scraps....Scraps.....SCRAPS....
#41
I need help. I have tons and tons of scraps. HOW do I begin to sort/cut them? Do you try to cut them into as big as squares as possible and work your way down? What about the strips 2 1/2" long...do I keep them separate or cut them down also? What would be a good size to cut them into? I am so overwhelmed with scraps....I've been saving for over 3 years AND I would sincerely appreciate any advice from any of you quilter expertise people.
#42
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Joplin, Missouri
Posts: 1,058
Somewhere I saw a "magic"formula for cutting scraps. All the pieces fit together, like two 2 1\2" squares would fit with a 4 1\2" square, which would go with a rectangle cut just the correct size, and half square triangles, or hour glass bocks also cut the correct size... I should have copied it all down when I saw it, but alas, I did not. I thought it would be a great system for cutting scraps! Anyone know about that?
#43
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Posts: 857
Judie, I believe the system you are thinking of is by Anne Wiens. She has two size sets of scraps which play nicely.
Each set deals with squares and rectangles. If you have Facebook, go to Thrifty Quilters. Anne has a terrific book explaining the system and lots of illustrations for blocks, sashing, borders, etc.
Each set deals with squares and rectangles. If you have Facebook, go to Thrifty Quilters. Anne has a terrific book explaining the system and lots of illustrations for blocks, sashing, borders, etc.
#44
I know that after 20+ years of quilting, I had scraps beyond what I needed or wished to have. I posted them on QuiltingBoard for the cost of postage. Not only did I feel relieved, but the recipients were so grateful that it was like Christmas! It is more blessed to give than to receive!
#45
I tend to put all of my scraps into a basket until it's over-flowing, then start cutting them up for a project. I've got one scrappy quilt pattern that I've made twice and it needed a lot of 4 patches that finish at 3". Whenever I have really small scraps, I cut those into 2" squares and put them into a zip lock bag. When that bag gets full, I turn them in to 4 patches. When my stack of 4 patches get big enough, I can make another scrappy quilt!
I hate cutting any larger pieces down without a project in mind. One of the quilt tutorials I've watched suggested cutting your scraps into strips instead of squares. That way you can decide at a later point if you need squares or rectangles for a project and cut the pieces down farther. Think of the most common sizes that you tend to use. Sort your strips by width and keep them in a labeled plastic shoebox. If you've got a bunch of 2-1/2" strips, you can cut them down into squares, rectangles, sashing, binding or whatever else you may need.
I hate cutting any larger pieces down without a project in mind. One of the quilt tutorials I've watched suggested cutting your scraps into strips instead of squares. That way you can decide at a later point if you need squares or rectangles for a project and cut the pieces down farther. Think of the most common sizes that you tend to use. Sort your strips by width and keep them in a labeled plastic shoebox. If you've got a bunch of 2-1/2" strips, you can cut them down into squares, rectangles, sashing, binding or whatever else you may need.
#46
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 7,583
on Bonnie's blog today she just posted how she stores her scraps. I don't think I would sort my strips by color because I don't have as many as she does but I am going to put them in bags of darks, lights, and white/beige neutrals. It was a really good read http://quiltville.blogspot.com/ she is so inspiring
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 402
Scraps are both a blessing and a curse. I have cut squares of all sizes until I had boxes of them. And yes, it creates pressure to sew them up and when they are scrappy it is more difficult to make them coordinate with anything. So then I started cutting strips when I could but it creates the same problem for me--the challenge of how to use them. My third phase of scrap control is simple. Use it up! I am determined to use up my scrap stash in any way I can so I can feel free to begin new projects with fabric I want and not feel I need to use only out of my stash. My scraps have become a burden to me and a boon for the Comfort Quilt business! Last year I made about 50 of them to give to our Guild's collection.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
leatheflea
Pictures
8
08-25-2011 06:36 PM
craftybear
Links and Resources
4
07-27-2011 07:29 PM