The reason most of us will never run out of scraps is because we are creating them all the time. I know people who can throw away pieces this size but not me.
This is my throw away pile and it will go into the bags of stuffing for dog beds. The strips in this pile are narrower than 3/4".
I try and throw away anything that's less than 1 inch wide. I know that if I end up sewing anything too small I just won't have enough time to sew with my stash! I do find it hard if the fabric is a favourite!
Missed yesterday's post because we were visiting friends in Elkhorn, WI.. Aren't we lucky to be the recipients of the Easter ham bones? I have one as well, and since we just used the last container of pea soup from the freezer, I will be making another batch soon. Your soup looks soooooo yummy, especially with all that ham still on the bone and all those beans! Enjoy it and happy cutting.
I save all small scraps, apart from really tiny trimmings. Then occasionally sort them, cut into sizes, and have them in containers neatly. Your last block, my favourite of them all.
You recently inspired me on organizing my scraps. I went through all my batik scraps and cut them into 2.5 inch strips, squares of various sizes, and strips for strip quilting. It's all bagged by what the piece is.
I have enough batik strips to do a strip quilt! Probably two!
And now I cut and sort my scraps as I work through my projects.
Great sense of satisfaction to see my scrap bin all organized and ready to use!
I adore scraps. They have so many possibilities and combinations. It is impossible to be matchy-matchy with scraps and that is good to try different combos.
Scraps are so hard to throw out. The minute you do, you find a use for it. I like to save all my scraps because sometimes, if you are doing applique, for instance, you can find a use for something really small that is just the right colour that will give the piece zing! I thought I had stopped making quilts; I was just making stuffies but along came this dog stuffie that didn't work out as a stuffie - he was too big... but he makes a wonderful figure in a wall art piece or for a baby quilt. So that's what he is doing now - a big scrap that I didn't have to recut because the shape was already there and I'm just starting the embroidery of the piece before I quilt it. I guess I accidentally began another quilt... and somewhere in my big bag of scraps are some tiny pieces that this quilt will not be able to live without! I'm sure of it...
I have gone to one large scrap bin to multiple scrap bins. My project for this summer is to work on one of the scrap bins. I bet I can make multiple scrap quilts from that one bin. I am going to try to use only scraps and NOT cut into fabric. I may just make different kinds of blocks and see where it goes but using scraps is the focus.
I try to salvage almost any scrap. If it is batik and even a slender strip, I can use it as an inclusion in weaving (but don't send any - I have lots already.)
we all seem to love our scraps more than our stash! Like you I save mine such fun making random scrap blocks time I made some more as I am unable to quilt till my walking foot is repaired
I'm all about scrap quilts. They hold so much more interest to me and draw me in to look at all the fabrics. I'd be bored to tears using only a few fabrics. And I always tell myself that those scraps cost just as much as yardage! I save everything, using the tiniest strands to tie up fabric gifts - such as fat quarters, etc. Anything that absolutely I can find no use for goes to donation for pet beds. No fabric goes into the trash in my studio.
I have trouble getting rid of even the ties pieces. At least I can pass some on to our 'quilting angels' who sew quilts and donate them. I save even 1/8" and 1/4" strips, lol. I just used some this morning to tie up some kits I made. Love that block!
I try and throw away anything that's less than 1 inch wide. I know that if I end up sewing anything too small I just won't have enough time to sew with my stash! I do find it hard if the fabric is a favourite!
ReplyDeleteI really love this block you're making. I also save my scraps like you do.
ReplyDeleteSo true but I love scraps too. They are the main stay of my quilting.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally in your camp when it comes to scraps, Wanda - I like to use up every little bit.
ReplyDeleteMissed yesterday's post because we were visiting friends in Elkhorn, WI.. Aren't we lucky to be the recipients of the Easter ham bones? I have one as well, and since we just used the last container of pea soup from the freezer, I will be making another batch soon. Your soup looks soooooo yummy, especially with all that ham still on the bone and all those beans! Enjoy it and happy cutting.
ReplyDeleteI am completely with you on the scrap production - those little bits are worth a LOT!
ReplyDeleteI love scrap quilts and save them too but it's getting out of hand. I've been letting go of more and more and not trying to feel guilt about it.
ReplyDeleteI save all small scraps, apart from really tiny trimmings. Then occasionally sort them, cut into sizes, and have them in containers neatly. Your last block, my favourite of them all.
ReplyDeleteI am with you...consequently...........
ReplyDeleteYou recently inspired me on organizing my scraps. I went through all my batik scraps and cut them into 2.5 inch strips, squares of various sizes, and strips for strip quilting. It's all bagged by what the piece is.
ReplyDeleteI have enough batik strips to do a strip quilt! Probably two!
And now I cut and sort my scraps as I work through my projects.
Great sense of satisfaction to see my scrap bin all organized and ready to use!
Anne
Organizing scraps is a never-ending process but so rewarding for the quilts it makes possible.
ReplyDeleteThis star might be my favorite! I love the pop of yellow. :)
ReplyDeleteI adore scraps. They have so many possibilities and combinations. It is impossible to be matchy-matchy with scraps and that is good to try different combos.
ReplyDeleteScraps are so hard to throw out. The minute you do, you find a use for it. I like to save all my scraps because sometimes, if you are doing applique, for instance, you can find a use for something really small that is just the right colour that will give the piece zing!
ReplyDeleteI thought I had stopped making quilts; I was just making stuffies but along came this dog stuffie that didn't work out as a stuffie - he was too big... but he makes a wonderful figure in a wall art piece or for a baby quilt. So that's what he is doing now - a big scrap that I didn't have to recut because the shape was already there and I'm just starting the embroidery of the piece before I quilt it.
I guess I accidentally began another quilt... and somewhere in my big bag of scraps are some tiny pieces that this quilt will not be able to live without! I'm sure of it...
I have gone to one large scrap bin to multiple scrap bins. My project for this summer is to work on one of the scrap bins. I bet I can make multiple scrap quilts from that one bin. I am going to try to use only scraps and NOT cut into fabric. I may just make different kinds of blocks and see where it goes but using scraps is the focus.
ReplyDeleteI try to salvage almost any scrap. If it is batik and even a slender strip, I can use it as an inclusion in weaving (but don't send any - I have lots already.)
ReplyDeletewe all seem to love our scraps more than our stash! Like you I save mine such fun making random scrap blocks time I made some more as I am unable to quilt till my walking foot is repaired
ReplyDeleteI draw the line at scraps less than 1". I have bins and bins of scraps.
ReplyDeleteI'm all about scrap quilts. They hold so much more interest to me and draw me in to look at all the fabrics. I'd be bored to tears using only a few fabrics. And I always tell myself that those scraps cost just as much as yardage! I save everything, using the tiniest strands to tie up fabric gifts - such as fat quarters, etc. Anything that absolutely I can find no use for goes to donation for pet beds. No fabric goes into the trash in my studio.
ReplyDeleteI have trouble getting rid of even the ties pieces. At least I can pass some on to our 'quilting angels' who sew quilts and donate them.
ReplyDeleteI save even 1/8" and 1/4" strips, lol. I just used some this morning to tie up some kits I made.
Love that block!