In 2020 I made each of my 9 grandkids quilts. I am using all the scraps from those to make myself a grandma quilt to remember those I made and the beginning of my quilting adventure. Since I knew very little about quilting when I started every quilt was done to learn something new and none were alike. It will be a crazy and colorful mess but I think my grandma heart will love it nonetheless!
A grandma quilt will be so sweet! I've completed 11 quilts and a couple wall hangings. I have made a grandmother's flower garden flower from the scraps of each so I can "walk through my garden" of memories ... but feel it will take forever to get that done.
This is lovely, Sheryl. I too discovered this as a new hobby to help me through the last couple of horrible years. I’ve just used my scraps up in something that I’ve called my ‘covid’ quilt.
When I'm working on each quilt top, I try to make random blocks out of my scraps, and incorporate it into my quilt back. I make a lot of kids quilts, so ~60 or 65" wide. With a strip or two of scraps, I can make a 42" backing wide enough, so it saves on yardage to make the back. I took a class in improvisational quilting, which helped me unlearn the rules so I could figure this out.
The lady from Just Get It Done quilts calls them "Afterquilts"- basically crumb blocks with all the leftovers placed as a panel on the back. I've done it, and it looks striking, modern and vibrant!
I sometimes find good quilting fabric at thrift stores. As a low income sewist, these finds are indeed treasures, and I'm very thankful to the quilters who donate what they don't use.
I am also on a budget and about a week ago we went to a Thrift Shop and my husband found some fabric for me, so I went and looked at what he had while he went and got a shopping cart. Well, by the time I put all of the fabric in my cart I ended up with a hugh cart full of fabric for $76.00. I had 17 bags for $2.98 each and 3 bags of $1.98 and a few other bags. I was so happy . That helped my stash for sure
I use all my scraps. I give them to my 90 year old grandma who used to be a seamstress. I taught her to make crumb blocks to keep her busy. It makes her feel important and needed. She sends me her finished blocks back and I make utility quilts for family members. I call those quilts “granny and me quilts.” I also save the smallest pieces and teach children K-3 improv quilting. Our school is known for having young quilters. I use fusible batting and have them cut and design their own hot pad by placing scraps on the square and then I iron the batting and sew up the blocks for them. They love it. You can always giveaway to nursing homes and school to use. I find my students and granny really enjoy the improv quilting experience. I love all your blocks.
I make lots of crumb blocks, and string blocks, from scraps. Usually turn them into quilts for kids or other charities. Yesterday, I took 2 large crumb blocks, about 15" X 16", and turned them into a tote bag. It is super cute and I love it. Think I will make more in a variety of sizes. Can always use more tote bags or use them as gift bags.
Hey Lana, what do you use for the straps on the tote bags? I love the idea and plan on making a couple for a friend and was thinking that I would need to use nylon straps. Please let me know what your thoughts are on the idea. 🥰
I would never do what you did. It would make me nuts. I cut my scraps up to 2 1/2”, 3 1/2” and 5” squares. Then I make quilts from one of this different size squares. Right now my 2 1/2” I am doing the shoo fly blocks. From the fall offs I can make a 4” shoo fly block. Oh my star from my 5” squares. The 3 1/2” squares I just sew rolls together. Sometimes I just make a quilt from a pattern that calls for 5”squares. I don’t know where you fine the time and not go crazy. You do so much.
What I've learned from watching you do this, is.... I don't want to do that! I've been saving scraps, and I dig through them looking for the right color, design, etc., and I never find it, so I buy new fabric. I've tried cutting my leftovers into 10", 7", 5", and 2.5" squares, and trying to use them for a scrappy project, but I hate standing over the mat cutting endless squares. A lot of quilters online make me feel guilty for getting rid of my excess, but the brain cells that I lose worrying about STORING, SORTING, CUTTING, SEWING all of these excess scraps makes my head hurt. I'm still trying to figure out what works for me, and KUDOS for sticking with it for a whole year!
Don't let anyone make you feel guilty! It's your fabric to do with as you wish. If you ever decide to add less to landfills, you can donate your scraps or sell in bulk to a crumb lover. But you do not have to keep or use anything you don't love!
I trimmed all my scrap blocks to 8 1/2 inches. I have 140 blocks to make something with. I just finished using my 2019 blocks to make 6 various size quilts of hole in the barn door. I hate throwing away these small pieces because they cost as much as the other quilts I make. I guess I'm being too frugal at times. I have been quilting since the 70' s. Since I retired I can now use the crumbs I used to throw away. Love your videos and sew alongs.
I love the scrapalicious days and also I’m in awe at how many blocks you ended up with. It’s clear to me that you need to clone yourself so you can do more crumb and string blocks and make some things out of the ones you’ve got and also make the quilts you do for your own enjoyment and also to do the ones for your business and also write books and also do all the business stuff that’s in addition to the actual quilting, and also…. Come to think of it, maybe you need more than one clone…🤔
It's hard to believe we are throwing away so much fabric in the process of making quilts. The color combinations in some of the blocks are interesting and others not so much. Most interesting now to see how you will combine these blocks into quilts. Sharing your thought process is most informative as well. Always learning something new with you!
I am in awe in what you do. I started making scrap blocks this year with you and loved the process of not just throwing into a box to iron and recut and sort those sizes out. I’m thrilled to now cut my scraps into 2 1/2” squares this year and keep the longer strips. I admire your dedication to help teach in every video. We are very lucky to have you as a teacher. I hit a very bad depression from August last year and stopped quilting as I found my sewing room did not give me peace. I feel I’m much better and having watched you daily helped. I think I can enter my sewing room with happy vibes and get started again. I did crocheting and cross stitching to fill my bad days last year.
i make quilts for charity. the foster kids in our county. these kids have nothing so getting a quilt that is just for them is amazing. they dont care that the colors dont match or that they are all miss matched. they are just happy to receive something that they can call their own.
I always save pieces and cut them into useable sizes storing them. Every month I make a scrap buster quilt. I fully finished 10 last year. These happen to be some of my favorite quilts. Sew your scraps. Sew your stash. Sew your new projects. Why store Something your not going to sew. It’s always paid forward.
