Why do I keep playing with these teeny tiny scraps when I have shelves full of yardage?
I even stack them in little piles of similar sizes so they are easier to choose from when making little blocks. There is even one pile of "too small to sew together".
Here are the 4 blocks I pieced last night. They aren't very pretty so I guess I should wait until I have some more variety in the scraps before I make any more.
Well, since I'm inclined to do the same thing with scraps (I have boxes with different sizes) I wouldn't say it's crazy. I just hate to waste, but isn't that a part of where quilting came form in the first place? I notice that even though the blocks are scrappy, you seem to have concentrated the lights to one side, is that right?
You know what this remind me of? For my oldest son when he was a baby, half the fun was ripping those gift wrap and other half was playing with the box that toy came in! When he was Two, he would rather play with the wooden spoon banging on the plastic container than a real toy! I don't know why we like the scraps. They are more fun than the yardage... that's for sure! No logic for my story here either.. But this is just what your post reminded me of today! I like to wait for restocking of scraps before I start another scrap quilt too. It is more fun to see collection of few quilts' fabrics in one scrap quilt.
I was listening to Mark Lipinski's podcast yesterday; he had a guest who'd written a book about hoarding.
A caller told them a story about a neighbor who had hundreds of boxes of fabrics; when her husband tried to get her to do something with SOME of them, as they went thru the stash he found eight boxes (8) that were labeled "Too Small to Keep."
Well, if you're crazy then so are thousands of us! Scraps offer a kind of satisfaction in knowing you haven't wasted good fabric and designing a new creation.
No, you're talented enough to be creative and play and see what you like and how things come into being. You can just allow yourself to do this. I'm not much of an "allower" but I think the more I see people allowing I'll improve. Thanks for sharing this aspect of YOU.
If you are crazy then you have lots of company. As I was putting together some scrap blocks the other day I was wondering what is too small to keep! I like your idea of sorting them according to size. I have some that are irregular that I can't bear to part with. The other day I found some triangles that my mother had cut.
Crazy is not the word. Inventive isd the correct word. Hey you paid for the scraps might as well use them up. That is my theory. They look great. Soon as you gt a few more you will not think these look so bad. Chris
just think of the pretty quilt that those tiny pieces will be turned into!! My stash is small but I keep almost all of my scraps - I do use them, not fast but they will be used eventually - if I last long enough :) I do not have bags and bags though - just not enough room :) Karen http://karensquilting.com/blog/
Funny that you should think that as I thought the same thing last night as I was sewing the nightly scrappy blocks!!! All the lovely yardage waiting and waiting. Do you think it is caused by a frugal upbringing? My mom was a saver of stuff to make something from. I guess the saver part transfers. I also think that when we use the scraps we make freer decisions..the waht ifs are solved without causing waste. Keep scrapping...it is a great form or fun!! Gail Norback
Definitely NOT! It's called creativity and you're one of the best at it. I also have a box labeled 'too snall', but I have someone who wants them to use in her classroom, so that makes it alright for me too save them. I once saw a guy cut up a used Christmas tree into a couple of hundred wooden utensils, like spoons etc. I was amazed and inspired. Just like I am inspired by your wonderful little blocks. I love that square in a square look. I think I am going to my 'den' right now and make some of those!
No I don't call it crazy. I think it is part of our upbringing. Either our parents experienced first hand the war(s) and depression or some of us did directly and know what it means not to have things. So we grew up in an environment of being frugal.
You have a wonderful eye for seeing how to put those little scraps together and make a beautiful block. I've tried and in part don't seem to have the patience and they just don't look so great. But I do save my scraps for someone who said she will take my scraps because she can use them. You see I can't just throw them away, I needed to find a home for them LOL.
Well, I have to tell you that I used to through away all my scraps.....until I started reading your blog! Now I too have a pile of "too small to sew" but sometimes sneak a little bit of color in with those bits too. LOL So if you are crazy, you seem to have a following! Flo
Hi Wanda, The problem that I find with using all those bitty scraps if that as I go to make some blocks - it never fails that I either have the wrong colors or need more of everything so I have to start cutting more little bits.
