Hello and happy New Year! I can’t believe the first day of 2020 is officially here. 2019 was an incredibly busy but good year for our family. I’m hoping that 2020 follows along the same lines but with a little more free time for spending time with family and friends! I had something else I was planning on posting today, but I came up with this the other day and couldn’t wait to share it with you! So today I’m introducing Scraps-Along: 12 Months of Scrappy Challenges! I’ve done different pattern quilt along and sew along blog events over the years, but what I’ve really been wanting to do is focus on scraps and stash sewing.
Scraps-Along: 12 Months of Scrappy Challenges
So the other night as this idea was forming, I took out a piece of paper and mapped out the whole year of challenges. Each challenge will have two components: a scrap sewing challenge and a scrap organization challenge. You are free to participate in one or both of the challenges each month. And there will be a prize awarded each month to one person in each category.
Scraps-Along 2020 January Challenge
The Scraps-Along 2020 January Challenge is going to be a Jelly Roll challenge. I decided to start with Jelly Rolls not only because I love Jelly Roll sewing for scrap quilts but also because I’ve started to accumulate quite a collection of 2 ½″ strip scraps that I’ve cut from project leftovers.
Jelly Roll Challenge Goals
The purpose of this month’s jelly roll challenge is three-fold: first, to help you organize your jelly rolls and 2 ½″ strips; second, to help you sort and purge if necessary; and third to choose and begin a project with some of these scraps and stash fabrics.
1. Gather
You’ll want to begin by gathering all of your Jelly Roll strips and 2 ½″ strips into one place. I have jelly rolls in several different places in my sewing room right now and also have a variety of boxes with Jelly Roll Strips from different fabric collections and designers. I also have lots of low-volume Jelly Roll strips.
2. Sort & Purge
Decide which Jelly Rolls and 2 ½″ strips you can’t do without. And also look for some Jelly Rolls and strips you might want to sell or donate. If you’re happy with your collection as is, then you won’t need to worry about this step.
3. Choose a Project
At this point it’s time to choose a project to make with one of your Jelly Rolls, with 2 ½″ strips, or any combination of the two AND/OR to choose an organizing project with your strips. Pick a pattern you have already made and love, or try something new. The goal is to start a project with fabric that you already have. If you decide to go the organizing route you might decide to create a new storage system for your Jelly Rolls and strips or you might come up with a way to keep track of your inventory. The choice is yours. At the end of the month the goal is to be more organized and to have a plan to use some of your stash.
Ideas for Jelly Roll Projects
Here are some ideas if you’re looking for an easy-to-sew Jelly Roll project:
- Get some Jelly Roll quilt inspiration and links to other posts on Jelly Roll tips and tricks here. Find the Moda All-Stars On a Roll Jelly Roll quilt book here.
- Get more ideas for scrap quilts from Jelly Roll strips from this post.
- Dreamin’ is one of my favorite easy Jelly Roll quilts to make.
- I also love Patchwork Garden 2 for a quick Jelly Roll quilt.
- And Beachcomber is another of my Jelly Roll quilt patterns.
Entering the Scraps-Along January Challenge
Ready, set, go…I’d love to know in the comments section if you are interested in participating. Or, you can also send me an email. Or you can just join in without committing. But either way, you won’t need to “sign up” to participate. Work on your idea throughout the month of January, and send in your entry by the final day of the month. You can email a before and after picture, send a finished picture of your project, or simply email with details about your project (photos are suggested; however, not required). Around the first of February I’ll share the entries and winners and announce the February project. I think this is going to be great fun!
Thank you so much for stopping by on the first day of the New Year. I look forward to sewing the Scraps-Along challenges with you throughout the year with you. Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions about anything that is unclear or that I might have left out. Happy quilting!
Linda Menkes says
Sounds like fun! I’m hoping to be able to participate. Thank you for doing this!
Kim says
I’m already thinking of my organization plan!
Pamela Meyers Arbour says
This really sounds like a good plan. I am hoping to follow along.
Sherry V says
This sounds like fun……I don’t have a lot of jelly rolls, but I do cut a lot of 2 1/2″ strips from leftover fabrics. I have started a scrap quilt using them.
Susan Smith says
I love this idea—a perfect start to organizing and making for 2020! I’m in!
