Creative Spaces Blog Hop – Week Four – Dealing with Scraps
It’s hard to admit, but I feel like a bit of a hoarder when it comes to scraps. I struggle to throw away scraps and save even the most ridiculous amounts–even though I don’t quilt very often <— This is what makes it embarrassing to admit. I do a lot of patchwork projects and I do love to make quilts, but the level at which I save scraps does not match the amount of time spent using them. But whatever.
That said, I do have a system for saving my scraps, which I enjoy. I think it’s nice to “visit” with the fabrics as I collect and stash them. After all, it feels more like my collection.
As I cut out a project, I cut off the selvage. Yes, I hoard selvages, too. I have 5 of these containers stuffed full. I need to start a new jar. Someday, I hope to make a clever selvage quilt or several projects.
As for the scraps: It starts with a pink flower pot (vase?? I have no idea, but it’s pretty 🙂 ).
As I cut out projects, the scraps (anything 1″ square or bigger is how ridiculous it is for me-don’t judge) go into the pink flower pot. Once I’m done with a project or have the time, the sorting begins. I sort through what I’ve collected in the pink pot, decide which to keep, and press it.
If a scrap is larger than 5″ square and I don’t want it for myself, then it goes into a large bucket called “Classroom Fabrics.” These are the fabrics I use for my beginning sewing class’ student workbook swatches and projects. A good contribution.
For my personal scrap stash, these go into the color coded containers. These are cheap shoe box containers. Labeled and sorted by color. I’m not tidy though. When I search for a scrap, oftentimes the whole bin gets wadded and crammed back together — which is clear to see in this photo. Sorry, I have no time to repress and fold at the moment. [I think they call this “Keepin it Real” so there you go 🙂
When I have more time, I cut some of them into squares. Then they are sorted into sizes: 1″ 1/2″, 2″ 2 1/2″ and so on. These containers are stackable, so they work nicely on my shelves 🙂
I store my larger pieces (greater than 1/2 yard) in clear bins, separated by type and color. For instance, I have 5 bins for my cotton lycra knits: solid knits(2), striped knits (2), and floral knits. I also have containers for swimwear fabrics, denim, specialty fabrics, corduroy, and quilting cottons by color. They’re not fancy, but very functional and stored in the garage. Here’s one I’m currently working with. It contains special purchases I’ve made.
Clearly labeled as you can see. It contains fabrics 2-5 yard pieces intended for clothing. Linens, Swiss dot, poplin, lawn, rayon challis, floral chiffon, etc. It also has some fabrics I have yet to find a project worthy of their quality, my Hilco stretch poplin and Stenzo lightweight poplin floral. Those 2 have been in my collection for over a decade. Someday…maybe soon. Who knows.
So there it is. Not fancy and may not even be pretty to look at. But it’s my collection and it works for me right now. I dream of having a gorgeous studio with clever storage units and antique furniture. For now, this is my small corner of the world and I am so grateful for all my fabric.
Be sure to check the other designers’ blogs for weekely give aways. I know Cherry Blossom Quilting has one this week, as well as some amazing Grand Prizes to give away!!
See the many ways we stash and store our scraps:
Mondays
Tuesdays
Wednesdays
Thursdays
Fridays
Saturdays
Sundays