Once again, I am thankful for accountability of this linky party and the push to finish something each week! It gets a little harder during this time of the year...but I don't need to tell you that!
These little guys....1 1/2" finished half-square triangles...are my new favorite. (Quarter in the photo for scale.) They were an off shoot from another project, of course. Quilting is one big rabbit trail, isn't it? But....it's a fun trail to be on and I wouldn't have it any other way!
I had the bright idea to use these tiny HSTs to make a cherry pit warmer. My feet will be perpetually cold until May or June of next year...but this little cherry pit warmer will help! The inside is filled with cleaned (and sanitized) cherry pits. To warm it up, I place it in the microwave for a few minutes, along with a cup of water, to prevent burning or scorching. It retains the heat for several minutes. I've also filled these types of warmers with rice, which seems to retain the heat even longer than the cherry pits. Either way, these warmers are a must in my house! I think they would make great gifts, too.
The back side is patchwork, as well. I layered the patchwork onto 100% cotton batting (since it will be microwaved, be sure to avoid any polyester in the batting) and then I quilted it with straight lines. I sewed the two panels together, turned it right side out, filled it and stitched it closed by hand. It didn't take long at all...once the patchwork was made, that is! :) My son already requested one in his favorite color scheme of blue and green. He knew better than try to claim this one as his own! This is scrap project # 117.
These blocks were leftover from my just four fun quilt (free pattern here) and since there were 6 of them, I thought they would make a perfect set of coasters. I love to make coasters because they are quick, they are cute, and they use up those long, skinny strips of leftover batting.
These finish at about 4 1/2" square and they are reversible. (Love that!) Binding coasters feels highly ridiculous, but it finishes them off so nicely...I knew it would be worth it! I used my how to bind tiny things tutorial, which worked like a charm. My husband asked if he could take them to work to put in his office, so they have already found a home. Hurray! These are scrap project #118.To thank you for reading, commenting and joining in my linky party, I thought it would be fun to offer up some prizes each Friday in December. Each week I will pick a random winner from the links, and also a random winner from the comments. If I pick your name, you can pick any 3 of my PDF patterns...just as a thank you! This party wouldn't be a party without you! :)
Now it's your turn! Do you have a finish to share this week? If so, please link up! Thank you for joining me for finish it up Friday!
Oh wow those triangles are really teeny tiny - and so cute too. We're having a ridiculously mild winter so far but I can see that pretty handwarmers would be a must anywhere where it's going to get actually cold!
ReplyDeleteI love making coasters and have been sucked into making 5 Minute Hexi Coasters recently. And your tiny HSTs are so precise and cute!
ReplyDeleteThe best things are tiny ones, right? Loving these projects! derussell22 at gmail.com.
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine binding all those coasters. They do look great and all of your corners are so nice. I am going to have to check out your tutorial. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSuch cute tiny piecing!!!
ReplyDeleteI just love hst. Your little project is just sweet.
ReplyDeleteAmanda, where do you get the cherry pits? That is an interesting filler idea. I have always used rice. Thanks for the weekly link up. I love it!
ReplyDeleteLove the tiny HST's! No scrap left behind! Lol
ReplyDeleteI haven't had any finishes lately. Lots of gifts in progress (plus WIPs from before the holiday season!) but none completed yet. Guess I better get on that. :)
ReplyDeleteThe tiny HSTs are so cute! The foot warmer is a great idea!
ReplyDeleteLove those little triangles. I have some a similar sized but am finding it very difficult to put together. Do you iron your seams open? Yours are so lovely and precise. Going to try your binding tut for tiny things this weekend ....
ReplyDeleteThank you as always for hosting this link up, like you say, it helps to focus the week and I love all the visiting that goes on as a result of being linked up with everyone. The foot warmers are such a good idea too, I definitely need some in my house!
ReplyDeleteI love all your scrappy tiny hst! jsbailey99 at gmail.com
ReplyDeleteLove your smaller projects! I've really been chomping for some finishes, so for the time being I've adopted a "smaller' philosophy and I'm not surprised at how gratifying and fulfilling it's been. I think it's helping to free up some creativity again. Yay!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the never-ending source of inspiration! Two awesome gifts to make without having to go shopping!!
