Friday, December 04, 2015

tiny things are my favorite

Welcome to finish it up Friday!

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!


104 comments:

Carie @ Space for the Butterflies said...

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!

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

I love making coasters and have been sucked into making 5 Minute Hexi Coasters recently. And your tiny HSTs are so precise and cute!

Pieced Brain Quilt Designs said...

The best things are tiny ones, right? Loving these projects! derussell22 at gmail.com.

Debora Exum said...

I 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.

Melissa Corry said...

Such cute tiny piecing!!!

em's scrapbag said...

I just love hst. Your little project is just sweet.

Bernie Kringel said...

Amanda, 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!

Little Black Cat Quilting said...

Love the tiny HST's! No scrap left behind! Lol

Michelle said...

I 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. :)

Kim said...

The tiny HSTs are so cute! The foot warmer is a great idea!

Unknown said...

Love 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 ....

Sue @ Quilting the Green Star said...

Thank 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!

Bailey said...

I love all your scrappy tiny hst! jsbailey99 at gmail.com

NebraskaNative said...

Love 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!

Sandy said...

Thank you for the never-ending source of inspiration! Two awesome gifts to make without having to go shopping!!

Adriana Ávila said...

Amanda !! Tenho uma irmã chamada Amanda <3
Amanda 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 :)

a maidenhair fern said...

Where do you come up with these brilliant ideas ???? My post today has 2 of your ideas. Thanks for sharing.

carrie said...

I love the cherry pit warmers - so cute!

Amanda said...

Love this idea. I've made rice warmers before, but never thought to make them from patchwork. How beautiful!

Susan said...

What 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!

Jill Fisher said...

Accountability 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!

Izzy said...

I 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. :-)

Heidi Staples said...

I love this so much!! Yes, little things are the best!

Denise - Jewelry By Denise said...

I 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 ;)

Sandra Walker said...

I 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...

Heide said...

What fun little gifts! The 1/2 sq triangles foot warmers are genius! Your linky parties are always fun!

Sherry said...

I love your cherry pit warmers! So cute.

I 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

Schulz Family said...

In New Zealand we use wheat and a cup of water. Heat lasts for ages

Allison said...

I'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! :)

Live a Colorful Life said...

You DO love your teeny tiny scraps. So cute.

Valerie said...

Goodness! Those are tiny HSTs! More power to ya!

JoanG said...

Lovely little half square triangle blocks and what clever little gifts you have turned them into. Thanks for the inspiration.

Spangled said...

I 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!

Spangled said...

I 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!

Leanne said...

Cute! I need more quilts!

Turid said...

I love tiny things, too. Most of all I enjoy 1/4" hexies. Your triangles are so sweet and colourful.

Andrea @ Mouse in My Pocket said...

I love all of your tiny projects. I wish tiny was something I was better at.

catedove said...

I 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!

Tim and Linnet said...

Love the bright triangles!

Joye with an e said...

Drat-lost my comment cause I couldn't remember my Google password. Hope this works. Liked your warmers--I use rice in mine.
Thanks,
joyecox@yahoo.com

Dasha said...

Such sweet little coasters. And I love you itty bitty HSTs. :)

Patti said...

Love 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!

Becky said...

Love the idea of making my rice bags (I call them toasties) out of patchwork!

Kath said...

You 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

Mel said...

I often wonder if you ever stare as longingly at your actual stash as you evidently do at your scrap basket?!

Linda Smith said...

So much scrappy inspiration. I just wish my scraps were as color coordinated as yours. Love it, thank, Amanda.

alison@the chainpiecer said...

Lovely 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.

Debbie said...

I love your blog and all your great ideas. I always have trouble leaving a comment, hope this works.

Sarah Goer Quilts said...

These are both super cute projects.

Unknown said...

Pick me! I love your book and new paterns could get me to go another direction than my current rabbit trail. logcabinquilts@gmail.com

Suzanne said...

I need much more time in my sewing room during the crazy busyness. Sewing and knitting keep me sane and your blog makes me happy!

the girlfriend gap said...

Love your little cherry pit warmers. I need to make some for my cold feet. Janita

Cathy Tomm said...

Love the little triangle bits you have used. I posted about selvage place mats, yes very much about the Rabbit hole we have made.

Carol said...

Adorable. 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.

Heather said...

Those are really cute ideas! I have a ton of mug rugs now, but I'd really like to make coasters!!!

Lee said...

You'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!

scraphappy said...

So 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.

Caroline said...

Cherry 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?

Unknown said...

Wish 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

Jean said...

I 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!

Lorri said...

Wonderful idea to use up scrap fabric and would make a great gift. Thanks for the inspiration

Subee said...

You 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!)
You always have some inspiration for me!

Diane Beavers said...

Amanda Jean
my 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

Anne D. said...

Amanda Jean,
You 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

SarahZ said...

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!!!!

Debbie H said...

You are perfection with those triangles!

Amanda J said...

Both 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.

paront1222@comcast.net said...

I LOVE scrappy of any kind but little hst's are my favorite.
I 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

Jean said...

I love tiny quilt squares and the idea of hand warmers sure hits home for me, too. Great ideas and so adorable!

KaHolly said...

Such good, practical ideas!

Unknown said...

I 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

Unknown said...

I 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!

Kay said...

These are such great ways to use up leftovers from sewing. The coasters would make great Christmas gifts too. x

Unknown said...

I 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

Nancy said...

I always look forward to your scrap projects. Those coasters are adorable.

robin said...

Either of these little finishes would make a very happy Christmas gift! And you can't beat the cost- love that!

Nancy said...

I love your tiny projects.... I have got to try it!

gigi said...

Oh those tiny scraps! You have a lot of patience.

Cathy L Wilson said...

I'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!
cathylouwilson@gmail.com

ronnie said...

Love your scrappy projects - very inspiring!

Julie L said...

I love the idea of a foot warmer since I am always cold! And so cute! Thanks for sharing. 5

Heather said...

I 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.

Rita Montgomery said...

I 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.

Vicki H said...

Your tiny hst are so cute and such a practical use for them. Thanks for the idea.

Barbara said...

Thank 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

Aunt TC said...

I 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

Susan said...

Love your little half square triangles and what a clever idea using cherry pits!

Holly said...

Corn 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.

fracla said...

Amanda,
you always make such beautiful things. I really enjoy checking your site almost every day!
Many greetings from Germany!

Take care,
Claudia

Unknown said...

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.

Gemini Jen NZ said...

I 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!)

Gloria C said...

Thanks 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!

Nell said...

You 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!

The Pugs said...

Your scrappy finishes inspire me EVERY.SINGLE.WEEK! Thank you for sharing your talent! I love the ideas I can spin off of your creations.

pajtr said...

Beautiful work!!... Love those tiny HST's!
Thank 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

Therese said...

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.

Karen said...

I 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!

✾Jamie Lee Cooley✾ said...

Your foot warmer is very patchwork pretty!

JoAnne in southern California said...

I 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!

stamperwithdayjob said...

What 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.

Shellie said...

I am also working on tiny half-squares. Now I know what to do with them! Thanks.
Shellie
Quiltingbean1@msn.com

mangozz said...

I love your cherry pit warmer. Love all kinds of miniatures. chocolatewiskers@aol.com

Jodie said...

Those tiny HSTs are adorable!

Sandra W said...

I love your tiny patchwork. Lovely work and great colors.