I read about this technique on Quiltville yesterday. I was working on a modified 9 patch at home last night and decided to try it. Wow, what a difference that made. Working with those 1 1/2" squares would have become very tedious if I had to do all of that stopping, snipping, trimming. Another fine site I learned about here on this board.

The quilt is coming along, I should be done with the top this weekend. I will post pics when I get that far.

www.quiltville.com

She has so many nice scrap patterns. It is a very cool site.

Loretta,

It is on the left hand side under tips and tricks.

Debbie

Loretta, I'm sorry, I misread your post. :oops:

I use my scraps to use as leaders and enders, but instead of wasting, I do it with enough to make a lap quilt, placing the pieces into a box when I remove them from my current project. when I have a box full, I start over with them as leaders and enders sewing them together till they are strips themselves. I may work on the scrappy lap quilt pieces thru the entire original quilt I am working on. When done, I usually have a finished scrappy lap quilt top also. I never have leaders and enders wasted, and have a quilt to donate that I usually tie rather than stitch quilt. I feel good about having one to donate, and having no wastage to throw away. I do not let myself get involved in the leaders and enders scrappy quilt top till I feel it is big enough to back. I just use it as the leaders and enders by picking up several pieces to sew 2 together when I need a leader or ender. Then when cut off, it goes into box again. I don't look at the patterns, or I will get caught up in it. I am usually pleased with the outcome without any planning of it. it just happens as it is used while sewing the planned quilt. The recipients of these are not judgmental of the lack of planning, they just like being thought of. If we all did this, just imagine the smiles from the donated quilts!!!! They also make great childrens play quilts.

I can't even find anything that says "tips & tricks"

http://www.quiltville.com/leadersenders.shtml

Try this.

Just holding the threads behind the needle when you start works for me.

I love quiltville, and have read lots of their tips, and LOVE the photos and ideas there. I had never taken the time to read this one. I love it. Just think of the advantage of getting two or more quilts done at a time. Thanx for the reminder.

I just gave this a try and it's great! I've been working on a 4 patch scrappy quilt for ages and I'm now working 4 patch units into the border. I got stalled because it's pretty tedious, but sewing the 1 1/2" units as leaders and enders has gotten me going again. Now I need to cut a bunch of pieces or strips to leave by my machine so I'll have them ready. And, the best part, when you cut that leader off it's like a little gift. I never thought I could work on two quilts at the same time. Thanks for pointing out this tip!