Where there's lots started... and even a few finishes!

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Wednesday, 29 April 2026

upping the scrappy charm: progress pics













I'm making good progress on my latest WiP, 10" Churn Dash blocks - see here for a few earlier details. There are several variations on this block and other names, including "monkey wrench," "hens and chickens," "love knot," and "shoo fly". It's a simple 9-patch block made up of half square triangles and squares, lots of scope to add more visual interest. 

I'm using fresh contemporary colours and am playing with the colour placement of my lights/mediums/darks. Traditionally, the background of these churn dash blocks is usually lighter. By swopping out the values occasionally, things can look quite different = upping the scrappy charm✅

Sashing is proving a bit difficult to decide on. At the moment I am thinking about using the same simple sashing throughout, with a feature print for my top & bottom borders. Jury's still out on this mind you!  

I think this post has maybe given you more insight into how I like to work, yes? If I start with a vague idea - i.e. no pattern - I build on it with a little improv & a lot of colour exploration, and things progress and/or change as I go. Really enjoying the process here. 
 
 Do you make a plan before you start sewing?
Linda

p.s. my scrap baskets don't look any different :( 

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4 comments:

  1. The Colorful Fabriholic30 April 2026 at 02:08

    I like the blue you're auditioning for sashing, and your plan to keep it consistent throughout. May I suggest a sashing border of the same blue around the outside of the center to contain all the scrappy color, and then the border print you've chosen for the outside border. I really like this!

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  2. Janie30 April 2026 at 05:34

    I enjoy seeing your 'process' and your color choices, very inspiring, thank you, Linda

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  3. Karen S1 May 2026 at 00:55

    These are great blocks to play with scrappy combinations.
    I do find it interesting that are are so many different names.

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  4. Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson1 May 2026 at 03:46

    I work like you do, start with a fun block and figure out what I'm making as I go. I rarely ever pick sashing, border or binding fabrics until I get to the point of needing them. After seeing your basket of fabrics, I can see I need to break up some designer groups and mix my fabrics together.

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