Quilting Scraps - Processing and Organizing for USE
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
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I use nothing but scraps. I get friends' leftovers, mix them all up, then try to make some sense out of them. I make quilts for charities, bunting, santa sacks and so on. Some scraps are as large as fat quarters but I have made several crumb quilts. It's very satisfying knowing that I am saving fabrics from landfill, making useful and beautiful projects, and giving myself hours of gainful occupation.
Is t it the best!? Thanks for watching and sharing.
Hi Amy, You just popped up on my suggested list. I'm Rose and it's nice to meet you!
I just worked scraps today after being gifted 3 trash bags of scraps yesterday. I sort large pieces by color into ckear pkastic bins. Smaller pieces get processed much like yours but I use different sizes ( Lori Holt method). I'm working on scrap quilts for five sisters and nine grandkids, all nade from scraps. I've finished seven quilts this year and haven't made a dent in my stash. Almost all my fabrics have come from garage sales snd estate sales. The only time I pay full price is if I need a large backing or a background in a specific color. I'm cheap like thst, lol but recipients would never know the difference.
Sounds awesome. Thanks for watching and for sharing. I hope you enjoy the channel and I’m glad you’re here!
I wouldn't say cheap, more like resourceful!
I live for scraps!! And yes I use them all but not before they multiply lol. I recently learned a new trick that might help add to your cutting process. All you need are some big zip lock bags and a pattern. Take that pattern and cut what you need to make that quilt. Voila…. You just made your own quilt kit!! Super effective for busting that stash!! I also add the birders and binding so its all together most of the time.
That is awesome! I love this. Thank you!
Great idea!
Thanks
Good idea! I kit up my sock knitting, so now need to start with fabric!
I save all the scraps 😂 i love scrappy quilting. I have 3 sizes of epp hexies that i take on the road. I'm working on a 1.5 inch postage stamp quilt. Sometimes those are leaders and enders or I'll set a timer and work on it. I get a lot of scraps from friends or the thrift store so I make improv quilts to bust through those and practice new skills. Lately I've been making wonky log cabins (duckworth blocks) out of my strings all in one color at a time. I also recently got a 4 inch and 6 inch square ruler so those have helped me go towards pre-cutting my scraps. Overall i alternate between a scrappy project, which brings lots of joy and no stress, with true pattern projects... And have my epp and postage stamp running in the background to eat scraps 😁
Sounds awesome!
I have a love/hate relationship with scraps. I hate waste so I will use them eventually but the hate comes in because I have seen these colors and fabrics while doing a quilt so by the time they become scraps, I am so sick of looking at them. I leave the pile for a while and process it when I have the inclination. My process is much the same as yours. 10" , 5" blocks, 2.5" strips, if I have longer 2" strips, I will cut them to 2"x3.5" and save those for leader and enders when I sewing another project ( it makes a good scrappy quilt project from seweasy's channel). Thanks for sharing and I just subscribed. I really hope to see more scrap content to motivate me.
Oh thank you so much for watching and subscribing! I know just what you mean. There are some fabrics that I get tired of seeing but somehow when they’re all worked into a quilt - they still look great.
Count on seeing more scrap content- it’s my favorite way to quilt!
I use my regular rulers and 45m rotary cutter. I try to do a scrap project regularly. My favourite though is making trivets (aka potholders!) which I donate to a wildlife rescue fundraiser. It thrills me to see those scraps out of a landfill and being used to raise money then to be used to protect people's hands while cooking!
That's a great idea! I bet they’re awesome too! Thanks for watching and for sharing.
Wow nice I make dog bed for shelter using my crape I make hand bags am on bottle holder for Christmas .ok gl thanks
Hi Amy, it's nice to see you again. Do I save my scraps ? Yes. Why ? I don't know. I have never made anything from my scraps. Sure I have a few bins full of every size scrap and various shapes and sizes. After watching your video, maybe I need to get myself into gear and process them like you suggest. Thank you for making it look so easy. Cheers from Canada.
HaHaHa! too funny. It IS easy - it just takes time.
I also cut fat quarters from not quite a yard remnants that I have. Scraps go into precuts that I use often. I also cut hunks and chunks with my crazy quilt templates. I just finished two crazy quilts this week out of a box of those pieces. Creative grids crazier eights template set.
Great ideas- thank you!
I fold my scraps nicely and store them Marie Kondo Style in a box so that I can see them. I do not like precutting them since I use a wide variaty of sizes and like sampler blocks.
From the crumbs I save I just made strips on adding maschine tape and sewed it into a rainbow spiral. It amazed me, that a 1m by 1.2m quilt came out of the crumbs from my small metal box I threw the crumbs into.
Any offcuts too small for piecing go into a big pillow what is sewn shut and goes to an animal shelter as soon as its two third to three quarter filled.
Such great plans! It’s amazing how far the fabric goes. Thanks for watching.
I stored my scraps into plastic bags and gave them to a lady making hexagons. Don’t even miss them.
That’s awesome! I’m glad you found something that works for you and I’m sure your friend was thrilled! Thanks for watching!
I bagged up some 2.5” strips that I hadn’t even sorted yet into it’s color bin and gave it away as a white elephant at our quilt group Christmas party. I even included a pattern for using scrappy strips. It was fought over!
I love to cut fabric! I am going to dig into my scraps and start cutting.
Go for it! Thanks for watching.
I spent two hours cutting 10" and 5" squares. So relaxing!!!@@amydement.