Anyone who reads your blog regularly knows the beauty of your quilts. You have a method to their creation. You play, think, play some more, wait a while, experiment--and that's how you work. Playing with the bits of fabric is just part of your method--and it's right for you. Keep playing, Wanda!
Crazy? Mabye, I figure I'm going to die with a room full of fabric and thread and I've decided I'm ok with that. I'm not much of a scrap quilter, but I LOVE what people do with their "crumbs" Just look at this one http://www.15minutesplay.com/2010/09/v-and-t.html
Crazy for playing with beautiful colors and bunches of scraps? If you are, you're in good company! I find scraps much more enjoyable to play with, actually, and love scrappy quilts to distraction!
No no! You are not crazy! ooops....you didn't want an answer to that... Your squares are so pretty, I can't even imagine working with scraps that small!
No you are not crazy. First of a big part of the history of quilting is one of utility -- make do, use it up, wear it out.
But as the Queen of Crumb quilts, Bonnie Hunter reminds us the scraps (even the smallest ones) cost the same per yard as the off-the-bolt fabric. To throw them away if they are still useful is to throw away real money.
And thanks for the reminder to add the finishing up of my own crumb quilt on my work list for next month.....
Well, I think I could make a more definitive diagnosis if you answer one question first...do you have a drawer labeled pieces of string too short to use? If not, carry on...playful art is much needed in the realm.
If you're crazy, so am I. I love working with little pieces, and have yardage galore. Wonder what a psychologist would say about that? Some of my favorite quilts are made of itty-bitty scraps. There is just so much to see in a piece like that.
You know what I love? The fact that your post said - don't answer that - and we all immediately jumped in to give you our (wonderful/free) advice!! :-) You gotta love it!! Well, I have my own views, which really don't matter - this is giving you great pleasure, the same as the enormous pleasure you give each of us when you share your life/work via your blog - THANK YOU!!!!
Using leftover scraps is just another chance to see how fabrics look together in yet another arrangement. That's why i love them and besides, i like being thrifty. It's like i won something, you know?
youre not crazy - youre awesome! i love all the color. its because you know how cool it will look with all those little scraps. hey i have a huge bag of scraps i could send you if you want more =)
I keep all my scraps in shopping bags. I use whatever I can find there to make paper pieced small projects, and the too small pieces are going to be fill for some floor pillows I want for my livingroom. Some faux fur for the pillows and the fabric pieces for fill - they will still be accessible if I "need" them. You are soooooo much more organized!
48 comments ! And all about tiny tiny pieces of fabric. I admire you so, for having nibble fingers to handle those tiny pieces. Stitched together they are amazing pieces of art.
You inspired me to take my scrap box and start my own pile of blocks. Of course I wasn't nearly as organized as you, so I didn't have pre cut pieces. Some were in random cut strips and some were just scraps. I sewed for 3 hours last night while watching TV, which was a first. I don't have a TV in my sewing room at the moment, so I put my machine on my coffee table.
Heck no. Playing with the scraps so much fun. You never know what to expect. I think it is one of my favorite things to do.
ReplyDeleteCrazy like a fox! You'll end up with some beautiful quilts from all those scraps. I wish mine were so organized...
ReplyDeleteI have big bins of scraps so I would be the last one to throw stones...I use them for hexies...CQMadhatter
ReplyDeleteWell, since I'm inclined to do the same thing with scraps (I have boxes with different sizes) I wouldn't say it's crazy.
ReplyDeleteI just hate to waste, but isn't that a part of where quilting came form in the first place?
I notice that even though the blocks are scrappy, you seem to have concentrated the lights to one side, is that right?
You know what this remind me of?
ReplyDeleteFor my oldest son when he was a baby, half the fun was ripping those gift wrap and other half was playing with the box that toy came in!
When he was Two, he would rather play with the wooden spoon banging on the plastic container than a real toy!
I don't know why we like the scraps. They are more fun than the yardage... that's for sure!
No logic for my story here either.. But this is just what your post reminded me of today!
I like to wait for restocking of scraps before I start another scrap quilt too. It is more fun to see collection of few quilts' fabrics in one scrap quilt.
You're not crazy-you're grazy smart!
ReplyDeleteI was listening to Mark Lipinski's podcast yesterday; he had a guest who'd written a book about hoarding.
