I have decided to join in the ScrapHappy fun – a monthly “event” organised by Kate in Australia and Gun in Sweden. The idea is simple and very economical . . . all you have to do is post on 15th of each month about something made during the month with scraps! Can be fabric, yarn . . . anything so long as we’re working to keep that scrap pile under control.
Since I have more fabric scraps than anything else, I was inspired by a free pattern by Lauri to make a soft toy fish. She published this delightful pattern on her blog way back in 2012, but I only stumbled across it the other week.
The printed picture in the background is from Lauri’s block, with the step-by-step instructions. I opened my “orange” scrap bag and also my “very small pieces” scrap box (perfect for scales). Some of my regular readers may recognise a few of these scraps, leftovers from so many fun patchwork & sewing projects.
Lauri’s pattern has scales only on one side of the fishy, and she says to lightly stuff them. I did things slightly differently. Didn’t stuff scales, and I didn’t like the idea of a plain side, so . . .
Whichever direction my fishy swims in, she has 5 very colourful scales on each side to warn off predators.
I also made a couple of 12″ blocks, using leftover fabrics from the sewing session with Cléo in Fébruary.
The second one isn’t strictly a scrap block as I had to use some solid white from my stash rather than scrap box, but it’s a twin to the first one, which is why I’m posting it here.
Here are the links to other people participating in ScrapHappy. Not everyone posts everytime, but it’s lovely see what wonderful things can be made from scraps.
Kate, Gun, Titti, Heléne, Eva, Sue, Nanette, Lynn, Lynda,
Birthe, Turid, Susan, Cathy, Debbierose, Tracy, Jill, Claire, Jan, Karen,
Moira, Sandra, Linda, Chris Nancy and Alys.
Gorgeous fish, a really great use of scraps. I’m not totally clear how big it is, but it struck me how nice a school of them would look as a mobile, swimming through the air. And that blue background fabric was perfect to photograph her on! BTW, could you add Alys to the end of your list? She’s also joined up this month and her link is at the end of my post.
too big for a mobile, I’m afraid, unless it’s for a giant aquatic mobile ^^
Link added.
What a shame… Thanks for adding the link 🙂
Claire, I love your fish! That’s adorable. This is my first time joining in as well. It’s been fun.
Kate, thank you for linking me to Claire as well.
No worries. I try to make sure that at least some of us show all the links 🙂
thanks for stopping by Alys ^^
What a beauty your fish is! Welcome to Scrap Happy Day!!!!!!
thank you Gun, it’s lovely to have joined in.
A lovely fish and, as Kate says, would make a lovely mobile if the right size.
That feather fabric has made a couple of lovely blocks too.
oh yes the famous Feather fabric lol.
What a fun toy. And one I need to remember the link for because it would be perfect to make to go with a baby quilt that may be needed in the not so far future.
The fish is a great idea, I am going to print that pattern, I’m certain it will be quite handy in the future, or when I want a cute toy, er pin cushion, in my seeing room!
Oh I LOVE THAT FISH!!!! A sewing shop owner once gave me a little sardine as a gift with my purchase and I keep it in my bag because she told me it was a “lucky sardine.” This scrap idea sounds good but I must confess to something absolutely irrational and horrifying: I actually like keeping the scraps and can’t seem to part with them. I have fun looking at them all jumbled up in my bins (I have one for fabric and another for yarn). Maybe I’ll be featured on the show Hoarders some day!
Darling little fish. I’m thinking it would make a great toy for a new baby in our family, might have to check it out for myself! Beautiful blocks. Welcome to the club!
I really love your fish, inspired.
Love the little fish!
Such a cheerful fish!
Aw, cute! Love the fish!
I always have a full draw of scrap papers from my card making, so I may join this when I get back to the U.K. It will make me think about using them more.
How fun is that fish!
Your fish is adorable — bright, happy, and just plain cute! I like the blocks you’re working on, too. What is the name of the pattern?
the pattern is called “Little fishy” – you just click on Laura’s name and it’ll open the link.
realised on re-reading your comment, that it was the block pattern name you were enquiring about ^^ This block is called Quatrefois and you can find pattern here https://patchworksquare.com/index.php
Unsurprisingly, I love the fish! ❤ It's so cute, I might try to make one 😀
What a sweet little fishy 🙂