Dash has always been my most favorite block and I love making scrap quilts. My scraps automatically get cut into pieces for the 3 scrap quilts I am currently working on--tumblers, bow ties and spools. The remainder gets cut into 1-1/2" and 2" squares sorted by lights and darks to make a postage stamp quilt one day. Of course, appliqué scraps are a whole other story! I will be adding this quilt to my list. Eileen

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  48. What a darling quilt and great idea for using up your scraps! I have my scraps in various places but mostly organized by color and some by theme. I know I keep all those bonus triangles but they are just piled in my box for them. I love scrappy and look forward to how to use up scraps from each quilt I make. The only problem is they keep increasing! :-) Thanks- K- lkw2x6-apq@yahoo.com

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  49. This quilt is so charming! I store my fabric by theme in boxes, but I have not found a way that suits me yet for those little scraps. Currently I have them collected in a big basket by my sewing machine. Love your idea of sorting by color, it makes so much sense! Might be a great project for my grandson to helpme with (the sorting , that is.)

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  50. Pam, I really, really love this block/quilt! I am focusing on scrap quilts this year and this is perfect. I store my scraps by size in clear shoeboxes.

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  51. Cut your fat quarters up into strips as soon as you bring them home. This makes the fabric more useable and gives you a jump start on your project.

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  52. I save every scrap I can, not much ends up in my trash can. I also keep these scraps sorted by color. Very handy when you need just a bit of fabric. I always check my scrap drawers first. Loved the quilt in APQ! Right up my alley. ~ Jody Randall

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