I'm with you, Pat. I like buying fabric that coordinates and sewing a quilt. I've been keeping scraps because I don't want to throw them away, not because I want to make something with them. The scraps are taking up alot of space, both physically and mentally, so I'm going to let them go and just sew what I love.
I made a rainbow of different colors of jelly roll race quilts last year for my grandkids. I kept all the cut off triangle pieces to make into a scrap quilts for myself. I have been slowly sewing them all into wonky quarter triangle squares. I plan to add sashing to all of them to get them all to equal size.
This year I made a postage stamp quilt, 1 inch squares. I loved it but don't want to do it again. I'm not sure what I will do with the rest of my scraps but I do know I want to sort them by color.
Wow I am with Barbara we waste a lot. But I don’t have the space to keep lots and lots of scraps. I can tell you I have a sew up once a year and I make picnic quilt blankets, all of my kids have multiple quillows.
That is awesome. I’m like you, love to buy and sew new fabric. I watched a demo where you line a trash can with a pillow case or fabric trash bag. Then throw all your scraps in it. When it’s full you sew it up for a dog pillow and donate it to a shelter. I thought it was a cute idea because even the tiniest trimming can go into the bag. I love all the blocks you made. 🎉
Be sure to check with your local shelter before donating it. Some don’t take those types of dog beds, or they want specific sizes and thicknesses. My local shelter only takes a specific style that’s way more work to sew together.
That's what I do with my scraps. But my shelter likes an outside cover (I close it with some pieces of velcro) so they can wash it. Otherwise they have to throw away after each pet.
When it comes to sewing, knitting , painting my character and convictions don’t change. I must make the most out of the things I have it’s my responsibility. So, I use what I can and pass the rest along to others who can pick up where I left off. I appreciate your endeavor and convictions. Be blessed!
I admire you for sticking with it! I hate accumulating scraps, they make me feel guilty and I used to spend most of my quilting time making them into lap quilts for various charities. I ended up hardly ever making a quilt I actually wanted to make. So now I often just give them away . Then they’re not sitting there on my conscience, nagging me to make something useful out of them!😍
This was very informative. I appreciate your honest evaluation of the process. We all have only so much time and energy. I am quilting for the fun and love- so guilt free🥰
😲 that's a lot of blocks! Can't wait to see what you do with all of them. I am thinking of making lap quilts for nursing homes out of my scraps this year.
Kathryn,I take my scraps and make HST and make lap and wheelchair quilts for asst living where my Aunt and Uncle live. They are sooooo happy to have them.
I agree with you - prefer color-coordinated or theme-coordinated scrap blocks. I use some of them for project bags, potholders, notebook covers, tote bags. I get overwhelmed by all the scraps - I’ve sent them to bloggers who make scrappy quilts and taken some to Good Will. And I keep buying fabric, doh…
Lol, i just started doing this type of scrap sewing and thought how clever I was. I have been making a huge year long BOM of freezer paper piecing which created a huge pile of scraps, expensive scraps!! Dont want to throw them in the basket, heavens! So to start every day of sewing, i take my scraps from the previous day and make a wonky log cabin or courthouse steps block all under 5 inches square. My plan is to incorporate them into the back of the quilt. I realised how playful and happy it made me feel. Paper piecing is so discipline oriented so being wonky is a great equalizer. Good luck with your project
I do not sew as many quilts as you do in a year however WOW this shows me just how much fabric that I’m not utilizing… if you made over a 100 I could probably make 80 blocks in a years time ??? I think managing my scrapes would enable me to make a few comfort lap quilts! I need a plan for my self😊 I will totally enjoy following along on scrapalishous days for more insight! What fun 🥳
It's amazing to see how many blocks came from the year's worth of scrap pieces. I am frugal with fabric so seeing what the scraps can become is inspiring to me. So happy you chose to do this.
Wow. So many blocks. I feel slightly overwhelmed just looking at them. I keep a reusable bag under my cutting table and when its 3/4 full sew the scraps into 10" blocks that are easily joined into twin size quilts, then off to a charity.
I have making crumb blocks for several years, but I quilt a lot less than you. It took me about 2 and half years to make enough blocks for a quilt. Storing the blocks is fine with me. I would rather store a box of blocks than a box of messy scraps (they always get messy). The crumb blocks are also great in placemats and totes, esp if you need a quick gift.
Interesting to see all your blocks, I’d have to say if they don’t move you to sew into a project, I’d be donating them to someone who can’t afford to buy fabric. I’ve made a promise to myself to not fall into the habit of buying any of those fabulous print, but to use what I have first, deal with my scraps. We live in a world of scraps. I wish you good luck in your task at hand. Thanks for sharing 👍❤️😊
I always glean good things from your videos. Thank you! Several years ago I committed to using up my stash and my scraps. I have made crumb blocks(which I plan on using for a backing). Two hexagon quilts, one Dresden plate quilt, several really scrappy quilts, 6 quilts in all. I still have a ways to go and then I will give myself permission to buy more fabric ( one quilt at a time). Wish me luck. Thanks again, you are a rockstar.
My love of quilts began with a crazy quilt that was on my bed when I was a child. I remember carefully examining each and every piece of fabric, wondering how they all fit together despite the different shapes and sizes. The memory is vivid, including the feel of the quilt. Seeing your wall covered with so many colors and fabrics has brought that old quilt to mind again. I am so glad that I started saving pieces as soon as you decided to do this project. I am all in now!
I have been giving all my scraps to my sister in law. I think I will try a few crumb blocks and then make something from them. I also want to show this to my granddaughters. They love to just put sew pieces randomly, they could start making their own fabric.
