Reclaimed Rejects :: OctoMama

That might be a little harsh!  Yes, I had to reject some striped octagon blocks from a project because I wasn't paying attention when I printed templates.  I accidentally printed a batch that was smaller and didn't realize it until it was all said and done.  

A reject could be the result of size, color or design of a block.  It just means it's rejected from a specific project, but can easily be transformed and reconfigured in to something else!

I'm not sure why I call this 'OctoMama', it must be a term of endearment or a little nickname that stuck!  But this...is what can not be called a reject any longer!

17" x 18 1/2"

Most of these English Paper Pieced Striped Octagons were finished, with the exception of outside 'partial' blocks.  When I was brainstorming on what to do in the beginning, I had an idea of having the blocks fade around the edges.  



I made a few more EPP blocks with a lighter shade of color for the stripe surrounded with white. Which I kind of liked!  Then I added a few small blocks scattered around for a little more interest.  



Before I knew it I was quilting octagons and not very perfect either!  I started it, I had to finish it! They weren't too bad to quilt, just slow going.  



After getting feedback on thread color in a previous post, variegated thread was mentioned several times.  I happened to have a pastel spool on hand and decided to give it a try.  If I like it...I'll buy a big spool.  And I like it.  And it blends!  It doesn't stand out on the darker colors and all but disappears on the white.  



I quilted an octagon in the center using 1/4" lines and then switched to 1/2" around the outside.

You probably noticed the two shades of white.  We all know how that goes...not all shades of white are equal!  The photo makes it very noticeable, but real life...it isn't that bad!

A funky concoction of quilting, thread ad binding!  

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TGIFF

Finished or Not Friday
Oh Scrap!

It's Been So Long...But Worth The Wait!

I can't remember the last time I bought fabric!  I think that might be a good sign.  At least I shall tell myself that.  Other than a few pieces for backings, which in my book does not count as 'fabric', I've been on a virtual fabric diet!  



While I still haven't figured out what to do with the fabric I'm not attached to in my stash, I slowly continue to build on the 'good stuff' that is essential!

  

I do love a good bundle of Low Volume fabric!  When I saw this fat eighth stack from Pink Castle Fabrics, I knew it needed to head my way!  

You know how sometimes it's a fifty fifty bundle, half is good and half is just so so?  This one is 100% all good!  Love each and every one.  My one regret...I wish I had bought another one!  This is a good addition to what I have already.  There won't be any excuses now!



This is just about as cute as can be!  I'll take some time to admire it before I whack it to pieces!

I've made HUGE progress on my Striped Octagon EPP project!  Yay!  The size mishap ended up not making a difference in the least!

As I was stitching the pieces together in the evenings, I would get a flash of an idea on where to take it.  Should I leave it as it is?  Wall hanging, quilt, runner...pillow?  



When the BIG idea hit me, it stuck with me and I couldn't do anything else but follow through with my vision!  There were times when I changed my mind and had to rethink a few thing.  I even had to redo a couple spots a few times until it was as good as I could get it.

I'll share more details soon!  I'm super excited about this one!  Sometimes I feel like I've lost creativity and quirkiness in my quilt designing lately.  This put that thought to rest!  

You can get the free pattern here:  'Striped Octagon'  from Tierney Barden.  I've got ideas for my next batch!

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