I save EVERYTHING!!! 😂. When I get a lot of them, I always make scrap quilts. The smaller pieces I keep to make scrap squares. I just sit and sew until I get a piece big enough and then cut that into squares. The super little scraps I use as stuffing for pillows, pet beds, or anything else I need stuffing for. I try not to put any fabric scraps in landfill. I use everything.
Hi Amy! So happy to see this post from ya! I separate scraps into 9 color bins … I do use scraps once I have a quilt and color inspiration… I also look to my scraps for confetti quilt wallhangings and plain inspiration for a new quilt as I rarely repeat a quilt top! I do not cut my scraps up because I do much fabric crafts so until I use some of that fabric… I leave it irregular and all … Thanks for asking
Sounds great! What is a confetti wall quilt?
You bet I save scraps, even the ones too small for sewing projects I save for stuffing projects. I also save by color. My brain just processes it easier that way. I am just in the middle of a big move. My Grandson has taken most of my sewing bins to the locker til I am able to get to my new place. Let me tell you I feel naked without all my bins. I am glad I still have a few left here with me so I don't have to go and buy more. Thanks so much for your truly bubbly personality. I will be watching more of your videos.
Thank you so much! I hope you are sorted and sewing in your new space really soon!
I just started organizing some old fabrics when I made a Scrappy Triple Irish Chain quilt. It used 2 1/2" squares. I cut 2 1/2" WOF strips then some into squares but I kept many in WOF strips to use as possible binding, borders, log cabin strips, etc. I store by size then by color or value. I enjoyed your video!
Thank you. I’m so glad you shared your system. Sounds like it works great!
My scraps are mainly blue... because I use a lot of it hence lots of leftover bits! I colour code but dont cut them down until I need them for another project.
Funny we both have lots of blue for very different reasons 😋
I love your positivity!
Thank you!
Idea: when you cut off fold over triangles of two layers, sew 1/4” on the piece you will be cutting off for a small square to use later in another project.
Great tip! I do this almost always. Right now I'm sewing cut offs from a friend as well.
I drafted a pattern last night for a symmetrical, controlled sampler quilt that I intended to use scraps for, but may have to pull from larger fabrics for some pieces to make identical blocks for symmetry. Which is ok, any fabric used from my stash is a win in my book.
This is great… I have a great flowchart for scraps already but I’m excited to see you use these tools. I don’t own either and I sure would like to be quicker.
I do strips, strings, mini charms (my favorite) and a big bin of bigger-than-a-charm-smaller than a F8ish. I sort out my favorite designers first, because I tend to find uses for scraps together with other pieces by my faves, though I also make sure my truly scrappy selection gets a little taste of Tula/Alison Glass/Melody Miller.
You’ve got me reconsidering that bin, which is a pain to look through.
They really are handy tools for speeding things along. Thanks for watching!
I have several scraps, but I've only been piecing 2 years, so I don't have so many. I do need to do something with what I have. However, I do have a hard time resisting buying precuts and yardage as well.
I've bought my fair share of yardage and precuts (some might say MORE than my fair share - ha) and there's nothing wrong with that! A stash - esp a scrap stash builds over time. I'm sure you'll find a comfortable balance.
Great tips. Yes I save almost everything. Love the stripology ruler and follow GE DESIGNS for lots of quilting ideas.
Wonderful! Thank you!
I am currently saving 1.5" strips to make GE Design's Rainbow Ruth pattern.
I sort mine by size all colours mixed together. I cut them very similarly to you
Birds of a Feather...
SCRAPS MATTER!
100%. Thank you!
Your little thin trash strips I use for hanging quilted hearts that I sew with my 5 inch squares
Great idea!
You don't have to trash your littles, use it for stuffing!
Good idea!
LOL that is nothing you should see mine from 40 years of sewing!
😝 too funny! Thanks for sharing and making me feel better.
I can't afford to throw them away...
I know!! Fabric is so expensive and we pay $12.00/yard for those scraps too. Thanks for watching and for sharing.
if I could hit like 20 times I would
Oh thank you so much! 😍
I was excited to watch your video, but the editing cuts are terrible and giving me a headache. My apologies but hope this helps you improve your videos.
Thanks for watching.
I do save scraps but don't cut them down until I need them. I'm always afraid if I cut them down that they will then be too small when I find a pattern to use them in. 😊 I've usually got a few scrap projects going so my bins don't get too bad. And only small pieces go in a bin. Bigger scraps get folded up and put with other big scraps. And don't make me define big and small scraps! Lol
That's a good idea! Thanks for watching.
I do the same as you. I don't want to render something too small until I know how I'm going to use it. Except I will cut small reds and creams to 2" sq. 1" sq. and 1.5 strips because I have 4 scrap buster quilts 'in long-time progress' to use those up.
I follow a version of this thought; however, having scraps piled up and wrinkled just bothers me. So, I iron them flat and then, just because I love working with fabric, cut them into the largest scrap (or strip) I can get from them. The remainder piece is so small it just goes in with my crumbs. By the way, my crumbs are really crumbs! I do this on a TV tray in front of the TV so that I can spend some time with my husband -- we are retired and I find I love spending time in my quilting room!
I came to quilting from garment sewing so I began with scraps from that. My first quilt was one for my daughter who asked for a pink and purple quilt. I pulled out all the scraps in those colors and set to work making a nine-patch for her. Most of the pieces had memories attached and that's what makes scrap quilting so fun to me. Before the 1970's most home-made clothing was made from cotton (or wool in the winter) so scraps made wonderful quilts. I still go into quilt shops and look at the fabric and think "Oh, that would make a gorgeous dress or blouse." I process scraps similar to you, by color, and in pre-cut sizes. I'm amazed at that ruler you use, wow! That is like magic. I'd like to get one of those. Thanks for sharing, I love learning new things. I live in a tiny rural town and haven't found an active quilt group near me, so I consider my TH-cam "friends" my quilt group. Keep up the great work.
