Last week I decided I needed to start something new to keep my overflowing scrap box in order and there would no better way to do it than to start another crazy scrappy quilt.
I first started making these blocks here and here then wrote up a pattern for the first ever issue of Fat Quarterly - a version with a single gigantic block called the Bedtme story quilt.
The best thing about this quilt is it uses up all types of scrap shapes from squares to strips to triangles. No scrap is too scrappy for this quilt!
This time I'm hoping to make a much larger version with at least 20 - 30 blocks (that's how bad the scrap sitch is).
What I want to know is, do you want to join me????????
Below is the tute for making the basic block, along with a button if you care to wear it on your blog. As an added incentive for you to get scrapping with me, I'll be holding a yummy-super-scraptastic giveaway!!!!!!!!! in a few weeks time open to all who are participating.
Crazy Scrappy block tute
For my quilt, I'll be making 11" blocks with each block using shades of one colour only, so if you want to do the same first sort your scraps according to colour.
To make your block, select a fabric for the centre, this piece needs to have 5 sides, so slice off a couple of corners if necessary.
Starting with any side you please, find a scrap that measures slightly longer than the side and stitch the two pieces together.
We will be working around the block clockwise, so trim the excess from the next edge along in that direction, in the above case this is the bottom edge.
Continue working around clockwise in a log cabin kind of style, trimming and adding as you go. I press my seams open after each addition to keep things as flat and neat as possible.
To stop your corners becoming too square as you go round, occasionally chop them off. This keeps everything nice and vortex like which is what makes this block look different to the log cabin style.
It's also good to throw in pieced strips now and again, this will up the scrapilisciousness as well as bust down that scrap pile.
An 11" square ruler (if such a thing exists) would be great here but I don't have one, so I just keep going until my block is at least 11" square all around and then trim.
When you have finished your block, make another!
Then another!
I promise these are very addictive!
So the question is,
care to join me????
Button Code
<p><a style="display: inline;" href="http://comfortstitching.typepad.co.uk/comfortstitching/2011/04/crazy-scrappy-block-tutorial-and-a-maybe-quilt-a-long.html" target="_blank"><img style="width: 200px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Button" src="http://comfortstitching.typepad.co.uk/.a/6a010536fd6c85970c014e87663b14970d-200wi" alt="Button" /></a></p>
It looks fun Aneela but I don't seem to be getting anywhere with my first quilt, so I'll just be watching from my couch.
You must have lots of scraps to get such different fabrics in each block!
Posted by: Grace | 04/11/2011 at 01:44 PM
Oh you have read my mind - I spent yesterday afternoon sorting all my scraps into colour piles in the sun and I was trying to think what to make with them, Problem solved - yes please, count me in!
Posted by: Flying Blind | 04/11/2011 at 02:14 PM
I really like the colour blocks in this quilt. I will have to sort my scraps in order of colour! I think I need more scraps though...
Thanks for the tutorial!
Posted by: Ruth | 04/11/2011 at 02:26 PM
Love this! My scraps have taken over my sewing room, but are too small for a proper log cabin block. This will be just perfect!
Posted by: Erika | 04/11/2011 at 02:27 PM
I think I may give this a whirl!
Posted by: Sally | 04/11/2011 at 03:02 PM
Great project idea! Not sure I can join in right now with what life has on my plate, but maybe a little later . . . at the very least will look forward to watching the progress!
Posted by: Debbie | 04/11/2011 at 03:03 PM
Oh, I so wish that I had enough scraps to do this! I just started sewing/quilting in January, though, so my scraps are rather limited. :(
Posted by: Dawn | 04/11/2011 at 03:53 PM
I only just started quilting in January too :o( so not enough scraps for me either, but I love the individuality of each block so much!
Posted by: Karen Heard | 04/11/2011 at 04:13 PM
I don't have enough scraps - but I could create some!! Count me in. I haven't done a quilt-a-long before and it is time I signed up for one.
