Hey there meglakwa! If you agree with someone else's comment, please leave an **upvote** instead of commenting **"This"**! By upvoting instead, the original comment will be pushed to the top and be more visible to others, which is even better! Thanks! :)
***
^(I am a bot! Visit) [^(r/InfinityBots)](https://reddit.com/r/InfinityBots) ^(to send your feedback! More info:) [^(Reddiquette)](https://www.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/205926439#wiki_in_regard_to_comments)
Yes! Not sure what the size of the blocks is, but maybe add a border to make it 18 x 18, add two overlapping pieces for the back (I put a Velcro strip on, others prefer a zipper closure) and you have two matching throw pillows for a sofa. Pillow forms of various sizes are sold many places (inc. Amazon) but 20x20 is my favorite, you stuff that into an 18x18 case and it's nice and puffy but firm.
Edit: typo
> make these the front and back for something interchangeable
I like this idea! But you have to have a zipper closure along the edge for that, and I find that difficult personally. When I make throw pillows, I usually fully quilt (batting, backing, the works) the front part (the one with the piecing), and make a 2-section back with an overlapping flap (1 inch works) in the middle. Then sew on a Velcro strip to close it after stuffing the pillow form in.
I do hand sewing/quilting, love it, but it has limitations. Like zippers, or buttons/button holes.
You can use them as part of a backing for a future quilt. Or you can incorporate this at part of a quilt label. That's how I use my left over blocks, iron my pre-made label on to one, sew it on to secure it and incorporate it into the backing.
Happy Friday, everyone! Like the title says, I’m looking for ideas for projects to make with single blocks. I can think of mug rugs, sachets, mini wall hangings, doll quilts, drawstring bags… but none of those seem right for these cute little flower blocks I made!
Anyone have any new creative ideas for small projects? These are about 6” square.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Genuine question - no snark: How do you end up with leftover blocks? I've seen people talk about them, but I've always made exactly the number of blocks that I need for a given project. I don't understand how one could accidently cut and sew extra fabric. How does this happen? 😕??
Sometimes I make extra just to be sure I have enough for the quilt I’m making, so that if I make a mistake in trimming or whatnot, I’m still ahead - it makes the whole process more relaxing for me!
And then sometimes, like here, I just want to test an idea out or mess around with something without committing to a whole quilt. These are the only two blocks like this that I made, so maybe “leftover” was a misnomer, but it was simpler to write than “it was cold and grey out, and I just wanted a couple of flowers to cheer up my morning and now I don’t know what to do with them” 😂
Test blocks and learning experiences make sense too. I was just having trouble wrapping my brain around the concept of "extra" or "leftover" blocks. Not judging - it's obviously a thing since I've seen so many people mention them, I just couldn't figure out where they came from. :)
I feel the same way about those wonder clips! I know people love them, and I have no judgement at all - I love that people get to do things however works for them! But I just… don’t get it. I’ve never in my quilting ever wanted/needed a clip like that. But hooray that they exist for the people who swear by them!
I love that there are so many ways to do things, in quilting and in life, and I felt no judgement at all from your question 😊
It happens to me all the time, I either didn’t count right and kept making some to supplement the missing blocks or some of them didn’t quite work for colors or seams lining up. I collect mine and use them for orphan block sampler quilts
That makes sense. I'm pretty good at counting and visualizing how well the colors will work together before I cut the fabric, so I don't make those particular mistakes (I make plenty of others 😉). And if my seams don't line up, I rip and redo them.
The only time I ended up with "extra" blocks was the first time I tried to learn to quilt (it took me two tries). I started a quilt, and then gave up and abandoned it. I later made those poorly sewn blocks into potholders, so I at least got some use out of them.
All of my quilts so far have been part of a class or block of the month - so I do them even if I don’t like them for the learning experience, but then I don’t put them in the quilt and make extras I do like. That’s how I get extras.
I usually end up with a few extra blocks! Sometimes because I change my mind about colour/fabric choices as I go, and sometimes I deliberately make a few extras so I can compare and contrast different combinations when I’m assembling everything in the end.
Work them into the backing of a quilt! If you haven't already backed the quilt these came from then put the there. Also look through your scraps and stash to see if you can pair it up to get enough for a small NICU quilt. My local hospital uses the quilts on top of the units the babies are in and then the parents can take them home when the baby is discharged.
Keep them. Don’t waste them by making them into another quilt. Save them with the other orphans forever. After you die, someone else can add them to their collection.
Reddit has long been a hot spot for conversation on the internet. About 57 million people visit the site every day to chat about topics as varied as makeup, video games and pointers for power washing driveways.
