When will you throw a "usable size" piece of fabric in the trash?

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06-22-2019, 01:38 PM

#41

Stitchnripper

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Join Date: Nov 2009

Location: Mableton, GA

Posts: 11,211

Turns out I don't throw any of it away. A woman at my quilting group collects everyone's scraps or discards and uses them to make pet beds she donates. We all save the little bits for her and if there is anything larger, sometimes she uses it or cuts it smaller for the beds.

06-22-2019, 05:46 PM

#42

tuckyquilter

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Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: SoCal

Posts: 1,859

Quote:

Originally Posted by bearisgray

I've decided that we have different ideas of "usable size" - so the criteria for this question is - when will you throw away - in the trash - so that no one else can use it - a piece of fabric that is "usable size"?

I now try to avoid bringing home "unsuitable" fabrics, but I have gotten stuck a few times.

For me:

If it bleeds and bleeds and bleeds. No sense in passing on a problem.
Yes, I have heard about Retayne and Synthrapol.

If it ends up being very limp after the sizing is washed out.
Yes, I have also heard about starch/sizing - but if I want gauze or cheesecloth, I try to buy that "intentionally".

I have gotten more selective about what I will buy.

From what I've been reading, it's the "gifts" that are passed on to others that tend to have unusable/unsuitable fabric in them.

I do have a stack of fabrics that have polyester in them that feel nice and are pretty. I am in a bit of a quandary about what to do with them.

Ditto No limpy, bleeding stuff. I also do not pass on a problem fabric, or machine, for that matter. I'm with you on being more selective in what I receive and give.

Last edited by QuiltnNan; 06-23-2019 at 03:03 AM. Reason: shouting/all caps

06-24-2019, 01:52 AM

#43

Aurora

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Join Date: Dec 2009

Location: Somewhere in Time

Posts: 2,697

I frequently sew with a woman who does collage projects. When I am cutting I always ask her if she wants my smaller scraps. It is fun to watch her use them and to make a suggestion now and then about what to use. Now I am leaning toward trying my hand at a collage project. It looks like lots of fun.