Posted by: Susan | 04/11/2011 at 04:20 PM
Aneela, I love these blocks! One of the girls in one of my flickr bees used your Fat Quarterly tutorial for her round last year, and I loved making the blocks so much, I went ahead and made a baby quilt with more of them for my cousin. My scraps runneth over right now, so I'd be delighted to quilt-along with you!
Posted by: Meg | 04/11/2011 at 04:43 PM
Yep, I'll do it. I have a cupboard and a half full of scraps plus 4 boxes all over the place. I can't throw them out but they just keep getting ignored when it's time for a new quilt!
Posted by: colleen | 04/11/2011 at 05:39 PM
I'm in, but I'll be the slow one:) This will give me something for those nights when I really don't want to do the things I'm supposed to be doing! Grabbed a button for belle-n-bee.blogspot.com
Becky
Posted by: Becky | 04/11/2011 at 05:53 PM
Hmmm, I don't have a lot of scraps (I'm still a new quilter) but I do have some F8s just waiting for a quilt home... count me in!
Posted by: CanadianKristin | 04/11/2011 at 05:56 PM
YES! Those blocks are so beautiful! What a fun way to use up fabric. I'll be linking to your block and I would love a quilt-along!!!
Posted by: Rachel | 04/11/2011 at 06:22 PM
Thanks for the tut! I can't wait to make some of these blocks!
Posted by: Darci | 04/11/2011 at 10:04 PM
They're gorgous - but sadly I too have just recently started quilting and have hardly any scraps!(and definitely couldn't manage a block in one colour way). Mmmm - now "M is for Make" do fat quarter scrap rolls. Think I might need to buy rather a lot though...
Posted by: Jane | 04/11/2011 at 10:21 PM
Plenty of scraps..just not the time! Will certainly keep it in mind for the future! I love the fabric in the centre of your pink block..the girl and guy on the back of the scooter!
Posted by: Suz | 04/11/2011 at 11:12 PM
I'm joining in because your block design is totally different from anything I've done. I only wish I had your scraps to work with:) I love to join qal's so this will be fun. Thanks for the how-to.
Posted by: Joanna | 04/11/2011 at 11:22 PM
I have no blog and therefore nowhere to put your button (except maybe on my shirt?) But I would love to make these blocks with you! Must examine my scraps now...
Posted by: Pat V. | 04/11/2011 at 11:23 PM
I did my first crazy quilting earlier this year when I made a pillow for a gift. See http://prized-possessions.blogspot.com/2011/03/crazy-quilt-pillow.html for a picture. I liked it so much that I started one for myself. Maybe if I get my pillow finished, I will join along. (Against my better judgment...too many other projects!) But what a great idea! It would be fun to see what everyone else does.
Posted by: Mary Ann | 04/12/2011 at 05:26 AM
i love the blocks and would absolutely love to quilt along with you. my only problem is i've just been sewing/quilting since last august and doubt i have enough scraps to make much out of! maybe i could manage a doll or baby quilt, though.
ps - i just got my order of pips in the mail and am beyond excited with how wonderful they are in person and am enjoying dreaming up how i'll use them. i got 1/2 yard of each print and a jelly roll. i thought i ordered charm packs, too, but they must have run out. anyway, they're sooooo lovely! can't wait for the next line. =)
Posted by: hydeeann @ splish splash stash | 04/12/2011 at 05:35 AM
Love these blocks and have some sorted scraps sitting on the window sill that were just waiting for this. I don't have a blog but would love to join in.
Posted by: Aliie | 04/12/2011 at 09:16 AM
Oh count me in!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Alissa | 04/12/2011 at 10:40 AM
You KNOW I LOVE this design!!! I would love to have a go... I might have to go shopping and make some scraps though - being new to the sewing scene and all. Can't wait till your tutorial comes out!
S x
Posted by: Seaweedandraine | 04/12/2011 at 12:17 PM
Der. I am not paying attention real well tonight, am I? The tute was on this post! lol
Posted by: Seaweedandraine | 04/12/2011 at 12:20 PM
Yes, I'm in! I've been waiting for this!
