There's something just so wonderful about scrappy quilts. I love the process of digging through my scraps to find just the right fabrics to pair together. We all have those prints that are our favorites and I'm no exception. Seems those favorite fabrics make it into every scrap quilt I make! Do you find you do that, too? That's our love, if not obsession, with fabric, and why we never have too much of it!
Presently, along with working on my super secret scrappy project early every morning, I'm also cutting and sometimes piecing the parts of five other scrap quilts at the same time. Because scrappy is so labor intensive, I am making the most of the opportunity when I choose, starch and cut each piece. Why dig through your scraps and stash again and again? So, with that in mind, I have a little list of what to cut for each quilt. I must be organized and make the best use of my precious sewing time. More on this subject when the super scrappy secret project is revealed later this year.
The Nine Patch blocks in the quilt above finish to 1.5 inches. My next teeny, tiny quilt will be a simple Four Patch, with blocks finishing to 1 inch!!
That has me wondering....what is the smallest Four Patch block you are willing to make?
Notice I didn't say "comfortable" making....I know bigger is more comfy. So, I want to know if you set out to make a little scrappy Four Patch quilt, what is the smallest size finished Four Patch you will make?
I have a poll on the side bar of my blog where you can cast your vote....and please do! It will be fun to see the stats. Click here to see the poll.
And....if you leave me a comment about the smallest size and/or how many scrappy quilts you might work on simultaneously, I will choose a few people to receive my newest.....
Tokens of the Past: Two Color Classics
pattern, which features small blocks from 2 inches to 3 inches finished, FREE!
Friends reading this post living outside of the US are welcome to comment as well.
I'll choose a winner or two over the weekend.
Off to dive into more scraps!
My smallest 4 patch is 2.5 inches. I work on about 6 scrap quilts at a time.
ReplyDeleteRight now I'm making crazy cat quilt and I'm sewing 1 1/2 squares as ender and leaders for place mats, and waiting to do pieceful pines.
ReplyDeleteThe number of projects I have going at one time knows no bounds, because they might be PhD to some, but to me, they are just waiting for me to come back to them, as I distracted by something else. There have been a large quilt of 3" finished 9 patches in my past and more recently a log cabin made with 1" finished strips. But the smallest quilt i have ever made I guess is 10" square, with 2" finished cake stand blocks.
ReplyDeleteI am working on way too many projects- quilts,bags, wallets......Need I say more? I love,love,love scrappy projects but the smallest 4 patch that I am willing to make is 1". The smallest hst that I will make is 1/2". I don't enjoy paper piecing at all but if you make blocks smaller than 1/2", the seam allowance is just ridiculous to deal with.
ReplyDeleteProbably 3/4” finished. It’s really hard to handle pieces much smaller than an inch. Thanks for a chance to win your giveaway too!
ReplyDeleteI love your little nine patch! I think the smallest 4 patch I would piece would be 1". I currently have several projects I'm working on, some for more than a couple years. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of your patterns!
ReplyDeleteThese are so pretty.
ReplyDeleteThe smallest 4-patch I like to make is 1 inch. I have done some Dear Jane blocks that have 50+ pieces in a 4.5 inch block, so I have worked with other little pieces.
ReplyDeleteYour little nine patch is adorable. I have worked on little nine patches that finish at 2" , but as much as I like the look, I prefer to not go smaller than 1" squares. Thanks for chance to win and for all your wonderful fabrics and patterns.
ReplyDeleteThis one is a beauty! I struggle with small pieces but keep trying.
ReplyDeleteI’m trying to use up a large portion of civil war fabrics. Pulled out five scrappy patterns last week. Like you, I’ve made a list of the size cuts/strips I need. Began the long slow process of selecting, ironing and cutting on Sunday. It will take me a month or longer to get it all done. I keep reminding myself how beautiful the quilts will be when finished. Smallest 4 or 9 patch I’m willing to make is 1 1/2”. Love your little 9 patch quilt.
