Work in Progress
The last few months have been hard, really hard. Our family has suffered losses (not covid related) which have left us with in deep shock and aching hearts, all made more difficult by a hard lockdown due to the pandemic. Although our lockdown has indeed come at great expense and many sacrifices we have eased out of isolation to find ourselves in an enviable position with currently no active covid cases in our state!
During this period I have aimlessly dithered around my cutting table and sewing machine. I have started several quilt projects but failed to complete any - as yet. I've lacked focus and commitment but have allowed myself to take it one day at a time. I knew that eventually the joy of working with fabric would return, even if that means short bursts of activity on some days and none the next. I'll take it.
This quilt in progress was again inspired by a vintage quilt. It is a simple four-patch set in a square. It is a perfect scrap buster project as you only need small scraps of fabric for each block, and many of the fabric pieces were indeed pulled from my scrap bin. I set myself a small target of making just 10 blocks a day as a starting point, and pushed myself last weekend to complete all blocks - a total of 324 blocks.
QUILT DETAILS
Four-Patch in a Square Scrap Quilt
Quilt top measures 63.5 inches x 63.5 inches.
18 rows of 18 blocks ~
324 blocks in total ~ 2592 patchwork pieces.
Each finished block measures 3.5" x 3.5".
BLOCK TUTORIAL
I used step 1 to 4 from my Economy Block Tutorial to make these blocks.
**I have substituted the centre square for a four-patch block by cutting
four 2" squares, sewing the four squares together, then trimming
the four-patch centre block to measure 3" x 3".**
You'll find the tutorial here:
(Step 1 to 4 only for this block)
I find the sew and trim-to-size method easier for small patchwork pieces. It is a lot of extra work but it results in accurate patchwork pieces, and as a result the blocks and matching seams come together neatly. Yes, this quilt does have some bulky seams!
It feels good to be back at it, but I make no promises. The only thing for sure is that I have plenty of fabric on hand and all the tools to make many more quilts. There will be more quilts and I will continue to share them here on my blog and on Instagram as and when that happens. I am quietly excited to see what 2021 brings.
As always, thank you for stopping by and scrolling through the photos.
Happy stitching,
Rita
RELEVANT LINKS
Economy Block Tutorial (Step 1 to 4 only for this block)
More RPQ Scrap Quilt Projects:
Follow RPQ on:
COPYRIGHT: Do not copy or use any content or photos from my blog without my written permission. This is original content from www.redpepperquilts.com.
Hugs Rita. I hope life is improving each day. This is a great scrappy quilt - maybe one day I’ll start using mine.
ReplyDeleteHugs Rita.
ReplyDeleteHugs and more hugs!! Every quilt I have ever seen you post is incredible!!! They have brought me so much inspiration and smiles!! Yes, take each day one at a time and I pray you have peace at this time. Loss is never easy and the world we are in, is at times scary, but we have each other and I know we are being watched over!! He always sees us through!!! Thank you for sharing...please remember you are not alone :)
ReplyDeleteRita, of all of the quilts in the whole world, yours are my favourite. Your ability to curate fabrics is an inspiration to me. I study each of your quilts trying to better understand your talent for what colors and patterns of fabric to use together. I wish one of the major fabric companies would hire you to curate/design fabric collections. Even if your sewing doesn't bring you joy every minute, every new quilt you make is like a gift to the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteThis is a happy beautiful quilt, it looks so lovely. I always enjoy your quilts, your colors always looks so nice. Happy stitching!
ReplyDeleteGreetings Dear Rita, I am so sad that all of you have suffered loss over the past few months. I know that pain so well. I know it takes a long time.
ReplyDeleteI have been checking your blog regularly, and always leaving inspired but also in prayer, I know this has been heart breaking.
This quilt is delightful. I have been taking care of mom and dad for 4 years, and now fully 8 years with just daddy. I try to sew every day, yes, I have several starts and some finishes.
You are always in my prayers.
It's a beautiful quilt. I'm glad you were able to push through the process, and I'm sorry you've had some rough months.
