I have to say, my February Scrap Attack goal has really got my cutting mojo going! I spent the last week cutting up scraps all the time, it seems.
...and started cutting the largest pieces I could from the remains. I used either my 20" wide template or my 15" wide template, and cut either full or partial squares, depending on the size of the t-shirt. Most of my blocks ended up being 15" wide. I discarded anything that was left after cutting out the large pieces. Because I don't interface these pieces, larger pieces are easier to work with than smaller ones, and I elected not to cut any small blocks this time. I already have a large stash of small blocks tucked away (of course!)
Look at those two lovely piles of blocks!
Now, that was so much fun that I decided to tackle the big tub full of older t-shirt scraps. Got through that, and started checking all the corners of the studio for more t-shirt scraps...
And when the dust settled (seriously, it's really dusty in there!) I had a tub full of nicely cut and rolled up t-shirt pieces, that will be perfect for beach and picnic blankets! Here's an example of one I made last year that we used at the beach...
...and by the time my husband came up to watch the game, here's what I had cut up!
Dang, I feel virtuous!
This week I'm hoping to get started on my beach blanket, in between some commission work and some quilting for the quilt ministry. Maybe I'll have some progress to show you next week!
Do you ever get the urge to cut scraps or organize and go on a spree? I'd love to know I'm not alone...
Hugs!
Sarah
I will often pull pieces of fabric to get cut up into pieces, 5" blocks and also useable strips. The unfortunate part is it seems like I just don't get around to sewing them very often but when I do, they're ready to go!
ReplyDeleteI had a large tub and several smaller bins crammed full of scraps (less than a fat quarter) that I've saved for applique' and string or scrappy blocks. I decided that I would sort them into colors and start making some scrappy or string blocks with them. I have so much of three colors ( white/neutral, blue and green) that their bins are almost over flowing. The smaller bins have been emptied and sorted and I worked on the LARGE tub, but I think this one is bottomless... after hours, it was still full ( partly, I think, because I was 'fluffing' the fabrics up - they were really packed in there. We won't talk about my t shirt scraps ( they're in a brown paper bag in another room) lol
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately for my scraps, the urge to start a new quilt often over whelms the urge to cut scraps. You do inspire me though!
ReplyDeleteI haven't gotten bitten by that bug yet! I tend to keep my scraps as large as they are since I haven't gotten into unintentional scrap quilts at this point. But I am sure it's coming as I have way too many scraps and need to get them out of the drawers and baskets!
ReplyDeletewhere did you get the container you are sorting the smaller scraps into after cutting? that looks like something i need. thanks
ReplyDeleteI just finished cutting and sorting my scraps into seven tubs!! Then found two more big piles to do. Why do I see scrap quilts in my future?
ReplyDeleteSince cutting is my least favorite task, I never go on a spree over cutting. I will get that feeling though if I am tidying up shelves or magazines. I congratulate you on finishing cutting ALL the T-shirts in your studio. Awesome job!! ;^)
ReplyDeletetoday was waiting for newly washed floor to dry and cut up a small stack of scraps...and now i'm working on my overflowing basket!
ReplyDeleteIt all looks so neat. I'm afraid I'm not that neat. Oh, I tried, but too often I found myself re-cutting the pieces I had so painstakingly cut and stacked. So, now I'm a cut once scrap girl. Love delving into those baskets. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou are definitely not alone. I also go on color coordinating binges. All my little collage bits sorted by color. But then they mysteriously go back into a chaotic state lol!
ReplyDeleteYou ARE virtuous! I do get the urge. Unfortunately, I it’s difficult for me to get from there to getting it carried out into action!
ReplyDeleteYou continually amaze me. I need to go on a spree, but every time I pull out my scraps I just get overwhelmed. Haha! I'd rather work on something fun. (I think an attitude adjustment is needed!) Great idea on the beach blanket!
ReplyDeleteTo have all those t-shirt pieces precut would really make the sewing process go that much faster. Excellent idea! I've begun cutting my smallest scraps, right when they become scraps, into 2.5" squares for some unforeseen project down the road. That little effort makes me feel accomplished!
ReplyDeleteThat box of tshirt blocks is now much more inviting for sewing isn't it? I'm guessing you don't use batting in a beach blanket, but what do you use on the back? And your sectioned scrap container is awesome. I know you showed that in the background of another post but I didn't see it as it looks now. Does it close up? I believe you said you got it at Target?
ReplyDeleteYes! I haven't cut scraps in quite a while and they're building up. I need to plan a cutting session soon!
ReplyDeleteYou are definitely not alone when it comes to bingeing out on cutting scraps. Actually I might be a little OCD when it comes to making neat little squares from scraps. In fact this is one reason I don't get my quilts finished because I'm doing too much cutting up leftovers and trying to put them "somewhere" to be used later in my quilts. I need cute storage boxes like you showed to store them.
ReplyDeleteForgot to ask. You put interfacing on the beach t-shirt pieces, right? Do you put any batting in too when they are quilted? Thanks for all the motivation
ReplyDeleteHi, Dar! you're a no-reply blogger, so I'm answering your question here. I do not interface the beach t-shirt pieces, and the quilt has no batting - just a fabric backing. Still weighs a ton, though!
DeleteI used to work in a very quiet ag business. I would get my paperwork done in the morning then spend my afternoons crocheting. Once in a while I would pack a mat, ruler, rotary cutter and scraps. I would cut charm squares or 2.5 x strips of any size. Anything smaller or that needed to be fussy cut got saved for later. I miss that job!
ReplyDeleteI've been cutting scraps into useable sizes since New Years. Feels good! That's a great way to store them.
ReplyDeleteI started cutting squares this week for a Plus quilt - and I figured that while I was at it, I might as well make a list of pieces that I need for other quilts that I'm planning / working one - so I've been cutting since Thursday! I hope I've got enough parts cute for 3 separate quilts - or maybe more!
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