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January Scrappy Challenge

Remember please that some of us are just learning to make scrappy quilts. It may seem so easy to some of you real scrap quilters but for me, and for at least a few others, it’s a real challenge to make a scrappy quilt.

The block I have chosen to use for January is “Big T”. For those of us just beginning our venture into the scrappy world, it may be easier to use one background or one dark fabric for the entire block but this is a learning exercise to let’s put aside our fears and let’s get comfortable with the scrap bins. Each block could be a different fabric.

January Scrappy Block

January Scrappy Block

Or, the blocks can be made totally scrappy.

January Scrappy Block

January Scrappy Block

 

To make this block, which will be 9″ finished:

Half Square Triangles – 3″ finished or 3-1/2″ unfinished (make 4 per block)
Center Square – 3-1/2″ unfinished (cut 1 per block)
Flying Geese – 1-1/2″ x 3″ finished or 2″ x 3-1/2″ unfinished (make 4 per block)
Rectangle – 2″ x 3-1/2″ (cut 4 per block)

An alternative but very similar block has squares in the corners and can be colored as shown above or a different fabric used for the center, even a focus type fabric with a large floral or novelty.

January Block Alternative

January Block Alternative

If making the squares in the corners, everything is the same except the half square triangles.

Squares – 2″ (cut 4 per block)
Small Triangles (background) – 2-3/8″ squares, cut on the diagonal once (cut 4 per block, after cutting, you will have 8 per block)
Large triangle – 3-7/8″ squares, cut on the diagonal once (cut 2 per block, after cutting, you will have 4 per block).

Here are a few examples of quilts that can be made using only these blocks – no alternative blocks.

This first example uses the first block shown. The blocks are sashed. I love using sashing so that all those points in the blocks aren’t meeting each other and having to match.

January Scrappy Block

January Scrappy Example

Below is a version using the alternative design of this block.

January Scrappy Example

January Scrappy Example

In the example below, the corner squares were removed from the outer edge of the perimeter blocks.

January Scrappy Example

January Scrappy Example

Below is a table runner made using only three blocks.  In this example, all of the background fabrics are the same.

January Scrappy Example

January Scrappy Example

In the example below, there is a variety of backgrounds.

January Scrappy Example

January Scrappy Example

Don’t be afraid .. it’s just fabric!  Don’t forget . . this is hard for me too so we’re all doing this together!

Make your blocks, come up with your own design using this block and let’s use up some scraps!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Judy, I love this post. All the examples you gave really show how small changes make a big difference! Consistent fabric in a few places gives a less busy look. I have just started a few projects, but I might have to add this to my list.

  2. Great idea!! Would love a block each month to make a scrappy sampler! Your examples really help visualize it. Will definitely try this. Thanks, Judy!!

    • Yes, you can make it any size you wish. This is basically for those of us learning to use scraps so however it works for you is fine.

  4. Looks like a fun idea!!! If I can find my cutting table (need cleaning since I just finished a top) I will play too!! Wonder how many I can make in a month!!!

  5. Sounds and looks like a fun adventure. I remember well when I first started to make quilts a hundred years ago and was drawn to scrap quilts. I struggled for what seemed like forever to let go of that need to match or coordinate fabrics. It wasn’t an easy transition! Scrap quilts are still my passion. I think you are going to have lots of fun!

  6. What a cool block! Good choice — not too hard but not too easy. I love the variation with the corner squares. . . . may have to make that up as a full quilt & not just a one month wonder.

  7. I’m in! Looks fun. Thanks for all the instructions and info. I am learning.

  8. Oh I love this block! And the quilt designs are fabulous! This is going to be fun, fun, fun!!!
    I’ll be your biggest cheerleader. 🙂 Rah, Rah, Rah!
    Go Judy Go. 😉

  9. I have much more of a problem using only a few fabrics in a quilt. It’s too hard for me to choose them! But I find using lots of fabrics is easy (just pay attention to the placement of lights and darks), so this challenge will be a great way to use up bits and pieces! The January block has lots of placement options. Thanks!

  10. What a great post, Judy. I am inspired. You have reached out to many possibilities and that makes it easy to participate. I especially love the scrappy version, photo 2, pretty block.

  12. Judy- This is something else we share… I adore a scrap quilt, but can’t let go of my control enough to relax and just do it! Since I made myself a promise to make time for some sewing everyday, I think I might make this Black Birdie’s first project with me. Got started giving her a good cleaning yesterday, hope to finish tonight, and get acquainted by building a few blocks

  13. I’m looking forward to what everyone does with this. I’m not going to join in, but I’ll have just as much fun watching.

