Mini Table Scraps

 This project combines 2 challenges in one project - the Mini Makers at the Constant Quilter, and the Table Scraps Challenge at The Joyful Quilter.

This month I used up some bonus/baby triangles from a quilt that was finished and gifted in 2010 (quilt on the right), so that means these HSTs have been sitting in a box, aging perfectly and are now ready for a project!

The first step is to trim the HSTs to the same size. At this point I realized a variance in the block sizes and didn't want to cut them all down to 1.25", so I separated the blocks into 1.5" trim ups and one into smaller block trim ups. This project uses the 1.5" HST group which means the blocks finish at 1" in the project.

Next you think of a block layout design that you like. That is the fun part. There are no right answers, so do not let this stress you out... just pick one that sings to you.

Then you make 4 decisions:

1) the finished size you want, 

2) how many blocks you need, 

3) sashing or no sashing, and 

4) borders or no borders.

I make these decisions very quickly. I'm making placemats this year, so the size is decided, and that tells me how many blocks I need. In this case it also meant no sashing and no borders due to the space limitation. But I did add a column to both sides to create a rectangular shape for a placemat. 

The next 4 decisions are:

1) batting

2) backing

3) quilt design, and 

4) thread. 

Again, don't stress about these decisions and let decision fatigue set in! Just let the project tell you what it wants, and you decide what you feel like quilting, and then you negotiate. 

Yes... out loud! It's a conversation between the quilter and the quiltee!

I still had leftover fabric in my stash from the backing of the original quilt that was finished 11 years ago... can you believe it!?! That became the binding on this little quilt. Although I measured twice, I was 1" short on the binding! I had needed to insert a piece just to cover the seam allowance on the binding join UGH!

I use a single layer of fabric for placemat binding so that it will lay flatter. And here is the finished placemat.

Finished size: 13" x 16" and uses 80 HST blocks.

The backing fabric is so cute and springy looking!

Linking up to The Joyful Quilter and The Constant Quilter