I May Have A Scrap Problem... But At Least I've Started!

Hi, all!

Well, it's been four weeks since I confessed (and showed) the overwhelming amount of scraps that live underneath my quilt frame.  In that time, I have discovered that this tub...

...held an ENORMOUS amount of scraps!  My goal for the month was to press and fold all the scraps in that tub - about 20 yards worth.  For bonus points, I wanted to cut it up into usable sizes if I had time.  So I started on a Sunday afternoon, pressing and folding the scraps.  As I did so, I discovered a lot of "string" pieces - 2" wide or narrower and 10" long or longer.  Those went into a special box to be made into string blocks.

Then I saw Maria's comment about making bow-tie blocks!  These seemed simple and very do-able, so I took some of the scraps that I had already pressed and started cutting the pieces to make bow-tie blocks.  Next thing I knew I had 100 sets cut, ready to be paired up with a solid I had on hand!

A few days later, this quilt was finished, and I was hooked on scrap quilting!!  

Proof that it's really finished - because I just found out I haven't taken
a full sized finished photo of this quilt!

I did learn, though, that for me it was easier to process the scraps if I had a plan - a specific project I wanted to make.  That gave me an end in sight, and not just an unending pile of scraps to deal with.

String blocks came next.  I found out that we have a commercial paper cutter at church that will cut the spine off of a phone book, so I took an old phone book and, in just a few minutes, turned it into a pile of foundation papers for string blocks.  A handful of white-on-white strips for the center of each block, and I was off to the races!  I haven't made enough for a whole quilt yet, but I do have twenty that are ready to become part of something wonderful someday soon!

Then I saw this quilt on Pinterest, and got an idea for another scrap quilt...  And I'm happy to say that this quilt top is now finished!  Green scraps from the tub, and a piece of vintage Irish linen that came out of my grandmother's stash many years ago.

In the process of making this quilt, I cut a whole mess of 2.5" squares and 2.5" x 5.5" rectangles - enough to make probably four more quilts!  Can you say overachiever?  But they are all tucked away in this box, ready to be made into something.  I'm already trying to come up with some new designs using these sizes....

And even though I've made twenty string blocks already, there's still a big pile of green strings ready to be turned into more blocks!

In the end, this is all that's left in the green tub.  Quite a difference from the way it started out four weeks ago!!!

So I have to say that this is a success, at least for me - knowing that I have to own up to my progress (or lack of it) each month helps motivate me to actually work with the scraps.  And I've had a lot of fun searching out inspiration and techniques to share each week!  

Now I'm hoping that many of you have found some inspiration and done something with some of your own scraps this month!  Maybe you've made blocks or a quilt, maybe you've started organizing your scraps, or maybe you've just made a plan - whatever it is, I hope you'll share!  And in hopes of encouraging you to link up and share, I'm offering a little incentive - - - 

I have two Olfa Splash rotary cutters to give away to two lucky linkers!  Just link up below to a blogpost or Instagram photo showing what you've been doing this month to tame your scraps, and your name will go in the hat.

And maybe you've been following along, but you haven't been sewing long enough to build up a decent scrap stash.  Feeling a little scrap stash envy?  If that's the case, I've got something for five of you - - - 

- - - a small flat rate envelope stuffed full of scraps!  This envelope will hold about two yards of scraps by weight, so it's enough to give you a nice start on something scrappy without being overwhelming.  I'll send one to the first five people who comment that they want one - but be sure to leave your email address so I can get in contact with you for your snail mail address!

OK - are you ready?  I can't wait to see what you've been up to!  The linky party will stay open until Monday, April 4th at midnight, and I'll announce the winners on next Wednesday's Scrap Problem post.  And if you're thinking this might be a fun bandwagon to get on, next Wednesday's post will have a linky for you to share your April scrap plan!  So start thinking about what you'd like to accomplish - set a reachable goal, and if you get inspired to do more, think how good it will feel!!

Hugs!

Sarah