Originally Posted by dunster
Back in the olden days (so I've been told) fabric was cut using scissors and templates. I imagine this would be the result. (Also with applique pieces being cut out.)
I like this-"Back in the olden days," My mother taught me how to sew (more or less) along with 6 years of Home Ec in school...
My 8th grade Home Ec teacher in school finally gave up when I kept telling her I could not cut my pattern out according to the cutting directions in the pattern. She "suggested" that I take my material and pattern home and let my mother help me cut it out.
A direct quote from my mother, "They just show you how to waste fabric on those patterns!" And, we did have quite a bit of material left over from the velveteen that I was making a pantsuit out of, even if it did look like your picture. However, I do not remember making anything else out of the leftover fabric.
That being said, I sometimes cut a strip, but often only cut the "square" for what I need at that time, and much of my fabric looks exactly like your photo since I can square off the ends later.
Happy Quilting.
Susan