I have received several comments about my scrap quilts. For me, scrap quilts are by far the most interesting and the most fun to make. I feel they most closely resemble the quilts that the early prairie pioneers made–which is where my roots are. Quilts were made for a purpose – to stay warm – made from scraps of material used to make clothing and made from recycled clothing – there was no waste. The idea that you would begin making a quilt by going to the store to buy half a dozen coordinating fabrics from a designer’s line was non existent.
I collect patterns that I think are suited to scrap quilts. Sources of inspiration are the internet, quilt shows, show and tell at guild night, etc. As I finish a project, I “catalogue” the pieces that are left over. Large pieces are stored in covered Rubbermaid bins, organized by colour. Smaller pieces are cut into useful pieces–strips of various widths, squares, or recently rectangles. Scraps that don’t fit into one of these categories go into a drawer by colour for later use in crumb or crazy quilts.
I think of these pre-cut pieces as quilt “seeds”. The part I like the least in the quilting process is the cutting out of the pieces. If I keep my fabric cut as I go along, the worst part of the process is over. My bins are already full of quilt pieces ready to be assembled. (This could be why I have so many UFOs–they sit on the shelves and tempt me to try something new!)
Recently, I went through my stash and culled some of the larger pieces that I didn’t seem to have used for a very long time. These pieces brought new life to my scrap stash.
Thanks for sharing! I love how your stuff looks so neat. :o)
Wow, and I thought I was organized!!! Actually the cutting of the fabric is my favorite part!
How wonderfully organised – all set up and ready to go whenever the urge takes you :o)
Your organizing system is similar to mine.
I like the idea of “quilt seeds!”
Jeanne
It’s interesting to hear someone else’s system for sorting “quiting seeds”
Quilting seeds is a very apt description, Norma! Very well organized and is similiar to what I do with some of my cut stuff. I just don’t have near as many.
I no longer have a scrap bag as I don’t want to have to spend 3-4 days cutting through it again as I did early this year. Deal with the leftovers when I am cutting and kitting—and plan the next scrappy quilt.
Can I come sew in your sewing room? I like to cut 2-3 scrappy quilts out all at once if I am pulling yardage. But – my scrap bin is growing! I like how you have it broken down into smaller containers by color – good thought.
Cheers!
Evelyn
More organized scraps! I’m beginning to make scrap quilts but my scraps are a mess. Thanks for the inspiration!
Norma, I think you just explained the having and using of scraps as well as I have ever heard it described!! Thank You!
It’s a great system and re-sparks my need to get mine under control again.
I’ve always just stacked the larger pieces back on the shelves, but I like your container idea. I am already using that for the smaller cut pieces. And an excellent point you make about going through the stash and culling some of the larger pieces to add variety to the scraps you’re using…great job! Hugs, Finn
You’re very organized. I want to precut some fabric myself as I start to get my stash in shape to move. Scrap quilts are my favorite too!
That’s impressive!
Any time you want to come to Memphis and organize ME, just let me know!
Quilt seeds! Perfect – I love it!!! Love your blog will be back to visit again!