Posted by: angela | 04/12/2011 at 02:05 PM
You are brill!!! I have years of scraps.....and I just got your fabric in the mail with all the lovely pips for centers!!! Oh boy!
Posted by: Miss Holly | 04/12/2011 at 02:09 PM
I would love to join in but I can't get my hands on most of my fabric right now. Hopefully I can join in later.
Posted by: Lisa | 04/12/2011 at 03:56 PM
count me in! i'm gonna make a block or two right now! wheee! i LOVE playing with scraps! :)
Posted by: amandajean | 04/12/2011 at 04:10 PM
I'm in too. What a great way to get rid of the scraps.
Posted by: Pat | 04/12/2011 at 06:00 PM
wonderful! Count me in-I just made my first red block.I have lots of neices and nephews to make quilts for!
Posted by: sarah | 04/13/2011 at 01:55 AM
I'd love to join in - have plenty of "scraps" to use and love the pattern you are using for these blocks - I'm fairly new to quilting but have already fallen in love and working my way to being a total fabriholic! Thanks for the opportunity to quilt along!
Posted by: Kelly Solomon | 04/13/2011 at 02:24 AM
I have put ypur button on my blog at http://www.karmicraft.blogspot.com with a link to your scrappy crazy quiltingg. I have been crazy quilting foe a short time and would like to join your scrappy quilting. Is it ok to use scraps of fancy fabrics? That is what I use for my crazy quilting.
Posted by: Karol B. | 04/13/2011 at 03:00 AM
I love, love, love working with scraps. And although I'm up to my eyes at the mo, my resolve is gone and I'm going to join the Qal! I'm so weak! Jxo
Posted by: Judith Hollies | 04/13/2011 at 09:37 AM
Very cute!!! Huts wondering, in your pink one, what's the name of the fabric with the couple on vespa with Pisa?? Is that one of yours too? I ~love~ your fabric and just bought some!! Can't wait.
Posted by: Sachi | 04/13/2011 at 02:15 PM
Hi, this is so exciting. A scrappy crazy quilt. No kidding, I'm designing a series of scrappy crazy quilts and I have one on my blog called "Pippn'Crazy Quilt" because I used your fabric and I love it.
Susan from a Canadian Abroad blog suggested I post it on your Flickr group.
Thanks for this great tutorial, I love crazy quilting.
Posted by: Carli Heinrichs | 04/13/2011 at 04:46 PM
I love these scrappy squares!!! Love Love!!! Thanks for the post and the tute! I love your blog! I wish I could do one with you, just no time right now, but I will follow you! ~Jude
Posted by: cjudygo@hotmail.com | 04/14/2011 at 02:54 AM
I have thrown aside all other projects and made my first two squares tonight! I am having a hard time finding center blocks but I have a few to get me started at least. I have a brown block and a green one. They aren't nearly as cute as yours but I'm happy with their style. I've been wanting to do some wonky log cabin style for a while but I keep ending up with something much less wonky! I'll get pictures on my block maybe tomorrow. :)
Posted by: Emily Adams | 04/14/2011 at 05:16 AM
Oh, I am SO tempted to come and play this looks so much fun! my crafty to do list is already so long, but this looks great! I should say NO I really should.... arghh
Posted by: Tallulah Maggs | 04/14/2011 at 11:17 AM
hi aneela,
i just wanted to say that my sherbet pips layer cake arrived today, and i absolutely love it! i can't wait to make a wee quilt for my little girl from it, and i know she will love it too!
thanks,
ali
Posted by: ali | 04/14/2011 at 05:37 PM
Hi Aneela,
Yes, this is a wonderful project to use scraps thoroughly, creatively and easily. I don't have a blog, but I will join in the quilt-along with you!
Posted by: Stephanie | 04/16/2011 at 03:46 PM
Hi,
count me in - I have already made 6 blocks and have put them on my blog. With all the scraps I have this quilt will be huge!
