I cut all my scraps into usable sizes, 5″ and 2-1/2″ squares. I decided on this because I seem to use these the most and these sizes will still allow me to use these as applique scraps.
I thought a lot about this and knew I would have a considerable amount of waste. But what’s even more wasteful is the fact that I’d collected all these scraps and wouldn’t even open the bin because it was so unorganized and overflowing. It was too overwhelming to go through. At least now I can see what I have.
I bought a container at Joann’s but ideally I want to make a trip to the Container Store for a better one because I think I would prefer to not only have the squares organized by size but also color. If I need a red square for applique, I would know exactly where it is. But this will have to do for now.
Someone told me once to save all of my extra bindings and if I was to ever make a scrap quilt, I could just sew them all together. You wouldn’t believe how many strips of those I had.
And if there is any doubt that a scrap quilt can be amazingly awesome, just check out the one my mom made from her scraps a few years ago.
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February 1, 2011 at 6:17 am
Shelley
I love a new neat and tidy organizer bin :) Beautiful quilt by your mom!
February 1, 2011 at 6:24 am
Janet
You are the best organizer Lorrie!! I think I will need help again this summer!! Never did get to my closet like I so planned after you helped me with the other two!!
February 1, 2011 at 6:54 am
Gail Lewis
Lorrie I know that it was agonizing to throw some scraps away,but your new organized pieces will now be so much more useful. I have 2 drawers with binding scraps and that is a great idea about putting them together as a scrappy binding !Your mother’s quilt is gorgeous,I guess that I had better start collecting more scraps !
February 1, 2011 at 8:03 am
Sonia
Your Mum’s quilt is amazing I love triangles and appreciate how difficult they are to sew, the applique is so beautiful too. I like how you have organized your scraps, I know how daunting it is when you look at disorganized scraps, yours looks inviting like you want to go through them (love the orange dot fabric).
February 1, 2011 at 9:27 am
Lorrie
Janet, I’d be happy to help with another closet. Last time was fun!
February 1, 2011 at 9:38 am
theworkingcaregiver
I think the snow is getting to you! If you run out of things to organize please feel free to come to my house! So glad to know someone so organized yet it makes me feel really bad! Love the quilts!
February 1, 2011 at 9:39 am
Jeanne
Well, I am truly impressed! I know that took a long time to do because I started on mine scrap pile doing the same thing and gave it up. I will get back to mine as you have encouraged me.
Mom’s quilt is FAB! It’s probably one of her favorites and to think it was all made from scraps that some throw away!
February 1, 2011 at 9:57 am
Kate
Oh, Lorrie, aren’t you well organised and what a Good Idea!
You don’t fancy a holiday in the UK do you, then you can do mine LOL.
I’ve found several scrap patterns that I like and am just about to start trying one. Trouble is it’s templates and not rotary cutting so I shall have to think.
Mum’s quilt is fun and I like the contrast of HSTs and the floral border. Brilliant.
February 1, 2011 at 10:33 am
Pattiann H. (Bouncypoodle)
Lorrie…Wow what a difference from your scrap pile trailing across your sewing room floor! Kudos to you! I personally have been cutting my scraps down to 2 1/2 inch sqs, and saving them for a scrappy quilt. Never thought of turning the bigger pieces into charm sqs! Hmmm now my scrap bag sorting doesn’t sound so daughting!
February 2, 2011 at 12:56 pm
mimi'sdarlins
Lorrie, I am impressed at your scraps organization, it’s amazing! My scraps are ‘sort of’ organized, but they’re not all in one place, so not the perfect plan. Thanks for sharing…maybe it’ll inspire me :-)
I love your mom’s quilt, what an absolutely gorgeous piece of work…it must have taken a long time to complete it!