dottie dodge

I worked in a quilt store and am missing some flesh on the ends of my fingers is why I cautioned you about using too large a cutter. Yes, ouch! I want friends like you have that just give me scraps of fabric. All my friends quilt and keep all their scraps! Boohoo! I've swapped with you on another list and your squares were not too bad, but I'm glad you are now using a rotary cutter. It is more accurate and once you get used to it I think it is faster. Keep those fingers! LOL

barri1

Thanks Dottie dodge...I'm laughing, as I have a load of friends who are waiting to suture my fingers after I cut them. Now that I think of it, I will change my blade to as this one is getting dull. 12lbs of scraps was acquired, or actually saved. A very nice member asked how to make a dog bed, and use scraps to stuff it. I mentioned that I would love her scraps. I sent her money for postage, and asked her to send some to a friend. She sent me two boxes, and my friend one. The scraps were beautiful. I cut of pieces for myself, as I don't want duplicates in the PSQ. I'm still cutting them. I am also cutting for the next swap. I really hope to share them. I'm not in denial about my skills needing to be better, but you can't imagine a bag of 100 squares that I got that weren't worth the time, or effort to see which were salvagable. I wonder if you can put a note up that you are looking for scraps. I think there might be a bunch that do not plan on using them. You never know. it also might infuse different fabrics into the swap

SheriR

Barri, I'm glad you've found rotary cutting easier than using a template and scissors. I remember you posting about this method and thinking you were crazy. I also know, we do what we gotta do…right? Do be careful, like dottie mentioned. I was cutting tiny squares late last week and my rotary cutter landed on top of my finger. I looked at it and thought, “I wonder if that’s going to bleed…” It did, then it hurt, but luckily it was not a big cut and I decided it was time to go to bed. My first rotary cut ever, however I have many hot glue scars…. Be careful!!

barri1

I got nicked already. Nothing to brag about, but it was a warning. I have a heathy respect for sharp objects, and that is another thing. I insist on working with sharp tools. I use a scalpel instead of a seam ripper, and love it. I always remember to cover it, and use the cover on the rotary cutter.
SheriR... I'm laughing as the cutting around the template with the scissors was faster, but I wasn't happy with the accuracy. I also liked sitting on the couch, and cutting. I really didn't want to stand up, and cut, as I'm too tired when I come home, and like to play with my fabric. I brought a small mat to the cocktale table, and I'm good to go.

SheriR

Barri that's a great way lol. I brought my kids OLD play table in front of my couch.

Little table + little mat + little rotary cutter = little squares.

I'm still trying to figure out the best storage method. Right now I have one container with bagged stacks of color coordinated stamps, and one container with snack baggies of my coordinating 1.5" and 2.5" stamps. Any suggestions?

barri1

SheriR
I took the baggies apart, and sorted them into colors. It took a long while, and I try to sort them when I have a few minutes. I don't sew during the week, as I am too tired, and try to do no brainer things. I will eventually throw all of the squares into a bag, and just sew what I grab out. I'm not doing a patternon the first one. Maybe on the next.

Nelco

I use a boot shoe box for my 'stamps' storage. If I am doing 20 sets of 50 different fab I cut 20 of one color at a time and put them in stacks until I have 50 stacks - then I have 20 baggies pinned on a bath towel on my closet door and that is where I make up my packets.
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barri1

Hi Nelco..
I like your fabrics

Evie

Barri1, your stamps are good. I was in the same swap and got a packet from that swapper. I copied the hostess with my emails to the swapper addressing my disappointment in the swatches and will let the hostess decide whether she can participate in the next one. And, yes, our swapping partner admitted that she tore the strips as her granny taught her so as to keep it on the grain. I kept telling myself, "It's only scraps, it's only scraps." But it didn't help.

Twisted Quilter

I think I've finally decided on a pattern for my postage stamp quilt so....I'm going to start putting it together. I hope I can keep those little monsters in line and not too wonky.

P.S. I have some wonky cut squares and thin fabric squares I received in another swap. If anyone would like them, send me an PM and I'll send them to you. Not a bunch but I didn't want to throw them out if someone wanted them.