ReplyDeleteAmanda !! Tenho uma irmã chamada Amanda <3
ReplyDeleteAmanda estou encantada com seus trabalhos, já assinei para receber atualizações.
Trabalhos lindos que inspiram tanto, meus trabalhos são com feltro, mas alguns uso tecido, já fiz corações emendando tecidos rs. Mas não assim com tanta perfeição e capricho!
Pena que você tem só instagram, seus trabalhos na Galeria de fotos do Flickr iriam ficar lindos !
As suas fotos são lindas!
Obrigada por tantas inspirações ;)
Super beijos
Adriana :)
Where do you come up with these brilliant ideas ???? My post today has 2 of your ideas. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love the cherry pit warmers - so cute!
ReplyDeleteLove this idea. I've made rice warmers before, but never thought to make them from patchwork. How beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhat terrific little projects to use up scraps! Love the warmer idea, as it's always cold in my house - a little something around the feet would make all the difference!
ReplyDeleteAccountability is a good thing....as is using up scraps in such a unique AND practical manner. I really ought to make some of those rice warmers for my mom. She is always cold during the winter!
ReplyDeleteI just love how you use your scraps! I really need to start making more things out of them - I've got bins full of scraps! Thank you so much for the inspiration. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love this so much!! Yes, little things are the best!
ReplyDeleteI love those little HSTs and the bag...oh my! I feel like I have to head straight to my sewing room to whip some up :) Thanks for adding to my list of projects to make ;)
ReplyDeleteI have to stop succumbing to the squirrel chase!! nvm I can't! My hands and feet are perpetually cold until we sojourn in Florida for a few months, so I'll be making one of these asap. Maybe with scraps from the soon-to-be-delivered-from Connecting Threads quilt kit with your line of fabrics...eep. More squirrels in your Cafe Umbrellas post...
ReplyDeleteWhat fun little gifts! The 1/2 sq triangles foot warmers are genius! Your linky parties are always fun!
ReplyDeleteI love your cherry pit warmers! So cute.
ReplyDeleteI also find it hard to toss the off cut triangles from other projects. . . but I have to work harder on the "getting done" part! LOL
Sherry V. crazyquiltpatcher AT yahoo DOT com
In New Zealand we use wheat and a cup of water. Heat lasts for ages
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of the idea of the cup of water; I'll try it, have used knee socks with rice for years. I tie them shut at the top. Makes it easy to swap out the scorched rice! :)
ReplyDeleteYou DO love your teeny tiny scraps. So cute.
ReplyDeleteGoodness! Those are tiny HSTs! More power to ya!
ReplyDeleteLovely little half square triangle blocks and what clever little gifts you have turned them into. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI make rice warmers that my dogs sleep with. Spoiled pups! I made removeable fleece covers so that they can be washed. One of my dogs peed on hers last night though so it had to go in the trash. Good thing I have another already made!
ReplyDeleteI make rice warmers that my dogs sleep with. Spoiled pups! I made removeable fleece covers so that they can be washed. One of my dogs peed on hers last night though so it had to go in the trash. Good thing I have another already made!
ReplyDeleteCute! I need more quilts!
ReplyDeleteI love tiny things, too. Most of all I enjoy 1/4" hexies. Your triangles are so sweet and colourful.
ReplyDeleteI love all of your tiny projects. I wish tiny was something I was better at.
ReplyDeleteI love tiny things also. I love the cheeriness of your cherry pit warmers. I saw them and instantly thought what pretty pin cushions! I am not sure where I would get such an idea from. Your projects are fun!
ReplyDeleteLove the bright triangles!
ReplyDeleteDrat-lost my comment cause I couldn't remember my Google password. Hope this works. Liked your warmers--I use rice in mine.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
joyecox@yahoo.com
Such sweet little coasters. And I love you itty bitty HSTs. :)
ReplyDeleteLove your HST's! What a unique idea, cherry pits. Please let us know a source for them, I'd like to try it! I'm loving your coasters, I guess I need to break down and make myself some! Thanks for your inspiration!
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of making my rice bags (I call them toasties) out of patchwork!
ReplyDeleteYou are so creative! I love all your little projects this week! The feet warmers are such a great idea for Christmas stocking stuffers - I'm going to have to give it a try. Thanks for the December giveaways - it'd be great to win. ktsquiltdreams (at)gmail (dot)com
ReplyDeleteI often wonder if you ever stare as longingly at your actual stash as you evidently do at your scrap basket?!