Thank you so much for watching and sharing. And yes, we are totally your quilty group!
I also have looked at quilting fabric in terms of garments.
Ohhhh ya I’m right there tooo
😝🥰❤️😀
Llll
Put an ad in a local shop. There maybe others that feel like you. Call it a drop in, bring your own lunch and offer to teach basic patchwork.
Thank-you or your ideas. I watched the lady from the quilted forest. She got out her many scrap bins, with her 2 1/2" strips she sewed the ends together and ran them under the iron, some were a real mess, then rolled them up like jelly rolls on an old spool, ribbon or elastic? She got two rows side by side on it. She got a whole bin tamed neat enough to put on a shelf, for her next jelly roll race style quilts. Have you seen Brenda from mt scrapmore, she makes potato chip blocks, with 2 1/2" × 4 1/2"bricks or their smaller or larger cousins. She also put together an orphan blocks quilt, in the jr race style, that worked well. She does a lot of tedious work with leaders and enders, while sewing up other things. Ready in advance for the next project. Pat sloan has light and dark squares for leaders and enders, keeping to a theme, she does blue, green or another colour, sews two pairs light and dark, turns them into 4-patches opposite corners for lights, after she's done her project for the day, puts 4 together for a larger block, and sets them aside until she has enough. 4×4, 32-patches could be a baby quilt? 5 or 6 × 9 or 10 would be a twin? Or mix up the sizes and do a really scrappy one. You could make all sorts of smaller gifts with the double 4-patches. You could really tame those blues? Tiffany recently did a free visual pattern with increasing 4-patch sizes that fit all together. 1 1/2", 2 1/2", 4 /2" , and 8 1/2", i think? And said if you don't "do" fiddly little pieces, skip them. You can easy cut down those 10" squares too, for the right colour 2 1/2", 3", 5", etc. You must have so much fun, from the quilts on your wall for exaample, with your scraps. All the best.
Those are some of my favorite creators! Thanks for the great call outs. The jelly roll strips on reels was awesome!
Thanks for sharing and for watching!
I like your ideas for processing scraps, but I take it one step further. I decide on a pattern and process/cut the kit to make it and bag it ready to sew. I am usually 3-4 kits ahead so I can start sewing a project at anytime.
That's a great idea!
I also do this. I use these projects as leaders and enders so they slowly come together as I am sewing other things.
I did this, this past summer. It is my mindless sewing. Now I can let my scraps rebuild for awhile until I need to tackle them again.
I process my scraps like this as well. I cut sizes I use most. Anything over 1 yard gets folded and put with yardage. Anything under a yard and larger than a fat quarter gets folded and put into shoe boxes, sorted by color. I started doing it this way because I wasn't using my scraps because it was too overwhelming. I also work with a lot of hand me down fabric and thrifted fabric, which tends to be smaller remnants anyways. I do find it a little time consuming cutting it all up. I keep a small bin and try to process scraps once it's full. I was surprised at how fast you processed yours with that ruler though. During your video I realized I have a shape cut ruler that was given to me and it goes up to 12 inches square! I don't know why I didn't think of using it before. So thank you for the inspiration! My scrap bin is full and this afternoon I plan on using that ruler to knock out some precuts and have some progress satisfaction 😂
Oh thank you! It does take time. I hope your shape it ruler helps you be speedy too!
I am inspired! I needed this video in my life! xo
Thank you! Awesome! Hopefully you can find a system that works in your new space!
Hi Amy! Loved the video... I have a drawer full (lifetime amount) of scraps sorted by size only, for making multi-colored scrap quilts. But recently I decided to use scraps on the backs of the quilt providing the scraps. Works great!
Great idea!
I've been doing that for some time. Keeps the Scrap collection down somewhat. It's also fun & nice design exercise!
What a good idea. Feel like a light went on in my head! Thank you and enjoy.
I'm using my scraps to make crumb quilting 10" squares. It is so freeing and relaxing! I use scissors for most of the work, then a rotary cutter and mat for cutting the finished crumb chunks into squares. I'm having lots of fun doing this!!
Sounds great! Having fun is the best part! Thank you for watching!
Nice if you can't afford batting I us old Press denim.sheats I get at a u-haul place for thing there creeper you get a lot I buy 4 bags of them.thay us it for moveing people .lol ok gl
I keep most of my fat quarters and 1 meter cuts or there about ,in ikea wire baskets organized by holiday and pattern group. Sometimes I cut 2.5 strips out of the scraps or yardage as it’s great for bindings and some projects. Storage is the biggest issue.
Storage IS a big issue and an ever changing one it seems. Your system sounds great! Thank you for sharing!
I save scraps. All colors jammed into Rubbermaid tubs or plastic drawers. I use them if I can find what I need. I’m going to try your system.
Wonderful! I hope it works for you. Like I said - start small and just keep going as can get overwhelming quickly. Thanks for watching.
Morning coffee with Amy!! I just told hubby I will be in my sewing room all day. I'm all set for a morning of cutting, sewing 1 block, attaching a binding and possibly cutting again. How satisfying is the sound of that rotary cutter thru the fabric. Thanks for jump starting my day in the sewing room with another great video.