ReplyDeleteA caller told them a story about a neighbor who had hundreds of boxes of fabrics; when her husband tried to get her to do something with SOME of them, as they went thru the stash he found eight boxes (8) that were labeled "Too Small to Keep."
I fear you may be her soulmate. *L*
Well, if you're crazy then so are thousands of us! Scraps offer a kind of satisfaction in knowing you haven't wasted good fabric and designing a new creation.
ReplyDeleteNo, you're talented enough to be creative and play and see what you like and how things come into being. You can just allow yourself to do this. I'm not much of an "allower" but I think the more I see people allowing I'll improve. Thanks for sharing this aspect of YOU.
ReplyDeleteYep...but in a good way! Don't stop being you!
ReplyDeleteIf you are crazy then you have lots of company. As I was putting together some scrap blocks the other day I was wondering what is too small to keep! I like your idea of sorting them according to size. I have some that are irregular that I can't bear to part with. The other day I found some triangles that my mother had cut.
ReplyDeletemaybe, but in an exuberant way!! You love fabric and probably cannot bear to toss small pieces. And just look what you create with them -- WONDER!
ReplyDeleteCrazy is not the word. Inventive isd the correct word. Hey you paid for the scraps might as well use them up. That is my theory. They look great. Soon as you gt a few more you will not think these look so bad. Chris
ReplyDeletejust think of the pretty quilt that those tiny pieces will be turned into!! My stash is small but I keep almost all of my scraps - I do use them, not fast but they will be used eventually - if I last long enough :) I do not have bags and bags though - just not enough room :)
ReplyDeleteKaren
http://karensquilting.com/blog/
Becasue they are just SO MUCH FUN!! and you create such wonderful pieces!
ReplyDeleteBecause it is fun and we grew up in a time when "waste not want not" was every mom's mantra.
ReplyDeleteWhen you find the answer to that question I will perhaps know what my problem is!
ReplyDeleteFunny that you should think that as I thought the same thing last night as I was sewing the nightly scrappy blocks!!! All the lovely yardage waiting and waiting. Do you think it is caused by a frugal upbringing? My mom was a saver of stuff to make something from. I guess the saver part transfers. I also think that when we use the scraps we make freer decisions..the waht ifs are solved without causing waste. Keep scrapping...it is a great form or fun!! Gail Norback
ReplyDeleteFun fun fun. I love piecing scraps, especially batiks.
ReplyDeleteLOL No way are you crazy, I also have boxes of scraps LOL. The only thing is you do lots with your scraps and I don't LOL.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely NOT! It's called creativity and you're one of the best at it. I also have a box labeled 'too snall', but I have someone who wants them to use in her classroom, so that makes it alright for me too save them. I once saw a guy cut up a used Christmas tree into a couple of hundred wooden utensils, like spoons etc. I was amazed and inspired. Just like I am inspired by your wonderful little blocks. I love that square in a square look. I think I am going to my 'den' right now and make some of those!
ReplyDeleteNo I don't call it crazy. I think it is part of our upbringing. Either our parents experienced first hand the war(s) and depression or some of us did directly and know what it means not to have things. So we grew up in an environment of being frugal.
ReplyDeleteYou have a wonderful eye for seeing how to put those little scraps together and make a beautiful block. I've tried and in part don't seem to have the patience and they just don't look so great. But I do save my scraps for someone who said she will take my scraps because she can use them. You see I can't just throw them away, I needed to find a home for them LOL.
Like any artist you only need the smallest amount to create. Do painters use tubs of paint?
ReplyDeleteWell, I have to tell you that I used to through away all my scraps.....until I started reading your blog! Now I too have a pile of "too small to sew" but sometimes sneak a little bit of color in with those bits too. LOL
ReplyDeleteSo if you are crazy, you seem to have a following!
Flo
Definitely not crazy!
ReplyDeleteNo, you're not crazy. You're an ARTIST and your medium just happens to be fabric. I get soooo much inspiration from you!
ReplyDeleteWell maybe, but what a way to go.Wig.
ReplyDeleteHi Wanda,
ReplyDeleteThe problem that I find with using all those bitty scraps if that as I go to make some blocks - it never fails that I either have the wrong colors or need more of everything so I have to start cutting more little bits.
