Bloomin' Steps has been one of my most popular patterns since it was first published in 2008.
It was originally released as a pamphlet pattern in response to requests from those who cut and organized their messy scraps into 2", 3-1/2", and 5" squares as they followed my ScrapTherapy process. The smallest size, the 2" squares, seemed to multiply like bunnies, and the scrappy border treatment on Bloomin' was one way to use those small scraps in a project.
Later the pattern was included in my first book, ScrapThearpy Cut the Scraps! around the same time I worked with Quiltsmart to create the Small Scrap Grid interfacing to stabilize all those scraps for the border. You don't need the grid to make the quilt, but it's a nice option.
Just like the adjustment I discussed last week for the ongoing diamond project, Bloomin' Steps relies on seams nestling together once block seams are 'furled' or 'popped.'
Bloomin' is almost entirely based on the repetition of modifications to a basic 6" four-patch block. A lot of seams involved, but generally easy to assemble.
For this quilt project, it's all about pressing direction. Blocks go together nicely if four-patch block seams rotate in the same direction, as illustrated throughout the pattern.
What's old is new again. And no matter how you slice it, Bloomin' Steps has always been a good way to use up small scrap fabrics - as many as nearly 1,500 scrap fabric squares in one quilt!
And now, you can have the pdf version of the pattern right now, and start making a dent in your scrap pile this afternoon.
Happy Stitching!
Head Hummingbird
Hummingbird-Highway.com
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