Good morning! So glad you enjoyed it. Your day sounds busy and amazing I hope it’s a good one and I envy your coffee - we were out this morning (crisis!).
Thanks for a very interesting scrap processing video. I have one medium size plastic bin for small and one for larger scraps because I use every bit of fabric I can. I don’t like to waste fabric. I do use the scraps for other projects as needed. ❤
Thanks for watching and for sharing. I love that you use things completely!
I dont mind creating fabric. put a seam in it and get your 10 inch sq pieces. Oh my, pandemic squares...crazy mam crazy.
I had no scraps because I had not seriously sewn in years. I decided I wanted to sew someway. I bought and had cleaned 2 machines, I watched a ton of videos. I went to Joanns...I lost heart. I went to walMart and picked out various colors all the same size..1/4 yd. Washed all and ironed all and stored them away. I was not happy at prices or selection. I remembered how my great grandmother used crumbs of all the clothes she made, mostly from flour sacks. I said well let me find cotton clothes that I can deconstruct, I went to Salvation Armt thrift and bought mostly kids clothes. I washed and ironed and stored it away. Later I decided to try a large Goodwill. I found yardages of beautiful dress fabrics that I had to buy. Also, lots of new flat sheets in white and various colors. I founf drapes and duvet covers. Almost every thing was new, I also found drapes. All were washed and ironed and stored away. I did cut apart most of the shirts. I did not cut the sheets. I have lovely fabrics in many colors and designs. Mostly from $1.00 mens shirts. Look at shirts...there is a lot of fabric in them. So now I have scraps and dress making fabric and sewing machines and backing. I hope to soon be able to start working on them. I have a tote full of clothes to mend. I also bought a mid arm quilting frame. Before now I have only done hand quilting and dress making. I also picked up some silk to mend a damaged comforter.
Great Point - thanks!
I like making napkins, so I have a pile that I can cut 15" squares out of. Then I like doing simple quilts that's a 6.5" square and a 6.5" four patch so I have piles I can get 6.5" and 3.5" out of. Then I like to make scrunchies 4" x 18" and bookmarks 3" x 6" and have piles for those
Very efficient! Love to see it! Thanks so much for sharing your system and for watching.
Did I understand you right? You cut down your whole stash? FQ’s? Yardage? Wow. So are you cutting down old clothing for your scrap bins? All cotton only? Also, that one plaid fabric cut to 10”that was crooked would not get used by me. I’m too OCD. Know thine self. I’d have to cut that fabric on the straight of grain into something smaller to be used. I love this and think I should try it.
Yep - most of it. Granted most of my stash was fat quarters and half yards (I like variety). The bins are scraps from all kinds of sources - lots gifted and serendipity, lots of leftovers from backing etc.
I KNOW - I knew people would be weird about the off grain cut - too funny! I used it in a quilt this week and it’s wackado in there too - looks crazy and I love it!
Thanks so much for watching and asking questions!
When I sewed clothes I threw away my scraps. Now I mostly quilt and I feel like even making scrap quilts my scraps grow when I sleep. Doesn’t help that now my son asks for new fabric and I buy some new collections every quarter. Seems like only layer cakes don’t leave scraps.
They truly never end do they? I better sew faster!
I save my scraps and those from my friends too!! The tiny scraps make stuffing for draught excluders for the homeless Dog beds too. I also save selvedges - with plans to use them one day.
I enjoy your videos, thank you. Take care
Great ideas!! Thanks for watching and for sharing!
Saving scraps is easy … using scraps, oh my. I did just finish a Halloween quilt with scraps! One win!!!
Isn’t that the truth!
I save scraps. I have done nothing with most of them..... yet. However i do use the ones that are too small as filling for a dog bed that gets donated to my local shelter.
I love that...YET!
Why throw away something especially when you can use it, and best of all you dont have to ever go to the store in 5 years time to buy any fabric. 😅. I'm new at sewing but I love using squares and thin straps to make a handle for a bag. My friend actually gave me a bucket full of fabric. So Im thankful that I didn't even have to go to the store. Now I'm going to spend a LONG time trying to use all the fabric. Plus I you do a business I think using scraps for any project will definitely sell. ❤
Great points! Thank you for watching and sharing!
@@amydement. your most welcome, I really enjoyed the video!
I found this video in my feed last night. ❤ I have since gone back and watched all your videos from the beginning. You inspire me. So happy to have found your channel. I adore scraps, thrift stores and not being wasteful. As for you, you have clearly done your research about filming and editing videos. Thank you for putting out videos that are well done. You are a joy to listen to and watch! I needed your joy today. Welcome to my feed and my home. I will enjoy spending time with you 😊. Diane
I'm so glad! Thank you for your kind words and thank you for watching!
Your camera is stopped , and we see 5 in. Cuts over and over. I will tune in later.
Oh no. I think it was a TH-cam feed problem as the video is running fine now. Reloading should fix it. Thanks for letting me know.
I splurged on a Stripology ruler. Worth. Every. Penny. 🥰 My scraps are sorted by color. Mostly. I’m working on getting them cut into usable sizes. I appreciate your channel!
Thank you - it’s an investment but I do love that tool! Thanks for watching.
Yes this is how I do mine too. Also during the pandemic (as a foodserver i was off work for 4 months so i made the best of it) the only thing i do different is when i cut my 5 in strips i leave them whole in case i need a extra 2.5 strip so i dont cut them into squares. I love the bins from Target for the 10 in squares and i have 6 that are full and have no need to buy another precut bundle in my life but cant help it cuz they are so pretty haha
I'm sorry you were out of work - been there, but I'm kind of glad it's not just me ;-)
@@amydement. thank you, it wasnt bad cuz we all got unemployment so the down time was what we all as quilters have waited for lol im trying to get the sew jo this week cuz like you a couple weeks again I lost my sweet fur baby. So hopefully this weekend i will feel like being in my sewing room 💚
Oh. I’m sorry. It’s hard to adjust to a new normal. Hugs to you!
