Thursday, September 24, 2015

Good Neighbors Pincushion Party--and a Giveaway!

The giveaway is now closed.
Welcome to my stop on the Pincushion Party to celebrate Amanda Jean's beautiful new line of fabric for Connecting Threads, Good Neighbors.

Amanda Jean, well known as Crazy Mom Quilts, is a dear friend and I am fortunate enough to spend a few days with her every July at a quilting retreat in Minnesota, including a night at her home, always under one of her fabulous quilts!

I have already had a lot of fun playing with her fabric (here --scroll all the way down to the bottom of the post--and here). And it is just as bright and cheerful as Amanda Jean herself. You can see that there is a wonderful range of cheery prints, each with a touch of white.


After contemplating several different ideas, I finally decided to do a mini dresden block (pattern here) with some hand stitching. If you know Amanda Jean, you know she loves all things small and scrappy, so this seemed like the perfect way to use lots of the different prints. I used the X's print as the base. I love this print--the only way to make it better would be to have it in all the colors!
Connecting Threads has generously offered to give one of you a charm pack of this fun fabric line. So leave a comment and tell me if you are a scrap quilter and what is the smallest scrap you save.

Good Neighbors is available as yardage and precuts, as well as 108" backing from one of the prints.

Here is a list of all the participants, so if you love pincushions, you will get lots of good ideas. Which is great since the holidays are just around the corner and pincushions make great gifts for your quilty friends.

Date
Blogger Name
Blog URL
9/1/2015
Amanda Jean
9/2/2015
Anna
9/3/2015
Mary
9/4/2015
Svetlana
9/5/2015
Debbie
9/6/2015
Holly
9/7/2015
Carla
9/8/2015
Faith
9/9/2015
Vanessa
9/10/2015
Anna
9/11/2015
Krista
9/12/2015
Erin
9/13/2015
Lee
9/14/2015
Alex
9/15/2015
Cheryl
9/16/2015
Penny
9/17/2015
Amy
9/18/2015
Debbie
9/19/2015
Anne
9/20/2015
Melissa Corry
9/21/2015
Amber
9/22/2015
Nettie
9/23/2015
Adrianne
9/24/2015
Cindy
9/25/2015
Amy
9/26/2015
Chase
9/27/2015
Rene
9/28/2015
Erin
9/29/2015
Nicole
9/30/2015
Teri

124 comments:

05 08
Suzanne said... #

I love the Dresden pincushion you made. I don't know how I missed it before but I happy to know that one of the fabrics is available in 108" widths. Super info!

Anita said... #

Gorgeous Mini Dresden Plate pincushion!
Yes, I am a scrap quilter, and I basically save every little piece of scraps!

Lindsey F. said... #

I save scraps but try to limit them to no less than 1 inch square.

Michele T said... #

Love your pincushion... Especially with this fabric collection! Beautiful colours and prints. I quilt with scraps and try not to keep anything smaller than 2"... But I do have a special container with my itty bitty favourites.

Carla said... #

It's 4a.m. And I'm awake! I save pretty much everything. It's rediculous! I knew your mini Dresden would be adorable : )

Bonney said... #

Love this pin cushion...I try to save scraps that are no smaller than 2 inches. I never seem to find the right thing for the smaller pieces and I need the room!

QuiltLaughLove said... #

Love the mini Dresden! I'm a scrap quilter for sure. My smallest scraps are 1 1/2" squares for a postage stamp quilt.

Linda said... #

I became a scrap quilter this year after seeing a scrappy offset rainbow on the blog of Cynthia Brunz. Last month I cleaned a big plastic Sam's pretzel jar, put a pretty label on it, set it on my cutting table, and it is 1/4 full of scraps. Optimistically saving no less than 1 inch squares and 3/4 inch strips.
Halfway through my coffee, saw the title of your post, but still thought your pincushion was a big pillow.
I already purchased some of Amanda's fabrics and LOVE them, so don't enter my name in the contest - let another person experience the happiness. :)

Georgia said... #

I'm conflicted about throwing away anything, but I usually throw away scraps less than two inches. 3305school@gmail.com

DeborahGun said... #

I'm not very good at using teeny tiny scraps! Love your mini mini dresden though!

Kris said... #

That Dresden is adorable!!! love the fabric line

Kris said... #

and I do scrap quilt and I save all the way down to 1" by less because I am crazy!

Unknown said... #

A 2" square is the smallest I save. I'm much better at organizing scraps than I am at using them.

