Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Making A Back for the Small Group Challenge--post 4

Most of the leftover block parts and bits
Goal number one on my February list was to work the back to for my small group challenge flimsy. I finished the flimsy last month. My plan was to use the leftover bits, pieces and chunks to construct the back. First, I placed the leftover block parts and bits on the design wall.

Auditioning fabric placement of the Kaffe leftovers
Next, I placed the leftover chunks of the Kaffe fabric on the design wall. Gertie wanted to place the pieced sections vertically; but, they looked better in the horizontal orientation. Using the scraps, I pieced the parts together to begin making a row. 

Piecing sections into rows
Once I had made several rows, I checked the row width against the flimsy and learned it needed to be a few inches wider. Kept stitching until I made rows. I auditioned the rows in different configurations. When Gertie, my inner squirrel, approved, I stitched the rows together. I added the blue to unify the piece as well as make it a little longer.

60 x 72 inch back
I was amazed at how I many scraps I used! The scraps needed little trimming. I took a photo of the leftovers. In addition to the bits in the photo, I had about third of a yard left of the bright orange and 2/3 yard left of the dark orange fabric. I had about 3/4 yard left of the purple.(I'll use the purple as binding.)
The leftovers 
As I was cleaning up the space, I found the scraps I couldn't find earlier. I asked myself. Now what? I auditioned the remaining leftovers. I may be able to add 10 more inches in length and about eight inches in width. Gertie, my inner squirrel, squealed with delight. She thinks this back has become a top. She could be right!
Auditioning the remaining leftovers
I'll piece these bits into the project and see what it looks like. Working on the back was goal number five on my February list. Linking to Finished or Not Friday and Patchwork and Quilts.

7 comments:

Julierose said...

What a great use of those leftover gits, Terry; I do love your addition of the Kaffee fabrics--I think they really add a lot...nice work, Hugs, Julierose

Jeanna said...

I was thinking that with that beautiful back, the quilt could be reversible. But, two quilts is a better idea!

Nancy said...

Good job! I love a fun backing!!

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

I'm sorry I missed this post Wednesday, Terry - not sure what I was doing! That's going to make a really fun backing for your challenge quilt. Such a great way to use up leftover blocks and scraps, too. It will be a reversible quilt! Have fun finishing it up!

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

I love the way you are using leftovers here. I agree with Jeanna, those pretty fabrics will make your quilt reversable. Happy Stitching!

CathieJ said...

I like how you used scraps to make the backing. I never thought to do that.

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

Beautiful back (or top?), and great use of all the scraps! I had to go back on your blog posts to see the making of the top, and I love it! Great use of large prints and pretty KF fabrics. Thank you for sharing and linking up!