I can see getting a neutral, solid layer cake and just HST-ing up that whole wall into a couple of gorgeous quilts! Your strip bins and blocks on the far wall are the most inspiring to me, as is the red and white square. I can see myself incorporating these strip blocks throughout my year, too. Also sewing crumbs onto adding machine tape for scrappy piano key borders this year - just a first try to see if that sticks. Otherwise, I whole heartedly support the bag-and-give method of scrap management! 😎
I store my scraps in shoe boxes by color. Every once in a while, I cut out blocks from bigger pieces and anything smaller than 2”, i make a crumb block with. All the same color, and use them for small projects, like fabric bins, or save them to use in a rainbow quilt in the future. I love sewing them together to create a new block.
This was really interesting….the process, and now your display of results. I’d wondered how you’d deal with the disparity between colors. Hearing that you’ll sort them by color is what I’d do and I’ll be interested to see how that plays out. As someone else said it’s startling to see how much scrap is produced. Granted we won’t generate as much as you do, but still there’s a lot. I’m looking at my stash and realizing that as I’ve evolved there’s material I’m just not going to use. I’m going to set aside time to purge, reorganize by color and figure out how to give away fabric. I want it to go somewhere it will be used, so some research is needed. Thanks again for sharing this journey and I look forward to seeing what else you do. As always thank you for all you do for the community. Blessings!
Our quilt guild has Scrap Pack meetings where we both learn to use scraps in new ways and have exchange/donation tables of scraps to trade. Check with your local guild to see if they can use what you purge. Yardage and larger pieces would be used for quilt backing or in quilt top kits that are made up and donated to charity.
I use the scrap blocks and make an illusion shadow quilt. I like the floating block look, it is really awesome looking. I learned it from the Quilting Marine on youtube.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this video. Who could have guessed there would be so much "waste??" Your design wall became like a carnival as you put up your scrap/crumb blocks! Up close, I'm sure it looked like a mishmash, but what showed on the screen was a riot of happy! I would love to see a finished quilt of only random crumb blocks. BTW you have inspired me to create something from my little nothings.
I make trivets from my 'crumb' blocks. I put a layer of Insulbrite and a layer of 100% cotton batt (wadding) in them, quilt them, and bind them like a proper quilt. I then gift them to friends or donate to fundraisers. However; I'm still drowning in scraps! I'm looking forward to Scrapolious Days, Pat!
I can't see you having the time to put those all together into some sort of quilt tops, but l could see you giving them to a charity so they can make then into lap quilts for a nursing home or such. That is a lot of blocks!!
Your imagination knows no bounds!!!! You always amaze me! I'm also working on scraps today. 2 1/2" squares to be precise. This little number will be a "postage stamp" piece. I hope mine looks more put together like yours. Somehow I'm not very good at mixing all these colours. They are donation quilts but no one has ever given one back!! I wouldn't want to be the one to put all those blocks away!! LOLOL Have a great day and hugs from Canada!!
I would love to see a day in the life. How you get so much done along with daily life. Also how many hours do you sleep? I wish I could find that energy❗😊
I love your scrap year results. I’ve made several types and donated the tops to Habitat for Humanity thru Nimble Thimbles, my quilt guild. But my children also like them.
You are a bright light to start my day. Your crumb blocks are amazing. So many! A big accomplishment. If it were me, I would donate them to your charity group and let them have a wonderful time putting them into useful quilts.
Incredible! I've been sewing scraps this year as well, but not as committed as you. Most of mine will become hotpads or coasters or something small but useful. Too many seams in most of mine to even consider anything larger than a table runner. I'm looking forward to seeing how you cut them up to make traditional blocks. Thought process - so very, very helpful! Thank you!
Once you finish sorting by color and size, I'd bag up the block that don't make the cut and donate them to a guild so they can be used. I'm really surprised at how many block were made from the scraps. They would also make fun back for tops.
I like your idea of using your 2021 scrap block to make lap quilts. You can make the tops and donate them to a group to finish them and give away. Honestly, you do a lot with your business. You can give your scraps to that same group to make donate quilts. I'm waiting to see what you're going to make with the edges. I've been saving mine. But this was a eye opener on just how many blocks was made from your scraps.
I just started looking at how to efficiently use my scraps in the fall of 2021. I organized 5", 2.5" strips and squares, half square triangles. True Crumb scraps, I put into a bag and gave them to my daughter, who will use them for craft projects for her kids. I find I have to have what I plan to keep, organized by size.
I took a class where we made crumb blocks in just one color each block. The suggested layout was a rainbow of colors. Personally, I would square blocks to the same size and make a quilt. BUT they need sashing in one color to keep them from looking like a hot mess!
So far I've finished one quilt top and 1 table runner, but haven't quilted them yet. I have made several quilted tote bags and pillows. So I'm not at the point that I really have a "process" and can tell you what I do with scraps! I have "quilting spells" where I randomly piece the scraps I do generate, but I really don't know what I'm going to do with them. I just find it soothing to make them, whether I "finish" them or not. I don't think I'm going to enjoy machine quilting. It's too hard on my hands and wrists. And I was feeling that maybe I shouldn't make so many flimsies if I don't intend to quilt them. But you helped me see today that it's OK not to quilt them if I don't want to. I'll figure things out down the line. For now, I plan to enjoy the process, and I'll worry about what to do with them down the road. Thanks! Hugs from Virginia!
I'm amazed at all you have done! I think cutting into "usable sizes" like the 2.5" squares is smart. I have lots of random scrappy blocks made in the last year, using the TRAFFIC JAM pattern and string blocks and 9 patches from various size blocks and crumb blocks with the rest. Your crumb blocks look SO good. I always think of it as "free fabric". One way to assemble them is to find something to sash them with and keep it uniform.
I've started cutting my scraps into layer cakes, charms, 2.5 squares and even a few jolly bars. I just basically go by the scrap size. If my scrap is still in what I consider usable yardage I just leave that alone. I've always been a scrap tosser if I had a small bit but now I'm thinking I might try an organized scrappy...that I might be more inclined to use them if they are cut into precut sizes and I can easily find a pattern. Who knows. I might end up with my most favorite quilt ever lol! It'd be a good opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and try out new rulers and harder techniques I've been avoiding. I've already used the yardage for its intended purpose so if I bomb out its only my time I really use and I'd have learned from my mistakes.
