Friday, September 21, 2018

Progress and an experiment

This week I finished up my September blue Scrappy Sprouts.


Now there are 18 of these!  You can see the four blue ones running from top left to bottom right.


What's left?  Maybe dark green?  And a few more Dresden sunflowers for the top part - I need to work out a plan for sashing and borders, too.  I'm enjoying the slow process of working on this over time and thinking through the choices.

The other day, Mike was cleaning out a closet and found some old phone books to get rid of.  I snagged one from the recycle bin to keep because I want to experiment with using the paper as a foundation for string blocks.

It's a small size phone book and I decided to try making rectangular blocks to use up a full page.


I ended up with a 5 x 9.5 inch block after trimming.


I know some of you out there have made string blocks pieced on phone book paper - do you like this method?  I know that gives you the extra step of ripping out the paper - after you take out the paper, is the block stable enough?  How about the rectangle shape of the block - if you've made a string quilt with rectangles, can you point me to your blog post about it?  Some inspiration is always a good thing!

Looking for fall color up in the mountains, we went for a hike yesterday.  The aspens were disappointingly either done or barely changed where we went, but the sky was a pretty blue!


Happy Fall to you!  I'll be linking up with SoScrappy for ScrapHappy Saturday!





14 comments:

  1. I like paper piecing and always found that the blocks were fine after I ripped the paper out. Just make sure you use small stitches to piece it and it will rip out fine. I think this is a clever use for a phone book! Normally we just toss ours into the recycling center. I really like your fabric choices!

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  2. Yes I have done strings on phone book pages. I love the process! I use a Jeans needle and small stitches, like 1.6. The paper tears off so much easier than if you use computer paper. Here is a couple links to mine. http://knitbug2.blogspot.com/2017/02/winner-announced-and-my-very-fun.html and http://knitbug2.blogspot.com/2018/01/strings-valentine-and-northern-woods.html and this one http://knitbug2.blogspot.com/2014/12/a-few-stringy-days.html I think I have tried both ways of tearing off paper or not tearing off before assembling them into rows. I don't remember if I had a preference or not(it's been a while). You just make me want to do more!!

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  3. Lovely blue block! I'm curious to read what you learn about using phone book paper foundations. Fabric foundation seems to make very thick blocks! I have no idea where I'd find a phone book, though. I don't think I've seen one in 15 years :)

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  4. Don't you get ink all over your fingers with phone books? I generally use blank newsprint or Golden Threads. Do let me know about the ink, as phone books are free and easy to come by!

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  5. If you are of a certain age and get those Medicare books every year--recycle your old one for foundation piecing. I have never had trouble with the ink transferring. I am sure they will soon be obsolete as everything seems to be going digital.

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  6. where we have been the aspen were either yellow, dried up or green - not spectacular color like we have seen them in the past
    love how the quilt is coming along

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  7. Great idea! But I agree with Carole, phone books can be a little messy with the ink? I will follow this thread post, you ask an interesting question!

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  8. I love the fall! Glad you got out for a hike. Your flower blocks are coming together nicely. I've never done the strip piecing with foundation papers, so I'm absolutely no help to you on that one, lol!

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  9. I love your colorful little sprouts. This pattern is definitely on my bucket list.
    I love scrappy string block quilts and make them all the time. Have used recycled typing paper in the past but use old phone book now. I have no problem with the ink. I use a smaller stitch so it is supper easy to tear away the paper. Good luck!

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  10. Cute sprouts. I like making blocks over time too.

    I've used phone book pages for foundation many times and never had any problems at all with ink. I tore off the papers before assembly of blocks but had to be careful not to stretch out the block on the bias edges. I prefer phone book pages over fabric foundation for strings and don't mind tearing off the papers. It really doesn't take much time. I've never made the rectangular string blocks but have a couple of pictures downloaded of ones I want to make someday.

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  11. My first string block quilt was on muslin foundations. it was a tad heavier, but not an issue for me at all. I used computer paper a couple years ago when I pieced a bazillion neutral string blocks(that will be put to use in 2019). I just ripped the papers out every night while watching Netflix. Haven’t seen a phone book in years, but the old Medicare books are a great idea! I just tossed an old one in the recycling today, but I’m off to get it now!!

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  12. Good luck on your experiment!
    I have been similarly disappointed in tree foliage during the fall. I hope you find some fall colors soon.

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  13. I think the ink on phone book pages is fine after the books have 'aged' for a bit. I've done a little bit of paper foundation piecing, but not enough to be helpful. I'm interested in seeing what you find out.

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  14. Love your sprout blocks! That is going to be such a very fun quilt. I've done paper pieceing, but not using phone book paper. I've not had any problems with stability of the blocks once I've pulled the paper off, but the ones I've done tend to have larger pieces around the outside.

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