Template by Canva, Xmas photo by Canva, Quilt photos by Martha G. Brady
Table runner made from leftover blocks
Photo by Martha G. Brady
This is an example of a table runner I made from a group of leftover blocks that were already made. They were leftover from an earlier project. This one is a bit thinner than some table runners I have made, but I thought it was okay. If I had wanted it wider, I would have just added more borders on each side to widen it. The back of the quilt had something that didn’t have a border on it, except for the binding around the edge. It is a panel with a Fall theme. I could have added one however. You just need to take it all into account. That’s what you have to think about ahead of time…before you put your fabric/batting/fabric sandwich together.
Placemats are another great option for leftover blocks especially blocks that are similar in color or style.
Another option for leftover quilt squares, especially if they are similar in color, is placemats. The log cabin pattern is a great choice. it is very flexible and can be expanded by adding different sized strips around the block. It can be a log cabin look without being strictly a log cabin block. For example, the block can be in the middle. Then, you can add strips around it in a similar way that you add log cabin strips, but you can add strips of differing widths. You may want to put the block in one corner of the placemat, then add the strips in 3 sides around it.
Another option is adding on a block or a few large strips or blocks of fabric to the right or left of a large block. Here is a helpful tutorial that illustrates what I have been talking about here as well as in some of my other segments. You can see that sometimes you may not like one part of the look of the block but then, once it is done, you may like it a lot better. Also, your choices may be considerably different than those made by the person who did the tutorial. It’s ok. You can see that the placemat she did was made up of a lot of smaller strips and blocks. You could easily substitute a quilt block for one of those blocks and put it wherever you want.
Photo by Martha G. Brady. See these 2 gift bags stuffed with newspaper. One has the patch in the center(R), the other is off center(L).
Gift Bag project made with odd quilt blocks
Another use for extra quilt squares, is gift bags.I will give you a photo of 2. I have made before. I didn’t have a Christmas one, but your fabric is all that makes the difference. They do not have much substance to them in that they don’t stand up well unless they have something in them. With this gift bag, you use the block as your central piece, then work either strips or larger pieces of fabric around the block until it is the size you want.
Click here for a video that is more similar to this than the kind I made. (except I made squared bottoms to the bags.) This video gives you a measurement for the overall fabric piece. Figure out where you want to place your block, then place the fabric on either side of the block and add a strip at the bottom and top if needed. After you seam the pieces, your final piece will be the size called for. Then continue the directions for the gift bag as called for.
Click here for another option for a gift bag and will link you to a video of how to make one that stands on its own. It all has to do with personal preference.
Click here for additional easy gift bag.
For really small blocks, use them for mug rugs.
If you have small leftover blocks (5 inch square or less), make mug rugs. They can either have a Christmas theme, Fall theme, School or team colors, etc. They all make fun gifts…if you enjoy making gifts of course. If you don’t have quilt blocks sitting around like I do, just use these instructions to make the gifts that are simple. This is a nice, basic tutorial. The mug rug is a little larger than normal, but I like it. It would be easy to put the quilt block in the middle with the strip to the side. Then you have a nice tutorial there to make whatever mug rug you want.
Here is another tutorial of a more regular sized mug rug made with a 4 1/2 ” square (and other shapes). For that one, you could easily go with a regular 5″ precut if you have them around your house. It’s a personal choice of course. These mug rugs are mostly folded. There is less sewing involved. It all depends on your desired look.
I’m sure I have given you way more information than you wanted, but it’s a start. Here is another mug rug tutorial. It is a bit different from the other ones you have seen. keep in mind thatajYou may not be planning to do any crafting until winter. If so, this will be here then. Happy sewing!
Why do I include gift-making information on a blog about hope?
I include these on my blog for a variety of reasons.
- Things to do with our hands that are fun, relaxing and a creative outlet. Obviously, there are other things that can serve the same purpose.
- Opportunity to reach out to others we love, as well as use up our stash of fabric, yarn or whatever we have on hand.
- Often, our abilities can be used to care for those who are weaker in our communities. It depends what is available. Here are some examples:
making dolls (you may want to do something more local with friends, but this has tutorials to help you.), pretty pockets (pockets for drains) you may want to send to this group or work with a local surgeon or 2, dress a girl around the world (making dresses for children around the world) again, you may something more local as well. and here is a pinterest page link to give you a huge variety of options for sewing for all kinds of charities from stillborn babies to teddy bears for foster kids to whatever. Take a look. if your local area isn’t there, google your area and something is probably there. - This is a great way to work together with friends or new friends on a project you love, to serve others. It gets you out of your head and brings joy to others.Sometimes, you work on it alone, but in contact with the group. Sometimes, you get together to sew together. Sometimes, you do a little of both. I was looking at those doll projects and thinking that often in a group some enjoy one part of the project while others prefer another part. you might be a stuffer of dolls, another person might enjoy doing the hair, another the clothes. You get what I mean.