EBattles said... #

Same as some others- 2" square. Although I also save the selvages for making bookmarks! Shop123(at)elenabattles(dot)com

Sew of Course said... #

I really love this pin cushion, so cheerful! I keep too many scraps, it depends on my mood at the time of generating them and how precious the fabric is, but scraps under 1 1/2" would usually end up in the bin.

Quilting Tangent said... #

Cute cushion, also looks like a pretty flower. 24Tangent@gmail.com

Ellyn said... #

love your pincushion. I only save 2 1/2 inch square and above. But, I have a friend who uses even the teeny tiniest of scraps and I often give smaller ones to her

Rosa said... #

So beautiful.I 1 1/2 is the smallest I save.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said... #

Probably 2 1/2 inch squares are my smallest that I save on purpose, but I do have a scrap basket with all kinds of pieces that I just throw in! You never know when you might need a little something, right?! I love your little Dresden pincushion, and thanks for the chance to win some of Amanda Jean's sweet fabric!

Debbi said... #

I use scraps now and again and save things that are around 2 1/2 by 3 or larger. It kind of depends on the print. I tend to save smaller scraps of solids than of prints.

SallyC said... #

I am a scrap quilter and if i really love a fabric I will save every little bit to add to something.

Unknown said... #

Love this cute pincushion and the hand quilting on it. I struggle with scraps...I recently just did a major cleanup of my sewing area and ditched a lot of very small scraps. Not sure yet if I regret it. I'm now focused on scraps 3" and bigger...
Buffyh_6 (AT) yahoo (DOT) com

Unknown said... #

When I first started quilting, I would hear my quilter friends say they love red, or they love blue, or what ever their favorite color is, but I would think about it and couldn't really name a certain color because I like them all. That's when I discovered that scrappy quilting is what I like best, because then I can use all the colors I want. Most of the fabric I have has been gifted to me from other people's scraps. I save anything that is 1 1/2 inch square. Love your pincushion! (phonygal@msn.com)

Bethany said... #

I'm a scrap quilter and crafter. If I really love a particular fabric, I will keep strips as small as a 1/4 inch and use them as borders on cards & tags.

Jackie said... #

I haven't been able to make anything too scrappy yet as I'm a Mama of six, ages newborn to 10. So I haven't had a lot of time to gather many scraps. But I have a box where I keep 1 1/2 inch square pieces leftover from my sewing projects, and someday I will use those to make an amazing scrap quilt. Someday! 😄 I love you pincushion!! And I love this fabric!!!

Helen said... #

I keep scraps that are at least 1-1/2" strips or would make at least a 2" block. I haven't done much with them yet except for 9 crazy quilt blocks.

Teri said... #

Generally, I save things bigger than 2". Unless they are a fave!

Cathy said... #

I usually save anything bigger than 1", have made lots of little scrappy pouches with them, thanks

Jayne said... #

Cute, cute pin cushion! Love the mini dresdens! I use to save everything, but learned that it became a hot mess far too fast! I usually take smaller scraps and cut them into managable squares. They vary in size, but it is so much easier to manage!

Isabella said... #

I try to used every inches of fabric and the smallest are good to be used as filling. Your pincushion is really bright!

Marla said... #

What a sweet little Dresden!

cindy said... #

No scrap is too small!

Unknown said... #

I keep them all. I seem to always find a use for them. Thanks for the chance to win.

Sherry said... #

Another fun pincushion. I have a very hard time getting rid of scraps and I am always looking for ways to use them. Thanks for sharing your dresden pincushion.

Unknown said... #

I love all the scraps and you think can this bunch of randomness really turn into a beautiful project and yes they can!

MoeWest said... #

I don't think of myself as a scrappy quilter but I can't throw fabric away. I will keep 2.5" squares, stripe at least 1" wide and selvedges.

The Colorful Fabriholic said... #

Good Neighbors is such a great fabric collection - Kudos to Amanda Jean! I'm actually not much of a scrap quilter. I keep anything charm-square size or leftover binding or larger, but I collect my small scraps until I have a quart-size zipper baggie full, then donate them to the free table at guild.

Cynthia Brunz Designs said... #

I love to create with scraps! I keep down to about 2 1/2" squares and strings down to about an inch. Your pincushion is adorable!

Debbie said... #

Love the mini Dresden pincushion! Great choice for a great fabric collection. I save all scraps that I can get 1/4" seam allowance around and still see at least part of the fabric as I make 6" crazy patch blocks.

