Last week, I shared the first steps I take at taming my scraps. For many quilters, setting up an initial scrap system will be all that is needed. I think just being disciplined to organize scraps as they are made and having them as accessible as possible will help to ensure you use them and that they don't become a chore.
But I have a LOT of scraps.
So I have some additional storage areas that I keep my scraps organized in.
I was lucky enough to come across some old locker baskets from a local pool. I snagged 12 to further sort my scraps. They fit perfectly on a metal storage rack I already had in my laundry room - which is right outside my sewing room. So once a smaller color bin is full above my cutting table, I will empty it in it's appropriate basket. You can see that these are all pretty much overflowing!
When I am ready to work on my RSC blocks or when I start a new scrap quilt, I like that I can just grab the color bin I need. And because I can easily see into them, I can sometimes just see a piece I can readily snag and get to cutting.
Did I mention I have a lot of scraps?!!!
I have one more level of scrap storage. These bins are the old way I used to store what I keep in the baskets. But I found them a bit difficult to use. They are smaller (so therefore they were always crammed full) and they were hard to get the drawers in and out. And when a system doesn't work well, you tend not to use it. I should also mention, these bins are in a closet down the hall and in another room from my sewing room.
Nowadays, these drawers store larger scrap chunks that I can get folded up and stored on end so I can see them. These are all pieces that are smaller than a fat quarter (I know many may consider this stash). You can see they are also organized by color.
So why all of these levels of storage?
Because I like to get the best yield out of my scraps so that means I need to use the smallest piece that works for the cut I need. So I start by looking in the bin right above my cutting station - then I move to my baskets where smaller bits and strips are kept.
If I still can't find what I need or my baskets are running low, I can look in the "chunky" bin and pull bigger pieces to backfill my scrap system. This keeps me from always grabbing the biggest piece and never getting to the smaller bits. Also, because these larger pieces are down the hall, my lazy self doesn't always want to make the trek so I tend to use what I have closest.
I should also point out, that keeping large scraps in these drawers means I CAN use them more as a stash when I want to. This makes my pocketbook happy!
And finally, when I talk about scrap storage by color, I am always asked what colors I separate by.
Black
Brown
Red
Pink
Orange
Yellow
Lime Green
Green
Turquoise/Teal
Blue
Purple
Gray
So I think I will end this second part here. I do have a few more ideas for working with scraps that I will share at a later date.
Who thinks I have a scrap problem! :)
Did you know that the Fat Quarter Shop has basic of the month deals? There are some great ones for August. Kona solids (yardage and precuts) and Aurifil Thread are 20% off.
Do you need to stock up while the price is right?!