ReplyDeleteIts funny that you say that we don't need to dig through our stash and scraps again and again because I've now gone thru my scraps four times! LOL!! And I'm happy to say that I used your scraps that you gifted me last year in my Bonnie Hunter Garden Party quilt...so there's some pieces of you in my quilt!! I have two scrap quilts at the quilters and two more in the works, so my answer would be 4. Maybe I need to go make your little 9 patch with the rest of your scraps that are still waiting to get used?!? Thanks, Pam.
ReplyDeleteI would work with 1" 4-patches. Do I? No! But, I would. I am not organized enough to work on more than one scrappy quilt at a time. I have lots of WIPs (works in progress) but they aren't scrappy. Some day!!! HUGS... and stitches
ReplyDeleteMy brain can only handle working on 2 quilts at once - one a scrappy leader/ended quilt and one ‘main’ quilt. I voted for a 1” finished 4-patch. But I’ll admit that I couldn’t make very many of them. Your tiny nine patch quilt is so cute!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite sewing projects are small quilts. I piece on the Featherweight and then hand quilt them. I make for the holidays and for gifts for friends and family. I am always looking for the next project(s) as usually I have more than 1 going at the same time. I will use one inch pieces. I love your quilts, fabrics and patterns. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI always seem to have too many projects going. But I do get them finished eventually. Love your little quilt. I just finished a scrappy half square triangle quilt made from the parts that were cut off. Couldn't bear to throw them away. The little blocks finished at less than an inch.
ReplyDeleteI think the 1" finished would be my limit. I have a fairly short attention span so tend to work on one or two complicated projects; while finishing some fast/simple smaller projects. Love your little quilt!!! and the quilting is great as well. As a new long armer I seem to pay more attention to the quilting than I did in the past. jmh
ReplyDeleteI love playing with bits and pieces. The smallest I have done a 4-patch was 1 inch. LOL I used 1 inch squares and quarter inch seam allowances, which I trimmed smaller after stitching. I just made a mini, but it was fun!
ReplyDeleteI love your nine patch scrappy quilt! I'm willing to try any size - I've learned that with enough starch, most anything is possible :-)
ReplyDeleteI think 1 inch blocks would be my smallest block with 2 quilts going. I would be honored to try one of your projects,no matter what size I had to do however!!
ReplyDeleteI'm currently working on a project that is all four patch HSTs that finish at 2.5". You go girl for working with such tiny blocks! I love your little quilt....its speaking to me. I think 1.5" finished is my smallest so far.
ReplyDeleteI have made a small quilt with finished 1/2 in. sqs. I really like working with those small pieces. I have two quilts going at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI will try any size once! I am working on 7 different quilts right now! I just switch from one to the other and try to stay on track so they all eventually get finished! It's good to switch around for variety and keep it fresh! One day I will feel like working on one and I just keep going until I need a break and I switch to another. Then when I am making them, I am feeling the love for them! Quilting is my therapy !
ReplyDeleteI really love your little 9-patch and the quilting is perfect for it. I love making miniature quilts, but I make large quilts as well. I've made several 9-patches that will finish at 1-1/2" after I decide on how to set them. I also made a tiny quilt of 5/8" HSTs - 20 of them to be exact. I put a 1" border around them but can't decide whether to make a quilt or pincushion. Right now it's just a 4-1/2" x 5-1/4" flimsy! I would love the chance to make your tiny quilts!
ReplyDeleteThat little mini quilt is to die for!!!! I would try a 2 inch, if successful I might try 1 inch. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteHappy Sewing.
Love your mini 9-patch quilt and I'm looking forward to the reveal of your super secret scrappy project when it's time! I've never made anything as small as your 1.5" finished blocks, but it would be fun to try a 2" finished block. I do better when I can focus on one project at a time (otherwise nothing gets finished!). I admire you multi-taskers! Thanks for a chance to win one of your patterns. bfiresheets@bellsouth.net
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love making minis. The smallest I've made is a 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" nine patch. I made a 25 x 25" Irish chain quilt using those little squares. It's a challenge but I loved it Minis are such fun and yours are so pretty and the fabrics? Wow factor!! Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI love making scrappy, because I don't lot throwing out any fabrics. I made a baby quilt with 'sew and flip' half square triangles, I saved all the cut off pieces and sewed them into half square blocks and I had enough to make a doll quilt for the babies sister. So cute. I like to have at least 3 or 4 going at a time. Thanks for the beautiful pictures. jenellejb at aol dot com
ReplyDeleteI love your 9-patch quilt! I would enjoy making a one-inch finished 4-patch block. I made a quilt for my dollhouse, and the 9-patch blocks measured an inch finished. I am currently hand-quilting a scrappy table topper quilt. I have a terrible time sticking to one project from start to finish. I always seem to have at least 5 projects going on at one time. Keeps things interesting!