@@amydement. yes the quiet time is the worst. He was the only dog in our home. 💚🐶
I love scraps and make many scrap quilts! I do organize all my scraps in plastic drawers. I must confess to being a bit OCD. I have a few drawers of large pieces, but smaller than a fat quarter, sorted by color. Next are my solids and tone on tone large pieces for appliqué. After that, the madness begins. Strips that are larger than 3” in one drawer. Then a drawer for 3”, a drawer for 2.5”, a drawer for 2”, a drawer for 1.5 and a drawer for 1” all strips of any length. Then I have my squares drawers, starting with 5”, then 4.5”, 4”, 3”, 2.5”, 2”, and finally 1” squares. Last, I have two drawers of triangles, one for half square triangles and the other for all other triangles. Only the large pieces are sorted by color. The rest I pick out colors when I’m pulling scraps for a particular quilt. The drawers are quite shallow, so when one gets full, I pick a pattern that uses that size square, strip, or triangle. Lately it’s been half square triangles in red, white and black for a bear paws quilt, 1.5” strips in blues and whites for a pineapple quilt and green and beige 2.5” squares for something with 4 patches… still working on that one!
That’s awesome and I’m so glad it works for you. That’s the key to the whole thing. Thanks for watching!!
I save my scraps too. I don't have enough room to cut and sort into separate bins though. I with I did cuz it drives me nuts!! lol.
Thank you for watching - I hope you find a system that works for you. Before I had dedicated space my scraps all stayed in one bin and I'd dig through it to get what I wanted.
My paternal grandmother would get precut squares and sew them together any old way as they came to hand. Didn't even bother to line up the corners. Some of her seams were a quarter inch off. On the other side, my great grandmothers ...I honestly don't know how their quilts were made. Its like they grabbed two pieces of scrap, sewed a straight line. Grabbed two more, and kept going till they somehow had a full quilt top.
I've tried to recreate both types and discovered I can not deal with random fabric placement. It sets my teeth on edge. The closest I've ever come to random was a nine patch with solid squares between. And that was hard! lol
THEN I decided to try paper piecing. Low and behold, I could deal with random. But only hexagons, and only paper pieced. I have no idea why, but that's what I'm going with for now.
I find this very interesting and understand completely. I’m glad you enjoy the English paper piecing process and that it offers you a connection to your own history. That’s a real treasure. Thank you so much for watching and sharing.
@@amydement. Its been an interesting journey. I grew up in a dirt poor area. They didn't have money for an art program fifth through eighth grades. So instead they had exploratory classes. Where the teachers picked a hobby they enjoyed and taught that. Students could pick what they wanted to learn, and it changed each quarter.
Only, instead of learning a nice hobby or two to last me through my life I became a technique junkie. I love learning new things, even if I don't stick to it after. I figured paper piecing would be one of those, "hum interesting" things that I learned and tucked away inside my head in case of need. But I loved it. And now I have a million 1.5 inch hexagonal floating around.
Seriously, They're everywhere. Its worse then cat hair!
That is awesome about the program and hilarious about the hexies. I hear you about those hexies. I just finished a 12-year project of a king sized 1” hexie quilt with over 3600 pieces and I find the papers in the weirdest places!
I have never saved scraps, but, I think I probably should be doing so. I have never been good at putting color groups together very well. I am challenged in that department? 😂 thanks for the tips. I enjoyed watching and learning from you.
Go for it! I’m going to do some videos down the road about how I choose color and offer some tips and tools for that.
Donna thats the beauty of scrap patterns. Some don’t require matchy fabrics. Its all about satisfaction!! If it bothers you just add a solid here and there
@@mariejohns1387 it doesn’t really bother me. I just feel inadequate when I see everyone else’s beautiful work. 😀
It is an appliqué of sorts… use a piece of steam a seam 2 stuck to a background piece and attach confetti cut pieces to form a palm tree or anything… so stick little squares organized with a toothpick and tweezers on the sticky side revealed on the steam a seam … then browns for a trunk… tan sand blue ocean etc… them cover either any type of tulle you like! I use glittery tulle on a spool from the craft area at Walmart! Lol
Now put on your appliqué foot so it won’t snag the tulle and fmq or I light straight lines or shape you will make of this… bind and add hanging circles to the back… someone has a nice thoughtful gift that uses only snippets of scraps!!! lol 🎉
Oh yes. I’ve seen that. Very very cool! Thank you!
I use my Accuquilt to do 2-1/2” strips, charm squares and 6” squares. I have a constant in progress project doing strip blocks like you have behind you. I don’t sort by color because my scrappy quilts are usually all colors… not so controlled chaos. 🙂
I ♥️ chaos! Thanks so much for watching and for sharing!
😂😂😂just a simple statement..if you don't like blues..don't buy or use blue. 😂😂 I hate browns, creams so I don't buy it. 😊 Occasionally I have quilt order, but I let customers know, I only do "happy colors".
That’s true and I don’t but they always find me! Thanks so much for watching.
