What do you do with your scraps?
08-10-2011, 12:31 PM
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: DC metro area
Posts: 1,286
As I'm sewing I try to sew the pieces that are the same size together as leaders/enders. Like if I'm doing a log cabin with 2.5" strips, I don't pre-cut my strips, I cut as I sew each strip, then when I get down to a small piece of strip then I'll set it aside until I have another small 2.5" strip and sew those together.
I also make a lot of crumb quilts, Crumbs are small bits of fabric 1"-3". See http://quiltville.com/crumbs.shtml
some people call it mile a minute quilts: http://quiltingisstillmypassion.blog...-tutorial.html
Whatever you call it, it is very addictive. I've made 100's of blocks and several quilts, donated a bunch of blocks to others and they've made several quilts. They are kind of tricky to quilt and our LA'ers have asked me to stop because of all the seams. Causes the threads to break when it hits a thick seam.
But anyway, the problem is that you never really get rid of your scraps. When you trim your squares, those trimmings become the beginning of the next set of blocks.
I've got a system down with my strips. I sew strips so I have ~13" wide. Then cut as many 12.5" squares I can from the strip set, then 4.5" x 10.5" as many as I can, then a 2.5" strip.
That way I'm making 3 quilts at a time. The 12.5" strips I sew all around like the Missouri Star quilt company 1/2 square triangle method
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekYpJzHoW6E
and make a super scrappy pinwheel.
The 4.5" strip I make this or something similiar:
http://www.quiltville.com/stringx.shtml
and the 2-2.5" strip I make chinese coins quilts-sort of like this but smaller coins with alternating fabric 3-4" or so.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6i5qP...EF21A981F69C28
My problem is I like to cut, press and sew my strips but I don't really like to actually piece things into a quilt.
You would not believe how many quilts I have in various stages of construction in my sewing room.
So when I finally force myself to finish I can turn in a bunch at once because I've been working on them all year off and on. I can finish 10 tops in 1 month and that gets people thinking I'm very prolific. No, I'm just a very big procrastinator.
I also make a lot of crumb quilts, Crumbs are small bits of fabric 1"-3". See http://quiltville.com/crumbs.shtml
some people call it mile a minute quilts: http://quiltingisstillmypassion.blog...-tutorial.html
Whatever you call it, it is very addictive. I've made 100's of blocks and several quilts, donated a bunch of blocks to others and they've made several quilts. They are kind of tricky to quilt and our LA'ers have asked me to stop because of all the seams. Causes the threads to break when it hits a thick seam.
But anyway, the problem is that you never really get rid of your scraps. When you trim your squares, those trimmings become the beginning of the next set of blocks.
I've got a system down with my strips. I sew strips so I have ~13" wide. Then cut as many 12.5" squares I can from the strip set, then 4.5" x 10.5" as many as I can, then a 2.5" strip.
That way I'm making 3 quilts at a time. The 12.5" strips I sew all around like the Missouri Star quilt company 1/2 square triangle method
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekYpJzHoW6E
and make a super scrappy pinwheel.
The 4.5" strip I make this or something similiar:
http://www.quiltville.com/stringx.shtml
and the 2-2.5" strip I make chinese coins quilts-sort of like this but smaller coins with alternating fabric 3-4" or so.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6i5qP...EF21A981F69C28
My problem is I like to cut, press and sew my strips but I don't really like to actually piece things into a quilt.
You would not believe how many quilts I have in various stages of construction in my sewing room.
So when I finally force myself to finish I can turn in a bunch at once because I've been working on them all year off and on. I can finish 10 tops in 1 month and that gets people thinking I'm very prolific. No, I'm just a very big procrastinator.
08-10-2011, 12:37 PM
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: A Hop from Heaven, a Skip from Sanity and a Jump from the Good Life....
Posts: 6,665
Originally Posted by charity-crafter
As I'm sewing I try to sew the pieces that are the same size together as leaders/enders. Like if I'm doing a log cabin with 2.5" strips, I don't pre-cut my strips, I cut as I sew each strip, then when I get down to a small piece of strip then I'll set it aside until I have another small 2.5" strip and sew those together.
I also make a lot of crumb quilts, Crumbs are small bits of fabric 1"-3". See http://quiltville.com/crumbs.shtml
some people call it mile a minute quilts: http://quiltingisstillmypassion.blog...-tutorial.html
Whatever you call it, it is very addictive. I've made 100's of blocks and several quilts, donated a bunch of blocks to others and they've made several quilts. They are kind of tricky to quilt and our LA'ers have asked me to stop because of all the seams. Causes the threads to break when it hits a thick seam.
But anyway, the problem is that you never really get rid of your scraps. When you trim your squares, those trimmings become the beginning of the next set of blocks.
