Scrappy Paper Piecing, Pam Style

I was asked how I use copier paper in my scrappy patchwork a few posts ago, I wanted to try something out so had a little play and took a few loads of photos in the hope that it will demonstrate.

First of all this is how I set up my work space with my iron in reach so I do not have to get up to press seams. I throw a good hand full of scraps and strips out ready.

I cut my paper to just over 5 1/2 inch square and then started pulling pieces of fabric, the middle piece is an autograph block that was cut wrong from years ago.

I sewed these together and then positioned them on my paper square, then selected two more scraps , sewed them together as before.

I found a strip of two pieces already joined and sewed them to the bottom of the paper to complete the block,

Turned over you can see that the paper is covered with the fabric, it is a tight fit on one side and I will trim the overhang off later.

These strips would be fine laid straight but sewn at an angle they will be a little more interesting, I will trim the excess fabric to reduce bulk.

Just like this.

On this block I have used a strip that was trimmed off a block for a previous project, it is perfect to complete this corner.

Once the blocks are made I turn them over and trim all the overhang fabric off, these trimmings will go back into the scrap bag for another day.

I made four blocks and will use them in a square layout, another time I might sew them together end to end to make a long strip.

The final block has been pressed and trimmed to 10" square, I will make this into a large block using another 10" scrappy block and two 10" squares, either plain or a "quiet" pattern and colour, turning them into a Four Patch block. This will finish at 19 1/2 inches and I will add two borders to bring it up to 24 inches four of these sewn together will turn into a decent size quilt, the final size will depend on whether or not I add borders.

The finished quilt will be a play mat for my Grand daughter, it is her first birthday next month and this will go on the lawn or the carpet or even on the beach for her to play on. Lots of colour and varied shapes will make it interesting for her. I may add a few pockets to pop a soft toy in.

I highly recommend a visit to Bonnie Hunters blog, she is the undoubted Queen of scraps and does a live quilt cam  sewing session every now and then.

That's all for now, I need to go and beat the living daylights out of some batter mix, Toad in the Hole for dinner with some of my " Old Spot " sausages, fresh veg and onion gravy mmmmmmmmmmmmm

Bertie has rallied round and is as active as ever, Ben has been to the Vet this afternoon, he has seemed out of sorts and lethargic for a couple of days. He had a good looking at and his joints were flexed and muscle tone checked, the vet very kindly offered a full blood test and a set of Xrays for upwards of £600, by this point Ben was bouncing around like a puppy on speed and asking to get of of this place, so I took a rain check!

It was obviously man flu!.                       TTFN    Pam