I've been making some dog and cat beds for our local SPCA out of ugly corduroy I've had for years -- I sandwiched in some worn out blankets to make them a little thicker and warmer. Have 8 done -- hope to get about 20 completed for delivery soon. Great way to use up fabric you don't like!

If you ever make quilted throw pillows, you'll need some sort of crappy fabric to act as backing for both sides that face outward. Pillows are also a great way to use up scrap batting.

What are toothbrush rugs?

I love using Bonnie K. Hunter's books and patterns. I have developed the habit of cutting all my scraps (you know the ones that aren't used on the back of the quilt) into 1.5, 2 and 2.5 inch squares to use in scrappy quilts. My stash is growing smaller since the leftovers for my quilts don't get "filed" away - they are cut up for the next project. It's amazing how quickly 3,000 2" squares can become a quilt when you don't have to cut them all up at the same time.

I agree with using them to make quilts for the Humane Society - I only use good quality fabric for people quilts and ugly does get better when it is cut smaller.

Unfortunately, some pretty charity quilts get sold by the recipients for drug money. Some of the shelters in our area specifically ask for quilts made of ugly materials for exactly this reason. Our guild has a prison sewing group where non gang member colors and other not so pretty materials can be sewn into usable quilts for charity. This program which rewards good behavior on the part of the inmates is hugely popular and highly successful in our local low to medium risk prison.

So, when unsure about the material, donate it to someone else to use! It will get a good home and a thankful owner!

Isn't this how the Hoffmann Challenge started? I think I read a story about someone at Quilt Market having some ugly fabric & somebody else challenged them to make something with it before the next Market & that's how that Challenge was born. That's a neat idea, I think.

That video just went into my favorites. So cool. Thank you.

I like the idea of the foundation for string quilts...I make a lot of scrappies, and I do cut the "uglies" way down to nothing.

I make Arrowhead blocks