2025 RSC Blocks--post 1

Sorting the blue strings

Goal number four on my January list was to piece a few blocks in the Rainbow Scrap Challenge (RSC) color of the month. I have pondered the block for the RSC for months. A few leftover gray string blocks along with a lot of leftover gray fabrics from the Grassy Creek project had me thinking about using string blocks as my RSC. Since my bag of strings is packed so tightly that it can't hold more, string blocks seemed the obvious answer!

Constant fabric

Often, I will make a sample block before the year begins. Sample block making didn't happen this year. My little inner squirrel Gertie, kept coming up with options and what if questions! She is such a busy little squirrel!!! 

First four pieced rectangles

We had many, many consulting conferences. She wanted me to search my stash for a constant fabric to use in the blocks. I rebelled. She talked some more, I relented. I wanted to add black to the outer edge of half the blocks. Right away, Gertie loved this idea. She also let me know that I could have been more supportive of her idea to use the constant fabric! 

Four rectangles stitched together into a diamond shape

This week, I pulled out the newspaper and began cutting the 4.5 x 6.5 inch foundation papers for the blocks. I cut some strips of the constant fabric. I decided I would cut these strips at one and one quarter inch. After I stitched one edge into the block, it looked too wide so I trimmed the strips to an inch. The idea behind that constant fabric is for it to act as a stopper between the color and the dark fabric at the outer edge. For example, if I had a dark blue strip next to a black strip, the contrast would not be enough for the eye to see a difference.

Strings remaining

Using the color of the month, blue and to test my plan, I stitched eight string rectangles. I liked the effect that the one constant fabric provides. I stitched four rectangles together making the diamond pattern. I stitched a second crop of four rectangles together so I could get an idea of how the grey and black strings would play together. I liked what I saw.

The remaining blue strings; more black and gray strings

What I learned was that I need to make four rectangles at a time so that I can be sure that I have the orientations as I planned. Those orientations being two uphill rectangles and two downhill rectangles with the gray and black strings alternating. To not confuse myself, I marked on the paper the sides for the gray and black strings! 

Eight blue diamond blocks.

I stitched enough rectangles to make eight blocks. After I finished the block, I stitched around the perimeter to ensure none of the seams unsew! It took me a while to clean up. First I organized the blue strings which are no longer crammed and spilling out of the top of the bag. I've room to add strings to the bag again! I didn't not use the dark blue strips. I'll save those for another project.

I organized the black strings too. A lot of these strings, I had shoved into the bag. I took time to trim to a string size. I will need to dig into my chunks to cut more strings; but, I have enough to start blocks next month. I cut more gray strings and more foundation papers. I am ready to work on whatever color Angela chooses for February.

Making the blue RSC blocks was goal number four on my January list. I do enjoy stitching with strings even though it is a messy endeavor!  Linking to Rainbow Scrap Challenge, Oh Scrap, Sew & Tell.