I am making a 'Candy Dots' quilt that I bought from KQ. I really like the fabric and how it is turning out. I knew that it was going to be lap size and I was ok with that..... what I am not ok with is how much waste their was with this pattern.

The pattern called for 2 Bali Pop packs (those aren't cheep).... but when i got done putting it together I had 28 10 1/2" sets of 3 strips sewn together, 8 strips not used and some 10" (and less) cuts from other strips.

In my book, this much waste is unacceptable. I have enough strips to make 7 (yes 7) more rows, but nothing to make the boxes (cause they are made from near solids, and there aren't any more). I can't supplement and make more boxes because of how random everything is. Also, because of the way it is put together, I can't add to the ends (the rows that start with strips start with a smaller length of strip).

Any ideas on how to use these extra strips so they dont go to waste?

Just use them in another project. Sew them together and make something small. Coasters, table runner etc. Beautiful quilt!!

Sure turning out pretty. How about just sewing together and make borders, or sew together and make binding.

Wonder why the 'waste'?

Could you make a scrappy border?

Very pretty. No such thing as leftovers, that is what scrappy quilts are made from.

I'd probably make something pretty random. Can't go wrong with those lovely batiks. If you have a yard of a batik in a colour lighter (or darker) than any of these, you could frame the leftover blocks and let them 'float', then you the remaining stips for a pieced border.
Looks like you've got the makings of another whole (lovely) lap quilt. And I'm sure you get lots of great ideas from more experienced quilters (which I am not!)
Good luck!

I have no answers for you, but I love your quilt assistant!

Could you buy a little bit of similar solids and make a whole nother quilt?

Wow, gorgeous quilt!! I think I would use them for part of the backing. Or if you have enough, make a table topper or a pillow or something.

Pretty quilt!

Thats really pretty! I'd probably use them as a scrappy border, use them for binding or make a pieced back for the quilt. That does seem like a lot of waste though

A strip quilt, but then that is a scrappie! I made one, and I love it!

Your quilt is beautiful. I am sure you will find a way to use up the scraps.

Maybe you could make a matching pillow from the leftovers, or sell them in the buy, sell, trade section.

Make a baby girl 9 patch quilt.

Pillow shams?

may be a cell phone purse on another hand bag look at mine on face book

memathomas

If you want a larger quilt, outline the squares in a solid, matching color, and use the strips to line up around the outside.

This is my suggestion too.

Great suggestions.

I totally get what you're saying about the waste, but after a few times of getting caught short I temper my thinking more.

Just a thought, did the pattern have other larger sizes that may account for the leftovers?

You could set them to one side until you have more strips, then use them for a piano key border. I love the quilt though.

that is not called waste that is called adding to your stash! most of us are very happy to have that much left over fabric from a project!

How about a small wall hanging, tablerunner, pillow cover?

Pretty quilt, could you add a border, or a pillow case?

It's really pretty. I'd do a piano key border with the scraps.

Sew the strips together and use that as part of your backing.

or

cut the strips into squares - and rearrage to your liking and make another quilt.

I was thinking this way too.

borders, binding, or backing!

a small wheel chair lap quilt for a senior at the center

Ditto

Theres plenty of scrap quilts the leftovers can be used for.
Add them to your stash and when you least expect, there they will be, ready for your next project.
This is why I have never bought a 'quilt kit'. Use whats in your stash for a quilt top. Or buy fabric, make a quilt top and add to your stash. :thumbup:

Maybe buy a couple of batiks that read as solid, and either make another quilt, or even make your quilt bigger with a scrappy border.
There's always smaller things too: table runner, pillow, sachets, small tote, coasters, book cover, pin cushions, etc.
Hope you make it work to your satisfaction! :)

you might could make you a sewing machine cover, or placemates for your table,
HUGS Dora

Such pretty colors on your quilt. I really like it! Which Bali did you use?

No such thing as waste. WHile at a quilt retreat, everyone was buying the Balipops strips and making beautiful change pruses, full size grommet purses and such. YOu can probably google a few purses. I have the pattern but it is missing in action right in my sewing room.

Probably to allow for the various mistakes some of us tend to make and then are apt to call and complain that we were shorted fabric.

Left over fabric is very acceptable to me. It's just more I don't have to shop for later. There are too many small projects to use the leftover for to list. Check modabakeshop.com and Bali Pops website for ideas.

That quilt is beautiful. I'm sure you will find a use for the scraps. I always do. Scrappy quilt maybe.

Use them as a border in a rail fence type of pattern. Or go through your stash, find a coordinating solid, border that and then use those strips to make another border. So you go from a lap to a full???

or send em my way eg

Really pretty quilt. Your quilt inspector is hinting that he/she would like a quilt out of the leftovers.