Virginia Baker and Barbara Sanders, sisters from Tennessee, have an affinity for string quilts. Their grandmother made these quilts from any and all used fabric—worn-out clothing, feed sacks, curtains, tablecloths, and of course remnants. They’re ideal scrap quilts!
Wondering what the term string means, according to the quilting sisters, it’s any piece of fabric that’s normally too small to save!
Combining their fondness of this past art with the convenience of present techniques, this quilting duo has revived the look and process of creating string quilts. Their first, and I’m sure not their last book, String Quilt Revival updates this time-honored quilting process.
I had the privilege of working with Virginia and Barbara—better known as Ginger and Bobbie—on the DVD that accompanies the book. First hand I learned their revival secret, using lightweight stabilizer as the foundation. Clever! Why not watch a preview of the video?
Now for a tutorial of the Super Star Technique!
- Cut a half-square triangle from the stabilizer.
- A star shape (template given in book) is positioned on point.
- A string of fabric is aligned on the side of the star shape, right sides together.
- Notice that the strings are longer than the stabilizer. Due to the angled shape, the strips must be slightly longer.
- Stitch the strings to the stabilizer.
- After stitching, the string is flipped and pressed on the right side.
- Add a string to each side of the half-square triangle, adding random colorations.
- Trim the half-square triangle, four segments are sewn together to create a block.
- What a dramatic look!
13 Unique Projects in String Quilt Revival!
What I like about this book is that the projects are perfect for beginner quilters and there’s no need for precision. How’s that for ease?
Do you have any fabric strings?
One box . . . two boxes . . . unknown number . . . ! Just curious.
Bye for now,
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I have a lot of fabric strings. I cut a lot of them awhile ago and made a nice quilt with them to give away. I just went over board with the cutting. I have been waiting for a new project. This fits the bill. I like the one you did with the serger. Just goes to show, you don’t have to have the fancy sergers to make this quilt showing off the serger stitching. Thanks so much.
I have tons of strings of my own and I have just inherited my friend Wendy’s strings!!! Yippee!
I have made several string projects, purses and quilts but I always called them my ‘throw away’ projects—made from fabric too good to throw away!!
Oh yes I have strings. At least two bins worth. Can’t wait to put them to use.
Well Hallelujah, I do not feel like a “freak” anymore. There are actually others like me on the planet, saving scraps to treasure again and again. Thank you !
I’ve used lightweight stabilizer for many, many years–more than I can count, actually. I love it because I don’t have to remove it, it keeps the strings in place without stretching out of shape, and it’s easy to quilt. It is far better than using any kind of paper, including phone books or magazines or newspapers. Lightweight stabilizer will last forever; paper won’t.
I could string myself to the moon and back….. I NEED THIS BOOK! Love the technique shown.
Bunny, if you click on the blue words “lightweight stabilizer”, you’ll find it’s a link to a description of the product she’s using. The strips are sewn together on top of the stabilizer and then opened out to form the shape. Stabilizer like this is designed for machine embroidery to support the stitches, but in this case provides a foundation for the block. I’ve done this type of technique using a muslin foundation, but this would be less bulky. I love the shapes in this block.
I have a storage system that uses busing tubs -like used in restaurants- and I have one of those almost full of strings. I have made one quilt from string scraps and am looking forward to making more….so easy and it’s nice to “rest” your brain with a project like this from time to time…..jj
What is it about sewers that causes us to save and save and save fabrics! Unknown number of strings and in the last 3 years I have inherited the fabric stash of both my mom and my mother-in-law. I need to be able to sew/quilt full time.
In the photos above you are ironing fabric onto facing or what product are you using ?? I am new to quilting, so some
of these terms and items confuse me. Thanks
Unknown number of strings and fabrics I no longer love that are about to become strings in one of these quilts!
I have so many “strings ” left from things I have made, maybe this book will help me get it all together and clean up my space, also I promised my three grown children, I would learn to quilt and make one for each of them. Grand idea, maybe this book will also help with that.
What kind of stablizer was used? Name Brand, thickness,etc?
Brenda, within the blog the stabilizer word is highlighted. Just click on it to see the brand and name. Here’s the link: http://www.nancysnotions.com/product/no+show+mesh+stabilizer+30%22+x+10+yd+folded.do?extid=fbnz&code=NNOADV-1310
I have an unknown number of strings. Looks like a fun project.
I hope that anyone who likes scrappy quilts will purchase this book. I am constructing my second quilt from the book, and have the third cut and ready. Their instructions are clear, and ther is such a variety of designs that there is something for all tastes.
I do, but just started them. Will look at the book. Thanks.