ReplyDeleteMy smallest is 1.5 inches
ReplyDeleteCould you tell me the fabric lines used in the black to color quilt
I do love this little blue quilt you just made, it's scrapalicious! I am just getting into making smaller blocks, have not made enough to finish a quilt yet, but having fun digging into my stash. I am also working on getting some UFO's done, and feeling good about that! Thanks for a chance to win.
ReplyDeleteCarmen
I'm working on three super scrappy quilts at the same time... three charm quilts, each thousand pyramids but of different sizes, all using the same fabrics... 1046 different fabrics. I love scrappy! The smallest I've done is a miniature New York Beauty (a take on Sue Garman's Sleeping Beauty) with the smallest triangles being 1/2" x 3/4". So fun!
ReplyDeleteHi, I loved your tiny 9patch quilt and the quilting you made is so adorable. I am making a miniature quilt for the first time and I am in loving with it. That is the reason I find you . Thank you soooo much for being my inspiration. I am so glad to be here. Your blog is amazing! :) . Greetings from Brazil to you. Sue
ReplyDeleteI have many, many projects going right now...I think UFO should be my middle name. But you are really encouraging me to try a "smaller" project than I have been comfortable with.
ReplyDeleteAnd I am happy about that!
Love, love, love your little 9 patch quilt!
ReplyDeleteI didn't do the poll, because the smallest I make is not on there. My smallest finished 4 patch blocks were 1/2". I made them when I was too dumb to know better. But since then I have made 3/4" finished 9 patches, so I guess I haven't learned. :)
I love scrappy, and I love teeny tiny. The smallest 9 patches I have made are 1 1/2" finished. That's teeny tiny enough for me. I just finished a slew of 1/2" finished HST to put into 9-patch blocks.
ReplyDeleteLove love your quilt I have done one with 1 1/2inches....I love the little quilts sooooo much they speak to me with a loud voice..starch is a great help
ReplyDeleteI am working on my first little "heart" quilt with 1 and 1/2 inch squares. I have a bit of an advantage since I am using paper piecing for the hearts. I have been afraid to make a mini quilt but find with paper piecing, it is easier to work with the little squares.
ReplyDeleteMy limit is 2 inches finished. Smaller than that then my poor hands start cramping up.
ReplyDelete2' is about my limit. I work on about 3 or 4 projects at a time.
ReplyDeleteNancy
eddnancy@msn.com
1/2" finished (using 3/4" squares). I usually use 1" or 1 1/2" squares, but I'm game to try smaller. Small and minis are much harder than big!
ReplyDeleteThe absolute smallest finished block size I'd entertain is 1/2". It's a sign the block is toooo small when seam allowances overlap. I usually always have one hand quilting project on frame with 3 scrap quilts in mind. I'll choose one as an 'intermission project' between 'planned' pieces.
ReplyDelete1" finished is about the smallest I go. I work on 2 to 3 projects at a time.
ReplyDeleteThe smallest 4-patch block would finish at 1 inch. I did a 9-patch little quilt that blocks finished at 1.5 inches. I always have several scrappy projects going at one time, just love making scrappy quilts!
ReplyDeleteI think 2" would be the smallest I'd go. Scrappy quilts are my favorite and I have 2 scrappy quilts that are in the works right now. Since I like to have a couple of projects cut and ready to sew (time permitted), I'm getting ready to dig into that stash again. 9- patch blocks are so great for using utilizing your stash! Love your quilt! Dolores R
ReplyDeleteThe smallest I’ve done is finished at 1/2” I’m working on the OMG quilt! I love scrappy and tiny pieces. I have about 4 scrappy quilts on the go! Love, love 9 patches!
