I am thrilled to be a participant in the Blog Hop celebrating the new book No Scrap Left Behind. This book, written by Amanda Jean Nyberg of Crazy Mom Quilts, is an excellent book. The second book for Amanda Jean, she includes 16 projects which are sure to inspire you to pull out your scrap bins and start creating. You might be familiar with her first book which she co-authored with Cheryl Arkinson, Sunday Morning Quilts. I have that one as well and love them both!
Amanda Jean is the queen of scrappy quilting – if you are not already familiar with her work, please check out her blog. This blog was one of the first ones I discovered back when blogging was becoming such a resource for information and tutorials. I remember one of the first quilts I made was based on her (free) pattern, Fair and Square. Since then, I have been a loyal follower who has learned an incredible amount by reading Amanda Jean’s blog.
Back to the book, I ordered this just as soon as it was released. After reading through it, I was pleased to find out the quilts were divided into sections. Some quilts use strings, some use squares and others, triangles. There is also a section on tiny bits and pieces where she outlines the methods to made adorable pin cushions. (Next to her scrappy quilts, I think Amanda is known for her deep affection for pin cushions and polka dots!) Another facet of the book is Amanda’s explanation of color with some of the projects. She designed quilts that are great examples of projects using different scales, or sizes, of pieces as well as a broad selection of color and value. The explanation of fabric and color selection is clearly written and very helpful. She gives several ideas for alternate ways to make the projects which enables the reader to find just the right project.
Looking through the book, I was tempted by several different patterns. For the purposes of this hop, I chose to make the Ring Me quilt. I love the effect of the stripped piecing and the open, solid background. Trying to stick with using my stash, I chose to use a gray background. I had a large piece of Bella solid in Graphite and love the depth it gives the quilt.
I must admit, I was overly confident when I told Amanda that I would be able to get the quilt top finished for the hop. It looked so simple when I looked at the pattern. And it is simple! But oh my gosh, it is a fair amount of piecing going on there! Losing just over a week to my Vermont trip earlier this month didn’t help matters either. For a few days I tried to push myself toward a finish but I (thankfully) decided to slow down and just share my progress for this post. I really like how this is coming along and didn’t want to hurry it and end up with a lesser finish.
For now, progress shots will have to do. Like I said, the pattern is quite simple. I strip pieced the colorful rings around the solid gray blocks. The only trouble I had was the strips are prone to stretching. When using scraps, they are cut every which way and not always with the grain of the fabric. Attaching the two strips to the top and bottom of the block was fine. The problem seemed to occur when I added the background squares to the pieced strips. I think I am too careless with the iron and you know what those rock star quilters are always preaching, “press, don’t iron”. I was ironing and it stretched the strips and I would end up with corners that don’t quite line up. For the most part, I don’t think the lack of precision there will really matter. The overall effect is still going to be good. Once I realized the problem, I started to watch this part of the process and be more careful with the iron. This is helping and my precision is improving.
Finally, I love the exercise in color this quilt provides. As I grouped strips and stitched them together, it was satisfying to try different colors together. As I have mentioned in prior posts, color can give me trouble at times. This was a nice side benefit to this project. At any rate, I love the quilt so far and should finish it up soon. You can expect another post when I have a finish to share!
As part of the hop, we were also asked to share our scrap sorting and storage methods with you. Being a fairly organized person, I do have all sorts of scraps sorted and stored. My scraps that are less than say the size of a fat eighth, are sorted by color and kept in shoebox size bins. Each are labeled by color which probably isn’t entirely necessary since I can basically see through the bin enough to know what is in there. The shoe box size is really not big enough and currently my blue and green bins hardly close since they are just bursting with scrap. My solid scraps, of all colors, are kept in a separate tub. Until this project, the solids tub was overflowing. It will close now but still, it is quite full. Do you see the large zip lok bag between the print and solid scraps? That contains my extra bits and pieces of improv or ‘made’ fabric. These are left over trimmings from improv projects and certainly couldn’t be tossed!
This isn’t all though, nope not by a long shot. I also have zip lok bags for squares. When I am cutting and happen to remember, I will cut my scraps into squares. I cut charms (5″ squares) as well as 3 1/2″, 3″, 2 1/2″ squares. Those are just stacked by size and kept in a bag. Well, except for the charms, which are kept in a box and marked. Trimmings from flying geese blocks, you know, those tiny HST’s, are in their own bag too. Finally, I keep holiday fabric scraps in their own (very large) bag.
Reviewing all of this, I am not sure whether it is the sign of a very organized quilter or someone who may end up on the reality TV show, Hoarders. Is this a problem — is an intervention needed??? Will I ever use these bits and pieces? I hope so and having both of Amanda’s books, Sunday Morning Quilts and No Scrap Left Behind, should help me use them.
Do you have a similar problem? Are you a scrap hoarder like the rest of us? The first step is always admitting the problem, right? The second step is to win this book! C&T Publishing and Amanda Jean have offered a giveaway for each blog on the hop. If the giveaway is won by a USA participant, they will receive a paper copy. International winners will receive an e-book. Either way, this is an excellent book to add to your library!! To enter the giveaway, please share your scrap busting habits or your scrap storing and sorting methods. Help us out here. Some of us are drowning in scraps. Help! For an extra entry follow me on Instagram, Facebook or the blog and then let me know how you follow. The giveaway will be open through the weekend and a winner will be selected Monday morning, May 1st. Good luck!
NOTE: this giveaway is not closed. Thanks to everyone for participating!
There are many more chances to enter the giveaway to win a copy of this book! Here is the schedule for the hop. I hope you will check out the other projects and interpretations of the quilts in this book. You will surely be inspired.
Note: There are affiliate links in this post, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small payment as part of the sale.
I have a bad habit of underestimating how long it takes me to sew a quilt top together and I have far too many scraps which can cause me to feell frustrated and overwhelmed. I started giving away bundles of scraps that I no longer loved to people just starting to quilt; its a win-win situation! (I’m not sure if I’ll ever solve my other issue) Your top looks great and your scraps are wonderfully organized!
I follow your blog. Thanks for this opportunity. Wendy
I organize my cut scraps by color. My advice would be to cut the scraps for a project as you are finishing with that cutting of the project. For example, if I have a long narrow scrap after cutting I immediately cut this into a useable “string”. My fabric strings are hanging on the slightly sticky pant hangers from the dry cleaners.
My smallest scraps, less than 2 inches square, I keep in a zip lock bag. If there is enough to fold, I put the rest of the scraps in a stack and in a clear bag. I do try to use up bigger scraps on backings so there isn’t an endless bunch of stuff lying around. Thanks for a chance in your giveaway!
I try really hard to cut up my scraps as fast as I can. I have a go cutter that really helps. I sort by size not color. That seems to work well for me. I love the gray you chose.
I follow by email.
I guess I just need a real system on dealing with my scraps. One minute I am going to throw them out, good luck with that, never do and just end up putting them out of site!! Help!
I always end up with leftover fabric when finished cutting for a quilt. I take any scraps I have and fold them inside the yardage left and put all in stacks on shelf. Anything smaller gets folded and put into FQ box by color. ndfromsd at g mail dot com
I sort my fabric scraps by color in plastic bins. I cut them into the required size as I need them. I use anything from a one inch square on up as these tiny pieces can work well in small string quilt blocks. I like your idea of having all solids together.
I always look through my sorted-by-color scrap boxes first before I pull anything from my stash. It probably helps to do this but I still manage to have more scrap accumulation after every project!
Ugh. I have scraps all over the place including a giant tub. Not organized by color, mostly not organized by size or shape. Work to do.
I sort smaller scraps by color in two scrapbook paper bins, and then my larger cuts (cutoffs from backings, fat quarters, etc.) go in their own scrapbook paper bin. I have a separate bag for strings narrower than 2 inches wide.
I follow your blog and follow you on Instagram.
I love your progress so far…it looks so complicated, but glad to hear it is fairly simple. You also are so organized with your scraps!
I have a big bin under my cutting table and any scraps that aren’t big enough to go back into stash go in there. Every so often I will haul it out and sort and cut, mostly into 2 1/2″ squares, but it would be better if I sorted straight into coloured bins. Even better, if I made the bins like Amanda Jean, it would also use up some of the scraps!
My scraps are sorted by size & color. I have bins for the smaller bits & strips. Then the larger bits are sorted by color in a large tub with stacked trays. I also keep the super tiny bits in baggies, which I think makes me more of a fabric hoarder than most! I just can’t let go! (post about it all on my blog if you’re interested) Really like your ring quilt with the gray background. It makes the color pop!
Looks like a wonderful book! After cutting out for a quilt. I put the smaller pieces in qt size storage plastic zip-lock bags, the larger pieces go into a plastic container with top-still haven’t sorted by color yet-next to be done on my scrap control! Thank you, Susan
I follow your blog!
Because I don’t have a dedicated sewing room at the moment, my scraps are a haphazard mess. I keep HST in a pile, Bonnie & Camille scraps are in a little bin, white background scraps are piled on top of the B&C bin, and the rest are folded into remaining yardage right now. Those may or may not be stored by color, depending on when I bought them and whether or not I can access the proper color bin at the moment (basement is a construction zone and where the sewing room is being slowly built). I need help! LOL!
I store my fabric in 3 Ikea tall cabinets; 2 with glass front doors and a doorless corner cabinet in-between. It is mostly filled with yardage of all types. My scraps only get 3 of the corner cabinet spaces and there is no organization in those! The scraps from my first 2 quilts can not fit in there so those scraps are in boxes. I have recently come to the realization that I need more space (or I need to use the yardage) and I have to organize my scraps so I can see them better and use them more often!
I’m glad you chose to show us your progress! You have a great quilt top in the making! I give away a lot of my scraps. I keep a small box for each color and any overflow goes into the ‘give’ pile. It’s not hard to keep myself disciplined because I live in a small house 🙂 Thank you for participating in the blog hop and giveaway!
I love your version of Ring Me with the gray background! That’s going to be so pretty, and such a great use for little pieces. I’ve been sorting my scraps by color into bins much like yours and it works well for me! Thanks for the great giveaway!
I followed by Facebook and Instagram. I am Judy in Michigan. We have been using all kinds of scraps from our Quilts of Valor that we have been making for over 3 years. Our group loves strings and have made quite a few quilts using them for centers of stars and chevrons. I have my fingers crossed to win this super book. Your quilt will be awesome…just get busy and it will be done in a flash!!
I follow you on Bloglovin and Instagram!
I am not an organized person when it comes to fabric scraps. I ‘try’ to sort by size. I have little plastic bins for the sizes but I have a large stack that needs to be cut and sorted. Sigh. I love blog hops. I get to visit blogs I didn’t know existed. I had sort of gotten away from visiting blogs as so many were slowing switching to FB. Anyway, I am glad I visited and I will be back. pam
I use zip top bags to store scrap fabric. This book sounds so cool!!!! angielovesgary2 atgmail dotcom
I invited my sisters over on my birthday and we sorted all my scraps by color and put them in clear bins.
I follow your blog by email.
I have just been stuffing my scraps in old popcorn tins. They barely close now, so I know it’s time to start a system and cut them up into sizes that I would use regularly, as Bonnie Hunter has suggested. That’s on my list of things to do, but creating more scraps is always more fun. Hopefully that will begin this summer.
My favorite use for scraps is making monochromatic wonky log cabin blocks. I can use tiny pieces in the middle and bigger ones as I work my way out. I often make them just for fun or when I have just a short amount of time to sew. Before long I will have a good stack and get inspired to make them into a quilt.
I follow your blog on my blogger dashboard/GFC.
I sort my scraps in shoe box size containers, by size not color, strips & squares. I sort some of the larger scraps by color. I love your quilt. Thank you for the giveaway.
I should sort my scraps, but for right now they are in one big bin except for strips and selvages which are in smaller bin. I love using scraps for zipper pouches and minis!
Bernie, your quilt is looking amazing! I am so glad that you went with the gray background. the colors really pop! Plus, you won’t need to worry about stray threads showing through a white background. hurray!!! I’m so glad that you decided to slow down and enjoy the process rather than rushing through to finish on time. it’s going to be a stunner of a quilt! thank you so much for being a part of the blog tour. oh! and thanks for sharing your organization methods, too. they look great! I don’t think you are anywhere near going on to the show hoarders. (I’m sure that they would stop by at my place first. hahah!)
We do scrap bag swaps at our quilt guild. That way I can purge scraps that I’ve seen too many times and get fresh ones. We each bring a quart size bag to the meeting and dump into a rubbermade tote.. mix them all up and rebag them. Everyone goes home with something new.
I really don’t have much of a method for scraps just bins. Would like to try the cutting of squares and charms to make them more usable. Love your quilts.
My only system is to put them all in a bin and sort when needed. I don’t make as many scraps projects as I’d like. I think my system will become more sophisticated as I do.
Great post & love your Ring Me Quilt, especially the Graphite background. Thanks for the reminder of pressing not ironing, as the pieces are not cut on the grain. I don’t have allot of scraps, but do have lots of tiny hst, which I haven’t known what to use for. I am now thinking of using them for pincushions!
Following your Blog
Saddly, I don’t have a storage method. I’m hoping to use some of the suggestions from the blog hop and get things under control.
Thanks for sharing your project. I love Amanda Jean’s work.
Hi Bernie! I store my scraps in ziplock bags segregated by color – I tend to put all the scraps from one project in one bag until the quilt is actually finished just in case i need them. I try and make up a label for the quilt using the scraps too!
I follow you on instagram!
I have two large laundry basket spelling over with scraps and do not know what to do with them, I need this book.
I have been a stripper for a long time. I cut up my scrap fabrics into layer cakes and then charm squares and then strips. I use salad boxes to store different widths of strips and different sized squares . These are my go to first when I want to make a mystery quilt block or quilt along. I have recently developed a passion for string quilts. Then all different widths can be used up. Following on Facebook.
I just started a plastic box system for a couple of collections of fabric–fat quarters of certain colorways I have projects in mind for. Other than that, it’s ziploc bags and cardboard boxes–I’m at the beginning here and just starting to determine what works!
I keep some scraps in chunks and toss them in a bin, I like to do some applique and I would prefer to use scraps for some of that rather than buying new fabric. I cut some of my scraps into strips and squares, too.
I tried pre cutting my scraps but haven’t used them yet, so I stopped doing that. Right now, most everything is stored by color in bins that will hardly close: Red/orange, yellow/green, blue/turqoise/aqua, purple/pink, and neutrals/low volume backgrounds. I’ve been working on a few scrap projects and have been dismayed to find that they aren’t getting any smaller!
Thanks for sharing your problems with “pressing” I know I’m guilty as well and will try to improve those skills. There’s always something more to learn with quilting!
Scrap busting? I’m not sure I know how to do that!!! Two boxes, one Large and one Small scraps and the floor to sort on! I think I might need some help!!
I always think I should organize my scraps. But when I start sorting, I get distracted, then end up sewing.
I “try” to make a regular habit of chopping up my scraps into usable sizes. I cut long strips into 1 1/2″, 2″,2 1/2″, and 3 1/2″ widths, and then make squares of the same dimensions of the smaller bits. I don’t have them organized by color as I really do like a scrappy look!
I’ve only ever sorted by color and size, but now I’d like to separate out the solids.
I follow via Instagram. Thanks for sharing an awesome giveaway!
I sort my scraps by color, and always have pieces available for appliqué.
I follow you on Instagram.
I am definitely a scrapaholic! I’ve saved so many scraps over the years. I’d love to use Amanda Jean’s book to put a dent in my scrap problem 🙂
I separate my non reproduction scraps by colour, plus have a box of novelty scraps and reproduction scraps. Anything I cut/trim are then sorted by size as I trim them, but I still keep the novelty and reproductions separate from the non repros.
I wish I had a savvy method for storing scraps but, alas, I don’t. Depending on the size I put pieces back with their original fat quarters, but I have a half-bushel basket of strings (what a jumbled mess) and another box with pieces thrown in. I must say, though, that most of what I consider scraps are 2″ or under. If it’s larger than that, it definitely goes back with its original piece of fabric (unless there isn’t any larger piece left and then it does become a scrap). I’m hoping seeing everyone else’s scrap storing methods in this blog hop will help me! Thanks for participating in the blog hop, for sharing your beautiful quilt-to-be, and for offering the giveaway.
I never know what to do with my scraps! So far my best scrap projects are pillows.
I get overwhelmed by too many scraps plus I have a small sewing room. I will make string quilts along the way and when I have enough blocks, make a quilt to donate to sone charity.
I follow you on Instagram.
I try to use my scraps in paper piecing projects!
I’m afraid I’m not at all qualified to advise anyone how to use up their scraps. No matter how hard I try to use mine up, my drawers are overflowing! Sigh.
I guffawed over “Hoarders”. ? Yes I am a scrap hoarder.
I think your quilt looks amazing. I tend to be an ironer linstead of a presser also.
I have Amanda’s book on my Amazon wishlist and would be so happy to win the book! I have my scraps in plastic bins sorted by color and yesterday (because I had leftover HSTs) started a new “pile” for sorting based on shapes. I think I’ll store those in a basket.
I am more lazy when it comes to scraps. Two bags. One for donate and one for eventual scrappy projects. 2 scrap vortex quilts, numerous pin cushions and a stack of “made” fabric.
I forgot to say, I am SO Impressed that you are Amanda’s blog hop for the book. I love her blog also and especially her generosity, her humor, and her kindness. I love watching you grow Bernie – good going, girl!
Follow you through Crazy Mom Quilts. Just diving (more like slipping into the pool by degrees) into the bedlam of quilting. I’m attempting to cut scraps into the largest strip they will provide, then work my way down the size scale with that piece. I’m sorting by color, all sizes together, stacked. Thanks for all your ideas. I’m anxious to add this book to my shelf!
I guess my problem is how do you define scraps. If I cut them into sizable units then they are not scraps. My scraps are pieces that I trim off of quilt backings, or trim off excess when binding, pieces that are less than an inch strip and just the left over from cutting odd shapes. The rest get cut into strips or usable strips. So my scraps are really thrown into a bag and passed on. Would like the book to use my usable fabric.
My sorting system is pretty much the same, only my boxes are not quite as filled (yet). I also have an extra bag for Christmas fabric… and one for triangles… and one for HST… and a jar full of really tiny snippets to be used in mini paper piecing…
I wish I had the nerve for cutting squares in advance. I don’t like the cutting, I cut as I go on sewing, the sewing is so much more fun?
I think some of your readers need to get together! Nena needs to have Jan’s sister over on her birthday to sort scraps. (It would be funny if they lived near each other!) Seriously, I keep scraps ironed and folded in their yardage or neatly stacked in a cabinet. What a great giveaway! I recently borrowed Amanda Jean’s inspiring first book from the library. Share the love, and ask your library to get both books! I follow Needle & Foot on your blog and on Facebook.
I sort my scraps by strip size in clear plastic shoe boxes. Squares in another box.
Following with FB.
Your quilt is lovely! I enjoy scrap quilts so much. I am currently making a quilt of 1.5″ squares and I have a small tumbler quilt in progress too. I sort out scraps every now and then. Small scraps get make into 1/2″ hexagons, slightly bigger ones into 1.5″ squares and tumblers.
I’m right there with you struggling with scrap management! I have a bunch of ziplock bags for leftover precuts and an overflowing bin of everything else. Looking forward to learning better methods and hopefully using them up in fun projects!
I follow you on instragram (@cristinalovescrafts )
I have only been sewing for a month. I keep my scraps in a small tote. But plan on using them to make kennel mats for the local cat & dog rescue. I follow you on instagram.
If a scrap is big enough to wrap around a comic book board, I do that, since visibility is better. I sort smaller pieces by color into bins. I got lucky and found some Container Store bins that fit perfectly into Container Store baskets, but they no longer carry them.
I added your blog to my Feedly.
I follow on Instagram.
I throw all my scraps on one big box. This is stressful if you are trying to coordinate colors however. I store f8 and up in color coordinated clear shoe boxes, and a few with themes, like reproductions, ECT. Not to worry as I regularly empty the box on my sister so its not too big a mess! Thanks for the chance!
Love your quilt! I follow you on instagram?
I organize scraps mostly by color, in shoebox sized plastic boxes. I may soon have to go to larger containers, though!
I sort my scraps from colors and now also after string . triangles etc.
But I try to use as much already in my backings, for other scrappy projects as pillow cases, oven gloves and other presents. After 7 quilts my scraps are only a little box, with some plans to sew them already.
I follow you on instagram. I like yozr new project!
Just started following you on instagram.
Yoir quilt is going to be beautiful! Most of my scraps are sorted by size and color. I have squares, rectangles and strips. I also have strings and crumbs. Most of my scrap storage ideas came from Bonnie Hunter. I love scrap quilts.
I fill up a fabric tote I got at Walmart with scraps, and then try to spend some time each week cutting into strips and squares. I am NOT making a dent!
I love the gray background! Thanks for the giveaway, too. I sort large scraps by color and stack them in a 9 square shelf. The smaller bits and strings are kept in glass flour jars by color on a shelf in an old glass door kitchen cabinet. Surprisingly, the larger scraps are dwindling, as I have been using them for pieced quilt backs, pouches, toddler aprons, and other smallish projects. I may need to replenish my stash!
My scraps are all thrown together in a plastic bin.
My scraps have grown from one shoe box to two, then I started precutting and storing them by size a la Lori Holt. However, who knows when I will need that particular size? And what if there aren’t enough of one color in that size? And sorting through them frays the edges… I just find that a hard way to use. I think I am going to start sorting by color like you and then cut them up as needed.
I follow your blog. Keep up the great work!
I started using more of my scraps up by knitting them into tablerunners and rugs. I could use things I maybe would not even sew with any more. It made a good dent! [email protected]
I have just recently started sorting strings that are 3/4 to 1″ for Amanda’s rug. I have made one and it is wonderful and I am using in the bathroom at the sink. I put those size strings in a shopping bag behind my chair at the sewing machine. As I get several I sew together and roll into a ball so it is ready when I am to crochet into the rug. Paula in KY
I love your quilt. It’s beautiful!
My scraps are sorted by size in big plastic bins. They seem to be taking over!
I use to keep all the scraps together until the box fell off and I was ashamed of it… So I toss all the scraps that I didn´t like or too small… now the scraps are organized by colour and 2″ squares.
Thanks
Just signed up to follow your blog. This Scraps Hop is a great way to find new people with great ideas! Now to make the time to read them!! I love making scrap stars and also doing blocks by joining all sizes of scraps in the “mile-a-minute” sewing method. It is a great way to use all those odd sizes and colors of fabric you can’t throw away!!
As I cut and sew a big project with scraps I put them all together into a pretty bowl. These all then go into a large plastic tub. When the tub starts filling up, I pick a block-usually a 6 1/2 inch or an English Paper Pieced shape and start cutting and sewing those blocks or shapes. I only separate my solids, batiks and holiday fabrics. I usually have a sew at home and several carry along hand projects at the same time.
I have a large square basket behind my sewing table very convenient to put in but filled up fast. Now with all this scrap talk I’ve been cutting similar to you. But tossing everything else it is just to over whelming to keep up with. I made a purse that was so fun! Need more inspiration to make more things with my scraps
I sort by colors in stackable bins – not too exciting but at least organized!
I follow with bloglovn
I like to cut and sort my scraps into desired sizes and a couple of favorite colorways. Other than that, I do have baggies full of tiny pieces for Bonnie Hunter’s Wonky Wishes quilt. It’s going to be a long term project. Love the grey background on your quilt. Great! Can’t wait to see Amanda’s new book.
I cut my scraps into 2 1/2 inch squares and store them in a bin. But I have so many squares now, that I am going to sort the squares by color and each color will have it’s own bin.
I have resorted to drawers in dressers. Sometimes I use bags inside the drawers. There is a bag for orange scraps. Christmas scraps are in one drawer. Yellow in another bag. Bright colors like kaffe are in another drawer. One of my guilds has a giveaway table, so that is a good idea for cleaning some of the clutter. But you end up going home with different scraps. I like your gray background with multicolored scraps.
I’m afraid that I grew up with a mom that kept everything and unless it is really big enough to use to make a square, then I actually throw it away. I’m sure my mother would die if she knew that. But there it is. I also don’t quilt all that often and so my limited stash is just 5in squares and a handful of other sizes rectangles. I try to keep all my fabric in a couple of totes and so if you are too small, goodbye.
I follow bloglovin
I love your take on this with the grey! Thank you for sharing your progress and the things you’ve learned along the way. Your quilt is going to be stunning!
I “store” most of my scraps on the back of my quilts. It gives me a chance to do some improv piecing, and I save money on backing fabric.
My children love to claim my scraps for their own projects
I have not figured put how to way store my scraps. I have some baskets of scraps organized by size. Some strips organized by color. And some squares cut and stored too. But sometimes I just want to dump them into one big bin! This book looks great. Hope I win!
I store my scraps by color, and anything smaller than a fat quarter goes into the box. I do try to cut squares and I go too.
I store my cut strips by color, my charms by size and I keep a large plastic bag by my sewing machine to throw scraps in as I sew. I love my postage stamp quilts so I start cutting my charms or strips at 1.5″. I keep a set of 1.5″ or 2.5″ charms by my sewing machine to sew as leaders and enders.
tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com
I store my scraps in plastic bags.
I cut squares and jelly roll strips. I love charms! But it takes time to press and cut, so I have bags and boxes in waiting! I love Crazy Mom books and I’d enjoy this one! Thanks. Your grey quilt is gorgeous and will be worth the wait! Beth
I sort by colour and leave scraps in whatever shape they come until I have a project that will use them.
I too have lots of tiny triangle scraps and wonder if that is a step too far! I am going to try doing ‘leaders and enders’ when I sew, as I have seen some great quilts made as ‘bonus’ quilts this way.
I try to cut the scraps into 5″, 4″, 3.5″, 3″, 2.5″ and 2″ squares. The squares are stored by size and are ready for either a scrappy pieced projects or english paper piecing hexagons!
I’m not one to keep my scraps. Gasp!? I get tiredness of looking at the fabric as o go through the project. I used to toss them, now I make a baggie full and pass them on to my friend. Thanks for the chance to win,
I don’t have a problem with scraps… I love them ALL!!! You can take a look at how I store (some of) mine in this blog post: http://thejoyfulquilter.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-decrapification-project-part-two.html
I keep my scraps pretty well organized in bins but I’m not very imaginative about using them! I’m orking on it though.
I love your quilt, Bernie! The gray background really makes the colors pop! Rilluant! I have lots of scraps and my sorting/storing system is similar to yours except that my solids are not separate from the prints. I do try to cut scraps smaller than about a fat eighth into squares so I have a large collection of squares in bins sorted by size. (The bin of 5″ squares is overflowing — I need this book!)) Thanks for the giveaway!
I follow you via Bloglovin and Instagram. Thanks for the giveaway!
I follow you on IG and your blog via email.
Love the idea of cutting the scraps to desired sizes right away and storing , then they are ready to use. Thanks Susan
After finishing a project, I try to cut my scraps into squares and strips. I save anything from 1 1/2 inch to 5 inches. I then store these into see through containers according to their size until I am ready to use them. Bigger pieces are stored into a very large container and used when needed in scrappy projects or for applique. Thank you so much for the chance to win an awesome book.
My scrap storing system has usually involved buying more plastic storage bins! Not the best idea. I may have reached the point where I have to give some away. (gasp!) Either that or sew faster. Like really, really fast…
I love progress photos. Your quilt is coming along great. I sort my scraps like your do. I have a whole lot of tiny hst units that I need to use.
I’m definitely headed for scrap hoarder! But I’m busy working on my first scrap vortex!
Alas my scrap system is a large shopping bag that i just dump them into. I think I’m on my third bag?…fourth??….yikes it may be sixth!
I cut my scraps into 2 1/2″ strips and save the leftover strings for a spider web quilt. I haven’t been quilting long, so I don’t have many scraps.
I am following you on Facebook.
Lovely project! I have bins to sort by color, and then I have a string bin – and when that gets full – it proves I need to go stitch some more!
I have plastic storage bins….need to go through and sort them….somehow?
I dump all my scraps in a large basket under my sewing table. Then I eventually sort by color and store in bins. Thanks for the giveaway
cant wait to see your quilt when it is finished. this will be very pretty. this seems like a fun book.
I sort my scraps by color and size. I also use the plastic bins like you have and they are labeled
I follow you Bloglovin and IG
I follow you on email and bloglovin
I sort it by fabric line/collection, and the rest is in a big bun I really need to go through!!!
Bernie, your Ring Me quilt looks awesome! I’m not sure I’d have the patience to put one of them together and then worry about the stretching too. Maybe I could handle it in table runner size. I don’t have a “system” for my scraps beyond storing them in a basket. They like to mingle together among their glorious colors. I don’t mind shuffling through them to find what I want. It works for now!
I am a follower ( or maybe a stalker) of yours on Bloglovin, FB, IG and love your Etsy shop too!
I love the charcoal background fabric. It makes the colors pop! I am terrible about scrap organization. I often have the scraps stuffed in a box with uncut fabric and then one day get annoyed and purge. But this book makes me want to start keeping those scraps again – scraps with a plan!
I’m loving the Ring Me quilt–I think I’ll start sewing some scraps to trim for the rings, then see what calls to me for the background. I’ve been saving scraps by size, but am transitioning to saving the smaller ones by color since I’ve seen here and there so many mostly monochromatic slab blocks that I like.
I follow on Instagram! ?
Sort scraps in plastic see thru totes that are labelled.
I used to keep,y scraps in zip loc bags but now they are in clear plastic bins. I try to keep using them up but they are reproducing faster that I can sew…
I have almost the same scrap system as you; I also use shoeboxes and sort by color. But my boxes aren’t near as full as yours.
I love the gray background in your quilt – very nice! I love scrap quilts and make them often. I make lots of donation quilts and almost all are scrap quilts. That kind of helps control the scraps at my house – I still have plenty.
I like the clear plastic bedding bags for scrap storage. They are sorted by color. I have plans to separate the solids and prints. I also have a crazy bag of stringys, not sure why. They made nice Easter basket grass
I do think string quilts are the perfect way to use scraps. They can be any size you want!
Love scrappy scraps and just beginning to figure out a way to store them. Thanks for the chance!
I just put them in baskets by color. I do organize and trim some. I try to ONLY keep scraps that I like! Thanks, Bernie for the giveaway AND your quilt is looking beauteous!
Following you via blog, Facebook and I stagram!
my scraps are kept in totes, more by size than colors, since I tend to do multicolor scrappy quilts. I do try to store them flat and stacked together in zip locks with the air squeezed out so I don’t have to press again. I hate dealing with scrap barf. But scrap quilts are my favorite. I would be bored to tears (and probably never finish) a quilt with just a few fabrics the same, repeating over and over.
I love the way the rings pop on the gray background. I have a leader Enders of 2′ squares of scraps going and it feels so good to amass a stack of sewn squares! I love your scrap storage ideas. I cut scraps along the way. If I know I will have extra fabric from a project, I first cut a 2.5 x wof strip then subcut a small number of squares and store. Once I get through the project, I run a similar exercise before moving on to the next project. It takes an hour or two but I love the clean piles of cuts ready to go as needed!
I follow you on instagram. Thank you for the giveaway!
I love your quilt. Great colors and neat pattern. As far as scraps I am in your category. I do have a thing about not throwing away small bits of fabric. I have them stored by color or shape in all kinds of different containers. I use lunchmeat boxes, scone boxes from Target and even baby wipe containers. I keep most scraps and even have boxes of bonus triangles all sewn together waiting to be used. I have a hard time actually using the small things I do sew up. I like spice jars for bitty scraps that are just pretty to look at. Hmm, think I might need to join a scrapaholic program. 🙂 Thanks for sharing today. K-
I get together with a group of ladies and we sew every Tues over the Summer and purge our scraps into Kite quilts or string quilts. Then we donate them to our local Women’s Shelter. I have a lot at the moment but it will soon disappear.
I would never have thought of dark gray as a background. It looks wonderful -the multi-colors pop against the gray. Thanks for sharing your scrap storage system.
Your version of the bright colours on the grey background is lovely Bernie. I am up to three boxes of scraps and starting on my fourth. Recently I have come to realise it’s because they are all a jumble of odd sized and irregular shapes. I keep saying I am going to sort them but never quite get around to it. Maybe I need to allocate an hour a week, better than nothing and really all the time I could concentrate for on such a boring task. Maybe I will reduce my number of boxes too, unless I get mega organised like you are.
hello,
my scraps are in clear plastic bins, I try to use them up by making charity quilts,
thanks fot the give away, I love Amanda’s quilts very much,
katelijn
It’s going to be just lovely! This must have book is on my wish list! Mother’s Day is coming! Scraps? Hmmm. Zip loc bags prevail for uncut scraps, sorted by color, and plastic baskets hold my asst. sized squares. Strips? A jumbled mess is grocery bags and wicker baskets. Great post, Bernie! XO
My hubby built me a cube storage unit where I can put plastic bins for sorting my scrap fabrics. I sort by color, but also by style of fabric.
I like your gray background fabric.
Judy
Right now, I have a bin of fabric which is sorted by color. My smaller scraps are, unfortunately, stored in a separate bag all together. I’m getting lots of great ideas from this blog hop though!
I’m following you by email and through Instagram!
I sort my scraps by color and by size. I have plastic bins larger fabric pieces sorted by predominant color — red, blue, green, etc. Then I have bins with very small scraps sorted more by size. I haven’t found the absolutely perfect way to store scraps, but for now this suffices.
Love the grey background for your quilt. Great choice!
I follow you by e-mail and on Facebook.
I also try to remember to cut my scraps into different sizes of squares as I clean up after a completed project.
I sort my scraps by size. I try to cut up left overs as I am cutting for projects into 1″, 1 1/2″, 2″, 2 1/2″, etc. and I have bins to keep them in. This has really helped me keep my sewing area clean and neat and I have been able to whip up a couple of quick projects by having these pieces already cut.
I love your organization method and think I’ll give it a try. I have all the boxes I need, I just couldn’t figure out the color sorting. “Is this one blue or gray? Brown or green?” Now I’ll keep Christmas and solids separate too regardless of their color.
I try — heavy emphasis on the word “try” — to sort scraps by color in plastic bins. I think my real problem is I just sort and store and rarely use them. I have a go-to project of string block potholders/casserole trivets and always try to have a few sets ready to give as gifts, but I’m both a hoarder and a shopaholic. I need to win “No Scrap Left Behind.” Love your Ring quilt.
I sort my scraps by size and I have squares and strips in separate bins. I wonder if I would like separating by color instead.
I follow on Facebook
After I finish a project I cut all my scraps into usable sizes the smallest being a 1 1/2″ square. If I have 12″ or more I make a strip. Smaller scraps are cut into squares. I can’t live long enough to use up my scraps.
As a fairly new quilter I don’t have many scraps. I just keep them all in a single bin. I also take the tiny scraps of fabrics I love and create “made fabric”. Thank you and Amanda Jean for the chance to win a great prize.
What a great quilt! I really like the gray background. I have a pretty small sewing room right now, so my scraps are contained in just a few bins. I first had them cut and sorted by size into shoeboxes …but I’ve used almost all of those. Now, I have one smallish plastic tote of prints and one of solids, and that’s it!
Oh scraps! If they are almost a fat quarter, I put them back into the bin with the unused fabric (sorted by color). If I have a lot of scraps from a project, I put them in the zip lock and put them in the drawer for future baby quilts. Otherwise, the smaller scraps are all jammed into a plastic bin (I don’t have anywhere near as many as you because I used to give them away). Now I save them because I started to make improv quilts and find them helpful. I also store little piles of scraps in the Christmas fabric bin, Halloween fabric bin, etc. Oh scraps!
Your quilt is pretty– can’t wait to see the finished project! Thanks for the chance to win the book!
I collect scraps from guild members. So when I first get scraps I store in large plastic containers. As time permits I go thru and sort by color and shape. Example I have a storage container just for HST ( currently use these as leners and enders) . Have containers for strips, selveges, leftover precuts and started blocks. If does not fit one of those categories sorted by color. I love looking for ways to creatively use all sorts of scraps.
I love all the bright colour scraps you used,it really makes the quilt pop. I follow your blog by email.
I store my smallish, oddly shaped scraps in a bin to use for English paper piecing. I can’t bear to toss something that I might use!
I cut squares 1.5″ upto 5″ and store them in clear tubs by size. I have other tubs that hold scraps by fabric line and others of scraps recently used so I’m rotating them. Half square triangles get pressed but not trimmed until I’m ready to use them, stored in snack or sandwich size bags. Last year i finished 4 quilts made with 90% scraps. I love them.
I love the gray as the background in the quilt. Thanks for the reminder to press and not iron. I actually sort my scraps the same way you have done. I use the plastic shoe boxes by color. I also sort larger pieces left over from my quilts in shoeboxes marked with name of the quilt. Thanks so much for the opportunity to win this awesome book.
I have so many scraps!! I try to sort them by size and color. I need to start using them because they are overflowing! This book will help!
I follow on instagram – lizahorgan
I am excited with the scrap pile I am starting to build. I think there will be plenty to make more than one scrappy project. I plan to follow you on Instagram…any minute now.
I have yardage folded on shelves, organized by color. I have some fabric cut in to strips like 1 1/2″, 2″, 2 1/2″, 3″ and those are in labeled clear plastic boxes. My fat quarters are folded into small squares and stacked in baskets so you can at a glance see what fabrics are there. Then my smallest pieces are in ziplock bags, sorted by color. Sorting them by color is the key to making use of these small scraps.
I tend to put all the scraps from each project together- typically in a Ziploc bag. That way I can see what I have and can decide on a related project with the scraps. The only exception is if I have very few scraps (but that rarely happens) and then I cut them into strips or squares and store them together.
I sort my scraps by colour in plastic shoe bins. I also separate my solid colours, and Christmas fabrics. I’m a new quilter though (~2 years) so this is working for me right now 🙂 I do love the idea of cutting the scraps into specific sizes for storage so I may try that soon. I can see that making them easier to use.
I’ve been using my scraps for small projects like Christmas ornaments and tissue holders, but I’d love to make a larger quilt with them.
Thanks for the chance to win!
Hi Bernie: I love what you are doing with this quilt. The background sets of the circles beautifully. I store my scraps in plastic shoe tubs but I throw out the little ones.
I have a bin of strips (or 2or3), clear canisters of small scraps sorted by color and a bin of triangles.
I love Amanda Jean’s ideas for using scraps. So many of the so called scrappy quilts are made with a fabric line…not truly SCRAPPY in my opinion!
I have a separate box for strips to use in strip pieced items. I try to cut my other scraps into squares to use in projects when I am ready. My scraps are saved by size, not color. I have made a decision not to save triangles cut from binding strips! I guess that size is my “too small to keep” limit. Thanks for sharing your quilt progress!
Beautiful version of this quilt pattern! My sewing room tells me that i could make good use of this book. Thanks for the opportunity!
I follow via Instagram.
Love your quilt and thanks for the tip on ironing vs. pressing. Sometimes we forget and it definitely makes a difference on smaller pieces!
Trying to stick with not buying any new fabric this year – using only what I have in my fabric stash – however, it does seem my scraps have a tendency to multiple instead of decrease – not sure why!
Hi Bernie, It’s nice to meet you via your Blog and this No Scrap Left Behind blog hop.
Loving your grey background for the rings quilt. Can’t say I’ve gone that scrappy in a quilt or smaller item. It’s truly beautiful already.
I too save those tiny HST’s, usually make pinnies or fuse ’em to a bag in the Flying Geese method, flying north:) I do appreciate your organization methodology for the scraps. Great idea’s, especially cutting the multi size squares, 5″, 3.5 and 2.5. I’m heading to my cutting board to tackle my orange scraps..my most overflowing bin!! Thank you.
Yes, I am a scrap hoarder. I use a modified Bonnie Hunter system with squares and strips sorted by size, but I have another set of boxes I call chunks which are sorted by color (please don’t ask me why I’m not consistent). I have way too many little cut off triangles that I don’t know what to do with but just can’t force myself to throw away. Marie Kondo would have a heart attack if she saw my studio.
Thanks Bernie for sharing your fabric sorting tips. I also appreciate your honesty about the problems with ironing rather than pressing. It’s good to know that it isn’t just me who has challenges with quiltmaking!
I actually have a similar system for scrap sorting, except I sort by size of scrap rather than colour. My storage boxes are also clear plastic so colours are easy to see. Smaller scraps and left over bits of blocks from other projects I keep in plastic ziplock bags. I often keep the tiniest of scraps and wonder what I will use them for but struggle to throw them out!
If I win Amanda Jean’s book I am hopeful that there will be projects that I can use all those tiny scraps in just so I don’t feel so silly for keeping them
Kerrie
I am too new (or unproductive!) to have enough scraps to seriously sort — all just piled in one container.
Love this quilt with grey!
I save everything bigger than about 1 1/2″. I have plastic baskets from the dollar store to sort by color.
I sort my scraps by color and each color is stored in a ziploc bag. The bags are kept in plastic storage boxes standing up so I can see all the colors when opening the box.
My scrap storage is kinda chaos right now, being only divided into two different buckets. I have one bucket that is all sizes/shapes/colors and another smaller bucket that is selvedges. I’m hoping to use them all though, even if my organizational methods aren’t as thorough!
I’m terrible with scraps! I try to cut my scraps into squares right away as that is the only way I have space to store them and then actually use them up!
I’ve a horrid storage problem, I do not sort and I just keep stashing fabrics. I have used the trimmings and useless bits and pieces in filler for donated pet beds I’ve made.
Love the gray background and I need to learn to ‘press’ also. I just ran over to follow you on Instgram and after this will follow your blog. I have been storing 2 1/2 ” strips, 2 1/2″ squares and 1 1/2″ strips in their own containers. Small scraps are together but larger scraps are everywhere. I hate unfolding, what I think is a fat quarter to discover it’s large scraps.
I am the person that other quilters give their scraps to and watch to see what I have done with them! So I have lots of scraps. My mom is my partner in crime in this. In her basement sewing room she has a small room off to the side that she put shelving units. On it are neatly stacked bins of fabric yardage, precuts, and UFO projects. We sort by size, color, and novelty or batik fabrics. We make lots of gifts from our scraps as well as donation quilts for our guild charities. We love books on scraps to keep us inspired and using our stash of precious fabric bits!
My scraps are sorted by color for the most part – some bags of those cut off triangles that hope to
appear in something wonderful soon – then squares in the most used sizes are all in a couple double
decker containers – love scraps always go to them first when start a project… so like your choice of
the gray for your quilt – makes the colors pop…
MaryLou
I was at a wonderful weekend workshop with Bonnie Hunter a couple of years ago. I’ve “sort of” embraced her system while still holding on to my color-sorted bins of various-sized scraps. I can not seem to make a decision of what works best for me. Pattern storing is another nightmare in and of itself! In finding Amanda Jean’s blog I feel my “collection” (ha, ha, ha…crazy talk, right?) of small to tiny bits has worth after all and NOT an obsession necessitating professional counselors!
I made “bins” out of plastic canvas and used yarn to sew the sides and bottom together. My scraps are sorted by color into each bin, which is then stored in a large 3 drawer filing cabinet. 99% of the quilts I make are scrappy, so when I start to cut for a new quilt, I just pull out a bin of one color at a time, dump it out, then cut as many pieces as I want from each color bin. So no fabric explosion happens in my sewing room and I still get a great variety of colors for my quilt! My larger pieces of fabric are also sorted by color and stored in totes in my fabric closet.
This is funny because I was just looking around at different patterns trying to find a scrappy one that I liked this past week. I don’t really have a craft room, so my fabric is stored in the laundry room in one container, not really organized at all!
Thanks for the tips. I always forget about pressing, not ironing! And your scrap storage seems very organized, certainly more so than mine and I don’t have a problem. ahem.
I use Bonnie Hunter Scrap system. I also have bonus triangles in a bin. 4 patches , 9 patches and want to do some random QST. I have been piecing those 9 patches for a few years. I have several hundred of them. My stash is in plastic tubs. I can see through. I have shoe box size bins for the scrap system. I do have an entire LARGE Rubbermaid tub of Christmas fabric???? I have made 2 Christmas quilts and have not made a dent it this tub.
Aileen in Florida
I have not been quilting long enough to have many scraps but I have begun using very large ziplock bags for scraps. I sort by size/shape mostly with solids and Christmas being separate. I try and use scraps as soon as I have enough to make a charity baby or lap quilt. Win-win.
My scraps are out of control but I can’t part with them yet because I just know I’ll make beautiful things with them! I may go to the “see-thru bin system” after seeing your pics. Thanks!
You make me feel quite quilty about my very untidy scrap box – you are so super organised. Perhaps if I moved the children out I could use their room!!
I follow your blog
i haven’t been quilting long, so i don’t yet have a lot of scraps. what i do have are all in a cardboard ikea box about the size of a shoebox. but it’s very close to overflowing, so i guess i need to start a new bin.
I really don’t have a method of scrap sorting. It is on my to do list.
That is going to be gorgeous and is such a great use of scraps. I have a lot of plastic bags and clear boxes to store my bits and pieces. No system ever seems perfect.
Bless Geoff! Scraps in one shoe box! I am a sort of Bonnie Hunter method scrap saver. I’m usually way behind and have a big box waiting to be organized into strips and squares to go into their proper clear plastic bins.
I’m just starting to accumulate scraps, so storage isn’t a problem……yet! I’ve already made several pillows from my scraps, and they provide quick gratification. Also helps avoid scrap overload.
Bernie, This quilt will be a stunner! I have a question for you, although with all these comments I realize it might not get seen. When you cut your scraps into different size squares, what determines what size squares you cut? and how many?
I’m currently in denial about how many scraps I have, lol. But reading about everyone’s methods and solutions is good inspiration to finally figure out what might work for me. Thanks for sharing your quilt and scrap system, and thanks for the giveaway chance!
Looove your Quilt in progress!! I save alllll scraps too…but try to organize by size & colors…not great at keeping up…and yours are sooooo nicely contained!! Thank you for sharing how you sort…
& Thank you for chance to win your Give-a-way too!! 😀
I also follow you thru Email, Bloglovin & Pinterest 🙂
I don’t have a system, yet. Right now they are all in a GIANT plastic bag with a zipper. When I move it I have to slide it or get my cart.
I follow you on Instagram and Facebook.
I like the gray background and your use of darks sprinkled throughout your rings. I sort my scraps by color and keep them in a plastic drawer cart. I love green so my greens have outgrown the drawer. Guess I need to make a greenery quilt and use them up. Thanks for the chance.
My scraps can get over whelming at times. I need to find more projects to use them up.
I put all of my small scraps in a hanging bag on the back of the door. When I get time–or can talk my son into doing it–I sort by color. The bigger scraps are in boxes by color. Love your quilt!
I like to make QAYG strong quilts though they don’t get rid of enough scraps! I also use plastic shoe boxes and do have some stacking going on…
I don’t have a great deal of space so my scraps are really compact. They would be easier to use if I could spread out more.
I just found you and now follow you on instagram. Love your quilt!
Bernie, I love the gray background you chose! My scrap storage is similar to yours. I have mine in slightly larger bins, and I also separate out solids and linens, and I have one bin for low volume. I am pretty disciplined about cutting my scraps into squares–5″, 3.5″ and 2.5″. Those are in a separate bin. I also keep binding scraps, tiny scraps and holiday scraps in plastic baggies in a separate bin.
I use plastic shoe boxes to store my scraps. I have the fabric organized by solids, prints, and sizes. This method helps me keep the scraps in some order.
Nearly all the quilts I make are scrap quilts so sometimes I actually have to cut bits off of a large piece of fabric to make an instant scrap!
Scrap quilts are my favorite. Vortex is one of my favorites to use up all sizes and shapes of scraps. Love your quilt. Thanks for this opportunity to win.
Amanda jean and Cheryl have helped me in my scraps, too! one of my main ways to organize my scraps is by color in large, gallon glass jars.
One way I like to use scraps is to make test blocks for a new-to-me patterns. That way, I’m less likely to end up short on my project if I have some trouble with the block. The blocks can then be turned into other projects later, either alone or with other blocks in coordinating colors.
I started some organized boxes a couple of years ago, but I need to go through all the scraps in my big basket and get them where they belong!
I have plastic chest of drawers on casters. In them I keep scraps that are smaller than fat quarters in them and I sort by color. When cutting out a project, I also cut down scraps into useful sizes such as squares, tumblers, or strips and put them in plastic boxes. I could use a book like No Scrap Left Behind to help me decide on which shapes I should be saving.
I love the choice of a grey background for your quilt. It makes all those colors just pop! It is going to turn out wonderful! My current scrap situation needs help! They all go into a paper bag at this point. I have been working on cutting usable squares (2″ and larger) as scraps join the mix. It has been really helpful to do it as I go. ; )
Lately, if I have a small piece of fabric left from a project I cut 5″ squares(charms!) and 21/2 strips. They both work for many scrappy quilts and projects. I also use smaller ones for applique projects when I embroider.
I don’t have a lot of scraps and I don’t usually keep tiny pieces!
I only cut scraps into 2.5″, 2″ or 1.5″ squares. Anything smaller than 1.5″ I toss. If it’s bigger than 2.5″ square it goes back in the cupboard. I use them in so many quilts, plus I can use them for hexie swaps!
That quilt is going to be beautiful!
I have very few scraps, but the ones that I do have are cut into whatever width string I could get (larger ones are left large) and then I pop them into small ziploc bags, one for each width. I haven’t been keeping up with that very well lately because I thought about changing the way I organize, but I think that is the best way for me, so I’ll have to have a scrap-management afternoon soon.
I am fairly new to quilting and sewing so I just have a couple of bins for scrap storage. I sort them by fabric type right now but I imagine soon I will need to sort them by color.
I keep project leftovers in baggies, and sometimes cut fabric into 5, 6, or 6.5″ squares. Really need to find a good system, but am not good at organizing.
That grey background on your quilt really highlights the colors!… Great choice!
I love scraps!!
I keep larger scraps folded in with the yardage that it came from… And smaller scraps are sorted by color, style, designer…
(Pre-cutting my scraps didn’t work well for me. Sometimes just the piece I wanted had been cut up the wrong size!)
Scrap pieces just *too* small are saved with scraps/trimmings of batting, for use in donation shelter pet beds and quilts.
Pat T.
I enjoy following you by Instagram!
Pat T.
i save 1.5 and 2.5″ squares and strips and cut charm squares. i try to cut the scrapes as i finish a project but usually are behind like now.
i follow needle and thread on fb and by email.
Your quilt is looking beautiful! I have scraps all over the place. I tried sorting them by color in those plastic rolling drawers (2 of them!) but they are full and I somehow keep making scraps!
Your quilt if going to be so beautiful with all the colors set against the gray! I have organized scraps in a somewhat confused manner,,,can’t decide between precut sizes and colors. I think I need to take all the precut pieces and sub-organize them by color but I’d just rather be sewing!
I organize by color not by piece size. What a great book!
I don’t have a storage method. Strips of all sizes are shoved in a drawer. I have the Go Big Accuquilt electric, so I am busy sorting out my scraps and unwanted fabrics according to the dies. Then, hubby will cut for me. Once that is done, the different pieces will be put into containers and charity quilts will be made.
I follow by blog. I store by color groups.
I am a brand new quilter and don’t have a system for scraps – that’s why I’m following “No Scrap Left Behind”!
I have my small scraps separated by color and stored in see through plastic boxes. I have other clear boxes that contain 2 1/2″ and 4 1/2″ strips as there are LOTS of patterns that call for those sizes. I also have a LARGE clear plastic tub that contains fabric I need to deal with. If those are big enough, I’ll cut them into strips or squares. I sew together my 1 1/2″ squares as leaders and enders when working on big projects.
I sort yardage by color and am in the process of cutting scraps into squares and strips.
I follow on Facebook. Thank you for the giveaway!
I absolutely LOVE my scraps! I sort them by size. When I get to play with my scraps that’s when I’m the happiest quilter.
I am afraid I am a very disorganized scrap saver. Attempts to cut squares or strips or sort by colour don’t seem to last very long and I go back to just throwing the scraps in a bin. I have also donated bags of scraps to a friend who belongs to a group that makes charity quilts…..that way I don’t feel so guilty 🙂
I use the clear plastic containers that Costco uses for nuts and other things. I sort scraps by color and have one for salvages.
I follow you by email newsletter.
I have a similar system. My best advice to to pass on what you don’t love and enjoy working with what you have
I sort by size into plastic boxes. I am in the process of cutting and purging my scraps now. Your quilt is awesome.
At the end of a project, I take all of the pieces parts and stack them. Then, I tie it using a string of fabric. I save them in my fabric closet. Sometimes, I will cut my scraps into squares when I think of a project using the scraps from the first project. I’m not a prolific quilter, so I don’t have a large accumulation. My wife has a huge muck bucket full of plastic bags with fabric cut into square or half-squares. She has been working on using these scraps for years!
Thank you for the opportunity to win. rush88888 at gmail dot com
I try to sort scraps by colors in large zip lock bags. I am a poor organizer, I must confess!
I just keep my scraps in ziploc bags by color. I do try to use them whenever I have opportunity so they don’t get out of control!!
Thanks for the chance to win!
I have my scraps stored in clear plastic containers or on trays ready for the next scrap quilt that inspires me.
What a great choice of background for your quilt.
I too cut square from my scraps, seems to work for me.
I sort my scraps into three categories. Strings, odd patches and squares. I then use them to make aprons, bags, quilts or whatever comes to mind. I also share my scraps if I have them kicking about for awhile.
I really don’t have any scrap organization tips. Mine are all stuffed into one bin!
I save my small scraps in Mason jars and in small totes. I follow your blog on Bloglovin.
I follow you on Instagram as wigglypup2.
I follow you on Facebook, too!
