I would like to congratulate all those who joined me in Use up Your Scraps month, whether you declared your intention of joining in or not, I think anyone who makes a scrappy project deserves plenty of credit. After spending all of January making projects using mainly fabrics from my scrap bins I have learned to appreciate the effort that goes into planning and executing such projects. I spent many hours searching books, magazines and the internet and somehow I have found a new way of looking at things. I have always loved the scrappy look but now I appreciate it all the more. At last count I have made ten scrappy pieces which are at different stages. My favourite project so far is my Lilly Pilly applique project for which I used a Scrappy Log Cabin background. I am in the process of stitching the leaves to the background at the moment and thoroughly enjoying the quiet process. It’s been an interesting scrappy month. I have decided to dive into my scrap bins more often to make more interesting pieces. I love a challenge.
Today I have kicked off Finish it Up month. That doesn’t mean I’m not going to start anything new, it just means that I aim to finish a few UFOs that have been piling up. Perhaps you might like to join me in finishing up a few UFOs of your own.
Today I added the outer scrappy border to my Scrappy Trip Around the World. So the next step is to quilt it. However I’m not sure how to quilt it yet. I was thinking about tying this quilt rather than longarm quilting it. Tying it would give it a rustic look.
And staying on the subject of scrappy borders, a few days ago I showed you some red and white scraps that I was playing with. Well I can now reveal that those scraps were actually the scrappy border which I added to another Simple Trip Around the World. I wanted to show my beginners that it was okay to use up the scraps leftover from the centre of the quilt for the outer border. This particular quilt is the second sample for the Beginners Trip Around the World.
The first sample has plain borders and this number 1 quilt will be hand quilted. I have layered it and started marking it ready for quilting. I used every day normal tools to mark this simple quilt. You will see as I get on with the job that less is more. Hand quilting does not require too many specialised tools. Its well worth investing in a frame/hoop for hand quilting as it helps to prevent pleats on the back. Personally I cannot hand quilt with my clip frame.
The number 2 red and white quilt will be machine quilted. I think perhaps a little walking foot work would be enough on this very busy little quilt.
I was very tempted to start hacking up a Jelly Roll today. However I thought I had better get a good start on finishing up what is already on the go. So it looks like my willpower has helped me to stick to Finish it Up for today at least. I wonder how long it will be before I get the craving to cut up my Jelly Roll again……
So for this evening, this very happy longarm quilter has a number of projects to work on. I might carry on working on my Lilly Pilly applique or I might start hand quilting my little beginners Trip Around the World. I’ll let you know how I get on next time. Whatever you may be doing this evening, I hope you’re warm and cosy indoors. Until you read me again,
Happy stitching. ♥ ♥
Love the red and white quilt
This was a very simple quilt to make. Now I just have to decide how to quilt it.
I am looking forward to finishing some projects, after having fun using up smoe scraps (and I have found someone who will use up the small scrappy bits that I have left over from the two quilt tops!!)
I’m glad I’m not the only one heaping up UFOs.
I’ve put up my blog in order to get them finished and it’s serious business now. Wishing you luck with yours. 
Jule, UFO mechanic
You’re not alone. In fact I think we’re both in good company when it comes to mounting UFOs. Thanks for popping in today.