I do a LOT of scrap quilting, and I've got some pet peeves... Feel free to disregard my opinions, but I feel very moved to share my scrapping experience and my quilting philosophies today.
Some people only save scraps that are 1/8th of a yard or larger. Kudos to these people for being so discerning! Hopefully, you have scrappy friends and will share your schnitzels (non-uniform pieces that are'too small' for you to use).
For those of you who save those schnitzels to use "some day,' I implore you to scrap responsibly! What do I mean by that? Here are my guidelines.
• For the truly thrifty, miniscule scraps can be used as stuffing. This might be going too far for most people, but if you cannot abide ANY waste, just be sure to use your storage space as a check/balance system, like the precuts.
My system is very easy, and makes scrappy quilts go together VERY quickly. (Honestly, who doesn't love the luxury of precuts!?!!) It also ensures that your sewing space is not over run by the chaos of unruly scraps. You are taxed on the square footage in your house, and it's a shame to pay taxes on space that is unusable because it is full of rubble you aren't using. Another advantage of precut scraps is how well the fabric holds up when it is stored without creases. Whether you like my system or not, I hope you can find a way to scrap responsibly!
Some people only save scraps that are 1/8th of a yard or larger. Kudos to these people for being so discerning! Hopefully, you have scrappy friends and will share your schnitzels (non-uniform pieces that are'too small' for you to use).
For those of you who save those schnitzels to use "some day,' I implore you to scrap responsibly! What do I mean by that? Here are my guidelines.
- Have a plan. Choose 3-5 sizes and shapes that you find yourself using time and time again in all of your favorite books. For me, this is jelly roll strips, charm pack squares, and half square triangles that will play with the jelly rolls and the charm packs. That means 2.5"x40" strips, 2.5x2.5" squares, and 2 7/8" squares. I also collect random width strips ranging from 1 1/4"-3" , any length.
• For the truly thrifty, miniscule scraps can be used as stuffing. This might be going too far for most people, but if you cannot abide ANY waste, just be sure to use your storage space as a check/balance system, like the precuts.
My system is very easy, and makes scrappy quilts go together VERY quickly. (Honestly, who doesn't love the luxury of precuts!?!!) It also ensures that your sewing space is not over run by the chaos of unruly scraps. You are taxed on the square footage in your house, and it's a shame to pay taxes on space that is unusable because it is full of rubble you aren't using. Another advantage of precut scraps is how well the fabric holds up when it is stored without creases. Whether you like my system or not, I hope you can find a way to scrap responsibly!
Tomorrow, I need to finish my little paper piecing wall hanging because I started it three weeks ago. My next priority will be to use up the rest of the stuffing, because the storage space for stuffing has overflowed by 100%. And then, if I can stand to face more piecing, it will be time to empty the storage space for the 2 7/8ths" squares. Happy Quilting, friends!!!