Jemima
Posted by: Jemima Flendt | 04/17/2011 at 11:32 AM
OK!! I have 9 blocks now and actually figured out how to post pics of them on my blog from my Flickr. I know - easy peasy for most of you but I manage to forget how to do these technical things as soon as the laptop is shut. Here is a link to the blog post:
http://craftydiem.blogspot.com/2011/04/wonky-lock-cabin.html
That should get you some thumbnails and you can get to the flickr photos here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/52597112@N08/sets/72157626392117989/detail/
Can't wait to see what others are doing!
Posted by: Emily Adams | 04/17/2011 at 04:49 PM
I just may have to give this a go. I should be packing and getting rid of stuff since we are moving in a few months but I also have my first grandbaby coming in Sept. and this would be a great way to get a mini quilt done. I may use a smaller block size we'll see. I already have a crazy for redwork started that also needs attention (not to mention a ton of other ufo and in progress work). But hey what's one more! I'm looking forward to seeing other blocks!
Posted by: Rose | 04/17/2011 at 07:17 PM
I do not have tons of scraps but I am going to use up what I have with this! thanks!
Posted by: Lee | 04/18/2011 at 02:06 AM
I'm in - already made one block and it was such fun. My daughter is lusting after your spiderweb watercolor quilt, so I could really use more scraps (hint)! mangelnsm(at)aol(dot)com
Posted by: Nancy Mangel | 04/18/2011 at 07:17 PM
I'm so excited about this. I collect scraps like crazy and have been trying to justify why I do. I just love all the different fabric. Now I have a way to use all those little pieces! I'm going to get busy sorting now. Thank you! Oh and I'm so excited for your new line...2 of my favorite things apples and books!
Posted by: Chiska | 04/18/2011 at 07:57 PM
ohhh your blocks are fantastic - I don't think mine will be as colour co-ordinated though!
Posted by: Indianna | 04/19/2011 at 09:48 AM
Hmm I think I'll join this!!! I need something to get moving with new blocks and moving on from squares!
Fi
Posted by: Fiona Leontis/Patchworkdelights | 04/19/2011 at 08:55 PM
I'm in! I will probably be the one who lags behind and is still finishing this quilt in 2020, but heck I am in! :)
Posted by: Tallulah Maggs | 04/20/2011 at 10:13 AM
I'm on board! Have already started and made four squares - pink, blue, green and yellow... not sure where this quilt will live - I am thinking a double bed size for our guest room so may take a while, but it's so much fun! I love the 'non-measuring' and using up the scraps!! Will post your button and some photos on my blog in next couple of days! Thanks for the inspiration!!
Posted by: Suz | 04/20/2011 at 02:03 PM
I'm in! Although it'll probably be placemats and table runners rather than a quilt - I hope that counts!!!
http://betweenthetoys.blogspot.com/2011/04/crazy-scrappy-quilt-long.html
Posted by: Kate | 04/22/2011 at 01:54 PM
I'm in too! Just did my first block today, I'm blogging it tomorrow :-) Looks like fun!
www.fairyfacedesigns.blogspot.com
Posted by: Sarah @ FairyFace Designs | 04/26/2011 at 11:53 PM
O geesh! now I have to make some tomorrow..I have been lurking.now I have to bust my scraps.thank you.
Posted by: amy | 04/27/2011 at 07:56 AM
Fun blocks! I have a big pile of scraps on my cutting table right now. A rainbow quilt! I'm in.
Posted by: Rinda Fullmer | 04/29/2011 at 05:49 PM
I would love to join in this quilt along. I hope I have enough scraps to make a significant quilt. ( guess i can always make more scraps :)) Would love to win some scraps just to have some different pieces, just started sewing in the last 6 months so I missed out on a lot of fun fabrics, and there is always so many new great fabrics it is hard to keep up.
Posted by: S Law | 05/02/2011 at 08:12 PM
I'm in! Have been loving this quilt along, the blocks are addicting!