Liz M says
Thanks for the inspiration; I’ve got a jelly roll and a charity quilt to make, not sure I’ll have it done this month, but at least I now have a plan!
Bambi Pearson says
Looking forward to this challenge. I need to start making things instead of just collecting-lol.
Kipi says
No one needs organizing incentive more than I do, so I plan on joining in!
Virginia A. Marien says
Love the idea of this challenge and plan to participate.Thank you for the great idea.
Beth E says
I am going to give this a try!
Diane Melish says
I’m in. Can’t wait to get started
Mary Jo says
Great idea! We all have so many scraps! This will be fun! Thank you❤️❤️
Teresa Evenhouse says
What an awesome plan to start the year! Thx for all your ideas!
Renee Hussman says
Sounds fun! I’m in! Thanks for organizing these challenges!
Renee
Janet G says
I’m in! I’ve only been sewing/quilting for a year so I don’t have much stash yet, but I do have some messy piles of scraps. I’ve been reading your older posts about scrap organization and am totally going to jump in on that too. Very exciting!
T Holzer says
Happy New Year, Sherri!! Yep, I plan on joining in. I don’t have many jelly roll strips, but I will use up what I have in storage. Thanks so much and I’m excited to see what people make.
Loraine Jarman says
I can’t wait to start. I completed last years blocks but top not done. I’m been wanting to do something with my jello rolls and this month it is
So glad for your blog. I love it.
Hildy says
It sounds like a fun challenge and I know I have some leftover jelly roll stripes from the September sew-along. Now I just need to find the right pattern for about half a jelly roll.
Susan G. says
Yes, Thank you! Sounds like fun. Looking forward to participating!
G says
Best foot forward in 2020. Just the free form project to start on the right foot! Thank you for the challenge.
Gayle Shumaker says
Sounds like fun but due to back issues my time sewing is extremely limited and finishing a quilt for my oldest grandson is a priority. I will be working on organizing my strips.
Ann says
Great way to begin 2020 and reduce my stash! Can’t wait to see pictures at January’s end.
Ann Almeida says
Great way to begin 2020 and reduce my stash! Can’t wait to see pictures at January’s end.
Jackie W. says
I love the sound of this challenge. I have just recently begun to organize my fabric so this will be a big help. Plus it will be fun.
Martha O. says
Planning to participate as I have several gift quilts to make and fabrics on my shelves to use; thanks!
Brenda Shippy says
I was hoping to work on my stash this year, so this great!
Brenda says
Sounds like a great idea! I would think about joining in, but I don’t sew with many jelly rolls. Now if you do a month with layer cakes, I’ll be there joining in with the fun!
Donna Cummings says
Can’t even call my room a sewing room. I knowI my machine is in there somewhere.. Looking forward to organizing tips.
Susan G. says
Yes, very much looking forward to participating! Thank you for the much needed motivation.
Jean Farrington says
I’m in! Making an end of the bed runner called Serene Strips!
Margaret says
I love this idea! It sounds like a lot of fun!
Donna F says
thank-you for doing this and not requiring pictures or doing it on “social” media. I am in. I have so much fabric to organize. This might help. I hope to see something on panels. Mom has needed extra help in the past few months, nothing major, but I am not home much to get caught up on with my Fall cleaning.
Happy Quilting
Dorothy says
Thanks for giving us the “push”. I think organizing will be a help to me 🙂
Janice says
Count me in! Even if I do not show you what I’m doing, this IS inspiring me to get started! I’m heading for my stash now to see what I can start with.. Don’t forget that we can even cut a strip or three from our fabric stash to round out those orphan strips, and use what we have.
Carrie Doty says
What a great idea!
Kathleen King says
Exciting! I’m in.
Barbara Winkler says
I just finished going through my 2.5″ strips and sorted by colors. Amazing to see how many strips I had I now have several containers and drawers filled. But, now when I need a color, it will be easier to find. I also have one with all patriotic for my Quilts of Valor.
LeAnn says
I’m in!!! Heading up to my sewing room right now to start digging through my strips! This is a really fun and exciting challenge. Thanks for sharing the great idea Sherri.
Juls says
Yes! I’m in! My leftover jelly strips have been vexing, and this is just the push I need to get them out of banishment and into usefulness. All my other fabric is neatly folded and shelved by color. Jelly strips seem to crawl right off the shelves. A bit of pondering, and I have figured a different storage method to try. If it doesn’t work, I will try something else. It is such a waste to just stuff them into a bag! They quickly disappear into the “out of sight, out of mind” category.