Very good video! I liked the demo of the accuquilt ruler - I might just have to get me one of those. You were really able to blaze through those scraps with it! I'm always frozen with indecision - do I cut that piece into two 15" x 2-1/2" strips, or three 5" x 5" squares? Does that 4" tall piece become a 2-1/2" strip & a 1-1/2" string, or two 2" strings, or four 1" strings? Generally I just clean up the edges to make as large a rectangle as I can, and if the cuttings from that are large enough I'll trim them into strips or squares.
As for how I use the scraps, well. Funny story, that. I had a box of leftover fabric pieces from various garments, and thought quilting would be a great way to use them up. Unfortunately, none of the bits & pieces looked good together, so I picked up a couple fat quarters to go with them. Then a few more fat quarters. And some half-yards. And remnants. And I didn't actually *need* that two-yard precut cow fabric, but it was on *clearance* you see, and I'm sure I'll find a use for it... Long story short (too late!) I now have four small tubs of precuts & yardage, and not only have I not used up the original box of scraps, I've added to it. What little bit of old scrap I have used has been, for the most part, in test pieces when learning a new block or attempting to resize one.
Your story is making me giggle 🤭. The ruler is really nice and does help me work quickly. It’s also a total splurge and a regular ruler works. It’s a matter of what you will really USE. Best of luck with your scrap journey and thank you for watching!
Exactly what I do. I don’t make 10” as it’s too big. I’m mostly scrappy but now are called crumb. Definitely save scraps. I’m almost done with my first string quilt 1.5”. I keep a pillow case for those toss aways. I stuff them sew them shut for pet beds, kennel pads. Makes me feel better than tossing them. I’ve been asked by a friend if I would ever consider making paper with tossed fabric. I don’t know how to make paper but it would be colorful.
Very cool! Thanks for watching.
I never buy precuts or whole fabric collections. I rarely even buy "real" quilting fabric, because I have no quilt shop near me and don't like buying online. So I quilt with coupons and scraps from garment sewing. My "stash" mostly has small pieces, and my scrap bin is just one box.
Thanks for sharing. I think that’s great.
Hi Amy! I’m a new subscriber and absolutely love the way to process scraps! So far I have made a string quilt that was a mass hodgepodge of color. Now i sort by color but haven’t processed any further. I will give your method a try! What do you do with scraps of white, off white, cream and all shades in between? This seems to be my biggest bin that I have no idea on how/where to use them. Thank you!
Awesome and thank you! I sort all ‘lights & whites’ under the general category of neutrals and then I just use them scrappy style as though they are all the same. Depending on the project I might choose mostly cool or warmer but to me scrappy neutrals disappear into a visual blur of ‘background’.
I do save scraps. I have tried various ways to organize them. My main fabric is sorted into colour bins. FQs to 2 yard cuts by batiks and regular fabric. Kids stuff has a bin and Christmas has a bin. I have to rethink thid because I also have solids...a bin or two, hand dyes, indigo dyed, ice dyed and eco printed. I may have a problem.... This summer I took my kids scraps, a neutral bin and cut them up for kids charity quilts. I also cut up my batik scraps to make a colorwash quilt. And my mask making scraps to cut a hexegon Quilt as you go. Now I have to many things to work on.... This winter I need to plow through them and get them done. I hope we are snowed in alot so I dont have to go out!
Sounds awesome and super fun. I hope YOU get snow and WE don’t 😋
I save 2,3,4.5,5 inch in strips, and 2.5,5 and 10 in squares, strings under 2", and the rest too tiny i use for pet shelter beds and stuffing ornaments.just made a jelly roll race quilt with my shorter then width pieces, emptied half of my sweater box by using 1 of each unless tiny a few i used twice.
Fantastic!!! Thanks for sharing.
I save all tiny pieces and scraps as well. I make crumb blocks and quilts (small craft projects as well. Like animal pot holders that you need bits & bobs for). Love that big ruler. Dare I ask how much & where you can buy one? Please & thank you ❤
That sounds awesome. The ruler is an investment for sure. There is a link to the one I use in the description box but if you go to GE designs website they have several sizes available.
Thanks for watching.
Oh dear... I do have scraps, but never use them. To be fair I was a dress maker for years and the scraps not big enough to do anything with, but now with my embroidery machine I see a whole new world waiting for me, using both my machines. (The trouble is I have run out of space in my sewing room, never mind, perhaps using my scraps will make space!!) Sorry, but what are 'strings' this is a term I am not sure about, what do you do with them?????
Thanks so much for watching. String are irregular thin strips and you piece them together sort of randomly to creat larger blocks. The green and purple quilt in my background is “string pieced”
Ahhh Yessss, The Scraps! 😆 I cut up my scraps also and I also have triangles for scraps too! It’s also handy having a Stripology (did I spell that correctly?) ruler but mine is not as big as yours! 🎉 I love your channel content! 🎉❤🎉
Thank you so much! The strip rulers really do make quick work of things.
I loved reading thru the comments and learning how different quilters deal with their scraps. I came to the concept of scrap sorting after 50-some years of sewing/quilting/crafting. At the beginning, everyone saved, but the "how" wasn't an issue. Any bag or box would work. Later on, after a certain amount of trial and error, I returned to my roots. Once again, I no longer cut until needed. It just seems more frugal to me. I don't waste time re-cutting to get the size I need from an already-cut piece. I don't need to cobble together two too-short, already-cut pieces to get the longer length I need. I can use that teensy piece for a tiny leaf or vine or cat's eye on my latest applique block, etc. I haven't seemed to use the nicely cut pieces any faster than the scrappy scraps. Funny thing is that I do get frustrated when the nicely cut pieces get askew in their neat stacks, but it doesn't bother me a bit when the scrappy scraps play hide and seek in their tub. :>) And lastly, I'm sending a bit less to the landfill. Goodness knows I will never be able to use all the scraps, regardless of how I save/store them. If you see a sudden influx of scraps in your local thrift store some day, remember me. (smile)
I too love hearing what works for everyone. Thanks so much for sharing.
