I'm sure you all know this - there is one eternal question for those of us who are trying to work through our scraps... why (and how) do they keep multiplying?
Today I needed to make a back for a Christmas quilt, so I dragged out my tub of Christmas scraps and dumped it out on the worktable.
I dug through this and pulled some bits and bobs left over from other quilts, cut some blocks and larger pieces, and started sewing them together.
This sure isn't a fast process! But I was heartened by the thought that I was using up my scraps, and that box would be a lot emptier when I finished!
Almost there! I just needed a little more width, so I cut some long strips from some smaller yardage pieces I had in the stash for the sides.
And here's the finished back! Quite a mishmash of fabrics and scraps, but I love this kind of back - so much to look at!
But you know what happened when I started cleaning up, and neatly folded all the leftover scraps and put them back in the tub?
They filled it right back up again!!!
Seriously - - - how does that happen???
There's only one solution - keep plugging away! Because I'm not going to let this guy....
...get the best of me!!!
Hugs!
Sarah
Love this post !
ReplyDeleteAmazing, isn't it, how that happens??
I really don't need to worry about running out of fabric !
Smiles
How I know this story!!! Looking forward to your Christmas in July quilt tutorial because I have a tote that needs taming (they never empty).
ReplyDeletewhat a great back well not a back you now have a reversible quilt
ReplyDeleteI know that feeling :) - but then I'm sad too when the last piece is gone. You did a great job on this backing!
ReplyDeleteI really love that you took the time to construct backing from scraps. It says a lot about who we are as quilters that we use scraps, that we don't waste, that we care about quality work and that we give our best to others.
ReplyDeleteLove the scrappy back; however, I know know how much work it was. It will make your quilt reversible.
ReplyDeletethat has happened to me too - I think over time our fabric compresses down a little bit in the box so we think we have less then when do - then we dump it out, press it refold use up some and try to get it back into the box only to find it barely fits once again - opening to the air seems to generate more of it!!
ReplyDeleteI've been doing the same thing. My scraps are different widths and lengths so I took the time to sort them according to width. Then sewed each group into several long (6-foot) strips and sewed the strips to each other until they were about 5-feet wide. And it's true .... there seems to be MORE scraps than when I started !!!
ReplyDeleteThe back came out great! I get lots of donations of fabric (lucky me) but I have been trying to organize them for the last six months and if I think to hard I get stressed. Luckily our seniors love to sort fabric.
ReplyDeleteLOL!! Such is the way of scrap quilting. But, oh what a WONDERFUL quiltl back you created!!
ReplyDeleteAh,perhaps now you can get the lid on? LOL, I know I still have multiplying scrap bins, even when I do scrappy quilts too!
ReplyDeleteMy machines do the same thing. They multiply when I'm not looking.
ReplyDeleteToo true--lol..I think they multiply secretly...no matter how many I use, there seem to be many more left over than when I began..."the secret life of scraps" hahaha hugs, Julierose
ReplyDeleteMy question is where do y'all get these scraps. I keep all my scraps and I have very few. I started making quilts from kits and kits do not leave much in the way of scraps. So, I don't have many scraps.
ReplyDeleteI've made at least 4 quilts out of my neutrals scrap bin and it's still full. I think gremlins bring in more scraps when I'm asleep.
ReplyDeleteI love your scrappy backing! Absolutely love it! Those scraps are sneaky little buggers, aren't they? :)
ReplyDeleteI am having the same problem! Even though I have a lot of fabric on bolts, the scraps are my problem. You did a fantastic job on your backing even though you didn't get rid of your scraps. You have enough to back another Christmas quilt or make placemats!
ReplyDeleteAn all too often experience at this end too.....aren't we fortunate to have this problem!!
ReplyDeleteI love this story; And yes, it seems my scraps keep growing too !!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE THE BACKING !!!
I've started a pile of scraps that will be turned into a dog bed...I don't know...just something different I guess....as that monster is always lurking isn't he!
ReplyDeleteAh...the monster is so cute!! :) I know how you feel, I think fluffing them up makes them fill up the tub! I've been cutting my scraps into usable pieces: mainly 2 1/2 inch strips. I've been casing the internet looking for 'jelly roll' quilts. There are lots of fun ones out there for 2 1/2 inch strips! So far I have 3 quilts cut out and am working on another. Now to sew them together!
ReplyDeleteThat's one awesome quilt back! I think your Christmas scrap tub will settle in a bit. Maybe you need to shake it. You must have left some air pockets in there or something :o)
ReplyDeleteYou're right! It's impossible! That's a lot of work to make a back! I hardly ever have the energy to put that much work into a back. I do LOVE that kind of back, but I tend to use shortcuts and use bigger pieces because I just want to get the quilt finished!
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