Great idea. I will remember this idea and may do it too. I think instead of leaving to one, when I'm gone, i will leave to all. They can then break apart and use for matching repair patches if their quilts are worn or torn.
I thought this was quite the eye opener! I have scraps in large bins because I started out as a scrappy quilter. I always thought I wanted to make a quilt in a 1000 pieces. no two alike. Ha!! But I still love scrappy and you have inspired me not to give it up, but a plan for them. Enjoyed this video into the more realistic side effect of our passion. Good job!
Hi, Pam you inspired me to jump on the scrapalicious wagon in 2021 😁 I started to trim my scraps to squares and strips, sort them by colours to further use in smaller projects like pillow cases, totes and cosmetic bags, etc. For smaller crumbs and narrow strips that I don't feel generous to throw away I use a very thin cotton for foundation, these will become borders or sashing on quilts. But on my way I discovered that I have quite big pieces of fabric or panels that either mismatched in the previous projects or were gifts from shops. Some of them are now perfect to finish a scrap lap quilt or pet blankets, used as backing or lining for my smaller projects, some will be cut into strips and squares for a post stamp quilt. Thank you for being so inspirational) I made around 100 scrunchies from non-quilting fabric, 27 larger project bags, around 25 cosmetic bags... My colleagues in the office and non-sewing friends were glad to receive them as New year gifts. And... just think, I sold some. There were people willing to buy this small stuff! Thanks again
I love all the blocks! I do this to make random blocks to go on the backs of my quilts. The colors still coordinate, and I don't have the task of figuring it out at year-end. It's amazing how many blocks can be made from our bits and pieces left over after making a quilt. Your blocks are bright and fun, and it will be fun to see what you do with them.
I went back last night and watched several of your scrapalitous videos and scrap storage videos. I was glad that I did because I have some large pieces of Stonehenge fabric left from cutting blocks on my first quilt top that I finished for 2022, and I was pulled to keep it with the remaining yardage or cut it up in various precut block sizes as you suggested in a different video. However, you had a piece of green fabric I believe that you kept with the yardage that you still had. Your reason backed up my thought that it might be that piece of fabric to finish a block or a quilt. Therefore, I will not be cutting that piece of fabric scrap. I can’t show the quilt top because I am a pattern tester for Tammy Silvers who design quilt patterns and she also designs batiks for Island Batiks. I can say that it is gorgeous.
Inspiring! You make the best plans. My suggestion is to find a new neutral (like mushroom?) and build up scrappy blocks to a standard size to make into a quilt.
Pat, You have no idea how much this video means to me. You have validated my mission of teaching people to quilt, that other wise could not afford to consider it. I discovered I could repair old and unloved sewing machines when my son went off to college! That turned in to me starting teaching free quilting classes and all free supplies to allow each person totally complete a quilted quilt of their own. Sally Risinger introduced me to your quilts & channel. Sally’s guild has been so kind to save me their scrapes of material & batting’s. I thank the Lord for you and Sally. I will show this video many many times to my new Quilters! Thank you so much for all your quilting!
I donate my scraps to the local Senior Center in our small town and they make items to sell at their annual craft far. That money goes to their Senior Center for activity. Please check with the Senior Center in your area if they would like fabric scraps.
What a wonderful legacy of your year. I love using scraps, especially those special fabrics I love, I make small things-mug rugs, small pouches and other small items that I gift.
Always learning from you! And, all of you in the community. I love reading your comments. I like taking my scraps to make an accent pillow to match the quilt or incorporate them into my backing. Sew fun!
Scrapalious days is a great idea and hope you video on how to make a quilt about putting blocks together that are not the same size. Love your videos and all your scrap blocks.
I think the scraps would be cool made into doll blankets then do a doll drive and donate a bunch of doll/blanket sets to Toys for Tots at Christmastime
In 2020 I made each of my 9 grandkids quilts. I am using all the scraps from those to make myself a grandma quilt to remember those I made and the beginning of my quilting adventure. Since I knew very little about quilting when I started every quilt was done to learn something new and none were alike. It will be a crazy and colorful mess but I think my grandma heart will love it nonetheless!
That's a fantastic and sweet idea, Sheryl!
You go grandma👏👏👏. I know you will be very happy with the end result! Then one day they can all decide who gets it🤪🥰. ❤️😀
What an awesome idea and accomplishment! Good for you!
A grandma quilt will be so sweet! I've completed 11 quilts and a couple wall hangings. I have made a grandmother's flower garden flower from the scraps of each so I can "walk through my garden" of memories ... but feel it will take forever to get that done.
This is lovely, Sheryl. I too discovered this as a new hobby to help me through the last couple of horrible years. I’ve just used my scraps up in something that I’ve called my ‘covid’ quilt.
When I'm working on each quilt top, I try to make random blocks out of my scraps, and incorporate it into my quilt back. I make a lot of kids quilts, so ~60 or 65" wide. With a strip or two of scraps, I can make a 42" backing wide enough, so it saves on yardage to make the back. I took a class in improvisational quilting, which helped me unlearn the rules so I could figure this out.
That is a fun way to do it particularly since you're saving on your backing fabric that's a good tip
I do too
I’ve done this as well, fantastic plan ❤️
Great idea! Thank you!
The lady from Just Get It Done quilts calls them "Afterquilts"- basically crumb blocks with all the leftovers placed as a panel on the back. I've done it, and it looks striking, modern and vibrant!
I sometimes find good quilting fabric at thrift stores. As a low income sewist, these finds are indeed treasures, and I'm very thankful to the quilters who donate what they don't use.