You can see my blocks here: http://splendidminta.blogspot.com/2011/05/quilt-for-nephew-to-be.html
Posted by: Liz | 05/05/2011 at 09:34 PM
And it's done! http://splendidminta.blogspot.com/2011/05/scrappy-baby-quilt-done.html
Posted by: Liz | 05/16/2011 at 12:53 PM
Thanks for the tutorial! I made up 2 blocks, and loved doing it! I'm going to plan a quilt now with them! http://chewygiraffe.blogspot.com/2011/05/crazy-scrappy-blocks.html
Posted by: Kathryn | 05/17/2011 at 09:03 PM
I am pulling out scraps as I type! Can't wait to try this one. I did you blockity-block quilt for my grandaughter's wall but she won't turn loose of it which of course make Mimi very happy!
Posted by: Terri Tackett | 07/19/2011 at 12:24 AM
I just love your fabric designs Aneela. A quilt made from your scraps would be divine.
Posted by: Nancy | 07/19/2011 at 03:52 PM
Love your scrap pile. Cant wait to get started. Thanks for taking the time to give tute.
Posted by: Sissy | 07/23/2011 at 02:27 PM
lovely tutorial for a great way to use scrapps.... thank you!
Posted by: RosaMaria | 07/23/2011 at 11:17 PM
Oh I just love this tutorial!! It really captures the FUN element of doing an improvised block! Would you mind if I directed my quilting bee-mates to this page (and/or send them a print-out) when it comes time for my turn to pick a block?
Posted by: Anna | 07/25/2011 at 06:57 PM
Hi Anna,
I would be more than happy for you to link your bee mates over to this post to make their blocks for you. It would be nice to see any of the blocks added to my flickr group too http://www.flickr.com/groups/1300302@N23/
Posted by: aneela | 07/25/2011 at 07:47 PM
Oh, oh - I startet sorting my scraps as soon as I read this in April... loved the idea of reducing my scraps in such a fun and useful way. But it took me til now to sew my first blocks and I have 6 now and plan to do much more!! Can I still join the QAL or am I too late?
Btw: LOVE your fabric designs!!!
Best wishes from Germany
Sabine
Posted by: Sabine | 08/07/2011 at 04:30 PM
Hi Sabine,
The QAL is ongoing, you can join and finish to suit your own needs. I have quite a few blocks now but am nowhere near finished myself so no worries!!
Posted by: aneela | 08/07/2011 at 04:36 PM
Hi Aneela,
that's great! As I mentioned I've finished 6 blocks. http://www.miss-tiffy.de/2011/08/mitgenaht-aneela-hoeys-quilt-along/ (Blogged in German, but there is a google translator button on the sidebar). So I will go on sewing now!
Thank you for the tutorial!
Posted by: Sabine | 08/07/2011 at 08:32 PM
I'm thinking that perhaps it is too late to join you in the Crazy Scrappy QAL? I came to this web page via the Moda Country Fair 2011 & wasn't checking the dates. I need to cut down on the scraps & this seems do-able. Thanks for the tutorial
Posted by: GG | 09/19/2011 at 02:52 PM
I will join you, as I am working on 2 embrodiery western quilts,1 redwork car quilt now,this would be good to get rid of my scraps from others quilts that I have made. I save every tiny piece of fabric. I use the tiny fabric scraps for art quilts taught by Nancy Notions. count me in. Thanks for the tutorial!Maybe I will make a 11" square ruler so it will be easy to square up our blocks.
Posted by: Ann | 09/26/2011 at 06:18 AM
I would love to join
Posted by: Janette Boyd-Marshall | 01/08/2012 at 12:17 AM
It's finished!! I LOVE IT!!! Thanks again for the tutorial, and for letting me use it for my bee! I think I'm going to donate it to an auction benefiting eldercare this summer. http://six-white-horses.blogspot.com/2012/03/rainbow-vortex-quilt.html
Posted by: Anna | 03/19/2012 at 07:47 PM
I was going through my scraps this weekend and I finally arranged them into 6 different color groups. Aneela, yYour tutorial helped me to use the scraps I didn't want to throw away :) I made 4 blocks yesterday and there are still many many more to come, as I'm only 50% done with the pile of red scraps!
