When I first learned to quilt I was taught to sew off onto a scrap of fabric instead of cutting threads. That way you saved thread as well as avoiding those nasty "birds nests" that would happen underneath when you start sewing a new piece. Years ago I found Bonnie Hunter and her "Leaders and Enders" ideas! In Bonnie's own words:
"Then a lightbulb went off. I took a bin of scrap 2" squares that had been accumulating from trimming scraps down, and started using those as leaders/enders instead of a wadded up thread covered scrap. I would sew a light square to a dark square, trim off behind it.....and eventually have a stack of these little "two squares" that I would also use as leader/enders to sew into 4 patches."
And I had my own light bulb moment. Why not be actually making something? So I started with 1.5 inch squares that became little 9 patches like these:
Once I had a couple hundred of them I decided to use them to make a quilt for my best friend for her 50th birthday. Fun!
Right now I'm making sampler blocks from Tula Pinks book "City Sampler". I just cut out a few (from scraps) and use the pieces as my headers and enders for my regular sewing. I have no idea if I'll actually make a quilt out of them or not. Its a no plan, just do it, kind of thing for me.
Here are my Tula blocks so far:
I was able to meet Tula at market in Portland last year and she signed my book. :)
Check out Bonnie Hunters web page, Quiltville, and see all the fun scrappy quilts that can be made with leaders and enders. She has even written two books about it.
2 comments:
I have always thought that idea was such brilliance. I don't know why I never remember to actually do it myself.
Those Tula blocks are lovely!
I've been doing leaders and enders for a while too - and in fact just told a friend yesterday to do it. :) Passing it on....blessings, marlene
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