A HANDY TIP, A TOP AND BACK
Due to lack of space I don't have a design wall or a floor to leave things on. So I'm passing along my idea for a design tray, which is very handy. In the photo below you see a bright painting done by sweet Sarah, laying on its side. I keep it there below my work table to help hide the "stuff" under the table, boxes of fabric, my cutting mat and large rulers, etc.
When I turn it over it is a nice big tray for arranging block pieces. The surface is rough so they don't slip and can even stand upright without falling off. Here I'm testing the layout for my crayon block of 2 by 5 inch strips. It is also very lightweight and can be easily moved or put on the table when I do piecing, so the pieces stay in order. So if you have an unused stretched canvas or find an old one at a thrift store, I'm sure you will find it very useful.
Below is the finished crayon strip for February. I'll do the points when I finish all the strips. By the way, a blogger, don't remember who, mentioned an app for grouping photos. I got Collage free for my iPad and like using it for a connected group like this.
My latest flimsy and back finish for my Project Linus Farm Boy quilt. I showed you the top two weeks ago.
I was lucky to find this scenic farm fabric in my stash. By adding the aqua and brick red strips it matches the front size and the sides will be trimmed to match. It took only 15 minutes to make it!
This is not due until May so I'm starting on a couple of other things, one for RSC17 and one for myself.
I read that poly batting is better for kids quilts because it dries fast in the dryer and is durable. I was lucky to find a roll of it hiding behind some boxes today. Hooray for free or forgotten things. No need for Hobby Lobby this time.
I'm really enjoying our spell of warm weather up to 60, hopefully the end of winter here. I wish all of you dear friends a fun week whatever you are doing. Just keep stitching!
Come join me and my friends at
Rainbow Scrap Challenge at
Love your Farm Boy quilt. Several RSC bloggers are making crayons this year. Great scrap buster. It's going to be fun watching the crayon quilts come together in December.
ReplyDeleteLove that fabric for the back! It's so darling. The top is very nice too!
ReplyDeleteYour forgotten roll of poly find made me grin! So pretty crayon strip and great tip on the tray for piece-arranging!
ReplyDeleteLots of pretty quilty things on the go here Paula, I really like the scenic farm fabric.
ReplyDeleteIt is always fun to search and find treasures in our stash! Love that teal stip of scraps. A beautiful crayon it will make.
ReplyDeleteOooo, good idea about the canvas - I also struggle to fins places to play out blocks. Your projects are looking great, how perfect is that backing fabric for your Linus quilt? :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip and pics. That farm boy quilt is going to be a real comfort for someone.
ReplyDeleteLove that cute farm boy quilt and the tips! :)
ReplyDeleteWe just went from cold and snow to 60 degrees / very weird winter for my area!
I love the idea of a tray!
ReplyDeleteI love your farm quilt! And the crayons always make me giggle! 8)
ReplyDeleteCongrats! on getting a bit of TURQUOISE sewing done for the RSC and thanks for the tip about the "Design Tray." Sarah created a lovely piece of art for you!!
ReplyDeleteThat's such a quick finish on the farm boy quilt, and it'll make a nice present for a little farmer's boy! I haven't seen crayon quilts before; I need to search the Internet for more info.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...I may have to use your tray idea just to annoy my cats.
ReplyDeleteHehe, I use my "design floor" until the dog comes in to help :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment on my post! I am doing three of each color for the boots. For the quilt I am making with them, there are thirty blocks, so with ten colors...
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea for the design "wall". I have a design wall that is less than desirable, but it works. I saw it on someone's blog and tried it out. It is extremely temporary, and it gets in the way all the time!
I love those crayon quilts. You have some pretty teals...blue not blues in there.
I LOVE your Project Linus quilt. The backing is genius!!!
Since I am making a trip to Hobby Lobby tomorrow for backing and batting so that I can finish a quilt, I am quite jealous of your find! That is a great idea for using an old canvas for a tray! I actually have one (a painting from one of those "paint and sip" events), and didn't know what to do with it. Now I do! Have a great week, Paula!
ReplyDeleteIt is always nice to find a piece or two lurking around that has been forgotten and emerges as just right for the job. Nice work.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great tip! I never would have thought of that use for a stretched canvas (or painting). Kudos on the quick finish for what will be a truly cute quilt too!
ReplyDeleteLove the crayon strip you have lined up there. Who doesn't love blues all line up?! And that backing. Just perfect!
ReplyDeleteLove the colors in this month's crayon block. Congrats on your finds for the backing and batting for your Project Linus quilt, which is very cute. Happy stitching this week.
ReplyDeletelinus quilt looks great plan to make some too as I have lots of child friendly fabrics. Also crayon block looking good. Re your app for photos I have to find something else for lap top, it has been taken back to new as it got corrupted and now it says picasa is no longer available to download as google do not do it any more what a blow it took me for ever to learn how to use it!
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