  15. As a scrappy quilter, you’re right – this is a little funny to me. BUT…your examples are lovely. I’ve been on a quilting hiatus due to shoulder issues but this might put me on a fast track to quilting again.

    My best advice to you with blocks like this…I tend to stick to a block being made of one background/other fabrics (foreground, focus, etc.) but then have the rest of the blocks be different.

    My current WIP is a rainbow of a block with both a primary and secondary color in a pinwheel-type shape. So each block has a tan background, but they’re all different tans. The purple block, for instance, has a single dark purple and a single light purple for the pinwheel design set on the tan background.

    Don’t be scared! Scrappy is my favorite way to quilt.

  16. I had already determined to try to do the rainbow scrappy challenge each month and like your block so maybe I’ll be able to wind up combining the two each month!! And your first example was perfect as the color for Jan. is blue! YAY!

  17. This is so pretty! I love both the 2 color block and most definitely all the scrappy blocks! I can see several quilts as well as a lovely sampler in the making!
    Way to go, Judy!

  18. I like to do scrappy quilts. I had decided that I was going to donate a lap quilt a month to the local Seniors Home. This is a perfect way to combine the two ideas. Thank you for putting this together.

  19. This is a block I would never choose on my own, so I am determined to make a few. They will be great for a row quilt I’m going to make for my son’s big boy bed!

  20. Really cute. I love making scrappy quilts, but admit I’m a ‘controlled’ scrappy as opposed to a totally scrappy quilter!

  21. Judy, I really have to compliment you regarding the print feature on your blog. It is so nice that you can easily print just the parts you want. Thank you for making it so easy for us! I think I will keep a special folder for this year’s Scrappy Challenge. Oh yes, I will make some scrappy blocks and complete projects!

  22. I’ll be saving this one to do later. January is a busy month for me (doesn’t help I procrastinated through December) but I will be joining in when I can. Love the block and the scrappy happy it has.

  23. I also struggle with the scrappy look. My first memories of patchwork quilts were scraps left from make clothes (house dresses, shirts, other 50’s clothing) and never wanted to participate. when I saw the ‘planned’ quilts with co-ordinated fabrics, that I could do and really enjoy. I’m still struggling with the scrappy look.

  24. Judy, I love the idea and would join whole-heartedly… next month! I broke my sewing machine the day before Christmas and I have a couple weeks before she’s coming back home 🙁 but I can’t wait to try it next month!

  25. I love this. I’m definitely not a scrappy quilter, but I have bins of leftovers. I have recently determined that “controlled scrappy” is my place. I like to keep individual blocks planned and uniform in colour/fabric – but mixing up a bunch of them into a single quilt is lots of fun. I’m thinking about making your blocks, but saving them all up for a sampler quilt at the end of the year. I know that breaks the “rules”, but there are no quilt police, right?

  26. As I sit here in a Plano hotel after a day of a New Years Bonnie Hunter Mystery Quilt, I love her scrappy quilts. I also realize how much I have to learn about the colors. She makes scrappy look so good and many of the ladies in her classes are great with the colors. Even at my age, I realize I have a lot more to learn before I can create a masterpiece, but I’m going to keep trying and since you are a lot younger than I, it won’t take you as long to master the technique. Love your blog.

  27. Oh Judy! Gah! I’ve already added so many stinkin’ projects for 2014 — but these SCRAPPY blocks….weeee! Just too fun to pass up!!!
    I peeked around the page, and didn’t find a “page” or “post” that will hold all the monthly block challenges (but there are SO MANY fun things you have around the page!!! A newbie to your page would be in heaven for DAYS looking at it all!!!!)
    Are you planning on having a Scrappy Challenge post/page for this fun challenge? {{And if you’ve already made one, I’m SO sorry….could you give me a lil’ push (OR SHOVE) into the right direction??}}
    You are AMAZING!

  29. Great block to start this scrappy challenge with. Looking forward to doing it

  30. Looks like a fun project. Not sure how many months I will be able to play as have a lot of “must do” projects that need completed this year. But at least hope to make 1 block and maybe by the end of the year will have enough blocks to make a small quilt. Great idea and would think it would be a good challenge for our local quilt guild. That is if you allow me to steal your idea.

  31. Looks like a fun block to start with. I’ll see what I can get done this month.

    A suggestion? Maybe a printer-friendly version of the instructions. I don’t have a computer in my sewing room. Please pardon my suggestion if you already added something like that and I missed it as I did a quick read-through and bookmarked for later.

    Thanks!

  32. Thanks for the block, can’t wait to search thru my stash. I love your blog and always look forward to reading it.

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