Bobbie Z. says
Organizing and quilting for 2020…… Count me in on these challenges. It sounds like it will be loads of fun and we may share all of our ideas. What a wonderful idea, Sherri!
Lisa says
I’ve only been quilting for 6 months so my stash is still growing ? but as for the challenges I love this idea. Thank you so much and Happy New Year to everyone.
Peggy says
Hope to be in each month. January will be great bc I have plenty of jelly rolls. On a side note could you please darken your font. These eyes just strain to see Thank you!
Cheryl McKinney says
I am going to try and get this going, I love a challenge
Sarah Bouck says
Sounds fun.
Cara says
Thanks for this Sew-along!
Kristi says
This is a great idea. Sherri! I hope to participate!
Jane Graham says
Sounds like fun. I’m in, my grandson wants a quilt for his room and this could be just the thing for him.
Cindy says
Your scraps along challenge sounds like fun and it’s just what I’ve needed! Jadahlgr at yahoo dot com
Gloria B. says
Bash the stash in 2020. Count me in!
Barbara says
This is great! For several months now I have been planning to focus on using up the scraps or fabrics I already have in my stash this year. And I have plenty! I’m looking forward to the projects and ideas each month!
Jill Currie says
This is a brilliant idea. I shall follow along here in the UK. I have two big plastic boxes of 2.5 inch strips that I have cut up from scraps and leftovers. This is just the incentive I need to use some of them up. Thank you, Sherri.
Suz says
Thankfully jellyrolls are not one of my problem areas… however I shall watch with interest throughout the year.
Sherry says
I love this idea, I have a jelly roll Christmas quilt all gathered and ready to go. Thanks for the motivation to do it now and I look forward to doing some organizing.
Maria says
Sherri, what a terrific idea! Yes I’m in also. Need to use the scraps ??
Jo Barr says
Wow this is perfecting timing for me. My new years goal was to organize and use my stash and scraps this year. Looking forward to this scraps along.
Kay Welch says
Oh this is going to be so much fun! And help get us more organized too. I love making scrap quilts, but my scraps aren’t as organized as I need them to be. In addition to my own scraps, word got out at my guild that I love scraps, and I have received several big bags of various scraps. Mostly R,W,&B for QOV quilts. Those I got fairly organized, and then received another big bag of scraps. Organizing my stash & scraps is one of my goals for 2020. I also have a goal of making at least 12 quilts in 2020. Your challenge came along at just the right time. Thanks and Happy New Year!
Melinda says
I’m in!!
Kim says
By chance I started a 2.5” strip scrap project today because my bin of strips was overflowing. Then I stumbled on your challenge, so perfect timing! I have several sewing goals for 2020 and making scrap quilts to manage my scrap overflow is one of them. I’ll send a picture later on in the month.
Laura says
I am excited to be a part of this scrapbusting challenge.
Kristen says
Perfect timing! I’ve been realizing that I need to make things with fabric I have, and I have no shortage of left over jelly roll strips.
Heather says
Sounds good! (Amonf all my other quilty goals for the year, if course!)
Margaret Hawley says
I am totally in!
Kelly Montgomery says
This sounds like a good idea. I am hoping I can do it!
Susan the Farm Quilter says
I’m in!! I have a double jelly roll that has aged probably 10 years!! Time for it to become something!!
Petunia says
I’m in! I get more done with deadlines. Haha! Thanks for the plan. ?
Debbie says
So excited for this! I just tripped over a scrap pile of mostly jelly rolls today. Really need the organizing tips!
Rosemary Barron says
I love this … We are moving in about 3 weeks … escrow closes on our home but I will do my darndest to play and sew along.
Kathy Gist says
I love this idea! I am hoping to do some organizing of my sewing room so this will be a boost for me!
Sandhya says
Exactly what I need. I will join and try to do as much as I can. I don’t have jelly rolls or any pre cuts but have loads of fabric by the meter. Most is sorted by colour . I will cut some jelly roll strips in first 5 days and the start on a project .
Thank you for thinking of this wonderful idea.