ReplyDeleteI have long admired your work and enjoyed reading your blog. One day at a time. Wishing each new day will bring happier times and more sewing for you. Peace.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to see another stunning quilt from you! You are truly an amazing inspiration! I'm sorry to hear of the hard times you've had. I think a lot of us quilters have had our non-productive days pop up more often lately. Take care.
ReplyDeleteSeeing your quilts brings me great joy. How in the world you make the simplest patterns turn out so gorgeous is beyond me. Know that thoughts of you are close to my heart, and I’m sure I speak for many others, as you work through the difficult times you’ve experienced.
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful quilt. I hope knowing how much your work inspires the rest of us is a comfort to you. No pressure! I hope you find your groove again. Give it all time
ReplyDeleteI love this quilt. You always take a simple block and create beauty. Now I have another scrap buster to add to my table! Please accept my condolences for your loss, sewing has helped me through grief a few times, hang in there ❤
ReplyDeleteI love this quilt. You always take a simple block and create beauty. Now I have another scrap buster to add to my table! Please accept my condolences for your loss, sewing has helped me through grief a few times, hang in there ❤
ReplyDeleteYour quilts are always so beautiful. I love that you have given me another scrap option to think about. My sewing room has seen me through a few times of grief. Know that we are all thinking of you on this journey. Only you can set the pace you need 💕
ReplyDeleteI started following you again, I went years doing other forms of creativity but am back to quilting again. Your blog was always an inspiration for me I love this quilt so have saved it-sorry for your losses-hugs Kathy
ReplyDeleteI love to work with small pieces of fabric. It brings my both joy and total focus. When losses are great, i retreat to my small pieces, and my music. This was for us a year of non Covid family loss, and heart wrenching struggle . My thoughts go to you as well, and I'm sending you hugs.
ReplyDeleteSending you joy and peace! Thank you for sharing, we all need to take a step back and adjust!! Looking forward to 2021
ReplyDeletesending you hugs from far, Rita. Everyone hit hard with this pandemic including our family but there is always hope .. hang in there dear.. lets never lost hope
ReplyDeleteI’m sorry the past few months have been so hard and that you’ve suffered losses. I just wanted to thank you for your quilts and your website. The beauty and color of your creations are pure tonic to the darkness of this year. I’ve spent many hours combing through your archives being uplifted by each beautiful quilt. I’m in the process of collection low volume fabric to make a herringbone quilt like yours. Thank you so much for sharing your creativity with the world! You do more good than you know❤️
ReplyDeleteSo sorry this has been a hard time for you and those you love. I'm glad you had the energy to post a blog about this quilt. I love its vintage vibe and the happy look of all these colors together. I hope creating these wonderful quilts will be a comfort to you and ease some of your sadness.
ReplyDeleteHi Rita. I'm so sorry to hear you have suffered losses this year. Thank you so much for sharing this quilt - your careful piecing and bright fabrics always warm my heart and inspire me to keep creating.
ReplyDeleteI know that my words won't fix the pain in your heart, but I'm thinking positive thoughts for you and your healing. It takes a lot to move through loss, and your ability to put one foot ahead of the other, get up each morning to face the challenges of that day will eventually help you move from the valley to the sunshine. Hugs
ReplyDeleteI love your happy bright quilts. Thank you for sharing the free tutorials. I am always looking for a leader-ender project and this is a great way to use the 4 patches that have been accumulating between other projects.
ReplyDeleteSending lots of hugs...glad to see you coming back and hopefully you will feel a new sense of appreciation and love from all of us and know we are inspired by you.
ReplyDeleteWOW I know where your coming from. I lost 3 family members last year, not to COVID either. It has been very hard for me to get back to my quilting or any crafts. Quilting has always been my stress reliever but it has been a year now. hope maybe I can start with some UFO'S. Hope this new year brings you some peace.
ReplyDeleteHopped on your blog after a long time away. I hope you are well. Your work with color and scraps continues to amaze me. I love seeing bits from my stash in your work. Stitch slow, take comfort when you can, and be well.
ReplyDelete