ReplyDeleteSo much scrappy inspiration. I just wish my scraps were as color coordinated as yours. Love it, thank, Amanda.
ReplyDeleteLovely happy colours, as usual. Small is beautiful, and I love the coasters as well as the warmer. What a compliment that your husband wanted to take the coasters to work! Thanks for keeping Finish it up Friday going - it really helps me to focus.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and all your great ideas. I always have trouble leaving a comment, hope this works.
ReplyDeleteThese are both super cute projects.
ReplyDeletePick me! I love your book and new paterns could get me to go another direction than my current rabbit trail. logcabinquilts@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI need much more time in my sewing room during the crazy busyness. Sewing and knitting keep me sane and your blog makes me happy!
ReplyDeleteLove your little cherry pit warmers. I need to make some for my cold feet. Janita
ReplyDeleteLove the little triangle bits you have used. I posted about selvage place mats, yes very much about the Rabbit hole we have made.
ReplyDeleteAdorable. May just make one for a friend hosting a bee Christmas lunch in a couple of weeks. Never heard of filling with cherry pits. Order on Internet? Curious why you would choose that filling.
ReplyDeleteThose are really cute ideas! I have a ton of mug rugs now, but I'd really like to make coasters!!!
ReplyDeleteYou're projects are just so sweet and cute! You inspire me to try new projects! Thanks for all the details of each one! I'd love to win some of your patterns-thanks!
ReplyDeleteSo much scrappy cuteness. I've never heard of cherry pit warmers, but I have seen rice warmers. Not that we have much need in Florida of course, but they are super sweet.
ReplyDeleteCherry pits... Hm. I'll have to try that some time. I'm not a fan of the rice warmer's smell. Do the cherry pits smell differently?
ReplyDeleteWish I had a finish to report. Lost my sewing mojo after my mom died unexpectedly recently. Hoping to find it soon. Your projects are always so great! shopgirl7232 at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post today, and I was happy you included the link on how to binding tiny things -- great refresher! Your blog is always enjoyable and helpful. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteWonderful idea to use up scrap fabric and would make a great gift. Thanks for the inspiration
ReplyDeleteYou must have been cut from the same cloth as me! I love using up every last bit of fabric! ( much to the dismay of my fellow mission quilters!)
ReplyDeleteYou always have some inspiration for me!
Amanda Jean
ReplyDeletemy eyes omitted the word "Cherry" and went to straight to Pit warmers and you know my first thought was : that's the only part of me that stays warm year round haha:)
Can't say I'll ever find cherry pits here but the warmers are so cool...rice indeed, stitched w/cotton thread and cotton batting.
Just made some mug rugs so the tiny binding tute was right on time.
bluestarof2(at)yahoo(dot)com
Amanda Jean,
ReplyDeleteYou always do such quality work! It's a pleasure to read your blog. And I still love your good neighbors fabric line. Maybe I'll use some of my Christmas money to buy myself some. ajdepue@juno.com
Oh the hold those tiny triangles can get on a girl! I just finished a top with 408 of them! But they are so darn cute! I DID make a pincushion with a few of the leftovers, in your honor :) When it is quilted I will be sure to link up!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are perfection with those triangles!
ReplyDeleteBoth projects are lovely :) I didn't know you could use cherry pits or rice. I'm in Australia and we use wheat quite a lot for hot packs.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE scrappy of any kind but little hst's are my favorite.
ReplyDeleteI do a lot of postage stamp like quilts. I will have to pull more of my scraps out and
get them assembled into something.
Peggy in NJ
I love tiny quilt squares and the idea of hand warmers sure hits home for me, too. Great ideas and so adorable!
ReplyDeleteSuch good, practical ideas!
ReplyDeleteI love the coasters! And just read the tutorial on binding small things. Going to try it. I makes the coasters look so much more finished to be bound. Thanks for sharing with all of us! Jeanine
ReplyDeleteI love both these ideas, and hope I can find the time to make one of them. I'll have to check out your tutorial on binding small things like coasters, as usually I make them bigger as binding on such a small item is very hard. P.S.-- would love to win one of your patters!