Janice M Cronkright says
I am in. Like Susan I have some jelly rolls that have aged with time and need to be used. My color ways have returned to the Federal Blues once again and am excited about using them.
Connie Lindstrand says
I have an unfinished jelly roll project that you have inspired me to dig out and and get done!
Connie Lindstrand says
I have an unfinished jelly roll project that you have inspired me to get out and get done!
Suzanne says
Just saw your sew along on Instagram. Sounds like fun! Count me in. ?♀️?❣️
Ruth says
I like challenges. This will be fun. I’m in!
Jane says
I’m in! I love the idea of focusing on scraps. One of my goals this year is to update my scrap storage system, so this is a perfect way to get started ??
Lynda Eickhoff says
I have not been quilting for very long and already have an abundance of scraps and stash. I love this challenge and I hope to participate. Thanks for the inspiration.
Angie May says
Looking forward to this. I have jelly rolls and extra strips all around. I definitely need organization.
Tina says
i am excited to give these challenges a try
Heather M. Martin says
Thanks so much for the opportunity to participate in this! I am excited to see how people use their scraps and jelly rolls. I am always interested in having a stash of patterns to try.
Carol says
This is going to be fun! I don’t have a ton of jelly roll strips but enough for a project. I think I am going to use your string tutorial. Can’t wait to get started. Love your blog!
Lissa Rogers says
This is a GREAT idea! At the top of my list is finishing the 2nd half of the Sunday Best Quilt Along. But before I tackle anything I need to get my sewing room tidied up. Thanks, Sherri! This is just what I need! Happy New Year❤️?
Leanna Perry says
I would love to participate,going to give it a try. Thank you!”
Nancy says
I am all in. I have lots of strips as that is usually the quilts I make.
Donna V says
I’m along for the ride. Am not sure how much I’ll accomplish in January, just because I’m finishing up the Sunday best quilt top! But, will do my best to come up with something. That “block of the week” was fun.
Colleen says
I’m in! This SAL will help me get my fabric collection organized and I love your scrappy quilts sew jumping in.
Carol says
I plan on participating. I love the idea of using up my scraps all year long!
Kathleen S says
I plan on participating , need to finish some projects and reduce my scraps. Will you send other monthly challenges by email?
sherri McConnell says
I will post them each month on the blog. But you have a great idea…perhaps I should set up an email list just for the challenges. I will work on that for next month.
Rebecca Burch says
That sounds super fun! Thanks!
Kathleen says
Just what I need!
Kathleen says
Will we be emailed each month with next challenge?
Donna says
I am interested!
Lois says
Sounds fun. Thanks for the kick start.
Sarah says
Thank you so much for doing this. I had made a resolution to tame scraps and sew from my stash this year. I appreciate not having to be on social media to get info. Also the seeing some of the pattern possibilities got my ideas flowing. I was sorting strings just last night. Your timing is perfect! I am in.
Carol says
Sherri: when you sort your scraps, how small are the smallest pieces you keep? I have a large shopping bag full of scraps & I think much of it can be used for scrap 9 patches etc., even strings?
sherri McConnell says
Hi Carol! I think you should save what you’re willing to sew. I do save strings and squares 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ for postage stamp projects.
Sheri Hendricks says
Thank yoy. Its sounds fun and productive.
Jennifer Williams says
Hmm…I do have a couple of jelly roll quilt projects set aside that I need to get done. And I have scraps, too. But I think I’ll work on the quilt for the challenge since my entire sewing room needs better organization.
CyndyL says
Count me in, don’t have many jelly rolls but plenty of 2 1/2 in strips cut from left over fabric. I am planning on using some as binding for a 2″ scrap block quilt I just finished. Now I need to sort them out by color, thanks for the insperation to do this.
Jane says
This sounds fun. I’m in. I have lots of scraps and strips. Thanks for doing this.
lynn bourgeois says
You are going to have lots of company as you scrap along this year. I’m a scrappy quilter so I’ll check in each month for both support and inspiration.
Barb Keith says
I will give this a go
Monica Kostak says
I’m in. We have had some changes in our lives in the past few months. I need to pick up and get back into the swing of things. I didn’t buy any fabric over the holidays sales and had intentions of working with what i have this year and last years UFO’s will become this years. Great idea..and this will be a new motivation. Thank you
Linda Bobbitt says
I’m in hope to ge myself organized this year
Julie Barnum says
What a great challenge! Looking forward to sewing my stash this year! Count me in!
