I can never get bored of putting these blocks into layout. So much movement and so many little piece of scraps that brings in memories of previous projects! Read more to see the latest progress and enjoy a few photos of these scrappy Ocean Wave blocks.
Last year, I focused on making half square triangles whenever I had scraps and a little energy. I didn’t rush them. I just kept adding to the pile. Now, I have plenty waiting to be turned into Ocean Wave blocks, so it was only a matter of playing with the units on the portable design boards and piecing the blocks.
I am making this Scrappy Quilt from the half-square triangles unit that I cut using the half-square triangle die I got with my Accuquilt starter kit. 
There are affiliate links in this post in which I may make commission from. Find my disclosure here.
Accuquilt Deals
The best thing about cutting with Accuquilt is that it produces half-square triangles that I don’t have to trim. This feature alone makes the cutting process super fast and incredibly accurate. For scrappy quilts like this, where precision and speed are essential, I absolutely recommend using the Accuquilt. It saves so much time and ensures that every piece is perfectly cut, which is a game-changer for any quilter.
The cuts have dog ears trimmed, and once you press it opens, they are perfect squares!
8″ Scrappy Ocean Blocks Progress
The other day, I decided to time myself while piecing. One 8″ block takes about 10 minutes. Four blocks came together in roughly 40 minutes. It was eye-opening, but also oddly comforting. This week, in the small pockets of time I could find, I managed to piece 8 blocks.
I’ve always loved small-unit blocks, especially for scrap quilts. They’re perfect for using up leftovers, but yes… they do take time. A lot of time.
And that’s okay.
I keep reminding myself that this quilt was never about chasing the finish line. It is about enjoying the making of each block, one at a time. I love focusing on the colours, the movement, the way scraps that once felt insignificant come together into something intentional. And every time I lay the blocks out again, I’m reminded that it’s absolutely worth it.
Right now, I’m at 56 blocks. Originally, the plan was ambitious, 144 blocks to make a 96″ quilt. But as I revisit the layout and listen to my own energy, I can feel that this isn’t quite the right path anymore. Instead, I’m leaning towards making about 20 more blocks and then finishing the quilt with borders.
Sometimes, the magic isn’t in how fast we finish, but in how deeply we enjoy each step along the way. So here is a post to celebrate progress and working on your scrappy quilt. Scrappy quilt is a labour of love!
Are you working on any scrappy quilt this year?
Related Post: How to make lots of half square triangles fast and accurately.
You can easily make this blocks by making half square triangle (HST) units from your scraps. You don’t have to use the Accuquilt , you can easily make lots of HSTs using other methods like the paper piecing methods HERE>
But if you are interested to check out Accuquilt,
Check out the deals on the die cutter here today!
Till next time, Have a lovely week ahead!
7 Comments
This is so worth the time it’s taking, it’s just gorgeous!
Scrapy is always in my mind! Yours is awesome!!
Scrapy is always in my mind! Yours is awesome!! Always worth the work!
Amira,
This post is exactly what I needed to hear today! I have been overwhelmed by the number of scraps I have, and the various scrappy projects I’ve started then set aside to do other “fun” things. Your post inspires me to just take my time, and get done what and when I feel like it – or not. If they don’t get finished, that’s okay too. As you said, sometimes it is just about enjoying the process.
Amira, thank you for always encouraging us to enjoy the process. I appreciate your encouraging words each time we hear from you.
Hi Amira,
I have been quietly working away on 4 different scrap designs for a couple of years. Losing steam. In a flash of brilliance I decided to call it quits and combine all 4 into the one quilt. 4 quarters teamed together. Using citrus colours I outlined each quarter and joined with a border. So satisfying to move onto pinning and hand quilting it.
What a great and cheery looking Ocean Waves you have growing! I love “kitchen sink” scrap quilts like this — everything goes in, nothing goes to waste. I too like what I call the “bulk” Accuquilt dies that can cut a bunch of HSTs or squares at a time for projects like this. I agree the best/easiest way to work on these are as what Bonnie Hunter calls “leader/enders”: pieces you run through the machine between the parts for other more focused (in terms of fabric) projects. It is always surprising when you suddenly realize you have a stack of blocks that have come from randomly pieced “bits and bobs” that are moving toward becoming an actual quilt. A great review to start your year off with!