Do you ever feel as if your scraps are breeding in the dark corners of your studio?? Well, that is exactly how I felt when I realized that my one scrap basket was completely full…pressed down and running over, and that there was another box on a shelf with even more scraps that needed to be dealt with…..
So, I dedicated my 20 minute morning sessions to getting the boxes cleaned out and all of the scraps cut and ready for use.
I subscribe to the Bonnie Hunter Scrap User System. She suggests cutting strips of 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.5 inches in width and squares in those same sizes. I go a bit further and add squares in 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 and 6.0 inches as well. I try to only cut strips if they are longer than 12 inches, but dont worry if the 1.5 inch strips are a bit shorter. I also cut rectangles in 2 x 3.5 and 2.5 x 4.5.
It took quite a while to get thru everything and I was amazed to realize that I couldn’t remember what project some of the pieces came from. And there were some that I would swear that I had NEVER even owned the fabric…..
See…. I told you that they breed….these unknowns were apparently hybrids!!!
It was a good feeling to see this fine stack at the end of the process…..
And, it felt even better to fill up my 1.5 inch strip drawer again…..
It had taken quite a hit over the last two years as I made my rainbow pineapple quilt and another friend used the same strips to make her pineapple quilt.
The same went for the 2.5 squares……they have been used for numerous quilts made by myself and others…..
As I added to the 2.5 x 4.5 bin, I realized that I need to come up with a pattern to use some of these up……
When I was finished I had two stacks of leftovers. This first one will be handed over to the Guild Charity group to stuff Dog Beds that are made for one of the local shelters…..
The second pile are scraps that are too small to use but too big to throw away….
Most non-quilters would find that statement a bit crazy but I KNOW that all of you quilters completely understand!!!
We are excitedly heading into wedding week and are truly looking forward to the events of the upcoming weekend. My daughter has been amazing at organizing the event and I am expecting everythng to go well.
Then, it is only 2 weeks until tax season is over.,…..and, the pièce de résistance will be our Guild retreat for 4 days at the end of April!!!
6 thoughts on “Scrap Breeding”
I still have a few of your strips if you want them back?
I’m good thanks!!!
I spent a few days bringing my quilt album up to date. I had forgotten a lot and there are some I just don’t remember. The scraps and the tally show we have been busy. Good for you, Frances. Time to enjoy the celebrations.
Thanks Elle. We are really looking forward to it!! I am also looking forward to May and seeing what kind of trouble I can get into in my studio!!
Well done. That is a huge job but well worth it.
All the best for the wedding. Very exciting!
Thanks Karen. It is a good feeling to have it all done. We just had dinner with our kids to start the wedding weekend festivities. We are super excited about it!!