That’s what I think the best plan is, donate to someone else who will appreciate and enjoy the fabrics. ❤️
I am also on a budget and about a week ago we went to a Thrift Shop and my husband found some fabric for me, so I went and looked at what he had while he went and got a shopping cart. Well, by the time I put all of the fabric in my cart I ended up with a hugh cart full of fabric for $76.00. I had 17 bags for $2.98 each and 3 bags of $1.98 and a few other bags. I was so happy . That helped my stash for sure
I use all my scraps. I give them to my 90 year old grandma who used to be a seamstress. I taught her to make crumb blocks to keep her busy. It makes her feel important and needed. She sends me her finished blocks back and I make utility quilts for family members. I call those quilts “granny and me quilts.” I also save the smallest pieces and teach children K-3 improv quilting. Our school is known for having young quilters. I use fusible batting and have them cut and design their own hot pad by placing scraps on the square and then I iron the batting and sew up the blocks for them. They love it. You can always giveaway to nursing homes and school to use. I find my students and granny really enjoy the improv quilting experience. I love all your blocks.
Omgoodness that is sooooo sweet🥰. What a blessing you are to granny and these children👏👏👏 God bless you ❤️😀
I make lots of crumb blocks, and string blocks, from scraps. Usually turn them into quilts for kids or other charities. Yesterday, I took 2 large crumb blocks, about 15" X 16", and turned them into a tote bag. It is super cute and I love it. Think I will make more in a variety of sizes. Can always use more tote bags or use them as gift bags.
Hey Lana, what do you use for the straps on the tote bags? I love the idea and plan on making a couple for a friend and was thinking that I would need to use nylon straps. Please let me know what your thoughts are on the idea. 🥰
I would never do what you did. It would make me nuts. I cut my scraps up to 2 1/2”, 3 1/2” and 5” squares. Then I make quilts from one of this different size squares. Right now my 2 1/2” I am doing the shoo fly blocks. From the fall offs I can make a 4” shoo fly block. Oh my star from my 5” squares. The 3 1/2” squares I just sew rolls together. Sometimes I just make a quilt from a pattern that calls for 5”squares. I don’t know where you fine the time and not go crazy. You do so much.
Sure is a lot of blocks a assisted living or nursing home would love the lap quilts for the residents
Tiny scraps make beautiful TINY HOUSES QUILTS. I have made 2 so far, everyone loves them.
Maybe Pat could show us how that goes! I’ve not seen that idea. ❤️😀
What I've learned from watching you do this, is.... I don't want to do that! I've been saving scraps, and I dig through them looking for the right color, design, etc., and I never find it, so I buy new fabric. I've tried cutting my leftovers into 10", 7", 5", and 2.5" squares, and trying to use them for a scrappy project, but I hate standing over the mat cutting endless squares. A lot of quilters online make me feel guilty for getting rid of my excess, but the brain cells that I lose worrying about STORING, SORTING, CUTTING, SEWING all of these excess scraps makes my head hurt. I'm still trying to figure out what works for me, and KUDOS for sticking with it for a whole year!
Don't let anyone make you feel guilty! It's your fabric to do with as you wish. If you ever decide to add less to landfills, you can donate your scraps or sell in bulk to a crumb lover. But you do not have to keep or use anything you don't love!
I trimmed all my scrap blocks to 8 1/2 inches. I have 140 blocks to make something with. I just finished using my 2019 blocks to make 6 various size quilts of hole in the barn door. I hate throwing away these small pieces because they cost as much as the other quilts I make. I guess I'm being too frugal at times. I have been quilting since the 70' s. Since I retired I can now use the crumbs I used to throw away. Love your videos and sew alongs.
Oh I think that’s wonderful what you have accomplished. Tooo Frugal, no I wouldn’t think so; just wise about your $$$ ❤️😀
I love the scrapalicious days and also I’m in awe at how many blocks you ended up with. It’s clear to me that you need to clone yourself so you can do more crumb and string blocks and make some things out of the ones you’ve got and also make the quilts you do for your own enjoyment and also to do the ones for your business and also write books and also do all the business stuff that’s in addition to the actual quilting, and also…. Come to think of it, maybe you need more than one clone…🤔
Love the scrappy blocks. I make lots of love quilts for kids in need and believe me there is a big need for these quilts. So much fun!!!
It's hard to believe we are throwing away so much fabric in the process of making quilts. The color combinations in some of the blocks are interesting and others not so much. Most interesting now to see how you will combine these blocks into quilts. Sharing your thought process is most informative as well. Always learning something new with you!
Thank you 💕
Those blue string blocks would look great as a pillow (or 2)! Can't wait to see what you do with them all - no pressure, though - LOL!
I am in awe in what you do. I started making scrap blocks this year with you and loved the process of not just throwing into a box to iron and recut and sort those sizes out. I’m thrilled to now cut my scraps into 2 1/2” squares this year and keep the longer strips. I admire your dedication to help teach in every video. We are very lucky to have you as a teacher. I hit a very bad depression from August last year and stopped quilting as I found my sewing room did not give me peace. I feel I’m much better and having watched you daily helped. I think I can enter my sewing room with happy vibes and get started again. I did crocheting and cross stitching to fill my bad days last year.
i make quilts for charity. the foster kids in our county. these kids have nothing so getting a quilt that is just for them is amazing. they dont care that the colors dont match or that they are all miss matched. they are just happy to receive something that they can call their own.
I always save pieces and cut them into useable sizes storing them. Every month I make a scrap buster quilt. I fully finished 10 last year. These happen to be some of my favorite quilts. Sew your scraps. Sew your stash. Sew your new projects. Why store
Something your not going to sew. It’s always paid forward.
that is great!!
I'm with you, Pat. I like buying fabric that coordinates and sewing a quilt. I've been keeping scraps because I don't want to throw them away, not because I want to make something with them. The scraps are taking up alot of space, both physically and mentally, so I'm going to let them go and just sew what I love.
And whomever is on the receiving end of your scraps will be so happy! You will lighten their load as you lighten your own. Bravo!
These could make some beautiful scrap charity quilts. They would be fun to make up, quilt and gift to a chatity!!
I made a rainbow of different colors of jelly roll race quilts last year for my grandkids. I kept all the cut off triangle pieces to make into a scrap quilts for myself. I have been slowly sewing them all into wonky quarter triangle squares. I plan to add sashing to all of them to get them all to equal size.