ReplyDeleteThese are such great ways to use up leftovers from sewing. The coasters would make great Christmas gifts too. x
ReplyDeleteI love the coasters! And just read the tutorial on binding small things. Going to try it. I makes the coasters look so much more finished to be bound. Thanks for sharing with all of us! Jeanine
ReplyDeleteI always look forward to your scrap projects. Those coasters are adorable.
ReplyDeleteEither of these little finishes would make a very happy Christmas gift! And you can't beat the cost- love that!
ReplyDeleteI love your tiny projects.... I have got to try it!
ReplyDeleteOh those tiny scraps! You have a lot of patience.
ReplyDeleteI've been sewing up the same size half square triangles as leaders & Enders but not sure what they're going to be yet. I like your idea!
ReplyDeletecathylouwilson@gmail.com
Love your scrappy projects - very inspiring!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a foot warmer since I am always cold! And so cute! Thanks for sharing. 5
ReplyDeleteI like the fabric combination of your little triangles. I would have used them to make a little zippered bag then I could carry it around with me and smile every time I looked at it. Well done.
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love tiny projects with tiny patterns. Your ideas are the best and very inspirational. I am going to review your video on binding since it's been a while for me. Thanks for a great blog.
ReplyDeleteYour tiny hst are so cute and such a practical use for them. Thanks for the idea.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for FIUF. As a new quilter, your work and the links inspire me. Our family makes large cozies (12.5" finished squares) from flannel filled with feed corn. Apparently corn holds heat longer than rice. These large cozies are awesome for warming feet, especially under the bed covers. Here are the instructions I've used: http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2009/12/cozy-christmas.html
ReplyDeleteI want to finish a baby quilt and a table runner. Both are gifts. I love little piecework, too, and will check out the binding tutorial. Thanks bunches! Howlandquilt@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteLove your little half square triangles and what a clever idea using cherry pits!
ReplyDeleteCorn works great in a warmer. It holds heat longer than rice and smells a bit like popcorn when warmed up, which isn't a bad thing. I usually line the warmer under the pretty cover. Maybe that helps retain the heat, too.
ReplyDeleteAmanda,
ReplyDeleteyou always make such beautiful things. I really enjoy checking your site almost every day!
Many greetings from Germany!
Take care,
Claudia
Amanda, those sassy little half square triangles made the cutest warmer! I thought you were going to use them to make a new pin cushion! LOL! Sew cute.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing how you use up your scraps (am still building up a supply of scraps of my own so I can make some of the quilts in your book!)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the coaster idea. I think I will stitch up some in left over Christmas fabrics. I appreciate the tutorial on binding small projects too!
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing! I love the way you put colours together and the way you constantly inspire me to one day use up the scraps! We had a quilting day yesterday and I managed to get a lot of little WIPs off my sewing table! YAY!
ReplyDeleteYour scrappy finishes inspire me EVERY.SINGLE.WEEK! Thank you for sharing your talent! I love the ideas I can spin off of your creations.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work!!... Love those tiny HST's!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the inspiration!... I needed a prettier solution for my cold feet!
... And, *thank you* for the tip, on binding small projects! I had missed that, but need it to finish some coasters today!
Blessings!!!
Pat
The only sewing I have done recently are alterations! We had a wedding last week for our daughter, #4 of 6, and now I need to do all of my Christmas shopping! May need to sneak in some little creative project for a sewing fix. Thanks for the ideas.
ReplyDeleteI love how good neighbors keeps turning up in your quilting--and the inspiration for pairing them up in ways I wouldn't have thought of. Lucky hubby!
ReplyDeleteYour foot warmer is very patchwork pretty!
ReplyDeleteI have hundreds of little HST's. Now I know what to do with them, foot warmers for my friends, next Christmas! Thank you so much! I LOVE your Good Neighbors fabric line!
ReplyDeleteWhat great tips. I just made a bunch of fall mug rugs and wished I would have had those tips. I cut my binding the normal size, 2-1/2" and I thought it was too bulky.
ReplyDeleteI am also working on tiny half-squares. Now I know what to do with them! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteShellie
Quiltingbean1@msn.com
I love your cherry pit warmer. Love all kinds of miniatures. chocolatewiskers@aol.com
ReplyDeleteThose tiny HSTs are adorable!
ReplyDeleteI love your tiny patchwork. Lovely work and great colors.
ReplyDelete