ReplyDeleteA 1.5 finished 4 patch is the smallest I have worked with. I generally have three or more scrappy projects going on at any given time.
ReplyDeletePam, I love your finished Tiny Nine Patch quilt, and the tiny little flowers quilted into the setting squares are adorable. You know me, tiny is where it's at and I will try anything once. LOL So one inch finished is my choice.
ReplyDeleteI have made a 3" finished bear paw block and it was a big challenge for me, but I was very proud after I had finished it. I want to make a scrappy quilt, but I am sort of paralyzed by how to actually begin. I see so many large beautiful scrappy quilts and probably have the fabric to make them, but can't decide what do really do first. I think I need to start with a small project so not to be overwhelmed.
ReplyDeleteI have done 4 patches using 1 inch squares before and I am working on 3 scrappy quilts now plus a couple other projects. I would love to have your new pattern to make. thanks
ReplyDeleteI'm always up for a challenge as long as you've shown that it is possible. I would love to use piles of mini charms I've been collecting. I'm always working on multiple projects, currently including two hand pieced lap sized quilts. Slow going.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful,the quilting caught my eye!
ReplyDeleteTwo years ago I made a quilt challenged that the small pieces were 3/4 inch and this year the smallest one I´ve sewn was 1´5 inches.
The smallest I have worked with to date is a finish of 1.5". I usually have two or three quilts going at one time. Thanks for a chance at your drawing.
ReplyDeleteRight now I'm working on a scrappy pineapple quilt - that is fun and a real stash buster. I think the smallest 9 patch I would make is finished 1 1/2". I love your 9 patch!!
ReplyDeleteI have done 1", but would do a 1 1/2" if something called for it. A 2" would even be better. It seems the smaller the pieces the more handling goes on and the material sometimes frays. I work on 4 to 5 quilts at one time to keep me quilting every day. They are like puzzles and very addictive.
ReplyDeleteThe smallest quilt I have made is about 11 x 15 done in Civil War prints...I just love working on smaller pieces and display them everywhere in our home! Love your 9-patch!
ReplyDeleteLove nine patches ... they are so versatile and work in so many designs. As my eyesight has gotten older my block size seems to increase rather than decrease. I remain in awe, though, of those itty bitty works of art with really small pieces! Thanks for the chance to win one of these patterns! Linda Canends@Hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI love mini 9 patches! The smallest ones I've worked on have finished 3/4". That was quite a challenge. I have too many projects going on at the same time to count!
ReplyDeleteI voted 2". I guess I could try 1" but I probably wouldn't want to make more than 4. The 1st to see If I could then 3 more to practice. I have not made an actual quilt block in months and months and months. Do you rotary cut the small pieces?
ReplyDeleteThe smallest block I have made to date is a 3" finished Shoo-Fly, but I would be willing to try as small as a 1.5 inch and have been saving scraps to attempt that. One of my many UFO's. LOL
ReplyDeleteI am currently going through my scrap bins and cutting for six different scrap quilts. I have made 1.5" nine patches. I love working with small pieces.
ReplyDeleteMy smallest size for a four patch block is 2''. I usually don't work on several scrap projects at the same time, but it happens that I have different projects - maybe two?
ReplyDeleteI'd happily make 1" finished sized 4-patches and I see I'm not alone with that size! I have at least 3 scrappy quilts on the go at the moment and could eaily start more if there wasn't a sensible little voice in my head that shows up from time to time!
ReplyDeleteI could make 1-inch squares, but prefer 1.5-inch. I love your mini quilt and I have lots of them on the go. I used to make bed-sized quilts, but now prefer to make scrappy minis. They finish quickly and I usually have three or four going at the same time. Love going through my scrap bin and pulling out all those little pieces and remembering what I originally used them for.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYour mini is beautiful. I make small blocks, 2.5" usually, and use them to make mug rugs and placemats. I love playing with the scraps in that way.