Yep, me tooo! I’ve also learned those itty bitty scraps can stuff a pillow case, bed sheet or towel; cut whatever size- to be gifted to animal shelters for bedding🐱🐶🤔. I thought that was a pretty cool idea! 🥰❤️😀
I love my scraps more than my stash. I cut into 2.5 strips, 2.5 squares and 5” squares. I make many scrap quilts. I have found that using a solid, usually a brighter color, ties it all together. I take my 5 inch squares and I cut them into tumblers and I make tumbler quilts. I can pretty much process the same way you do except I have a basket that is not that big and when it is full, I must process my scraps. I probably make about 12 scrap quilts a year. I really enjoyed your video. I must remember to set a timer for 15 minutes.
Thank you so much. Sounds like you’ve got your scraps totally tamed! Awesome.
The harder I work at using up my scraps, the more scraps I have. I love working in scraps. I have spent many happy days cutting my scraps into 2 1/2 inch squares, 2 1/2 X 4 1/2 in rectangles, and 5 inch squares. If I ever get to my larger pieces of scraps, I will cut 2 1/2 inch strips, 2 inch strips, 1 1/2 inch strips, and 10 inch squares (and anything I can add to my smaller per-cuts). I was taught by my parents and teachers to save my scraps.
They do seem to multiply do t they 😄. Thanks for watching and for sharing!
Amy, You mentioned that you are not a big fan of blue. All those 10" squares would make great patchwork quilt backs.
Great idea!
Yes, I save scraps and I have you some. I’m a new quilter so i don’t have that much.
I do use frankenbatting, the art of sewing batting scraps to make a bigger piece, no sense in wasting anything. That ruler is cool.
Oh it won’t belong before scraps begin to find you! Franken batting is a great way to be resourceful and works fantastically. Thank you for watching!
I do use scraps but I try to incorporate them into the quilt they came from first. Either the front, border or back of the quilt they came from. I just don't have alot of extra room for more boxes😅. Good luck!
Thanks for sharing!
💙💚💙💚💙 I love the stripology rulers too!
I know you do!!!
Pre-pandemic, my chronic illness decided to flare so I was housebound for days at a time. I went on a rampage through my stash, and pulled any fabric that wasn’t sparking joy. Then I cut up that yardage into precuts. The size of the cut was directly proportional to how much I still liked it. Keepers went into FQ’s or layer cakes. Not so much, went into charm squares or 2.5” strips. And really don’t likes went into 2” or 1.5” strips, and mini-charms. The horrendous, What Was I Thinking, garish pattern that was unbearable as yardage, made colorful and joyful strips for my stash, and yawningly boring yardage turned into soothing strips and squares for the eye to rest. Win/win!!
Win for sure! See I knew it wasn’t just me! 🙃🙃. Thanks so much for watching and for sharing!
❤
I need that ruler!!! I have large buckets of unprocessed scraps. I DO use them for scrappy projects ❤
I find it a worthy investment! Thanks for watching.
Hey Amy , you have inspired me to sort through my scraps. Thank you. What do you do with your strings ? I save all scraps.
I make background blocks mainly but I have some new ideas I’m experimenting with. I’ll touch on it in upcoming videos.
Hi Amy, another good video! I cut 10,” 5,” and 2.5 inch squares from my scraps - strings and odd pieces are sorted and stored by color in 2 gal Ziplock bags. Bags then go into storage cubes in my Kallax unit from IKEA. I use the scraps for scrap blocks and to “make” fabric; Tracy from the Sewing Channel has a great video about making rainbow star blocks out of scraps.
Sounds great! Thanks for watching.
I will save larger scraps (to never actually use) but smaller scraps get bagged and donated to the thrift store for another quilter to find!!!!!
Oooh. I wanna live near your thrift stores 😀. Thank you for sharing!
Now I want a stripology ruler. Gosh they are expensive. But way cheaper than an an accucut. I have a couple of nice friends that have let me borrow theirs to cut out a large quilt.
They are an investment - I find I use it enough to make it worthwhile - but I saved for it too.
These are the same cuts I cut my scraps into
I find it infinitely useful.
I adore scraps! They make the most dynamic, beautiful quilts that represent the essence of quilts of lore. It feels thrifty and somewhat virtuous to make something beautiful and useful from scraps that others would discard!
I totally agree! Thanks for watching.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who has a hard time with math in my head. That was actually 40 5" squares. 😂 I love your method. Your personality is so cute and bubbly! I must subscribe!
Thanks for watching.
Would you mind sharing your lipstick brand and shade?
Sure. The one I wear most and in this video is Gucci Lip Voile in Goldie Red. It’s a balmy type lipstick that I wear ALL the time.
@@amydement. Thanks, it's perfect on you...reminds me of one I used to wear :)
Thank You!
I absolutely do the same thing you do, but I'm making 1-inch squares I do save my salvage. I've already made a quilt
From it .
Oh wow that’s tiny! Maybe I’ll go tinier one day. I bet your selves he quilt is amazing! ThNks for watching and for sharing.
I am a full fledged scrapaholic. Yes I use them but I have along way to go before I get them under control
Control might be overrated 😝
Thanks for the tips Amy. I am revising my scrap process and I am using the rainbow string quilt as an excuse to do it. I’ll dig into it more when I delve into the stash to get green strips.
