I've been sewing with scraps lately, and loving it. I'm determined to greatly reduce the number of scraps in my bins. I've been saving scraps for years and right now some of the bins are filled to bursting and just can't hold more!
This quilt is a scrappy version of the Star Trails pattern.
Star Trails has two construction methods to choose from: speedy strip pieced, or scrappy. Both are really fun, and take less time than you'd think.
(See another version of Star Trails here)
The scrappy version of the pattern uses very basic foundation piecing techniques. VERY basic. In fact, if you've never tried FPP this would be a great project to start with.
You can use just regular copy paper for the foundation, or special foundation paper such as Carol Doaks papers.
Another option is newsprint paper - I recently had a fellow quilter recommend it to me and I just bought a pack and can't wait to try it. It's significantly cheaper and comes in a nice big pack of 500. I'll give it a try and let you know what I think.
One tip I have for you when making a scrappy version of Star Trails is to be sure to add in a nice variety of scraps.
It's tempting to just grab what "matches", but your strips (and finished quilt) will be much more interesting if you use some less saturated prints, some highly saturated prints, along with everything in between.
It's actually a lot of fun to dig through old favorite bits of fabrics and put them to good use. And I found the process quite addicting. I just wanted to keep going!
And here's an interesting tidbit: I first designed this pattern to be a scrap buster pattern. My first mock up was a scrappy red white and blue version - which I'm still wanting to make!
For the background fabric I chose to use a Moda grunge - you can see a bit of the light gray grunginess (is that a word??) in the photo above.
The color is called Fog and I love it because it's a good white and the grunge is subtle enough to not distract from the prints, but it also adds some texture and character. I also used it on this quilt.
You can find Moda Grunge Fog here from the Fat Quarter Shop and here on Etsy from Pink Chihuahua Fabric.
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The Star Trails pattern has two size options: lap & throw. This version is the lap size Star Trails and measures 50" x 67"
If you're low on scraps but still want to make a Star Trails quilt, there's also an option to use fat quarters, jelly roll strips, or yardage.
And for both the foundation pieced and the strip pieced techniques there's plenty of diagrams to help step you through everything.
For the backing on this quilt I used a coordinating solid that I found at my local quilt shop.
The longarm quilting design is a new one for me - it's called Going Loopy. I like how the rows of loops interlock - and the loops are a little whimsical. I'll be using this one again!
Love these colors!
ReplyDeleteI love the colors, too!
ReplyDeleteGreat use of scraps to make a lovely quilt!!!
ReplyDeleteI just got this pattern last week and can't wait to make it. I love your pink and gray version.
ReplyDeleteJust purchased! Such an eye catching quilt.
ReplyDelete