Do you enjoy making string blocks? They use up an unbelievable amount of scraps and are fun to make. I pulled out some to sew on my treadle last weekend, thinking we would lose power during our winter storm (17 inches BTW). I’m having so much fun with them, I’m still using the treadle even though we never lost power. Here’s how I make mine. I’m sure there are neater ways to do it, but this works for me. 
I sort my strings into two varieties, tan and cream based colors and white/bright based colors. Above is my tan/cream based and below is a bag of white/bright based strings.
Cut some paper foundations to the desired shape and size. I use the Medicare handbooks that come every year. We always get two so I cut up one and keep one for reference. Telephone books work great too, or the $1 sketch pads from Dollar Tree.
I’m cutting these 3-1/2″ x10-1/2″. Now is the time to shorten your machine stitch a little. I use a 2 on my machine.
Lay down your first string right side up and your second string face down over your first one, long edges even. I start approximately in the center but don’t obsess over it. Sew along the long edge, seam allowance doesn’t matter much as long there is enough to catch both fabrics. I use the original treadle foot which is narrower than 1/4″. Don’t trim yet, just lay another foundation paper under your strings and keep sewing until you run out of string.
I usually cut and sew 10 foundations at a time. When you have added a string to the right side of the center, flip them around and sew a string to the other side of the center strip. Then it’s time to press them. Press toward the ends of the strips. Continue building the strips out to the edge, using different widths, colors and prints. You will want to use a wider strip at the end of each strip to avoid having your seams get too bulky at the end. I use anything 1″ wide to 2-1/2″ wide, saving those wider ones for the ends. After you have filled your foundation, steam press, trim the rectangles even with the paper foundation and then remove the paper. It tears off very easily if you have used a shorter stitch.
Here is my plan for these string pieced rectangles. The center squares are 10-1/2″ and the cornerstones are 3-1/2″. I will use the string pieced rectangles as the sashing .
I’ll post another picture when the top is done.
Have fun with these!
Judy
