I got the idea from watching Rachel Ray cooking and having a scraps bowl, except I am sewing and get out a little plastic container, set it by my machine, and when I trim, rip out, have little threads or notes, just pitch them in the container, and when I have to clean up in a hurry because I sew as long as possible, it makes cleaning up sooo much quicker.
Linda

That's a GREAT idea. Thanks for the tip!

I have a big basket sitting on a small table by my cutting table. I put everything that seems to get in my way when I'm cutting fabric from pincushions, different rulers, pencils, extra fabric, pattern, book, scissors, whatever else seems to be in my way. I end up with a basket of items to put back in place wondering how did I manage to use all of that in the first place.

I keep a trash can right beside me and plastic bags on the ends of my quilting frame. For threads, you can pin a small piece of batting to yourself and pop the threads on it and they will stick. When you are done just toss it in the trash (or collect them and make a pin cushion?).

I keep a small waste basket by my sewing table so it's not too big of a mess.

I have an old frosting container for my little trash can on my sewing table.

I'm a neat freak, so I'm a clean as you cook girl, which also makes me a clean as you sew girl. :)

me too! :lol:

I have a little basket next to my sewing machine.

I have a paper bag taped to the computer desk (which is next to my machine set-up). We also have a plastic tub on the kitchen bench for all the food scraps/peelings/teabags etc - gets emptied daily into our compost bins.

A friend of mine made me a "scrappy" basket to keep by my machine, another friend made me one of the pin cushions with the scrap bag attached. Geez..do you think my friends think I am messy? *LOL* I love using both of them.
crafty_linda_b

A friend made me a trash catcher out of an empty (cube-style) tissue box. She carefully opened it up so it would lay flat, covered it w/ fabric (used adhesive spray), put some self-stick velcro on the tabs so it would stay together again. Just pop open the side flap to empty it. And, I can fold it flat to take with me to class, retreats, etc.

I made myself a small thread catcher bag that is big enough to hold a snack size plastic bag. It is weighed down with a small bean bag I made for the bottom. It sits next to my machine. On my cutting table I have a small trash can that I line with small plastic bags from shopping trips. I also made myself a small scrappy basket for material I want to sort later and keep. They look cute, keep my room neat and are very handy.

One of my pervious SS made me a beautiful log cabin pin cushion with an attached LARGE bag on it (same material) and this now proudly sits right by my machine to handle all my pins, and threads and small scraps.

I also keep a skinny wastebasket on my desk. It helps a lot having it up on the desk instead of on the floor for some reason.

I have small wastebaskets everywhere.

I dont use a garbage bowl,I use the meat or produce containers and toss them after. And for my sewing room,I scrape every snippet into this tote under my table and my little Chihuahua naps in it when Im sewing,and gets in it when it storms...lol!

You know, I've tried tricks like that, but it never works. So it all ends up on the floor and at the end of the day, I just scoop it all up and toss it out.

All good ideas. I Love readingthe different ways we gather threads. I have several too. Thread catchers made from friends here on teh QB, A container under my desk which is right next to me when sewing, adn a Betty Boop can which sits o nmy desk nicely also. Then I have the F&P palcemat under my machine with lots of little pockets too for whatever finds it's way there. No matter where I am in my room, there's a bin or two. ♥♥

I found a collapsible water dish for pets at the dollar tree. It has a plastic liner and sets next to my machine. I can also take it to my sewing groups with me and use it there also. Mine has Snoopy on it but they did have some bright colored ones too.

You just described the basket next to my table ;-)

I have a wastebasket for my bigger scraps but on my sewing table I have pretty jars that I put my cut threads in. Looks real pretty.

Good for you! I have a problem with wanting to do three things at one time - really crafty - my new thing as of Jan. - put things where they belong and stick with it until it becomes a habit!!! Oh my gosh, no fun at all but I am doing better - I love to create and want to be neat - what a combination. I am a very clean person - it's my little notes and stacks are what get me in trouble - I am, of course, married to Mr.Neat !!!! for 48 years who has mellowed a bit with my artistic nature - I can have a room spotless - just give me 10 min. but now I can usually find where I stashed them in my sewing room!!!
Linda

OK so now we all know how we gather up our scraps - next question is what do we do with them???

I use mine to make draft dodgers for my windows and pillow forms.

I toss mine!!!

i have a small waste basket that i only put cottons in. the waste will be recycled in the garden.

Does it actually break down in the soil? Thats an interesting idea.

Lots to think about here. :-D

Thanks for the tip!