What I have been doing to get my fabric under control

This summer when the weather has been distracting to my working on my projects, I’ve instead been on a campaign to organize my scraps of fabrics to make them more usable for a later time.
I’ve been stashing my scraps of bits and pieces in containers as I’ve been making quilts.
I have gone through containers,(we all have these, right!)and I separate the pieces that are large enough to actually do things with. I was figuring I could make loads of half square triangles, flying geese etc.

From this point, which actually looks like a big clutter, I have organized the fabrics to look like this

The longer strips that I found in my containers I’ve decided can be used as borders or bindings, so I’m leaving those as is .
Loads more to dig through, and I’m figuring this will be an ongoing project.
I will at a future time update you on what I end up making with all these lovely scraps.

Mariners Compass quilt using Electric Quilt

I love paper piecing and decided to teach myself how to draw a Mariners Compass quilt using software called Electric Quilt. I am enjoying the aspect of this design in bringing together the elements like a puzzle and just figuring what to do as I go along.

Paper piecing is probably my favorite way to quilt. You need to plan out your design and then organize the fabrics, I usually allow a generous bit of lee way in doing this. My favorite quilters to look at are Carol Doak and Judy Neimeyer. In fact I have been working on Judy Neimeyers Feathered Star this summer. Judy’s technique was at first challenging, but I found organization was the most important aspect in getting started.
Carol Doak has a new book out that I recently bought and its a great way for paper piecers to find elements that they can put together.

Getting back to my Mariners Compass Quilt, since I just got off topic, here are some more photos.

I will keep posting pictures as I move along with this quilt! As you have probably figured out about my style, I usually have a few projects in the works at the same time. Keeps it interesting!

Why I want to blog

I am an avid quilter and enjoy all things quilty. This summer I’ve been between two projects, I’ve been working on a scrappy quilt that incorporates using a 60degree triangle by Creative Grids. Basically all I did to make these shapes was to cut my fabrics into strips , and who doesn’t all ready have some of these lying around.From there I used my triangle ruler and cut these wedges out. I used white as the main color. I am posting a small section because I am in the process of working on this, and will post it when it’s finally done.

I made this quilt with a combination of paper pieced stars and larger areas that I could quilt in.

This quilt was pieced using a scrappy method and a traditional pattern. I used Anita Solomon’s method of quick cutting and really enjoyed the technique. I had taken one of her classes at CityQuilter in NYC several years ago.Its 41″x41″

This quilt was done using a crazy patch method of piecing. I love making quilts using different methods and this one is the most freeing for me.Its 33″x39″.