Saturday, February 9, 2019

Quilt Reveal: Mighty Matchstick Mansion


In order to use up my scraps, I decided to make a rail fence quilt.  This quilt is designed to use up the scraps that were too small to fit into the rail fence quilt. These are all one and a half inch strips that are too short for the rail fence quilt.  So they are more like matchsticks really.

It took a long time to cut up the scraps for this quilt, because it is supposed to use leftovers from the rail fence quilt, named Fourth Rail.  I had to cut the scraps for Fourth Rail, and then the leftovers were used for this quilt. Sometimes I cut up a scrap of fabric and Fourth Rail used them all and there wasn't anything left big enough for this quilt, so I had to move on to the next scrap.  Also since this quilt is one block, I sewed more of Fourth Rail as a leader/ender, which meant I was making two quilts at the same time.

Some of the more astute viewers may wonder whether it is a courthouse square or a log cabin because it has elements of both.  Well, it is both. No, I take that back. It is neither. It is a mansion.

And because little matchsticks are able to make something like a mansion, they are pretty mighty. So this is a Mighty Matchstick Mansion.

It finishes at 16" x 17 1/2" and since it is bigger than a breadbox and was made in the correct time frame, I am submitting it to the Bigger Than a Breadbox Project Quilting Challenge.


Once I figured out I was early for the challenge because the deadline is noon on Sunday, not Saturday, I quilted it some more and cleaned off some of the stray threads.

I really enjoyed making this quilt, and it is very tempting to change my original plan for Fourth Rail and make it improv rather than traditional, but I am going to keep going as I have been. That has always been my biggest issue with making a long term scrap project. There are so many great ideas, it is hard to stay committed to one until it is finished.

9 comments:

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

Since you enjoyed making this one maybe you need to make a small scrap quilt along with every large quilt you work on.

Joyful Quilter said...

Great idea! I'm making a scrappy trip around the world and end up with odd sized leftovers. If you don't mind, I may try making a mansion also.

Kate said...

A great way to use up those little left overs bits and pieces. Congrats on a very colorful finish.

Kim said...

Such a lovely quilt. Love all those bright, happy matchsticks. A most fabulous finish!

PersimonDreams said...

I love this! What a fun way to put together those scraps. Really happy you decided to join in the PQ Challenge too!

Sew Much For Free Time said...

This is such a fun mini quilt! Congratulations on your finish!

O'Quilts said...

I love it

Quilting Babcia said...

What fun! You're right, it's difficult to stay committed to one project when there are so many delightful ideas being shared daily.

Janet O. said...

Very clever use of the little bits and pieces! I like the finished product. :)