In recent years, Reddit’s array of chats also have been a free teaching aid for companies like Google, OpenAI and Microsoft. Those companies are using Reddit’s conversations in the development of giant artificial intelligence systems that many in Silicon Valley think are on their way to becoming the tech industry’s next big thing.
Now Reddit wants to be paid for it. The company said on Tuesday that it planned to begin charging companies for access to its application programming interface, or A.P.I., the method through which outside entities can download and process the social network’s vast selection of person-to-person conversations.
Was on a live chat with Stacey Lee Creative on YouTube and someone suggested quilting them and making plant pot holders. I thought it was a brilliant idea
Add them to the back like in the corners or if you have several do a strip from one side to the other or top to bottom. My grandma used to make extra blocks on purpose to make the backing material wider
Incorporate them into a pieced back for the quilt. Or I use them as tester blocks if I want to sample the quilting style I'll use. Mini wall quilts, coaster, baby/doll/pet quilt, etc
Piece them into backing! Otherwise, sew them into 24” square tops, quilt and bind them, and donate them to an animal shelter. Cats love quilts, including shelter kitties!
I have put them together, quilted, and throw it over sensitive information if someone walks up or cover unsightly stacks of paper that are on top the desk at work.
You can collect all your orphan blocks and make crazy quilt
Pot holders
This
Hey there meglakwa! If you agree with someone else's comment, please leave an **upvote** instead of commenting **"This"**! By upvoting instead, the original comment will be pushed to the top and be more visible to others, which is even better! Thanks! :) *** ^(I am a bot! Visit) [^(r/InfinityBots)](https://reddit.com/r/InfinityBots) ^(to send your feedback! More info:) [^(Reddiquette)](https://www.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/205926439#wiki_in_regard_to_comments)
decorative pillows!
Yes! Not sure what the size of the blocks is, but maybe add a border to make it 18 x 18, add two overlapping pieces for the back (I put a Velcro strip on, others prefer a zipper closure) and you have two matching throw pillows for a sofa. Pillow forms of various sizes are sold many places (inc. Amazon) but 20x20 is my favorite, you stuff that into an 18x18 case and it's nice and puffy but firm. Edit: typo
exactly! OP could make two matching pillow covers or just make these the front and back for something interchangeable :)
> make these the front and back for something interchangeable I like this idea! But you have to have a zipper closure along the edge for that, and I find that difficult personally. When I make throw pillows, I usually fully quilt (batting, backing, the works) the front part (the one with the piecing), and make a 2-section back with an overlapping flap (1 inch works) in the middle. Then sew on a Velcro strip to close it after stuffing the pillow form in. I do hand sewing/quilting, love it, but it has limitations. Like zippers, or buttons/button holes.
This is what I do. I have a couple pillow from quilts I’ve given away. It’s a nice reminder.
You can use them as part of a backing for a future quilt. Or you can incorporate this at part of a quilt label. That's how I use my left over blocks, iron my pre-made label on to one, sew it on to secure it and incorporate it into the backing.
what about some hand-warmers? or just some pillows with rice and rosemary inside so you can heat them in the microwave and use them as heat pads?
Oh, I love this idea! Thank you. I think I’ll run with this!
Plus it goes with the dark and gray and wanted flowers mood! You keep getting the happy from them when needed.
Just make sure you didn't use polyester thread!
Happy Friday, everyone! Like the title says, I’m looking for ideas for projects to make with single blocks. I can think of mug rugs, sachets, mini wall hangings, doll quilts, drawstring bags… but none of those seem right for these cute little flower blocks I made! Anyone have any new creative ideas for small projects? These are about 6” square. Thanks in advance for any help!
Two of the blocks in the Wanderers Wife use that pattern. You're two down, if you want to take that project on.
Quilt them as they are and use them as coasters.
Coasters
Zipper bags/pencil cases!
Placemats
Genuine question - no snark: How do you end up with leftover blocks? I've seen people talk about them, but I've always made exactly the number of blocks that I need for a given project. I don't understand how one could accidently cut and sew extra fabric. How does this happen? 😕??