I've got a system down with my strips. I sew strips so I have ~13" wide. Then cut as many 12.5" squares I can from the strip set, then 4.5" x 10.5" as many as I can, then a 2.5" strip.
That way I'm making 3 quilts at a time. The 12.5" strips I sew all around like the Missouri Star quilt company 1/2 square triangle method
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekYpJzHoW6E
and make a super scrappy pinwheel.
The 4.5" strip I make this or something similiar:
http://www.quiltville.com/stringx.shtml
and the 2-2.5" strip I make chinese coins quilts-sort of like this but smaller coins with alternating fabric 3-4" or so.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6i5qP...EF21A981F69C28
My problem is I like to cut, press and sew my strips but I don't really like to actually piece things into a quilt.
You would not believe how many quilts I have in various stages of construction in my sewing room.
So when I finally force myself to finish I can turn in a bunch at once because I've been working on them all year off and on. I can finish 10 tops in 1 month and that gets people thinking I'm very prolific. No, I'm just a very big procrastinator.
I also make a lot of crumb quilts, Crumbs are small bits of fabric 1"-3". See http://quiltville.com/crumbs.shtml
some people call it mile a minute quilts: http://quiltingisstillmypassion.blog...-tutorial.html
Whatever you call it, it is very addictive. I've made 100's of blocks and several quilts, donated a bunch of blocks to others and they've made several quilts. They are kind of tricky to quilt and our LA'ers have asked me to stop because of all the seams. Causes the threads to break when it hits a thick seam.
But anyway, the problem is that you never really get rid of your scraps. When you trim your squares, those trimmings become the beginning of the next set of blocks.
I've got a system down with my strips. I sew strips so I have ~13" wide. Then cut as many 12.5" squares I can from the strip set, then 4.5" x 10.5" as many as I can, then a 2.5" strip.
That way I'm making 3 quilts at a time. The 12.5" strips I sew all around like the Missouri Star quilt company 1/2 square triangle method
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekYpJzHoW6E
and make a super scrappy pinwheel.
The 4.5" strip I make this or something similiar:
http://www.quiltville.com/stringx.shtml
and the 2-2.5" strip I make chinese coins quilts-sort of like this but smaller coins with alternating fabric 3-4" or so.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6i5qP...EF21A981F69C28
My problem is I like to cut, press and sew my strips but I don't really like to actually piece things into a quilt.
You would not believe how many quilts I have in various stages of construction in my sewing room.
So when I finally force myself to finish I can turn in a bunch at once because I've been working on them all year off and on. I can finish 10 tops in 1 month and that gets people thinking I'm very prolific. No, I'm just a very big procrastinator.
Im a scrappy quilter so I will find ways to use up all my scraps, no matter how small. But i don't tend to work with anything smaller than 1x1.. anything smaller than that ends up being stuffing for something..
08-10-2011, 12:41 PM
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,312
I collected for years , because I just could not seem to toss them. I have been making lots of scrappies lately and love it. Having a really good assortment just gets me going.
Is it just me or do you love your scraps as much as your stash?!
Is it just me or do you love your scraps as much as your stash?!
08-10-2011, 12:47 PM
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: DC metro area
Posts: 1,286
Originally Posted by Lori S
Is it just me or do you love your scraps as much as your stash?!
08-10-2011, 12:51 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Lehigh Valley, PA
Posts: 677
Originally Posted by Fabaddict
I cut mine up as I finish a quilt. Anything too small to even bee a string goes in a bucket to make pet pillows for the local animal shelter. Works great and I throw nothing out
08-10-2011, 12:59 PM
#18
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Wichita, Kansas
Posts: 102
I have a box of fabric scraps that hubby says I don't need. All he got was a warning look...
I love the idea of crumb quilting. Havn't done it but it certainly looks like fun work. Is there such a thing as fun work? Of course... quilting!
I use scraps for doll clothes. My youngest has a doll she gave to me to use as my model. It is a 21" doll who has a Valentines dress and coordinating shirt. Whenever I dig out the box she will have more clothes.
I love the idea of crumb quilting. Havn't done it but it certainly looks like fun work. Is there such a thing as fun work? Of course... quilting!
I use scraps for doll clothes. My youngest has a doll she gave to me to use as my model. It is a 21" doll who has a Valentines dress and coordinating shirt. Whenever I dig out the box she will have more clothes.
08-10-2011, 01:00 PM
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Monroe, IN
Posts: 2,283
Originally Posted by sueisallaboutquilts
That's a great way!! Do you ever just get in the mood to cut?? I do sometimes :D
Yuck! I hate cutting....most likely because my "cutting table" isn't the right height. So when I cut, I do a little and then do something else, then go back and cut more.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
leatheflea
Pictures
8
08-25-2011 06:36 PM
craftybear
Links and Resources
4
07-27-2011 07:29 PM
