Ideas Please?
 

Howdy y'all. 😊

My sister recently gave me a large zip lock baggie full of 3 1/2" squares that my mother cut up before she died. I would like to use them for making things to give to my 2 brothers, 2 sisters, 4 nephews, and 1 niece for Christmas. There are only enough blocks to use for a queen sized quilt, so I obviously can't make all 9 of them a quilt out of the fabric I have. Any ideas for something I can make for each of them and have enough fabric out of these blocks would be very much appreciated! I know I can make table runners, potholders, etc. out of them, but if you kind folks can give me specific patterns to use, or other ideas of things to make, I'd love you forever! Thanks in advance! 😀

Donna

How about pillows? You could also add in some photos of your mother.

How about a scrappy, framed heart for each of them. I have a wonderful pattern for one, I'll try to find a picture and post for you to see the idea.

I think you could use any pattern that uses 2.5" squares:
https://www.google.com/search?q=Scra...w=1013&bih=612

I typed in "non quilt quilt projects" to see what would come up. tons of ideas there. slippers, handwarmers, pin cushions, patchwork bath mat using a towel as backing.... I think it is wonderful that you are trying to use the last of your mom's projects for something that all the siblings can have. I am so sorry your mom is gone. She has obviously left a wonderful legacy in you and your family. I hope you can get your projects done in time for the holidays!!

My mom had a large patchwork stuffed heart on a cord she hung in her closet to hold hat, corsage,and safety pins. I have it now and see it every day while getting dressed. I love it and I think it would make a nice gift idea for your fabric.

I just made a very cute scrappy Christmas stocking with 3" squares from my stash. Here is the link to the tutorial which includes a link to a paper pattern to print: http://blog.fabricworm.com/2010/12/c...-tutorial.html

Last year a friend of mine got a box of scraps and 4 blocks that her great grandmother had done. My friend is NOT a quilt/sewer. My friend finally just said use what you can as it was no good to her. I then come up with an idea. There was just 3 good blocks that looked aged but ok. I suggested putting them in frames and give to her 2 children and 1 for her self.Well that is what she did and the kids were thrilled... so maybe you can sew them together in simple blocks or some-thing that your grandmother would have done and frame them...

How about a patchwork background and make a memory type piece and add things that she used or would have liked or that remind you and them of her and photos maybe framed to hang up?

A patchwork pillow would be nice, or even a patchwork Christmas stocking. The quilted heart someone suggested would also be nice.

Wall hangings!

Donna, Since you need so many what about a small wall hanging making a "spool tree" and write everyones name on a spool and possible birth date? Then the extras make a set of coasters for each.

How about backpacks or totes? Tons of free patterns out there.

Dawn, exactly what is a "spool tree"? Sounds interesting!

Donna

Make the queen sized quilt but before binding it, cut it into 9 equal pieces. Add borders or don't, then bind it. The result should be 9 quilts about 30" x 35", big enough to hang on the wall or cuddle with.

How about Christmas stockings....size determined by the # blocks you have. Then they would serve as nice memory items, but not have to be out all year and they wouldn't get dirty or worn.

I like the idea several have suggested of framing something ... maybe a heart block. This would make a lovely conversation piece.

I would make pillows -- print out a picture of your Mom and put it in the middle and frame it with the blocks. On the back, put some family pictures and the story of the blocks. They would be a great keepsakes for various members of the family. I did this with FiL's ties and MIL's scraps and everyone wanted one.

I like the idea of piecing a section of them into a block, then cutting in a heart shape and appliqueing (*spelling) the heart onto a lap quilt or some other piece that would be used.

I would make a quilt/square then make teddy bears out of your new fabric. They would be alike, yet different.
They can then be accessorized or not. Enjoy your new adventure.

I hope you find the picture, I would love to see it, too.

I thought of a pieced heart too, into a pillow. Maybe use square of solid in between her squares. That would stretch it out for so many. Or possible a wall hanging... Good luck!!