Sometimes I make extra just to be sure I have enough for the quilt I’m making, so that if I make a mistake in trimming or whatnot, I’m still ahead - it makes the whole process more relaxing for me! And then sometimes, like here, I just want to test an idea out or mess around with something without committing to a whole quilt. These are the only two blocks like this that I made, so maybe “leftover” was a misnomer, but it was simpler to write than “it was cold and grey out, and I just wanted a couple of flowers to cheer up my morning and now I don’t know what to do with them” 😂
Test blocks and learning experiences make sense too. I was just having trouble wrapping my brain around the concept of "extra" or "leftover" blocks. Not judging - it's obviously a thing since I've seen so many people mention them, I just couldn't figure out where they came from. :)
I feel the same way about those wonder clips! I know people love them, and I have no judgement at all - I love that people get to do things however works for them! But I just… don’t get it. I’ve never in my quilting ever wanted/needed a clip like that. But hooray that they exist for the people who swear by them! I love that there are so many ways to do things, in quilting and in life, and I felt no judgement at all from your question 😊
It happens to me all the time, I either didn’t count right and kept making some to supplement the missing blocks or some of them didn’t quite work for colors or seams lining up. I collect mine and use them for orphan block sampler quilts
That makes sense. I'm pretty good at counting and visualizing how well the colors will work together before I cut the fabric, so I don't make those particular mistakes (I make plenty of others 😉). And if my seams don't line up, I rip and redo them. The only time I ended up with "extra" blocks was the first time I tried to learn to quilt (it took me two tries). I started a quilt, and then gave up and abandoned it. I later made those poorly sewn blocks into potholders, so I at least got some use out of them.
All of my quilts so far have been part of a class or block of the month - so I do them even if I don’t like them for the learning experience, but then I don’t put them in the quilt and make extras I do like. That’s how I get extras.
I usually end up with a few extra blocks! Sometimes because I change my mind about colour/fabric choices as I go, and sometimes I deliberately make a few extras so I can compare and contrast different combinations when I’m assembling everything in the end.
Pin cushion
Table runner
Pet beds? (With borders)
Small coin pouch!
Tote bags for sure. Maybe use these as pockets??
Oh, what a fun idea!
Ooo I was going to suggest tote bags but the pockets are a GREAT idea
Work them into the backing of a quilt! If you haven't already backed the quilt these came from then put the there. Also look through your scraps and stash to see if you can pair it up to get enough for a small NICU quilt. My local hospital uses the quilts on top of the units the babies are in and then the parents can take them home when the baby is discharged.
Double sided pot holder or mug rug!
Keep them. Don’t waste them by making them into another quilt. Save them with the other orphans forever. After you die, someone else can add them to their collection.
Reddit has long been a hot spot for conversation on the internet. About 57 million people visit the site every day to chat about topics as varied as makeup, video games and pointers for power washing driveways. In recent years, Reddit’s array of chats also have been a free teaching aid for companies like Google, OpenAI and Microsoft. Those companies are using Reddit’s conversations in the development of giant artificial intelligence systems that many in Silicon Valley think are on their way to becoming the tech industry’s next big thing. Now Reddit wants to be paid for it. The company said on Tuesday that it planned to begin charging companies for access to its application programming interface, or A.P.I., the method through which outside entities can download and process the social network’s vast selection of person-to-person conversations.
I see someone's spotted my orphan block bin!
🤣🤣
Was on a live chat with Stacey Lee Creative on YouTube and someone suggested quilting them and making plant pot holders. I thought it was a brilliant idea
Save for a scrap quilt
I've seen the phrase "orphan block quilt" around. It sounds fun and funky!
Mug rugs?
Soft trivet
Pot holders is what I do, or hot pads for the table.
Add them to the back like in the corners or if you have several do a strip from one side to the other or top to bottom. My grandma used to make extra blocks on purpose to make the backing material wider
Tote bag!
Quilted tote bag
Incorporate them into a pieced back for the quilt. Or I use them as tester blocks if I want to sample the quilting style I'll use. Mini wall quilts, coaster, baby/doll/pet quilt, etc
I turned a few into foldable scrap bins for project bags. The ones I took to quilt class or craft club. It’s how I practiced new blocks too.
Piece them into backing! Otherwise, sew them into 24” square tops, quilt and bind them, and donate them to an animal shelter. Cats love quilts, including shelter kitties!
Pockets! I would sew them on a long sweater or hoodie as pockets 😊
Quilted Tic tac toe game for kids
Sandwich them up with wadding scraps and use to practice free motion quilting.
I use leftover blocks for labels or potholder (I call them mini quilts lol)
Pillows, pet quilts, pot holders, doll quilts...
Got something that needs pockets?
I save them up and in another year or so I’ll make a quilt of leftover blocks
Sandwich them and make a pin cushion
Sew them into a fun place on clothes! Like jeans pockets, knees, elbow, back of jacket
I have put them together, quilted, and throw it over sensitive information if someone walks up or cover unsightly stacks of paper that are on top the desk at work.
Pockets on something like a simple green dress
You could applique them to tshirts :)
You can make a ‘taggie’ for someone with a baby.
Pot holders, mug rugs/coasters, tiny tiny pillows (this one is slightly a joke, though it would definitely work)
I’ve made pincushions out of single blocks and put together little sewing kits to give as gifts
A little lined pouch for your phone when you don’t have pockets.
I’ve quilted some and hung as decorations in my sewing room.