Have a great weekend.Geri Faivre
Geri gtfaivre@yahoo.com
Anyone who reads your blog regularly knows the beauty of your quilts. You have a method to their creation. You play, think, play some more, wait a while, experiment--and that's how you work. Playing with the bits of fabric is just part of your method--and it's right for you.
ReplyDeleteKeep playing, Wanda!
Crazy? Mabye, I figure I'm going to die with a room full of fabric and thread and I've decided I'm ok with that. I'm not much of a scrap quilter, but I LOVE what people do with their "crumbs" Just look at this one
ReplyDeletehttp://www.15minutesplay.com/2010/09/v-and-t.html
Crazy for playing with beautiful colors and bunches of scraps? If you are, you're in good company! I find scraps much more enjoyable to play with, actually, and love scrappy quilts to distraction!
ReplyDeleteNo no! You are not crazy! ooops....you didn't want an answer to that...
ReplyDeleteYour squares are so pretty, I can't even imagine working with scraps that small!
No you are not crazy. First of a big part of the history of quilting is one of utility -- make do, use it up, wear it out.
ReplyDeleteBut as the Queen of Crumb quilts, Bonnie Hunter reminds us the scraps (even the smallest ones) cost the same per yard as the off-the-bolt fabric. To throw them away if they are still useful is to throw away real money.
And thanks for the reminder to add the finishing up of my own crumb quilt on my work list for next month.....
Not crazy... EXUBERANT!
ReplyDeleteWell, I think I could make a more definitive diagnosis if you answer one question first...do you have a drawer labeled pieces of string too short to use? If not, carry on...playful art is much needed in the realm.
ReplyDeleteIf you're crazy, so am I. I love working with little pieces, and have yardage galore. Wonder what a psychologist would say about that?
ReplyDeleteSome of my favorite quilts are made of itty-bitty scraps. There is just so much to see in a piece like that.
Scraps scream PLAY WITH ME ... yardage is intimidating.
ReplyDeleteTherefore, you are NOT crazy!
You know what I love? The fact that your post said - don't answer that - and we all immediately jumped in to give you our (wonderful/free) advice!! :-) You gotta love it!! Well, I have my own views, which really don't matter - this is giving you great pleasure, the same as the enormous pleasure you give each of us when you share your life/work via your blog - THANK YOU!!!!
ReplyDeleteif that's crazy, then sign me up too! love your tiny piles of patches...
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely not crazy!! I love those little blocks -- they could turn into so many things!
ReplyDeleteYep! But have fun. Why would anyone want to be normal?
ReplyDeleteI don't think you're crazy. I think you just love your fabric so much that you can't bear to waste any of it. I feel pretty much the same way.
ReplyDeleteUsing leftover scraps is just another chance to see how fabrics look together in yet another arrangement. That's why i love them and besides, i like being thrifty. It's like i won something, you know?
ReplyDeleteyoure not crazy - youre awesome! i love all the color. its because you know how cool it will look with all those little scraps. hey i have a huge bag of scraps i could send you if you want more =)
ReplyDeleteWell, if you are crazy then I am too because I also not only save the little bits, but have many of them sorted the same way you do!
ReplyDeleteI keep all my scraps in shopping bags. I use whatever I can find there to make paper pieced small projects, and the too small pieces are going to be fill for some floor pillows I want for my livingroom. Some faux fur for the pillows and the fabric pieces for fill - they will still be accessible if I "need" them. You are soooooo much more organized!
ReplyDeleteMaking a scrap quilt is not crazy. Throwing the scraps away would be crazy for sure!
ReplyDeleteCrazy just like me because I've done the same thing for years - can't resist those little scraps of fun fabrics!
ReplyDelete48 comments ! And all about tiny tiny pieces of fabric. I admire you so, for having nibble fingers to handle those tiny pieces. Stitched together they are amazing pieces of art.
ReplyDeleteJ~MT
You inspired me to take my scrap box and start my own pile of blocks. Of course I wasn't nearly as organized as you, so I didn't have pre cut pieces. Some were in random cut strips and some were just scraps. I sewed for 3 hours last night while watching TV, which was a first. I don't have a TV in my sewing room at the moment, so I put my machine on my coffee table.
ReplyDelete