This year I made a postage stamp quilt, 1 inch squares. I loved it but don't want to do it again. I'm not sure what I will do with the rest of my scraps but I do know I want to sort them by color.
Those blocks make great pot holders.... Not too pretty to not get used 🥰
Wow Pat all those blocks would drive me crazy. I couldn’t do what you have done. Good for you. I am sure the quilts when done will be beautiful.
Wow I am with Barbara we waste a lot. But I don’t have the space to keep lots and lots of scraps. I can tell you I have a sew up once a year and I make picnic quilt blankets, all of my kids have multiple quillows.
That is awesome. I’m like you, love to buy and sew new fabric. I watched a demo where you line a trash can with a pillow case or fabric trash bag. Then throw all your scraps in it. When it’s full you sew it up for a dog pillow and donate it to a shelter. I thought it was a cute idea because even the tiniest trimming can go into the bag. I love all the blocks you made. 🎉
Be sure to check with your local shelter before donating it. Some don’t take those types of dog beds, or they want specific sizes and thicknesses. My local shelter only takes a specific style that’s way more work to sew together.
That's what I do with my scraps. But my shelter likes an outside cover (I close it with some pieces of velcro) so they can wash it. Otherwise they have to throw away after each pet.
When it comes to sewing, knitting , painting my character and convictions don’t change. I must make the most out of the things I have it’s my responsibility. So, I use what I can and pass the rest along to others who can pick up where I left off. I appreciate your endeavor and convictions. Be blessed!
I admire you for sticking with it! I hate accumulating scraps, they make me feel guilty and I used to spend most of my quilting time making them into lap quilts for various charities. I ended up hardly ever making a quilt I actually wanted to make. So now I often just give them away . Then they’re not sitting there on my conscience, nagging me to make something useful out of them!😍
Loved your thoughts, gives me ideas!
WOW! Those are awesome. A very good visual of waste not, want not.
This was very informative. I appreciate your honest evaluation of the process. We all have only so much time and energy. I am quilting for the fun and love- so guilt free🥰
Wow! Working on organizing and sorting scraps. I like your blocks with similar colours or themes.
Make up some beautiful quilts to donate. You made more blocks out of scraps than I did in making quilts this past year.
😲 that's a lot of blocks! Can't wait to see what you do with all of them. I am thinking of making lap quilts for nursing homes out of my scraps this year.
Kathryn,I take my scraps and make HST and make lap and wheelchair quilts for asst living where my Aunt and Uncle live. They are sooooo happy to have them.
I love that you made traditional blocks with your scraps! You’ve given me some good insights on what to do with my scraps! Thank you!
I agree with you - prefer color-coordinated or theme-coordinated scrap blocks. I use some of them for project bags, potholders, notebook covers, tote bags. I get overwhelmed by all the scraps - I’ve sent them to bloggers who make scrappy quilts and taken some to Good Will. And I keep buying fabric, doh…
Lol, i just started doing this type of scrap sewing and thought how clever I was. I have been making a huge year long BOM of freezer paper piecing which created a huge pile of scraps, expensive scraps!! Dont want to throw them in the basket, heavens! So to start every day of sewing, i take my scraps from the previous day and make a wonky log cabin or courthouse steps block all under 5 inches square. My plan is to incorporate them into the back of the quilt. I realised how playful and happy it made me feel. Paper piecing is so discipline oriented so being wonky is a great equalizer. Good luck with your project
I do not sew as many quilts as you do in a year however WOW this shows me just how much fabric that I’m not utilizing… if you made over a 100 I could probably make 80 blocks in a years time ??? I think managing my scrapes would enable me to make a few comfort lap quilts! I need a plan for my self😊 I will totally enjoy following along on scrapalishous days for more insight! What fun 🥳
It's amazing to see how many blocks came from the year's worth of scrap pieces. I am frugal with fabric so seeing what the scraps can become is inspiring to me. So happy you chose to do this.
I love seeing scraps together
Crumb blocks galore! What an accomplishment!
Wow. So many blocks. I feel slightly overwhelmed just looking at them. I keep a reusable bag under my cutting table and when its 3/4 full sew the scraps into 10" blocks that are easily joined into twin size quilts, then off to a charity.
I have making crumb blocks for several years, but I quilt a lot less than you. It took me about 2 and half years to make enough blocks for a quilt. Storing the blocks is fine with me. I would rather store a box of blocks than a box of messy scraps (they always get messy). The crumb blocks are also great in placemats and totes, esp if you need a quick gift.
Interesting to see all your blocks, I’d have to say if they don’t move you to sew into a project, I’d be donating them to someone who can’t afford to buy fabric. I’ve made a promise to myself to not fall into the habit of buying any of those fabulous print, but to use what I have first, deal with my scraps. We live in a world of scraps. I wish you good luck in your task at hand. Thanks for sharing 👍❤️😊
Such a beautiful quilt. A lovely chat! Thanks for sharing!
I always glean good things from your videos. Thank you! Several years ago I committed to using up my stash and my scraps. I have made crumb blocks(which I plan on using for a backing). Two hexagon quilts, one Dresden plate quilt, several really scrappy quilts, 6 quilts in all. I still have a ways to go and then I will give myself permission to buy more fabric ( one quilt at a time). Wish me luck.
Thanks again, you are a rockstar.
My love of quilts began with a crazy quilt that was on my bed when I was a child. I remember carefully examining each and every piece of fabric, wondering how they all fit together despite the different shapes and sizes. The memory is vivid, including the feel of the quilt. Seeing your wall covered with so many colors and fabrics has brought that old quilt to mind again. I am so glad that I started saving pieces as soon as you decided to do this project. I am all in now!
Beautiful blocks, Pat. You spent a lot of time and energy. I love scrap quilts and envy every block you displayed. God bless you for all your videos.
Just an amazing amount of extras! Wow.
I have been giving all my scraps to my sister in law. I think I will try a few crumb blocks and then make something from them. I also want to show this to my granddaughters. They love to just put sew pieces randomly, they could start making their own fabric.