Awesome!!
I love my scraps and I process in a similar way, only next level. I try to process them after every project. I started cutting 10", 5", 4.5", 4", 3.5", 3", 2.5", 2" and 1.5" squares. That created too many tubs, so I've decided to change. In the last few weeks I've been cutting 10" squares, 5" strips and squares, 2.5" strips and squares and 1.5" strips and squares. If I am short on time I just cut strips.
I've been using scraps more than my FQs and yardage lately and I'm trying not to buy any new fabric until I make a slight dint in my stash (unless I need it to finish a project). So far, so good!
I think I need a stripology ruler - and now I'm posting this comment 45 minutes after typing it because *squirrel* Amazon and stripolgy ruler (which I didn't buy - yet!)
You’re cracking me up! I’m glad you’ve got a system that’s working.
@@amydement. Me too! I think I'm going to spend some time and create coordinated packs from my scraps - homemade charm packs and layer cakes.
❤I love my scraps and I use them into scrappy beautiful quilts
♥️♥️♥️
I HAVE STRIPOLOGY RULER IDONT USE BIGGER PIECES UNLESS ITS IRREGULAR I DONT LIKE CUTTING THEM DOWN INTO SQUARES UNTIL I NEED THEMSTRIPES ARE MORE USEFUL IF I CAN GET OUTASTRIPE I CAN USE WITH STRIPE TUBE RULLER TO MAKE IANGLES I WILL USE THAT SIZE DO NOT HAVE ACQCUT LOVE THIS WILL HEAVE TO LOOK AT YOUR OTHER VIDEOS
Thank you and that’s a great process! Knowing what works for you is solving the biggest part of the problem! The strip tube method is really fun. Thank you for sharing and for watching
I was bemoaning the cost of that Stripology ruler and complaining that I’d only use it for “one thing”. Well, now I can see that I was whining! I love scraps! Having this ruler will be an amazing tool for creating pre-cuts with! Thank you!
And I also sort by color and then usually sort my bins in ROYGBIV.
Glad it was helpful! It is quite the investment to be sure, but I use it all the time. Also check out GE Deaigns channel and homepage for tons of demos on using the ruler (she designed it).
Thanks for watching!
@@amydement. I will do that. Anything to make the price okay in my brain.
I just found you! Great video! Hugs from TAMPA .
Welcome!! Thanks for watching!
Oh do I save scraps, and I use them. I sort scraps by color. I used to process them into pre cut sizes. But I didn’t tend to use them. I have an Accuquilt electric cutter and many dies. So what I do now is this. I plan my quilt and decide on a color “story”. And choose my chosen colors from my scrap drawers. I sort of kit my quilt and cut the necessary sizes I need then. I love hearing about how people “process” their scraps. I too keep strings. I have a large tub of neutrals and a large tub of colored strings. I do love string quilts. I got hooked on them watching Bonnie Hunter. She has some great string quilt books. Love all of your videos. Thank you for all you do. ❤
That’s a great process! Thanks for sharing.
I get how and why you sort your scraps your way.😊 But, I found my color system wasn't getting mine used up, much. I'm ready to do it by size, now, because I now know what sizes I will be most likely to use. And, since I throw alllll of the colors in each of my quilt tops, sorting by color requires me to lug allll of my boxes out. I'm at the point I just want to pull out only one box to make something.
I've been at this for about 50 years, now, started when I was an older teen. And it has taken me this long to figure out my habits and desires. Hopefully Not that long for the rest of you quilters!😏
Yes, I save scraps. I cut them into usable sizes and crumbs. I haven’t done anything with them, except for the crumbs. But they are ready and waiting for when the light bulb of inspiration clicks on.
Love this!
Control might be overrated 😝
Great video! Love Love Love my scraps. Favorite quilting method is scraps. Favorite color is scraps. Favorite food is scraps JK. Though I process by color into bins, I don't precut anything as I mostly make up my patterns as I go. When a bin gets full, I focus on it for a quilt or 2. My grandmother was a/the seamstress in her town and I remember visiting even at 6 years old - she had a scrap bin by her main machine that was a cardboard tube at least 2ft diameter and 3ft tall - no idea where she got it. Was always at least 2/3 full of scraps from wedding fabric and trousers and more. Very little was wasted. I try to channel her talent all the time:) I'm also lucky to have 2 friends that sew and prefer Not to save scraps. One picks a pattern and buys the fabric and makes the quilt or all the projects she wants from the fabric and she gives me the scraps. The other makes smaller projects but eventually doesn't have things to match up and doesn't have the space to keep all the excess, so she gives me the pieces she no longer thinks she will use. Very grateful that they bag their scraps up and save them for me.
That sounds completely wonderful! Thank you for watching!
Hi Amy, I'm a Bonnie Hunter scrap cutter . I take all scraps offered, but I am drowning in material (mostly unapologetically)😅. Yes I use them,but in all honesty it would take another millennia to use it all. I said something to a quilty friend about destashing and my daughter said noooooo😂 yes we have another quilter in the fold
😍😍😍 awesome! Thanks for watching!!
I love scraps! When I don’t have enough I buy scrap packs, and I collect scraps from friends who are sick of theirs. Great video! I have an accumulator but didn’t realize there was a square die for 2.5” squares. I will definitely get one! I just subscribed and am looking forward to your other videos
Thank you!!! The 2.5” multiple die is a well used one in my collection.
I always have green 😅
😉