I May Have a Scrap Problem....
Hi, all!
I think we'll try something a little different today, instead of checking out what's on the bookshelf. I've been rolling an idea around in my head for a week or so, and I'd like to see if there's any interest in it out there in the blogiverse! Because, you see, I may have a scrap problem....
Last week I was ironing and folding scraps at church so that they could be cut up by someone else. Talking to a friend who was ironing with me, I wondered out loud about how in the world we could get all of our scraps organized at church - and thinking about how nice it would be to do the same thing in my own studio.
Suddenly the thought occurred to me - what if I set a goal each month to clear out a tub of scraps at home? Could I meet that goal? And I realized that without some encouragement and accountability, it just wasn't going to happen. Then I remembered the multitude of WIP challenges we see each January - where people are challenged to set goals and work on their WIPS throughout the year.
So my question is - would anyone out there be interested in a "tame your scraps" type challenge? My thought is that everyone would set their own goal for the month, and link up a post with that goal the first month, then each following month, post their progress on the previous month's goal and their goal for the new month. In between, there would be posts on storage ideas, great scrappy quilts, maybe even guest posts from people who have it all together and control their scraps! (Come on, there have to be a few of you out there!)
Currently, I have about a dozen large tubs of scraps under my quilt frame that are totally useless in their present state of disorganization - but I'd love to be able to make wonderful scrappy quilts at the drop of a hat. With the cost of fabric these days, it's almost criminal to throw away your scraps - so let's tap into that wealth of fabric! Are you with me? And if you have any ideas for things you'd like to see as part of the challenge, speak up - I think this could be a lot of fun and a great way for us all to stretch a little bit!
Hugs!
Sarah
I work this way all the time - and at my happiest while doing it. Tell me what you need - from crumbs, to squaress, to rectangles, to strips - I play with them all. And though I have the storage system for me, the goal is using it - not storing it.
ReplyDeleteI'm in! That sounds like a lot of fun. I have a blanket bag full of random sized and shaped scraps and a stack cut into strips. Both are just sitting waiting patiently for me to pick them up and make them into something beautiful! I have a neglected scrap project....three inch pineapple log cabin blocks which is feeling lonely and rejected because I've not had it out to play in quite a while! Your post is just the motivation I needed!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I have a scrap problem or if the scraps have a problem since they are constantly multiplying, maybe we should call them bunnies instead of scraps. I have way to many of these bunnies and would love to be pushed along in using them :)
ReplyDeleteI have some of mine cut into squares of all sizes and I keep them in small boxes that I find at Hobby Lobby that are intended to store photographs in. I use mine off and on for all projects and just finished a postage stamp quilt with 1.5 inch pieces - I try to make charm squares & baby quilts, nine patches -- I just can't join in at the moment - I have too many quilts in progress that I want to keep working on at the moment - I still have two containers under the quilting frame to go through - fabric is too expensive you are right and I have been shopping from the stash and the scraps for several years now with an occasional new piece for backings and backing or I do a trade in order to new fabric.
ReplyDeletepretty sure many of us have that same embarrassment of riches...one reason why my regular stash is languishing...playing in scraps too much! anxious to see what transpires!
ReplyDeleteI have my larger chunks of scraps sorted by color in three drawer bins under my longarm. When I pull a chunk out to cut from, I go ahead and cut that piece of fabric down into Bonnie Hunter's suggested sizes in her scrap user's system and those strips are sorted in their own bins by lights/darks. Now, each time I finish a quilt, I go ahead and cut the leftover scraps into the recommended strips and file them away, instead of stuffing them in my scrap drawers.
ReplyDeleteI love scraps because you can get a variety and texture in quilts that you can't get any other way. I try to not save untrimmed scraps unless they are under 2". Those go in one basket to make made fabric. I cut anything under a fat quarter into squares and store those in boxes by size. Sort of like making my own charm packs or layer cakes. Would love to participate.
ReplyDeleteI love how the subject of scraps have taken over 2016! Maybe by the end of the year we will all be organized. Even if it only lasts for this year, we can say we did it. My current plan has been dumping everything into a tote...one giant tote. So I could get behind a challenge that forces me to face my pile of scraps.
ReplyDeleteTaming the scrap pile is one reason I am doing the Scrap Dance mystery quilt for the second year. I don't use a storage system, because when I get a 2-gallon zip top bagful it is time to use them up.
ReplyDeleteI only wish I could get the upper hand once. Even if it is a fleeting feeling. I have boxes of cut pieces, tubs of somewhat similar's, piles of oh I don't know what. No photos allowed I would be too embarrassed. What I struggle with is do I tame them and not sew for weeks on end or do I tame a few and then sew a few. I love a good scrap quilt. If I thought I could manage these guys a little better I would join in.
ReplyDeleteI'm up for this challenge. I am cutting scraps/unloved fabric into 10"square, 2.5" strips and bricks, 1.5" strips, and chunks for use in Wild & Goosey blocks. Being accountable will be the only way I will get a handle on those 'breeding' scraps.