Amazing what can be produced from tiny pieces of fabric that are usually thrown out. Great collection of blocks.
Wow… that’s a lot of scraps! I have never done anything like this, but I also don’t keep every little scrap. Definitely something to think about.
It is so nice to see how you are so concious and organized about your scraps. I loved your blocks.
Love from Brazil.
I can see getting a neutral, solid layer cake and just HST-ing up that whole wall into a couple of gorgeous quilts! Your strip bins and blocks on the far wall are the most inspiring to me, as is the red and white square. I can see myself incorporating these strip blocks throughout my year, too. Also sewing crumbs onto adding machine tape for scrappy piano key borders this year - just a first try to see if that sticks. Otherwise, I whole heartedly support the bag-and-give method of scrap management! 😎
I store my scraps in shoe boxes by color. Every once in a while, I cut out blocks from bigger pieces and anything smaller than 2”, i make a crumb block with. All the same color, and use them for small projects, like fabric bins, or save them to use in a rainbow quilt in the future. I love sewing them together to create a new block.
This was really interesting….the process, and now your display of results. I’d wondered how you’d deal with the disparity between colors. Hearing that you’ll sort them by color is what I’d do and I’ll be interested to see how that plays out. As someone else said it’s startling to see how much scrap is produced. Granted we won’t generate as much as you do, but still there’s a lot. I’m looking at my stash and realizing that as I’ve evolved there’s material I’m just not going to use. I’m going to set aside time to purge, reorganize by color and figure out how to give away fabric. I want it to go somewhere it will be used, so some research is needed. Thanks again for sharing this journey and I look forward to seeing what else you do. As always thank you for all you do for the community. Blessings!
Our quilt guild has Scrap Pack meetings where we both learn to use scraps in new ways and have exchange/donation tables of scraps to trade. Check with your local guild to see if they can use what you purge. Yardage and larger pieces would be used for quilt backing or in quilt top kits that are made up and donated to charity.
I use the scrap blocks and make an illusion shadow quilt. I like the floating block look, it is really awesome looking. I learned it from the Quilting Marine on youtube.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this video. Who could have guessed there would be so much "waste??" Your design wall became like a carnival as you put up your scrap/crumb blocks! Up close, I'm sure it looked like a mishmash, but what showed on the screen was a riot of happy! I would love to see a finished quilt of only random crumb blocks. BTW you have inspired me to create something from my little nothings.
You’re amazing! I can’t deal with scraps…I save mine to donate.
What a huge time commitment! Kudos! If you assume 1 hour per block, on average, then you committed over 3 weeks of 8 hour days to your scraps!
Well, that was fun! What a beautiful display of scrap blocks!
You are SO productive!!!
Happy to go on this scrapalicious journey with you.
I make trivets from my 'crumb' blocks. I put a layer of Insulbrite and a layer of 100% cotton batt (wadding) in them, quilt them, and bind them like a proper quilt. I then gift them to friends or donate to fundraisers. However; I'm still drowning in scraps! I'm looking forward to Scrapolious Days, Pat!
I can't see you having the time to put those all together into some sort of quilt tops, but l could see you giving them to a charity so they can make then into lap quilts for a nursing home or such. That is a lot of blocks!!
Your imagination knows no bounds!!!! You always amaze me! I'm also working on scraps today. 2 1/2" squares to be precise. This little number will be a "postage stamp" piece. I hope mine looks more put together like yours. Somehow I'm not very good at mixing all these colours. They are donation quilts but no one has ever given one back!! I wouldn't want to be the one to put all those blocks away!! LOLOL Have a great day and hugs from Canada!!
I would love to see a day in the life. How you get so much done along with daily life. Also how many hours do you sleep? I wish I could find that energy❗😊
Remember this is my business, so I work all day, like any job, and I work on the weekends too
I love your scrap year results. I’ve made several types and donated the tops to Habitat for Humanity thru Nimble Thimbles, my quilt guild. But my children also like them.
You are a bright light to start my day. Your crumb blocks are amazing. So many! A big accomplishment. If it were me, I would donate them to your charity group and let them have a wonderful time putting them into useful quilts.
Wow i cant believe how many blocks you made. Incredible.
Incredible! I've been sewing scraps this year as well, but not as committed as you. Most of mine will become hotpads or coasters or something small but useful. Too many seams in most of mine to even consider anything larger than a table runner. I'm looking forward to seeing how you cut them up to make traditional blocks. Thought process - so very, very helpful! Thank you!
Once you finish sorting by color and size, I'd bag up the block that don't make the cut and donate them to a guild so they can be used. I'm really surprised at how many block were made from the scraps. They would also make fun back for tops.
Loved the video today! I have tons of scraps and this gave me a lot of ideas!!
I like your idea of using your 2021 scrap block to make lap quilts. You can make the tops and donate them to a group to finish them and give away. Honestly, you do a lot with your business. You can give your scraps to that same group to make donate quilts. I'm waiting to see what you're going to make with the edges. I've been saving mine. But this was a eye opener on just how many blocks was made from your scraps.
I just started looking at how to efficiently use my scraps in the fall of 2021. I organized 5", 2.5" strips and squares, half square triangles. True Crumb scraps, I put into a bag and gave them to my daughter, who will use them for craft projects for her kids. I find I have to have what I plan to keep, organized by size.
I m not a fan of the scrappy, but you have an amazing amount of blocks done. Thanks, have a great day
I took a class where we made crumb blocks in just one color each block. The suggested layout was a rainbow of colors. Personally, I would square blocks to the same size and make a quilt. BUT they need sashing in one color to keep them from looking like a hot mess!
So far I've finished one quilt top and 1 table runner, but haven't quilted them yet. I have made several quilted tote bags and pillows. So I'm not at the point that I really have a "process" and can tell you what I do with scraps! I have "quilting spells" where I randomly piece the scraps I do generate, but I really don't know what I'm going to do with them. I just find it soothing to make them, whether I "finish" them or not. I don't think I'm going to enjoy machine quilting. It's too hard on my hands and wrists. And I was feeling that maybe I shouldn't make so many flimsies if I don't intend to quilt them. But you helped me see today that it's OK not to quilt them if I don't want to. I'll figure things out down the line. For now, I plan to enjoy the process, and I'll worry about what to do with them down the road. Thanks! Hugs from Virginia!
