Scraps, ugh!!

Old 06-17-2019, 08:58 AM
  #21  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Central Virginia
Posts: 1,120
Default

I use a system similar to Dunster's picture. I'd hate to dig into a pile of un-ironed scraps. That would be uninspiring!
sprice is offline  
Old 06-17-2019, 09:05 AM
  #22  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Colorado
Posts: 657
Default

Originally Posted by Iraxy View Post
If you want to keep those scraps, on a day when you don't have much energy for anything else, sit at your ironing spot, pull out the bins and iron those pieces and place them back in the bin neatly. It sound like a boring job and it kind of is but you will be able to sort through and decide what you want to keep also and you might even sort them to suit your needs.
That's what I did a few weeks ago: ironed, cut to consistent sizes, and chose some to give away. Now my red and orange scrap drawers are organized, and I've made some progress with yellow.
pchp is offline  
Old 06-17-2019, 09:19 AM
  #23  
Super Member
 
juliasb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Waterford Michigan
Posts: 7,241
Default

My scraps would fill my bathroom from floor to ceiling with no room to spare. To resolve this problem I have divided the scraps in bins by size or length of strips. I also have an 'active bin" next to my sewing machine that collects current pieces, as they fall from the cutting table. These pieces get wrinkled as they fall and are pressed before they go into a more defined place for use at a later time. I am currently working on a scrappy quilt that has pieces that are more than 40 years old and look new. I am careful with my scraps as there are a number of quilts that I want to always be scrappy. Two of my favorite scrappy quilts are the Double Wedding Ring and Joseph's Coat. They require boundless scraps to make them look perfect! I keep pieces as small as 1 1/2". It is amazing what gets used. It is time to thin them down too.
juliasb is offline  
Old 06-17-2019, 10:10 AM
  #24  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: St. Louis
Posts: 4
Default

Oh my goodness! I did not expect this response! You guys certainly know how to make a girl feel welcome!

Thank you so much for all your suggestions. Like I said, I'm just getting back into it after dropping it about five or six years ago, so I'm still sorting through what I have (and I know I'm missing fabric somewhere....). I even found a mini tree skirt I cut out all that time ago and didn't finish! (That was my project last night, I sewed all the wedges together). You've all certainly given me a lot to think about!
Cyclista87 is offline  
Old 06-17-2019, 12:54 PM
  #25  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Posts: 9,475
Default

I just throw my scraps into a bin and hope to get them out sometime and iron them and make a string quilt.
Jordan is offline  
Old 06-17-2019, 02:09 PM
  #26  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Southern, Utah
Posts: 1,230
Default

What works the best for me is to have a pattern or two that I can use as a srappy quilt. The scraps that are daily accumulating can be cut in sizes that will eventually go into those particular patterns. When I feel there are enough scraps that are cut I can then sort by value and color and place pieces together that can be leader/enders or just a quick sew when the mood strikes. Eventually the small scraps become a project on its own and a quilt. It's all spent in small increments of time. This has kept scraps from taking over or just storing them and not using them.
Rhonda Lee is offline  
Old 06-18-2019, 03:16 AM
  #27  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 659
Default

You have to decide if you will ever use them. If not they should go. I am not a scrappy quilt person so anything less than a fat quarter goes.
junegerbracht is offline  
Old 06-18-2019, 03:45 AM
  #28  
Super Member
 
WMUTeach's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Portage, Michigan
Posts: 7,279
Default

Over time I have discovered the sizes of scraps that I use most frequently. So I cut all my random scraps in 2.5 strips, 5 in squares and 10 in squares. For me, anything less than 2.5 goes into my bag to be used for dog beds for ASPCA. I do not try to tackle the whole pile of scraps all at one sitting, but from time to time I will press and cut for an afternoon and put the pieces in labled clear shoebox sized bins. I love diving in and pulling out color ways or just creating a purely scrappy quilt from my little pieces.

If you know what size you lean toward, cut your scraps in that size. It saves you time and is satisfying to use later on.
WMUTeach is offline  
Old 06-18-2019, 06:52 AM
  #29  
Junior Member
 
SooBDo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Seward, AK
Posts: 153
Default

Welcome to the board! I've come to a place where I think I've got a handle on it! That could, of course, change at any moment. I started with Bonnie Hunter's way of dealing with scraps. I've moved to Gudrun Erla's way of cutting up scraps, which I like. Then, I make it a point to shop my stash first. Also, donate, donate, donate. Our P.E.O. garage sale has fabric for sale to bless others. The proceeds go to programs to help women with educational needs. We'll see what tomorrow brings!

Last edited by QuiltnNan; 06-18-2019 at 07:24 AM. Reason: shouting/all caps
SooBDo is offline  
Old 06-18-2019, 07:13 AM
  #30  
Power Poster
 
sewbizgirl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 25,893
Default

As you see, everyone has their own ideas about scraps.

When you get around to making something with them, here is a great collection of free patterns for scrap quilts:

https://www.quiltedtwins.com/free-patterns-layout-2 (scroll down a bit)

If your scraps are not yet cut into usable size pieces, it helps to have a pattern in mind before you cut.
sewbizgirl is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
1000scraps
Main
70
11-26-2018 09:34 AM
ShannanMN
Main
52
10-19-2015 06:30 PM
shihtzulover
Main
46
02-07-2014 06:38 PM
craftybear
Links and Resources
4
07-27-2011 07:29 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter