I have decided to embark on a new method of scrap control.
(Is their really such a thing as scrap control?)
I don't know, but I hope this is a step in the right direction.
The idea is that after a project is complete, I must use the scraps right away.
No saving and holding them for future projects.
I decided to do this because I have come to realize that when I save scraps for some future, unknown use, I start to feel really bogged down by them after awhile. No matter what form of organization I use, I just feel weighted down my those small, (and seemingly light weight) bits of fabric.
I feel guilty and wasteful if I throw them out, and resentful of their demand that I DO something with them. And finding a place to store and organize them
is just a continued drain of time that I would rather spend sewing.
So... why not just make something out of them right away?
A fun little activity that keeps my creative juices going, while cleaning up my scraps seems like a great way to transition from one project to another.
And so here are three little scrap quilts, made from the left over bits of my last project.
I'm calling them "Harvest 1, 2 and 3" which seems fitting to me.
Hoping that this new method proves workable and more enjoyable to me then collecting my scraps in boxes, bins and baskets as previously done. So far, it feels like a win-win!
What forms of scrap control have any of you found helpful? Feel free to share in the comments!
"Harvest #1" and "Harvest #2"are both listed in my Etsy shop if you would like any further info. Links can be found below.
One advantage of your idea is that the color palettes are already worked out. The partner disadvantage is that you are limited to that palette.
ReplyDeleteI try to cut in squares and rectangles as I finish projects and store the pieces by size and value. Meanwhile I have a backlog to cut and store. The pieces less than 1 1/2 inch get tossed into the crumb jar for improv fabric later.
I got caught up answering your question and forgot to say how much I like your set of three and the vase.
ReplyDeleteYour quilts are always so beautiful, and these little wall hangings made from the scraps are also very pretty. I have bags of tiny scraps that I like to use for tiny collages that I make into cards. But I must confess that I hoard them for long periods of time. I just recently gave up some fabric that wasn't quite me, but too good to throw out. I most likely acquired the fabric by buying a bag of someones scraps. I did feel much more organized once I decided to purge my stash of fabric that I'd likely never use, and didn't have any of the guilt since I gave the fabric away.
ReplyDeleteI think you have found the Holy Grail of fabric scraps control. I adore your idea and finished projects of making such great quiltlets. Creative Scraps Bliss...
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea! You get rid of scraps and you have coordinating quilts as well. I do several things with my scraps -- use some for strings, others for baby quilts, and lots get cut up in my die cutter. whatever is left after that goes into the dog bed bag. I can't play with my yardage either if I had fun scraps lying around.
ReplyDeleteA great idea. I really need to take it and make it my own!
ReplyDeleteWonderful pieces, just beautiful!
glen
Классно!
ReplyDeleteI have started doing this. Each scrap project gets smaller...table runner, smaller table rip inner small piece, mug rugs. And I don't limit myself to just the original scraps. I add other fabrics as appropriate. But there still are scraps. With this thinking I'm starting to have a few baskets by the machine on the floor. Just need more time. Any recommendations?
ReplyDeleteNo matter when (if) I’d use my scraps…they’d never be utilized as well as yours…..fabulous…love the colors/design elements/quilting motif…..well…..just everything about these pieces!
ReplyDeleteNice work there. I like your method of scrap control. xox
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea Victoria! And, being pragmatist, they make great mini quilts for people that love the original quilt but couldn't afford to purchase it. I really love these, and they look so good as a group too.
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I finish a project I cut up any leftovers into squares or strips (doesn't matter what size), anything that doesn't fit that shape gets binned (and they're usually tiny pieces). I don't have masses of them - and I certainly don't feel the need to collect stuff by the bolt-full just to stroke it every now and again! Like you, I'd much rather use it up and be less encumbered by it.
I do this myself. I think there is something quite empowering about using stuff up. It helps with creativity and at the same time frees you up to create more. A win, win situation.
ReplyDeleteThanks to each of you for the kind feedback and sharing your scrap busting ways.
ReplyDeleteChristine, I am right where you are... no other recommendations that I can think of!
I think it's fair to say, we all love our fabrics and don't want anything to go to waste, which is so commendable. The trick is finding the right fit for each of our own personal ways of working. One where we feel in control of our scraps and not the other way around!
Up till now I have just shoved every scrap into plastic bags but this is not a good system, just lack of organisation (or laziness, depending on how you look at it). I feel inspired to take control!
ReplyDeleteOh, I loved this colour palette, it reminds me of crocuses.
Blog stalker here. Hardly ever leave a comment for you. But, I must say what a great use of scraps! So fun! My latest method for dealing with scraps is saving them for a friend who makes doggie beds for rescue/shelter dogs. She donates the beds that she stuffs with scraps. Not a lovely quilt, but not trash either!
ReplyDeleteKaja, I love crocuses! Great color association!
ReplyDeleteSharon, so happy that you shared here, thank you! And what a great idea to donate scraps for dog beds, love it and never would have thought of it!
Wonderful! I really love your quilts. Simple yet beautiful. I adore your idea and finished projects of making such great quilt. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty vignette these all make with that vase! (I'm having a great lunch time surfing more quilters' blogs.) As you say, and as in so many points in the quilting realm, there is no one right way to deal with scraps, as it's all very personal. I love what you're doing with yours! At this point in time, I occasionally benefit from having a broad collection of scraps to "shop" in when I need just the right fabric for elements here and there, and I know that I'll continue enjoying the ability to do so. So I add my scraps into the general pool (which is currently organized into 8 bins). But I do have an entire storage room for my own use, so it's not oppressive, unsightly, or in the way to have those. Without that storage room, I'd be far more ambivalent about keeping so much at hand. Also, I really look forward to making some future scrappy beauties, and those will require a comprehensive scrap collection.
ReplyDeleteThank Reclaimed and Lynette. And yes, a whole room to store would be most helpful!
ReplyDelete