Debbie said... #

Love the mini Dresden pincushion! Great choice for a great fabric collection. I save all scraps that I can get 1/4" seam allowance around and still see at least part of the fabric as I make 6" crazy patch blocks.

quintuplicatemom said... #

What a cute dresden pin cushion! I save all sizes of scraps and enjoy the challenge of using them in different projects.

Gale, Ky quilter said... #

I love scraps.....I can't throw any fabric scraps away. I just know I can use them for sonething!

Lovely pincushion.....beautiful fabric!

Anne D. said... #

I save pretty tiny scraps - I keep thinking that I'll do one of Amanda Jean's ticker tape projects someday. I love this fabric line! ajdepue@juno.com

cynthia said... #

I have a tub of 1.5 squares. And strings and selvages and...

Vicki H said... #

I love your Dresden pincushion, especially your hand quilting. I tend to save anything over an 1 1/2 inch.

mary said... #

I am definitely a scrappy person. It gives me a reason to save everything.

Anonymous said... #

I am a scrap quilter and the smallest I save is around 2" square. Thanks!

Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

barbara woods said... #

so cute, thanks

Lisa England said... #

I am a scrap quilter and save just about everything. Sometimes it gets ridiculous! But then I'll use a bunch of tiny scraps for a super cute pot holder or something and remember why I save them. Love your pincushion, tiny dresdens are adorable!

Nancy C said... #

I probably save everything over 1 inch. Love this fabric collection!

Anonymous said... #

HI, love your Pin cushion! Smallest scrap I save is 2.5" Love making Scrappy projects. Thanks to CT+You for a sweet giveaway! msstitcher1214@gmail.com

Katy M said... #

Lovely pin cushion :) I'm always using up scraps, I wish I could get rid of some tiny pieces sometimes but I can't resist keeping them!

suemac said... #

I love scrap quilts. The smallest strip I save is one inch. Smalles square is two inches.

Susan said... #

Is there anything sweeter than a little Dresden plate!!?? Your pincushion is lovely! I keep way too many scraps! I have a tub of 2"+ in every colou imaginable!

Pamela said... #

I like to make scrap quilts and art quilts, so I save even tiny pieces or gluing into collages. Your colorful pincushion is delightful!

annemarie said... #

I love your pincushion. I save all scraps but then I am a hoarder of fabric!

CyndyK said... #

Your pin cushion is so cute. I love Amanda's new line. Yes, I am a scrap quilter. The smallest pieces I will keep are 2.5" squares. Thanks for sharing with us! cknapp3626(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

Anonymous said... #

I save all sizes. I have a box I put scraps in and I use it for stuffing in handmade animals.

Carole said... #

I put my small scraps in a pillow for the cat. Of course she didn't use it, she prefers the much larger dog bed. The smallest squares I save are 1.5". Love your pin cushion.

jennie wallick said... #

I love your pincushion. Anything 2"x2" or bigger or a triangle it goes into the scrap bag. When the bag gets full I sort them into either light and dark or by color depending on my idea at the time. Often time I realize that I don't have enough to make what I wanted. They make great crazy quilts, and a few scraps quickly become a large piece of fabric.

jennie wallick said... #

Oh I'm so glad I'm not the only one out there!😄

Anonymous said... #

I keep every little scrap. i cut the smallest pieces into 1" squares. any odd size scraps that are too small for that, i bring to school for my preschoolers to use in collages. i"m a scrapaholic. My goal is each year to make at least one scrappy quilt. So far so good for 4 years!

Kathy E. said... #

I sure am a scrapper! I even keep my snipped off threads, selvages, and thin cuts of scraps. I like to add them all on a piece of interfacing and sew on them, meandering style, to make my own fabric pieces. It's very unique and creative. Love the mini-Dresden!

pippirose said... #

Love the mini-Dresden pincushion! Cute!!
I am a scrapper, and save pretty much everything!

greeneggs said... #

Such a gorgeous fabric collection. I only save small (less than 2.5") if the fabric is especially precious. I have way too many scraps.

Bluequilt said... #

I am a scrappy quilter and the smallest scraps I save are at least 1/2 inch. Sure would love to win. I love your pin cushion.

Dawn said... #

I save scraps, but usually no less than one inch. dawnm1993(at)gmail(dot)com

Joanne Roberts said... #

I'm still new to quilting, but I've always sewn clothes. And it kills me to throw away those beautiful little scrapes, so I've started sewing them together to make quilts.

Karen said... #

My stash of scraps has built to a level that I am just about ready to tackle a scrap quilt. I save pieces from about 1.5" wide, but I also have a basket full of strings that are even narrower.

