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What do you do with your scraps?

What do you do with your scraps?

Old 08-10-2011, 12:31 PM
  #11  
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As I'm sewing I try to sew the pieces that are the same size together as leaders/enders. Like if I'm doing a log cabin with 2.5" strips, I don't pre-cut my strips, I cut as I sew each strip, then when I get down to a small piece of strip then I'll set it aside until I have another small 2.5" strip and sew those together.

I also make a lot of crumb quilts, Crumbs are small bits of fabric 1"-3". See http://quiltville.com/crumbs.shtml

some people call it mile a minute quilts: http://quiltingisstillmypassion.blog...-tutorial.html

Whatever you call it, it is very addictive. I've made 100's of blocks and several quilts, donated a bunch of blocks to others and they've made several quilts. They are kind of tricky to quilt and our LA'ers have asked me to stop because of all the seams. Causes the threads to break when it hits a thick seam.

But anyway, the problem is that you never really get rid of your scraps. When you trim your squares, those trimmings become the beginning of the next set of blocks.

I've got a system down with my strips. I sew strips so I have ~13" wide. Then cut as many 12.5" squares I can from the strip set, then 4.5" x 10.5" as many as I can, then a 2.5" strip.

That way I'm making 3 quilts at a time. The 12.5" strips I sew all around like the Missouri Star quilt company 1/2 square triangle method
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekYpJzHoW6E

and make a super scrappy pinwheel.

The 4.5" strip I make this or something similiar:
http://www.quiltville.com/stringx.shtml

and the 2-2.5" strip I make chinese coins quilts-sort of like this but smaller coins with alternating fabric 3-4" or so.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6i5qP...EF21A981F69C28

My problem is I like to cut, press and sew my strips but I don't really like to actually piece things into a quilt.

You would not believe how many quilts I have in various stages of construction in my sewing room.

So when I finally force myself to finish I can turn in a bunch at once because I've been working on them all year off and on. I can finish 10 tops in 1 month and that gets people thinking I'm very prolific. No, I'm just a very big procrastinator.
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Old 08-10-2011, 12:37 PM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by charity-crafter
As I'm sewing I try to sew the pieces that are the same size together as leaders/enders. Like if I'm doing a log cabin with 2.5" strips, I don't pre-cut my strips, I cut as I sew each strip, then when I get down to a small piece of strip then I'll set it aside until I have another small 2.5" strip and sew those together.

I also make a lot of crumb quilts, Crumbs are small bits of fabric 1"-3". See http://quiltville.com/crumbs.shtml

some people call it mile a minute quilts: http://quiltingisstillmypassion.blog...-tutorial.html

Whatever you call it, it is very addictive. I've made 100's of blocks and several quilts, donated a bunch of blocks to others and they've made several quilts. They are kind of tricky to quilt and our LA'ers have asked me to stop because of all the seams. Causes the threads to break when it hits a thick seam.

But anyway, the problem is that you never really get rid of your scraps. When you trim your squares, those trimmings become the beginning of the next set of blocks.

I've got a system down with my strips. I sew strips so I have ~13" wide. Then cut as many 12.5" squares I can from the strip set, then 4.5" x 10.5" as many as I can, then a 2.5" strip.

That way I'm making 3 quilts at a time. The 12.5" strips I sew all around like the Missouri Star quilt company 1/2 square triangle method
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekYpJzHoW6E

and make a super scrappy pinwheel.

The 4.5" strip I make this or something similiar:
http://www.quiltville.com/stringx.shtml

and the 2-2.5" strip I make chinese coins quilts-sort of like this but smaller coins with alternating fabric 3-4" or so.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6i5qP...EF21A981F69C28

My problem is I like to cut, press and sew my strips but I don't really like to actually piece things into a quilt.

You would not believe how many quilts I have in various stages of construction in my sewing room.

So when I finally force myself to finish I can turn in a bunch at once because I've been working on them all year off and on. I can finish 10 tops in 1 month and that gets people thinking I'm very prolific. No, I'm just a very big procrastinator.
I love your way of thinking on cutting.. :thumbup:


Im a scrappy quilter so I will find ways to use up all my scraps, no matter how small. But i don't tend to work with anything smaller than 1x1.. anything smaller than that ends up being stuffing for something..
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Old 08-10-2011, 12:41 PM
  #13  
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I collected for years , because I just could not seem to toss them. I have been making lots of scrappies lately and love it. Having a really good assortment just gets me going.
Is it just me or do you love your scraps as much as your stash?!
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Old 08-10-2011, 12:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Lori S
Is it just me or do you love your scraps as much as your stash?!
Yes, it's so much fun to see what comes out. Especially with crumbs. No 2 blocks are the same. I have a very nice stash that I have basically not touched in 2 years because I've been working on my scraps
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Old 08-10-2011, 12:51 PM
  #15  
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Originally Posted by Fabaddict
I cut mine up as I finish a quilt. Anything too small to even bee a string goes in a bucket to make pet pillows for the local animal shelter. Works great and I throw nothing out
that's a great idea. and you can even put those extra little pieces of batting that you cut off in the end in those. I bet the animals wouldn't mind!
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Old 08-10-2011, 12:54 PM
  #16  
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I justed bookmarked this...thank you! I have lots of scraps and my hope is that this winter i want to use them up in "scrappy quilts" If not i may have to move out..LOL
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Old 08-10-2011, 12:54 PM
  #17  
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Originally Posted by Lori S
Is it just me or do you love your scraps as much as your stash?!

Yep! Sometimes I think I love the scraps more. :lol:
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Old 08-10-2011, 12:59 PM
  #18  
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I have a box of fabric scraps that hubby says I don't need. All he got was a warning look...

I love the idea of crumb quilting. Havn't done it but it certainly looks like fun work. Is there such a thing as fun work? Of course... quilting!

I use scraps for doll clothes. My youngest has a doll she gave to me to use as my model. It is a 21" doll who has a Valentines dress and coordinating shirt. Whenever I dig out the box she will have more clothes.
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Old 08-10-2011, 01:00 PM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by sueisallaboutquilts
That's a great way!! Do you ever just get in the mood to cut?? I do sometimes :D


Yuck! I hate cutting....most likely because my "cutting table" isn't the right height. So when I cut, I do a little and then do something else, then go back and cut more.
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Old 08-10-2011, 01:29 PM
  #20  
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Yes, I treasure my scraps and keep pieces of my favorite fabrics for something "special". They are still waiting!
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