Your scrappy quilt is looking great. My scraps are not organized, but I don’t have too many…yet:)
I follow your blog.
I sort my scraps by color. I cut them in strips and squares and use them as leaders and Enders to make scrappy quilts! I love your gray background!
I have my scraps sorted by color in plastic bags. I am overwhelmed. I think they might be more useful cut in squares and strips.
Lucky you, getting to showcase one of Amanda’s patterns. I think you chose a fun one!! All those little bits of color, and then the negative space. It will be fun to see how you decide to quilt it. You are way ahead of me in scrap storage. I think my problem is that if a fat eighth is the upper measure of a scrap, most of my fabric could be labeled a scrap. I keep my “big” pieces sorted by color in 6 dresser drawers, folded and stored vertically so the edges show. The tinier bits are in fabric bins on a bookshelf in the closet, sorted by two colors, such as red/orange, green/blue. I keep separate bins for big and small solid pieces, and one for multi-colored ones. Someday all these bits will become a scrap quilt. But don’t hold your breath until that happens. Sadly, I do not pre-cut scraps into strips or squares. I should.
I follow you everywhere. (No not stalking–Instagram, Facebook, Bloglovin’ sometimes, and email.)
I try to be organized, but sometimes I slip up. I store all my yardage fabric on hanging file folders in 4 letter size and one legal size file cabinets. If it is too small to hang, I fold it and store it in a clear tote, in color order. For the really smaller scraps, I keep them in color coded zip lock bags. I try to use them up, when I get too many, but that depends on how much I am sewing and accumulating them.
Your Ring Me with gray looks great! I sort my scraps by both size and color, and do a fair amount of scrap projects. However, I think the scraps are winning! They seem to multiply faster than I can use them.
I appreciated your honesty about the stretching of the pieced blocks. I have had a similar problem because of ironing and not just pressing. Your quilt will ne beautiful once it is finished. I love the gray background. I am also a fan of Amanda’s patterns.
I have squares, bricks, and strips cut. Now to use them.
I’m not much of an organizer, but I do keep my scraps sorted by size.
Once upon a time I had all my scraps striped and sorted according to size. Then I began teaching my grandchildren to quilt and make bags and the strips got all mixed up so all the scraps are together in several big totes. Yesterday I decided to begin the overwhelming task of again sorting into size. I’ve organized 3 totes so far and honestly, all I really want to do is sew all the strips together and begin making something. Soon, I hope, soon. Thanks, love the quilt.
After I cut fabric for a specific project, I put the scraps in a big clear container and once that container is full I sort them by color. The different colored scraps are stored in clear shoe boxes and my green one is almost always full ?
Other scraps like bits from when I make binding or the bits from paper piecing I put in clear glass containers.
I am now following you on Instagram and Bloglovin ☺️
I sort Ned store by color and size.
I follow your blog
My scraps are stored in shoe boxes (not at all organized). I make a terrible mess when I pull them out and dig through them. I very recently made my first string quilt. What a great way to use up the multiplying scraps! When life gives you scraps-make a quilt!
I am no help in scrap organization, and am getting ideas on each leg of this hop. Right now, mine are in big and small bins, zip loc bags and Costco pretzel containers. It’s time to use them up!
I am amazed at the scrap storage ideas. Mine are tossed in a fairly large basket except for my leftover binding strips. When I want to play with fabric but not sew, I pull out the cutter and dies and cut into shapes. I package these up in bags and dream of what I might do with them someday. Then generally I will put them in a yard sale hoping someone else will create something wonderful with them. I do occasionally use them myself. I have made the string quilt blocks and was really surprised how nice they turned out.
I’ve been quilting for only 2 years, and have an overflowing cardboard box of scraps. My plan is to make some colourful baskets, using the scraps of course, to sort them by colour. Amanda Jean’s book, Sunday Morning Quilts, is the inspiration for this. I just need to quit starting new projects. I do make a lot of mini quilts (like one 12″ crown of thorns square) to give as gifts. The scrap box is a great source for these.
I follow you via Blogloving. I’ve quilted for over 40 years and have found the best way to keep track of & organize my scraps is to take a few hours here & there and press the scraps. Then I cut largest size down, and my scraps are: 10″ & 5″ blocks, 3.5 squares and/or strips, 2.5, 2 & 1.5 inch squares and/or strips. I keep all these in the white plastic drawers and I have several of these drawer units as I have so many cut. The beauty of this is I am always ready when I want to make a quick baby quilt, comfort quilt, or some scrappy project. I don’t sort by color, just by sizes. By doing it this way all are nicely pressed and ready to go. I make a lot of quilts, mainly scrappy, and give away 99% of what I make. Deb E / Oregon
I wish I had a method to scrap busting and sorting. Right now, they just sit in a bin and I keep adding to it!! I need one (or four) good projects to thin out the masses!! Thanks for the giveaway.
I’ve only been quilting for 3 years and I haven’t set up a scrap sorting method yet. I don’t think I have enough scraps for a scrappy-quilt yet, but that doesn’t stop me from enjoying the projects for this book. 🙂
I have my fabrics stored by color in tall cabinets which line two walls of my small sewing room–I do need to start cutting the smaller pieces by the scrap saver’s system.
My scraps are organized more by color than size.
Thanks for participating in the hop! I’ve enjoyed reading people’s methods of dealing (or not dealing) with scrap organization. I’ve been given tons of scraps and have a hard time parting with them. I have some sorted by shape and size (mostly squares and strips) and some grouped more by theme or color group – baby and child appropriate, brights, holidays, etc. I recently went through my plastic shoebox sized bins that are organized by color to pull out the smaller scraps – anything less than a fat quarter or equivalent. I started cutting them into squares, but like some other commenters, I fear that I’ll end up needing them to be something else. I just started following you on Instagram, I’m kilkennyrose.
I have my scraps sorted by color in fabric square storage boxes. A piece of poster board going diagonally in the box keeps brights and jewel tones separate. Thanks for the chance at your giveaway.
I am a new follower using RSS Feeds.
I also cut various sizes of pieces none smaller than 2″ squares and sort into designated containers.
I follow you on FB.
i organize scraps by color too and my bin is pretty full at the moment……
I organize my scraps similar to you. On one handy it is crazy to see so many of them but with them organized I find that I am using them more because they are separated by color to so some extent by type. If I have a specific quilt that I want to make I make a copy of it to put on the end of one of my project containers and add blocks to it as I finish them. Periodically check to see if I am close to enough yet.
I Sort things as strips, blocks, chunks. But none very successfully! 🙁
I organize my scraps in a separate box and would like to make a String-Quilt.
I have my smaller stash sorted by color, too. What would we do without those plastic boxes??! And by the way, the next post about your baby quilts is great, too. The quilts and the babies are adorable!!!
I sort by size – in plastic boxes!
I shove all of my scraps together into boxes as I i.e. I don’t sort 🙁 But it is fun going through to find the right piece!
Pretty quilt! And you do a great job of organizing your scraps!
What a difference the gray makes. This quilt looks like it is fun to make.
Thanks for sharing
Yes, those skinny strips can get stretchy! I make mostly scrappy projects, and I have a large stash of scraps. I mostly organize by color, size, type of fabric and sometimes usable squares.
I follow you on Instagram!
I have two boxes warm and cool colors, I do not have enough scraps to put them by color,
Oh, Bernie! I have been away from blog reading/writing for a while (darn Instsgram!) and am just seeing this post now. I was thrilled to get to take a class with Amanda Jean today, and see all of her quilts from the book. She is a gem! She mentioned that someone on her blog tour did Ring Me with a gray back ground I didn’t know that was You! Your quilt is going to be beautiful. I really love the gray. Now, I’m off to read through your posts that I missed!
Tami, thanks for letting me know about this. How wonderful it must have been to take a class with Amanda Jean. I am so jealous!! I hope you will write a post about it so we can experience it vicariously through your description! Hope all is well Tami. 🙂