Carrie Doty says
Count me in! You have really really motivated me to finally finish a Jelly Roll Rug that is not finished with about 25 other UFO’s In my tall stacks of plastic project boxes
Julie says
Sounds good to me! I need more organization in my life and in my sewing room.
Debra Rolfe says
This sounds like fun! I am looking forward to participating.
Emma Boswood says
Happy New year. I would love to join in. Sounds great.
Mary says
Thanks for the challenge
Diane Saive says
I am in.
Sandy HammondCavasher says
I have decide to try to use all my scraps up before I buy any more material. Just finished a patriotic quilt 60 by 72 using my reds, white and blues. Now I’m working on a batik charm quilt. Hopefully my bolt of white I have will help me not buy any background fabric. I read about a quilter who used up over 70% of her scraps last year and that is my goal. Enjoying quilting
Mary Fitzgibbons says
Oooh. I want to play! I have spent the fall getting control of my scraps, and want to start using them in 2020. I think I’ll make some log cabin blocks with my 2.5” strips. I love Sherri’s videos on using the log cabin trim tools. I can use them!
Missy Reynolds says
Thank you so much for this challenge. I have desperately tried to organize my scraps. Have them sorted by color, cut into strips, squares and in separate bins. I have so many ideas on how to use them that it feels like I’m stuck in a maze of rabbit holes. I decided to tackle all my Christmas scraps. I cut them into usable 2.5” strips to make a Scrappy Trip Around the World following Woodbery Way’s instructions. I cut the remaining pieces into charm and 2.5” squares for another time. I hope to have a completed quilt by the end of the month! Thank you!!
Nikki says
I’m totally in! I can’t wait to start this challenge, I’m overrun with scraps. I’’m going to start on this challenge today!
Cheryl Brightman says
I cant wait to get involved
Ang says
I’m in! I have a jelly roll that is dying to be used! I’ve only had it for 7 years or longer …lol!! Time for a transformation! Thx for the idea!!
Sandy Cole says
Finished a quilt top using a Kaffe jelly roll yesterday! Then used leftovers from the strips to make a second quilt! Thanks for the inspiration, Sherri! 2020 off to a good start!
Mary C says
I am in….starting a jelly roll rug today!
Cheryl says
Great idea! I have a bunch of jelly rolls and need to make something. I have to say I have an older jelly roll book that I used to make my elderly neighbor a quilt after her husband passed away 3 weeks after they moved to their daughters in the Santa Cruz area from McKinleyville (near Eureka, CA) where I live. My husband and I fed them dinner for the last month or so they were next door. The husband had developed pulmonary fibrosis and got bad very quickly. The last night before the family was moving, we took them dinner and sat and listened to their stories of WWII, how they met, why they immigrated, about their parents and then there was much crying as we said goodbye, knowing we would probably not see them again.
We were so lucky to have a younger couple move in, we were a bit judgmental, with the husband having multiple tattoos, but then we gradually got to know them and now they are close friend/neighbors. We take them food and fed them dinner when the mom fractured her spine over Christmas 2 years ago sledding with the kids. She was just getting ready to start her final semester of nursing school. We told them we would have dinner at 6:00 p.m. every night for 2 weeks. It was so funny, after the first few days, they would have the door open with arms out for what they knew was going to be a yummy meal with a yummy dessert!
Why am I going on and on about this, oh yeah, when I think of jelly rolls, I think of that quilt I made May those many years ago. I cherish what we learned from that elderly couple about taking care of our home/yard AND what we learned about marriage from them.
Shirley says
I love this idea!!!!! I’m ready to start….
Antoinette Vitrano says
I’d love to try both! Thanks for this opportunity.
Mary says
I love this idea. I do alot of scrap quilting but I am anxious for new ideas and motivation.
Gwyn says
I have a jelly roll strip quilt I’m finishing with big stitch quilting. I’m not sure I will get it done by the end of the month, but your challenge is a good motivator
Rebecca Burch says
I’m in, in, in! This sounds like tons of fun! Where we send/post our finishes? Or do we?
Juli says
Excited to join in the challenge
Sue Greene says
I’m going to try! At the least, I will organize my jelly rolls and donate those I won’t use!