Can I make anything pretty out of this?
 

While helping my mother downsize last summer, we came across this box of fabric scraps that had been used by us both to make clothing during the 60's and 70's. I kept it because it seemed to make her happy to remember the fabrics and what we had made out of them. Her 85th birthday is coming up in January, and I'd like to make her a quilt out of these scraps. I have everything from corduroy to wool to double knits to psychedelic cottons. As a novice quilter, I can't look at this pile and "see" a quilt in it. Any suggestions as to what I can do with this? I'll need some big blocks and some small blocks in the pattern due to scrap sizes and pattern sizes. Please, I hope there's someone out there that is creative enough to help me with this pile of chaos. Thanks.

I am sure you will have answers from folks here...not from me, unfortunately. I always have trouble selecting fabric and patterns. I suspect some sort of scrappy idea might work. Well, wait, here is an idea. Cut 2 1/2 inch strips the width of the fabric, sew 5 together, cut into squares (I think that would be ten inch squares), then alternate the directions of the stripes, putting sashing between them. I did this several times and liked the results. Let me see if I can find any pictures.

Dina

Or alternate 9 patch blocks made from the smaller pieces with solid blocks of the bigger prints. Dina, your quilts are beautiful!

If the fabric were mine, I'd cut as many squares (starting with whatever the smallest size might be)... then group "like" fabrics color wise together. Think a fade, from pale to primary colors. Then bind it in a shade of blue that works with all the other colors. Don't worry about it being pretty. The memories associated with this fabric will be enough for your Mother.

Aside from the different fabric types (I personally am not a fan of using different fabrics, but I know lots of folks do all the time) I would suggest first separating them into lights and darks. Perhaps something simple like a log cabin, or barn raising done with HST's would work.

reminds me of a quilt I once made - appliqued butterflies. But pieced pinwheels would work also. My little girl loved seeing and feeling the different textures.

I love Dina's idea with the 2-1/2" strip blocks, but I would avoid using anything other than cotton fabrics in the quilt. With the other fabrics, you could probably make some coasters or some other little items with that fabric. Be sure to post pictures of whatever you decide to make. I'm sure it will be fabulous.

I think it would be very fitting making an X's and O's quilt out of these for your mother. The tutorial is on Missouriquiltco.com. What a wonderful gesture and memory for her using these fabric pieces in a quilt for her.

I think maybe a snowball block alternating with a 4 or 9 patch. Cool idea and your mother will love it, no matter what pattern you decide on!