ReplyDeleteI am working on a Jane Stickle quilt so I am used to working somewhat small! I have made sampler blocks finishing at 3 inches. I have worked on 2 scrap quilts at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI did a basket wallhanging and finished was 2". Laura V., ninepatch@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteWhile I admire folks that can make mini quilts using up the teeny tiniest scraps...I'm going to say that a 2" four patch is the smallest I'm willing to try! :-) Sometimes even just cutting those little squares of fabric can get "interesting"...never mind trying to feed it through a "hungry" machine! lol!
ReplyDeleteI love your little 4 patch. Scrappy makes me happy. For the past couple of years my leader endear project has been a scrappy courthouse steps block using 1" strips. It is going to be king size and fabulous some day. I seem to always sew scrappy and always have multiple projects in the works.
ReplyDeleteMy smallest I have made is 2" finished, but I would try some smaller blocks. I usually only work on 1-2 quilts at a time. I love your little quilt! It is very cute.
ReplyDeleteLisa
Scrappy quilts are fun to make. Last year I finished a small 9 patch similar to your design and my 9 patch blocks were 1.5" finished ~ so sweet. I'm making a couple at the moment, one as a leader and ender project which is another fun way to get a quilt made and another where the blocks finish at 4". Your quilts are inspiring and I'd love to have your latest ones! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have made a couple mini's with 1 1/2 inch pieces--would love to try your smaller blocks.....Thanks for the chance to win...
ReplyDeleteI would be willing to make a 1" four patch..
ReplyDeleteI am currently working on eight charm quilts using English Paper Piecing - Tumbler, Octagon, Kite, Triangle, Clamshell, 60 degree and 72 degree Diamonds. and a leftover strip that is going to be made into tiny Six Pointed Stars. All are cut from one 5" square, and my goal is to have 10,000 different 1800's reproduction fabrics. So far, I'm over halfway there, I was collecting fabrics for over 20 years before I had any idea of what I wanted to do with them.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I really want to count the number of scrappy projects I have in various states of completion:). I have made Christmas stockings that had 9 patches, four patches, and a postage stamp square that finished 3/4". That might be my limit.
ReplyDeleteI think the smallest I have done is 1inch 9 patch blocks. Would love to try some of your mini quilt patterns as I have so many scraps �� - thanks for the wonderful giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThe smallest I have sewn is 3/4 inch strips with 1/8 inch seams for a 11/2 inch 4 patch. Always fun to use every last bit of fabric.thanks for the fun give away
ReplyDeleteI have not made any tiny 4 patches but have a friend that has made dozens of miniature quilts and I would love to make one. I’m really ready to try my hand at one. This would be a great incentive to get started on one. I have made multiple scrappy quilts but I don’t think any of them look as good as a scrappy 4 patch!!
ReplyDelete1 inch is the smallest I have done.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I prefer to cut multiple quilts at the same time if they’re using the same fabrics. So right now I’m cutting for a 12” Double Wedding Ring, a 6” pineapple and a 3” Star Snowball Chain using my collection of Kansas Troubles fabrics. I’ve been collecting FQ bundles since they stated offering them, and only missed 1or 2 over the years, since the next time you talk to your friend you can tell her she has a big fan! :)
ReplyDeleteI love mini quilts for decorating my home, and when you showed us your nine patches in progress a while back I started making some that finish at 3/4”. And since I recently remembered to starch my fabrics for better piecing accuracy, they are my favorite mini blocks to date! Thanks for the opportunity to win your pattern- and for sharing your quilting life with us!
I work on multiple projects at the same time always. Never a dull moment for me. I don't even count how many I have going. I just know that when I have come to an end point with one project, I am not content until I have something else going under my needle.
ReplyDeleteLove your tiny nine patch mini! The smallest I have worked on is 3/4 inch. I love making mini quilts!
ReplyDeletewow !!! beautiful and so lovely,i really like your good idea so much.Thank for sharing.
ReplyDeleteหนังสยองขวัญ
Awesome post, extremely instructive. I ask why alternate pros of this segment don't see this. You should proceed with your composition. I'm certain, you have an incredible perusers' base already!e of sound sustenance and acknowledging nourishment. Custom embroidered patches
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteVery much impressive blog keep the good work up. I found this very informative. It helps me a lot. Love to wait for your next post.
Click Here : 2006 Cat 140H (616) w/10365 Hrs For Sale at $98k