I once had an older lady tell me to save and use my scraps as they had cost the same as the material I used in my large quilt!!.
I'm amazed at all you have done! I think cutting into "usable sizes" like the 2.5" squares is smart. I have lots of random scrappy blocks made in the last year, using the TRAFFIC JAM pattern and string blocks and 9 patches from various size blocks and crumb blocks with the rest. Your crumb blocks look SO good. I always think of it as "free fabric". One way to assemble them is to find something to sash them with and keep it uniform.
I've started cutting my scraps into layer cakes, charms, 2.5 squares and even a few jolly bars. I just basically go by the scrap size. If my scrap is still in what I consider usable yardage I just leave that alone. I've always been a scrap tosser if I had a small bit but now I'm thinking I might try an organized scrappy...that I might be more inclined to use them if they are cut into precut sizes and I can easily find a pattern. Who knows. I might end up with my most favorite quilt ever lol! It'd be a good opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and try out new rulers and harder techniques I've been avoiding. I've already used the yardage for its intended purpose so if I bomb out its only my time I really use and I'd have learned from my mistakes.
What a wonderful attitude, have fun ❤️😀
Thank you! Happy quilting to you too!
Scraps r my favorite. I sewed scraps this year too and made them into lap quilt tops to give away
I plan on making the Brickhouse block from FQS with my scraps ... I will use this " free" quilt on my patio on cool summer nights!
Ohhhh man another one I need to check out😝 I’ve not heard of that. ❤️😀
Great idea. I will remember this idea and may do it too.
I think instead of leaving to one, when I'm gone, i will leave to all. They can then break apart and use for matching repair patches if their quilts are worn or torn.
I thought this was quite the eye opener! I have scraps in large bins because I started out as a scrappy quilter. I always thought I wanted to make a quilt in a 1000 pieces. no two alike. Ha!! But I still love scrappy and you have inspired me not to give it up, but a plan for them. Enjoyed this video into the more realistic side effect of our passion. Good job!
WOW. That is a lot of blocks. I can't wait to see how you use them. It was fun seeing them all together.
I watch you every day and I love your laugh hope your well I still have poor vision after my cataract surgery but getting there
Hi, Pam you inspired me to jump on the scrapalicious wagon in 2021 😁 I started to trim my scraps to squares and strips, sort them by colours to further use in smaller projects like pillow cases, totes and cosmetic bags, etc. For smaller crumbs and narrow strips that I don't feel generous to throw away I use a very thin cotton for foundation, these will become borders or sashing on quilts. But on my way I discovered that I have quite big pieces of fabric or panels that either mismatched in the previous projects or were gifts from shops. Some of them are now perfect to finish a scrap lap quilt or pet blankets, used as backing or lining for my smaller projects, some will be cut into strips and squares for a post stamp quilt. Thank you for being so inspirational) I made around 100 scrunchies from non-quilting fabric, 27 larger project bags, around 25 cosmetic bags... My colleagues in the office and non-sewing friends were glad to receive them as New year gifts. And... just think, I sold some. There were people willing to buy this small stuff! Thanks again
Awesome!!! ❤️😀
@@rachelburgener819 thank you
I think the strip blocks are the best.
I love all the blocks! I do this to make random blocks to go on the backs of my quilts. The colors still coordinate, and I don't have the task of figuring it out at year-end. It's amazing how many blocks can be made from our bits and pieces left over after making a quilt. Your blocks are bright and fun, and it will be fun to see what you do with them.
I went back last night and watched several of your scrapalitous videos and scrap storage videos. I was glad that I did because I have some large pieces of Stonehenge fabric left from cutting blocks on my first quilt top that I finished for 2022, and I was pulled to keep it with the remaining yardage or cut it up in various precut block sizes as you suggested in a different video. However, you had a piece of green fabric I believe that you kept with the yardage that you still had. Your reason backed up my thought that it might be that piece of fabric to finish a block or a quilt. Therefore, I will not be cutting that piece of fabric scrap. I can’t show the quilt top because I am a pattern tester for Tammy Silvers who design quilt patterns and she also designs batiks for Island Batiks. I can say that it is gorgeous.
Inspiring! You make the best plans. My suggestion is to find a new neutral (like mushroom?) and build up scrappy blocks to a standard size to make into a quilt.
Pat, You have no idea how much this video means to me. You have validated my mission of teaching people to quilt, that other wise could not afford to consider it. I discovered I could repair old and unloved sewing machines when my son went off to college! That turned in to me starting teaching free quilting classes and all free supplies to allow each person totally complete a quilted quilt of their own. Sally Risinger introduced me to your quilts & channel. Sally’s guild has been so kind to save me their scrapes of material & batting’s. I thank the Lord for you and Sally. I will show this video many many times to my new Quilters! Thank you so much for all your quilting!
I donate my scraps to the local Senior Center in our small town and they make items to sell at their annual craft far. That money goes to their Senior Center for activity. Please check with the Senior Center in your area if they would like fabric scraps.
What a wonderful legacy of your year. I love using scraps, especially those special fabrics I love, I make small things-mug rugs, small pouches and other small items that I gift.
Looking forward to "scrapolicous" videos! ☺️
Always learning from you! And, all of you in the community. I love reading your comments. I like taking my scraps to make an accent pillow to match the quilt or incorporate them into my backing. Sew fun!
Scrapalious days is a great idea and hope you video on how to make a quilt about putting blocks together that are not the same size. Love your videos and all your scrap blocks.
You are very refreshing and fun to watch looking forward to what you will do with all those blocks
I think the scraps would be cool made into doll blankets then do a doll drive and donate a bunch of doll/blanket sets to Toys for Tots at Christmastime
I'm looking forward to Scrapalicious days!