Is there a fabric-efficient way to make string quilts (from FQ or yardage)
 

I'm really interested in making Bonnie Hunter's Jamestown Landing quilt. This quilt has numerous string blocks in it. I've never made a string block and I would need to use strips from FQ's and yardage as I don't have any cream background scraps.

The tutorials I've seen have all been based on small scraps and seem like a very inefficient use of the fabric. Is there a better way to do it?? I would need to make 4 inch finished blocks. Any help would be appreciated.

I made this quilt in a king size. Took a long time, lots of cutting. I used a lot of scraps and some were in full width fabrics too. You just cut the pieces from edge to edge and then cut them to the lengths needed. I really did not have a lot of waste and the short pieces I was able to use in some of the other blocks. I think you would get less waste using the yardage as with FQ you would have more leftover short pieces. In the end I even made pillow shams to match and really like the quilt. You must be really careful when making the blocks that you have them oriented correctly. Like I said it took a lot of time and keeping alert. I started this in a Bonnie Hunter class with 2 of my friends who were only doing the crib size and they are still not done so I feel good. Give it a try, it is a great quilt.

To get a scrappy look, I would use fat quarters cut in random widths to get the most variation. Yes, it might not be the most efficient use of the fabric, but the quilt is designed for scraps!! There's going to be a trade off if you use yardage.
Here's her string block primer:
http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005/...ng-primer.html
If you use a foundation (paper or muslin) and mark your 4.5" block, you can position your fabric for the least waste when you trim it up. Your strings don't really need to be a single length of fabric. Just gather up the left overs, separate them by widths and sew them into a long strip.
Personally, if you have any thrift shops near you, I would look for men's shirts in beige/cream/white. There's a lot of fabric in a man's dress shirt. Or ask your family & friends if they have any shirts they are ready to donate. Cotton bed linens are also an idea, but if you want to get lots of variety, look for pillowcases, not sheets.