As you know, I've been trying to work on strings and/or crumbs every weekend for at least one decent session.

I've been seemingly unable to concentrate well these last few days. I've had to be aware of what my husband needs at any moment.  As he gets feeling better, he is doing a bit more for himself, but there is still a lot to take care of that he normally takes care of.

I had previously shown Strings 3 quilt top that I wanted to make. However, I've changed my mind about number 3.

I've decided to try to make something with these - I'm going to make some hourglass blocks with strings and red. 

Today I made only 2 hourglass blocks, but I prepared several so that in the future I can finish them up.

Here is a breakdown of what I did.

Made 6 10" square strings blocks straight up and down. I used a background fabric as my base.

Trimmed to 9.5"

Cut matching red pieces 9.5" square.

Pressed the red squares in half diagonally.

Matched up a red block with a string block (9.5"). Sewed on each side of the pressed line.

Cut apart.

Press and then match up two of those pieces, only making them opposite.

Draw a line with a pen or pencil across  the diagonal. Sew on each side of the line.

Cut on your drawn line.

You have a finished hourglass block.

These are probably going to end up trimmed down to 8". I'll decide for sure after I make 30 or so.

I started to make some more 10" string blocks, but I didn't finish most of them. But hopefully next time I get to work on these goodies.

Then, I came to the computer to work on a design that I could live with using these hourglass blocks with red.

I think I like what I've got, but I'll wait a few days or weeks before showing it - I'd like to look at it on a different day before I show it publicly.

One comment about making straight up and down 10" string blocks - making diagonal blocks uses strings of various lengths-  more so than these blocks that are straight up and down. So, making diagonal blocks is easier!

Be sure to check out what goodies my sis has for you!