Jennifer Scantlebury Vienneau said... #

I do save all my scraps although the intended use is not yet known to me. : ) I don't save anything smaller than an inch these days simply because I have so much saved already. I love your sweet pincushion and I am so, so jealous of the wonderful retreats your group has. They look like a wonderful time!

Patti said... #

I save 2.5" scraps but if I find some smaller pieces that work for a small (1") block then I'll save that too!

Tu-Na Quilts said... #

Since I'm working on a 1.5 inch postage stamp, I save scraps that small. It will take a while to make but it sure is fun to cut those little pieces...not so much fun to match all those corners though. Really cute pincushion you have here. Did you use a particular pattern or make it up yourself? Karen kthurn(at)bektel(dot)com

Emily C said... #

I love the dresdans. So cute and tiny.

OhioLori said... #

Love Love Love your Pin Cushion!! I absolutely DO save my scraps....probably an inch is smallest piece...unless it catches my eye & I think to myself..Hmmmm...could uses as a ____! giggle....

Mary Dowell said... #

I am a scrap quilter and I keep 1.5 inch squares as my smallest scraps, but I do have the bags of smaller ones I use to stuff dog and cat beds.

Lisa E said... #

I'm not a scrap quilter but I do keep scraps. Maybe 2" squares are my smallest? I keep thinking I'll do something with them. Every once in a while, I give them away.

Unknown said... #

Yes I love scrap quilts, but I only save 2 1/2" scraps

Unknown said... #

Yes I love scrap quilts, but I only save 2 1/2" scraps

Margaret Gross said... #

i like it scappy. 1 1/2" squares are the smallest I save

Brenda said... #

I'm still a beginner quilter so I dont have many scraps! yet!

Melissa Koehn said... #

I also am a beginning quilter. So not a lot of little scraps yet. but I love scrap quilts!

Unknown said... #

I just recently began saving smaller scraps- 1 1/2" to 2". Don't have too much in the bin yet. The bulk of my stash is about 4+". Thanks for the chance to win.

FlourishingPalms said... #

I am totally a scrap quilter! I made Amanda Jean's Scrap Vortex quilt and it was such a fun quilt to sew. I cut and piece 1-1/2" X 1-1/2" squares that I sew together as leaders and enders to make 4" 16-patch blocks. I have more than 100 of them now and still don't know how I'm going to sew them together! Love, love, love Good Neighbors! Thanks for the chance to win!

Susan K from Canada said... #

I love the dresden block on the tiny "x" background - love love love it - it is perfect - makes me smile!

Linda Smith said... #

When I first started quilting I wanted the scrappy look, but I didn't have any scraps, so I bought men's shirts at Goodwill to cut up. Now I have plenty of scraps and I keep pieces that I think I can sew into a scrap vortex block. Smaller than 2 x1 would disappear into the seam allowances!

Grandma Beth said... #

Yes, I use scraps. If I can cut a 2" square or get a long 3/4" strip to crochet, it's a keeper!
Very cute pincushion too. Beth

Renee G said... #

I do scrap quilts, but I don't save anything smaller than about 2 inches.

Deal.licious Real Food Debby said... #

Love the stitching in this pin cushion. I save everything that looks useable. I am just starting, so I don't have much, but I bet I will have to set a limit here pretty soon.

determineddebby at gmail dot com

Sandyzoo said... #

I love scraps and save just about everything! I need to start making some scrap fabric!!
Carol S.
sandyzoo45@comcast.net

StanleyBeagle said... #

I save EVERYTHING. And I have no idea what I'm going to do with it!

Nicole said... #

I have become a scrap quilter. The smallest size I use is 2.5" square but the smallest I SAVE is 1x2. No idea what to do with those but they seem to be big enough that I can't chuck them.

Unknown said... #

I'm a scrap quilter and right now I'm saving 2 1/2" squares, nothing smaller. Enjoying the pincushion party blog hop.

Cathy said... #

I am definitely scrappy! About an inch is as small as I will save but sometimes that is too little and I "donate" to my dear friend who is an elementary school art teacher. Your pin cushion is adorable!

Carla S said... #

I have never quilted with scraps, because I'm a new quilter, but I save my scraps.

Mara said... #

I save all of my scraps in a ice cream bucket and if they are too small for anything I use them to stuff pincushions too.

Rozz01 said... #

I save 2 1/2" squares as they have become versatile in quilt patterns.

Anne / Springleaf Studios said... #

Too too cute Cindy. You and I think alike about needing the x print on more colors. Love that one.

