More Scraps and Half-Square Triangle Exchange

New year, new projects right?  The only problem with that idea is that we all have TOO MANY ideas, unfinished projects and wish lists...not too mention left over bits!  We have some options that will help you absorb all of those leftover parts and loose ends...This is one way to revitalize some of your scrappy Civil War reproduction fabric bits - or equally stunning in batiks or whatever your stash produces!

 The project is called Second Hand Clothes and the pattern is designed by Red Crinoline Quilts. The version pictured on the pattern cover is a big one...85" x 93", but our version pictured below is a nice throw size about 52" x 68". This is one of those patterns that lends itself perfectly to size adjustments, and as scrappy as you want to go. You can easily build these units over time, in between other projects...or all at once in a scrap and go fashion. And for those of you who are out of scraps, or just like ours better....we have some 'sticks' and fat quarter bundles that are just perfect for this project.

One of the great things about scrappy projects is that there is often little planning necessary - no need to panic if you run out of fabric and need to substitute - because that's the point!  And in the end you are left with a gorgeous quilt and a sigh of relief that you've made some room for new fabric?  This project is straight seams, perfect for easy piecing while you visit with friends at a retreat - and the pattern is fat quarter friendly or pieces 9x11 (our sticks include 12 different fabrics) will do the trick!   

2nd Hand Clothes

Sticks and Bundles

We've opted to host another Half-Square triangle exchange...April 1st, so get to work on those triangles!  Maybe you participated previously and are ready to add to your collection or just need some more variety - OR - if you are just catching up with us and want to participate this round, here's the scoop:
Sew up your civil war scraps and trade them for others! This program is based on what Edyta Sitar describes in her book Friendship Triangles, pictured below. The idea: purchase our premade 'cinnamon sticks' containing special half square triangle paper and scrappy Civil War era fabrics, add your own fabrics to make a second batch, and make up as many half square triangle units as you'd like to trade.  Each sheet of paper makes 28 units.  You can also buy a pack of the paper and create solely from your own stash.  These are the 2 inch finished size - and the only restriction is that the fabric needs to be 1800's reproduction fabrics.  

Then, April 15th, we'll make the exchange of half-square triangles and you'll come away with a bigger variety of half-squares and some possibilities for a start on a scrappy quilt. Get your triangles turned in by the 1st of April if you want to participate.  We've got a few cinnamon sticks all ready to go and will be adding more next week!

Happy Stitching!