ReplyDeleteCount me in for your challenge. I have been using my scraps a lot lately, and yet the amount of fabrics in the bins don't seem to lessen even though I recently finished 2 large bed quilt. I like to make scrap quilts for myself and for charity so any ideas for scrap quilt patterns would be great. My go to is 9 patch blocks. Other ideas would be great.
ReplyDeletewell, I'd like a chance to tame YOUR scraps. Those look lucious. I'm in... LeeAnna at not afraid of color
ReplyDeleteIf you want to hear from someone who has it all together, don't look at me lol. I will follow this challenge very closely because I think my system could use some improvements. I have a huge Rubbermaid bin of scraps that I am cutting down to useful sizes. I have enough done now to see how enjoyable this will be when all done. So, cutting I will do. ;^)
ReplyDeleteNot a "scrap problem"--a "scrap opportunity"! I'll be following along!
ReplyDeleteWould love to join your challenge. No matter how many scrappy projects I make it just doesn't seem to reduce the pile! Did I say pile? Ok being honest: it's a mountain!!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to join in, my scraps continue to grow. I would love to do some scrappy quilts for my niece and nephews. My grandmother made some for my family when I was younger and they were worn totally out because they were used for everything. My niece has even said she would love to have a quilt like that, that can go anywhere and be used for everything.
ReplyDeleteYour challenge sounds like a great one! I spent a lot of time cutting scraps down to sizes that Bonnie Hunter recommends. My 2" squares are the ones that get the most use as leader/enders as I sew other things and then get sewn into a quilt for H2H. I'd say cutting into useful pieces is the first step...which is sometimes a hard one but usually not regretted. Cutting also takes a lot of time and can wear your neck and shoulders out. You might start just tackling a bit of your bins each week and make sure you cut up the remains of the quilt projects you are working on. That will spread out the strain of it all a bit. I'm definitely joining in with you!
ReplyDeleteAs a newer quilter I don't have a ton of scraps, but enough to bug me. I'd love an idea like this.
ReplyDeleteI would love this. I don't have a ton of scraps because I kind of use them as I go. BUT I love scrap quilts so this might get me to be more oriented/organized in that direction. Plus, I can always enjoy some scrappy eye candy.
ReplyDeleteI have been working on my scrap mountains. I have made scrappy quilts and more scrappy quilts and more......One of them, scrappy trips, used 13 yards of fabric. Guess what? Scraps are like bunnies, the continue to multiply. I am on board, I definitely need help. Bonnie Hunter once said that those scraps cost the same as you paid for that yard of fabric. I even made 8 cat beds for the local rescue with my ittybitties
ReplyDeleteGoodness yes, save scrap fabrics. I use them for scrappy quilts and doll clothes. I wish my scrap collection was a large as yours, lol >)
ReplyDeleteI'm making bigger containers to store my scrap I have so many. I haven't cut them into standard sizes yet. Not much a traditional quilter, so no idea what I might use.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. My scraps are stuffed into a large bag. It's hard to find anything, and it's a mess. I just don't know how best to organize them.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a scrap opportunity!! It would be fun to share how to make blocks that use scraps too! I have mine organized in Bonnie Hunter's scrap saver system, but never seem to use them! Time to use them, this year!
ReplyDeleteExcellent idea, bookmarking your blog! I have vowed not to purchase any fabric in 2016 since my stash and scrap bags are so big. I am having fun with making big slabs of improv pieced scraps, no measuring needed and it goes fast!
ReplyDelete"Toot toot"...I'm on board the scrap-buster's train too! Last month I organized my sewing room and have 5 large boxes of scraps, all ready for quilt-making ideas. Ready, set, go!
ReplyDeleteI am also sewing my stash this year in hopes of adding some breathing room to my smaller sewing room. A plan with goals to help tame the growing scrap opportunity/bunny population would be so appreciated! I have a small amount cut but no plan on what to do with it. I'm thinking of dealing a certain number of pieces each week as a goal.
ReplyDeleteExcellent idea! I'm up for the challenge. My scraps never seem to get used up.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! I also love scrappy quilts, so my pile is minimal, but I always appreciate a new idea for using them in beautiful ways.
ReplyDeleteI am ready to play with my scraps again.
ReplyDeleteI definitely have a scrap problem but I have started to try to tame it. I blogged about my "Step 1" which was a good first step, but it certainly got me at least a bit organized. http://www.inquiringquilter.com/questions/2015/12/29/getting-a-jump-on-the-new-year?rq=scrap
ReplyDeleteHaven't done much else yet, but this has motivated me to push on!
I love this idea, but will you come live with me for a month or two to get me started??? ( ha ha!)
ReplyDeleteThis is sooooooooooooo exciting. I love scraps. I love charity sewing. I love Bonnie Hunter's methods and inspiration. I sew comforters for Mennonite World Relief and make gowns for Hospice, and Little Dresses for Africa. No end in sight. I keep my scraps pretty well organized -- and love any new idea that comes along. I just learned about Sarah Craig and her blog this a.m. One of my friends may soon be a guest for her. Lord, bless the work of our hands. Amen.
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