In the past, I have only kept scraps that had at least one side that was 2.5". Thanks to some of the scrappy bloggers I follow, their inspiration has now caused me to change my ways.
But I am not quite ready to put those tiny scraps in my color bins. Instead I set up another scrappy system to use these small bits.
I used a couple plastic containers that previously held cookies to put together a scrappy storage system. I dug out a small mat, a 2.5" square ruler and an extra rotary cutter from my tools. Now I can collect up these small bits until I am ready to trim them into 1.5" squares (yes, it travels quite nicely!).
I try to stack the squares by color and when I get an inventory built up, I get out my design boards and lay out some 9 patch scrappy blocks - that I can now sew as a leader/ender as I work on other things.
Now all of these tiny scraps are contained and easily managed. I think to date, I have only made 15 blocks so it will be a loooong time before these will become a quilt. The design? I have no idea. And I figure if I find keeping these smaller bits isn't working for me, I can send all the bits and blocks to one of those bloggers who inspired me :)
So what is the smallest scrap you keep?
Linking Up:
22 comments:
Oh my...that's a tiny square..... 2.5 inches is the smallest I will keep.
OMG you caved!! Love it Cynthia:) We are just all so in love with fabric we can't bear to part with it, LOL You know I don't really think about the size much, I tend to keep a lot of it, but under 1.5 I think is too small. I really wonder if I will ever get to the scrap bin again!
My smallest is 1.5" and it has to be straight grain (no triangle bits).
1.5" is the smallest I keep (unless it is a string). I love to use this size to make baby quilts. My favorite to make is Snowball and 9 patch. I also like to use these 9 patches with a solid square and do some embroidery on it. I think they make really nice quilts for the babies.
1.5 inch square and 1 inch strips (strings) good luck in keeping up making blocks you will use them up for something pretty neat I'm sure
Those are definitely tiny, but also fun 9 patches! It may take awhile, but you'll come up with a great way to use them!
Great organisation Cynthia! I think 1.5" squares would be just a wee bit tiny for me, 2" would be my go to square size.
2" -- if I need some thing smaller -- cut it down from there. :-)
1.5" is the smallest--- but sometimes little strips left that are even thinner--to use for inserts...have to be in a special mood to sew those though!!
Nice system to separate those tiny bits from the regular ones...
hugs, Julierose
great idea and the first step - eat cookies
Great organization! I have my 1.5” squares in cookie tins. I should sort them better by color. Over the years I’ve used them only for some small things. But I hope to someday use them in something bigger and I like your 9-patch idea.
The smallest I save is 1.5", then: 2", 2.5", 3.5", 5" charms & 10" layer cakes. The smallest 4 are either in squares or in strips, depending on what I can cut out of the scraps I have left. It's wonderful having a variety of sizes to make quilts out of. Since I hate cutting the most, this way I can start a new quilt right away & just jump into the fun part. Deb E / CA
You are so organized! All my leftovers get sorted by color until I build up enough to do something with them. And right now, that bag is over-flowing again, and needs clearing out. Leader/ender projects require to much thought for me!
So funny, I was keeping my scraps and cutting them into 2-1/2" squares for a leaders and enders project. Decided it would drive me crazy, working with those little pieces of fabric so I gave the whole tub away. I continue to winnow down my stash to only those projects I absolutely WANT to do. I'm selling yardage and quilt blocks/kits on EBay.
A colorwash quilt was on my "want to do" list but that too has fallen by the wayside. I am beginning to think quilting is the bane of anyone with ADHD. There is always a new project or new technique to .... SQUIRREL!
That's much too small for me. 2.5in is about right for my mind to work with!
I save-strips that are 1.5 but not usually squares that small although I have been recently because I’ve been doing 9 patches for a project. I must say I do love those tiny blocks!
The narrowest strings I keep are 1" and the smallest chunk is around 1"x1.5". I use those in crumb blocks. They are sorted by color in ziplock baggies. Do you cut all your scraps into squares or rectangles, or leave some in odd shapes?
I've been known to save the tiniest of scraps but then I never use them. Your approach motivates me to get one of those tiny square rulers and cut away.
bonjour Cynthia,
I keep smaller scraps, for the appliqué.
but I'm not organized enough. I have to cut them into squares to make them easier to use. I must also buy this cute little square rule. I like your idea of a box with a window to know what you have inside.
happy quilting,
Muriel la Française
You have a good system going there. I just can't commit to that but I don't throw anything away. I keep anything less than 2-1/2 for string quilts and some projects featured in Sunday Morning Quilts. I also save the ones too narrow to sew in a bin for fabric bowls. Congratulations to you for getting a plan with 1-1/2" squares. Too small for me right now! LOL But I know you will make something fantastic with them.
Warning!!! You may get addicted to making postage stamp quilts now that you gave in! You have a good system going there. I'm not that neat. I throw all my postage stamps into those hard plastic pencil case boxes and just pick through them if I need a certain color.
I save and use strings 1 inch wide or more and smallest squares and crumbs are 1.5 square.
Have fun!
I volunteer to adopt those scrap, if you decide they are to fiddly for you! I save (and USE) all the way down to 1" squares. I absolutely LOVE sewing small!!
Post a Comment