Posted by: Joanna (Tutinella) | 04/01/2012 at 05:42 PM
this is fabulous, i was searching for a tutorial for a bee i'm in for a block for me, and many wonky log cabin tutorials are way too particular for me - this was just what i was looking for and found it through a gal who made some blocks based on this and posted in flickr - i am hoping you don't mind that i share it (the tutorial) in my bee - i will credit you/you will get credit if/when the girls come here to look, right? - thank you so much!
Posted by: jody deschenes | 04/03/2012 at 05:32 PM
Fabulous quilt blocks! Scraps have taken over my quilt room so this will be my next project! Many thanks for the tutorial!!!
Posted by: Linda Owen | 04/09/2012 at 06:05 AM
I've been wantin to start a crazy quilting for a while now. This looks exactly like the push I need. I'm in!!!
Posted by: Deanna Bures | 04/18/2012 at 07:35 PM
Sounds like fun. I've been looking for a new idea and have have lots of scraps. I might like to have the center picture be vehicles since my grandson is all into cars and trucks.
Posted by: Mary Hayes | 04/18/2012 at 09:52 PM
Simply love the idea! I have been saving old ties for a crazy quilt, but I also have many scraps.
Posted by: patti ovca | 04/19/2012 at 02:17 AM
Yes i would like to sew along with you on a crazy quilt.
Posted by: Sharon | 04/19/2012 at 06:20 AM
I seen something like this and want to do it but......... I have different pictures of Bears I want to fussy cut. I THINK I want to border them before I start the wonky but I am soooooo new I don't know what that would look like. Does anyone have an opinion on it? I have never wrote like this before either so I don't even know if someone will answer me!!! LOL
Posted by: Kay | 04/20/2012 at 02:55 AM
What a great idea. I recently got back into quilting when I joined a quilt guild through our Extension office. I had saved up scraps from several years ago and wondered what to do with them. I hope to share the idea with our guild too, if that is okay. Tonight I'll be sorting the scraps by color and start on my first block. Love the idea of a picture block in the center. Love the idea of a quilt along, but not sure exactly how that works. Can someone explain it to me.
Posted by: Carol Brumlow | 05/02/2012 at 04:16 PM
Hi Carol,
The idea of the quilt a long really is that a group of you work on the same project at the same time, mostly just to keep the motivation going. This QAL started last year and while some people have finished, others including me are still working on theirs. Any one is welcome to use the tutorial though.
Posted by: Aneela | 05/02/2012 at 04:29 PM
I would love to quilt along :) Have never done a quilt along but this looks really fun. Just hope I dont have to go buy scraps because I dont have enough!! LOL
Posted by: Kate Brown | 05/06/2012 at 08:26 PM
Put the button on my blog. Love the idea of this. Thanks for sharing!!!
Posted by: Mama Spark | 05/19/2012 at 04:50 PM
thanks for this
have taken your button
I use made fabric, but the idea of central motif and one colour theme is great.
Posted by: alice findlay | 07/07/2012 at 10:34 PM
Thank you so much for posting this! I now know what I am doing with my day! The laundry can wait!
Posted by: Missey Kohler | 10/07/2012 at 06:51 PM
I just found this, but it sure fits the bill for something I need to do. The scraps are taking over and need to be tamed. Thanks for the great idea and all of the "tips of the trade".
Posted by: Kay L Ford-Sollimo | 01/21/2013 at 04:06 PM
Just found this - am excited to do this. Knew there was a use for all those scraps I've been saving--Dad would love a colorful quilt for Father's Day. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Janie P | 01/24/2013 at 09:11 PM
I like this idea though I've seen it before but never thought to tempt to do this. I do voulenter and help my church do quilts for the sick and homeless people, this is an great idea for all the scraps I have. I do love this pattern.
Posted by: Lupe Belcher | 04/09/2013 at 04:33 PM