I saw a string quilt some time ago and started on a few blocks and then set them aside. I needed an easy project on Sunday, so I could keep one ear on the playoff games.
I save string pieces and Linda O gave me a bag of them. I thought I better get busy using them up! And if you don't know what strings are they are long pieces of fabric in various widths and lengths.
I use telephone book paper as a foundation so the blocks don't get too stretched out. You can use muslin or ugly fabric too.
My blocks will finish at 4" so I cut the papers 4.5"
Press.
Then keep adding strings, placing them right sides together on the last sewn strip.
Do that until the paper is covered, working out from the center.
Trim to 4 1/2"
Admire your blocks. This, like a log cabin, has many settings.
I'm doing mine in a zig zag, like the one below.
The one on quiltindex uses 8" blocks.
String or Streak of Lightening. (Maker not recorded). 1901-1929. From Connecticut Quilt Search, Connecticut Quilt Search Project. Published in The Quilt Index, http://www.quiltindex.org/fulldisplay.php?kid=47-7B-8DE.
And I'll have a lot more blocks to make!
Love to you all! Have a wonderful week!
Really dynamic!!!
ReplyDeleteSo nice, Lori. I worked on the same telephone paper blocks yesterday, too! Mine are 8" finished and have green (Eagles) down the centers.
ReplyDeleteI love string blocks too. So versatile and such fun blocks to make though I don't care for having to take the time to rip the paper off the backs. I'm about to try an experiment with used dryer sheets for the foundation so they don't have to be removed. I made a sample block and washed and dried it, and it seemed to work just fine, the dryer sheets remained very soft and did not shred after going through the washer and dryer.
ReplyDeleteOh!!!!!!! These blocks look great! Thanks for making me want to add another quilt to the list! LOL Have a good week Lori!
ReplyDeleteLove the blocks and the fabrics you have chosen. It's going to make a great quilt. Hugs
ReplyDeleteLove this! I have a string project like this, but my blocks are 8" and my center strip is black. I love the look, but for some reason string piecing just isn't my thing, so I RARELY work on it. If you keep posting about this project I may get inspired. :)
ReplyDeleteYour blocks look great and makes me want to start a new quilt, but my New Years Resolution says NO! LOL!
ReplyDeleteI won some fabric pieces a while back that could go into a string quilt. I was thinking about doing log cabin blocks with them but strings would probably be a better idea for them.
ReplyDeleteI have made a few string quilts but just went with the dark then light idea..love yours with the streak of lightening..on my bucket list now..🤗⚡️💕
ReplyDeleteI look forward to seeing it!
DeleteI have been wanting to try this. Thanks for the tutorial! I have been making a lot if scraps!
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing us these wonderful blocks! Love them!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty blocks. I am making some string blocks for a charity quilt. Aren't they so much fun to make?
ReplyDeleteI've done several string quilts and it's good mindless sewing. Plus it makes a dent in those odd scraps. I really love the chevron/zigzag layout and may have to consider that for my next string quilt.
ReplyDeleteThat's something I've always wanted to try. I like how you divided the block with the lights and darks.
ReplyDeleteMaking some for Kat's Covered in Love project. They are quick and so rewarding. Love yours.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great little block. So much potential for scraps and looking wonderful with yours especially.:)
ReplyDeleteI used to make those blocks for a group called Heartstrings. They are really fun.
ReplyDeleteYour string blocks look great. I call that "mindless sewing" when I want to sew, but not have to think about it too hard. :) I usually work on these after I've made a quilt that took a lot of effort. It helps me unwind. I've never used phonebook pages before. Brilliant idea, Lori! A great way to recycle something that most people throw out. I will definitely try that.
ReplyDeleteVERY cool!!
ReplyDeleteThose are really nice blocks and a fun way to use up scraps, love the different variations you can make with them.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
I haven't seen a phone book in maybe 20 years?
ReplyDeleteI love your string blocks. My fav setting is the Squares but the Zig Zag is more unusual. Your blocks and fabrics are so pretty, what a fun project!
Woo woo !! I love your blocks Lori !! String quilts are soooo fun !!
ReplyDeleteLove these!
ReplyDeleteDrooling here! Love the bulls eye you get when you set it Sunshine n Shadow! Inspired hubby to do one similar!
ReplyDeletefun Lori!
ReplyDeleteGreat way to use strings! I made Christmas Placemats with this method, using batting instead of paper so they were almost finished, I added the backing and binding, et voila!
ReplyDeleteBut I never thought about a quilt! Great idea!
Thanks Lori
I have tons of strips and want to get going on using them too. I LOVE scrappy string quilts.
ReplyDeleteI love this zigzag pattern. I used a black base and only did 1/2 the block in strings for my zigzag. I stopped at a very small size, but I sure could see this as a queen/king. Fabulous!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not crazy about making string blocks but after seeing all these awesome options, I may need to start making some myself!
ReplyDeleteA fantastic scrap user upper!! I Love all the ways you are setting up the blocks! I'm inspired to open the machine up & get some sewing done ��Thanks for sharing!
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