Jeanmarie said... #

I usually don't keep anything less than 2 inches square. Thanks for the giveaway!!

Amy's Crafty Shenanigans said... #

I am definitely a scrap quilter and keep all pieces - 1cm x 1cm even, so I can do small paper piecing without wasting much!!!

Joyce Carter said... #

Love your pincushion!. I am definitely a scrapper. I save every thing I possibly can use. My strips are as small as 1 inch wide and my squares are 1 1/2 inches Thank you for the giveaway.

victoria girl said... #

I scrap quilt occasionally and am now saving mostly strips, smallest I have saved, 2.5".... Love your pincushion, this fabric is truly inspirational!

Sarah said... #

I am a saver. Since I've only made 2 quilts, I don't have much in the way of scraps but I have them all saved. I guess the smallest would be about 2"x2". But I do have even smaller pieces saved for fabric postcards. Postcards are like mini quilts....I've made lots of those! Thanks!

rrjane011749 said... #

Love your pincushion! I'm definitely a scrapper!

rrjane011749 said... #

Love your pincushion! I'm definitely a scrapper!

Sarah said... #

I save anything 1/2" or bigger. If it's over 2" I cut it in squares and everything smaller I sew together for made fabric. sarah@forrussia.org

GranChris said... #

I do save scraps, 2 in or bigger. I like the leaders and enders approach and make 100 squares blocks.

Catskill Quilter said... #

I love using scraps! I save pieces as small as just over 2 inches square, and also save strips of any width, as long as it is wide enough to sew on.

Catskill Quilter said... #

I love using scraps! I save pieces as small as just over 2 inches square, and also save strips of any width, as long as it is wide enough to sew on.

Kathleen said... #

Oh gosh! Super duper tiny pieces . . . I even save the trimmings from paper piecing!!

Donna said... #

I save pieces about 3x3 for using with appliques.
donnalee1953 (at) gmail (dot) com

SandyMay said... #

I like to stop at 2-1/2 inch squares; anything smaller gets chopped into confetti size pieces which I use when making thread bowls.
swalker287 (at) aol (dot) com

Diane Beavers said... #

Hello Cindy, What a tribute to Amanda Jean w/the scrappy Dresden pinnie. I've never completed a Dresden block' just an adoring on looker. I save scraps as small as the little dog ear corners you clip, just in case I need a splash of color in a corner. Thanks for sharing.

Diane Beavers said... #

oops my contact info

schimmel.db@gmail.com

Anonymous said... #

Scrap quilts are fun to make. The smallest scraps I save are about 1 1/2" wide. -- soparkaveataoldotcom

Unknown said... #

I love using scraps! I have clear large vases that I throw scraps in. It decorates my sewing room and is good storage. My kids get to use anything from the vases when they feel like sewing. Thanks for the chance to win!

Wendy S said... #

I love how you were able to get so many of the fabrics in your pincushion. The minimum size I save is 1" in width or length. I do love using my scraps. Once I made a quilt in many shades of green with a little brown thrown in. All the slivers left over ended up in a jar for awhile because they were too pretty to toss.

Shirley said... #

Scrap quilts and projects are my favorite. Must admit that 1" is the smallest scrap I save. Know many others save much smaller scraps and I love all they do with them. Thanks for the opportunity to enter the giveaway. (shirparks@gmail.com)

Anne Simonot said... #

I am definitely a scrapper quilter. 1.5" is as small as I will go... Strings maybe down to about 3/4". I feel scrappy makes awesome, visually interesting quilts. annesimonot@sasktel.net

Dody said... #

Your pincushion is so pretty! I save small scraps. I use them when I paper piece.
Dmac5958ataoldotcom

Lisa said... #

I use a lot of scraps when I paper piece and I save as small as 2".

Kath said... #

I'm a real hoarder so I'll save just about everything - 'I'm certain there's got to be a use for this even if it a little on the small side' - that's what I say all the time! Your pin cushion is fab.
ktsquiltdreams ATgmail DOTcom

Linda Smith said... #

I love scraps. I have a hard time tossing them. If I love the fabric I will save 1.5 x2 inches. Whatever I think I can sew into a Vortex quilt.

flittinthrutime said... #

I have a hard time throwing anything out...1/2" is maybe the smallest. I have in my mind that they would be cute tied to a small Christmas tree!

Amanda Jean said... #

I love, love, LOVE this pincushion! you are such a sweet friend to have. Thank you for your kind words. And Thank you SO MUCH for being a part of the party! xoxo