This post started because of Dresdens…I was getting ready to start stitching these Soul Blossom Dresdens when I decided I wanted to add in some Daisy Chain and Love Dresdens as well…
When I went to find some of the other Amy Butler fabrics I realized I hadn’t cut up the scraps from my last project. Cutting up the scraps after finishing a project is something that really saves time, helps me to keep my stash organized, and also helps me in accumulating a fabric stash for scrap quilts. While I can’t resist all the wonderful new fabrics, I truly want to make the best use of my scraps and hope to make several quilts just from scraps this year. I cut these left-overs into 5″ squares, 2 ½″ strips, 1 ½″ strips, and even had a couple of strings left over!
While I was at it, I decided to work on cutting up some of my other scraps so they are ready to go. The Strawberry Fields fabrics above are left over from my last Fig Tree Sewing. I absolutely love these fabrics and wanted to save every bit. I was able to cut a few charm squares, but the majority of the scraps are 3″ by 10″ pieces left over from Layer Cake squares. I cut and trimmed them all so they are ready to use.
Then I arranged them all neatly to place into a project box. I should be able to make a table runner or topper with these.
I saved the “string” pieces, too. This is a line I really love, and I already have an idea for these pieces. They’ll go into a plastic bag until I’m ready to use them.
I also cut up the scraps from this quilt. There weren’t a lot of scraps actually…the pattern makes terrific use of a layer cake. But I do have quite a few smaller squares left that might make really cute Christmas potholders for next year. I had a few border/binding scraps as well…combined with a charm pack this just might make a table runner, too. These will also go into a project box for now.
I’ve found that it’s most effective for me to cut out several things at one time; I use this method with cutting up scraps, too. I’ll wait until I have 3 or 4 projects completed to cut up their scraps.
Oh…and the winner of Jackie’s wonderful fabric bundle is Tamera…I’ll be sending you an e-mail Tamera! I’m hoping to get lots of sewing done…I have four days off from the part-time day job, so lots of sewing is on order this weekend! (I’m also trying to clean out my in-box as well…so if you’ve left a blog comment/question I’ll be answering soon)! Have a wonderful weekend!
Stephanie says
Daisy Chain and Soul Blossoms are both so pretty in dresdens. I've done both. You have lots of pretty fabric to play with. Looking forward to seeing your projects. Have a great weekend.
karenfae says
these are wonderful sets of fabric – I love how you are making the most of all of your pieces – I really need to get busy and organize my scraps so I can go through them quickly and find what I need.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/
Michele says
You are so organized! I never thought of cutting up my scraps like that. So you just cut them up into "precut" sizes? I may try that 🙂 I didn't know you have a part time day job……you get so much beautiful sewing done 🙂 Impressive 🙂
Mary on Lake Pulaski says
I'm definitely considering your method of handling scraps Sherri! And I think added other AB to the Soul Blossom Dresden's will be very pretty.
CJ says
Good idea to take care of the scraps like that. I usually just wad all the scraps up into a ball and stuff them in my closet. :0
I have done differently with the Origins FQ Bundle I bought in the fall. I cut it up into 2 layer cakes, a charm bundle and then just used some of the scraps for these placemats I am making. While I cut the scraps I made 2.5" (or maybe 2")strips and I STILL have some scraps! I can see your method is much more efficient when the next project comes along. 😉
sewmeow says
Great idea to cut up the scraps like that and them ready to GO!
Will be anxious to see your Dresden with those beautiful fabrics.
Jackie says
I like to cut my scraps up as I go too. I have gotten a little bit behind. I need to work on using the scraps though! 🙂
amy smart says
I am so excited to get a look at that Strawberry Fields. It looks so Cath Kidston-y. Right up my alley!
Tiffany Sherman says
Sherri, Thank you for this post! It motivated me to go back and cut all my scraps so they're ready to use. Right now they're an overwhelming mess!!
Shelley says
Organization is the key! Love the stack of Strawberry Fields..so fresh and springy 🙂
Mama Pea says
I am trying to get into this habit now every time I finish a project. I tried digging into my scrap bag and cutting those up, too. But it's so overwhelming. I think if I just work forward from here, I might be better off! 🙂
PamKittyMorning says
I love all your pretty piles of fabrics. Joannas look dreamy, and the others so colorful and cheery.
Hi! My name is erica. Would you be my friend? says
I really love the Soul Blossoms line…incredibly so. I'm also loving your strawberry fields. What sort of things have you done with your 1.5" scraps? I save them, but I have no ideas.
My 'security word' is colon. I believe that's the first real word Ive gotten, and what a word it is…
a little bit biased says
Great ideas Sherri. Thanks for sharing. I should probably go through my scraps and cut them up into specific sizes. Thanks for the inspiration.
Amber
Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie says
Love using all my scraps, even for the smallest of projects. Your scraps will be waiting in perfect sizes.
Magnolia Bay Quilts says
You're so efficient! And even the pictures of your scraps are inspiring! Love all the fabrics lines you've been working with.
Carol says
What pretty fabrics and all so nicely organized. What great ideas!
Terriaw says
This is such a great way to keep your scrap stash under control. Everything is so usable too. I have a bad habit of either reshelving my leftover fabrics or throwing the scraps in a plastic bin, which can be so hard to keep track of. Must be why I'm not very good at using my scraps, so I take great inspiration from you today!
Amanda Murphy says
Your organizational ideas are so inspiring!
Farah Muzaffar says
Hello I came first time and happy to got you… your fabrics are beautiful and how organized your style is. inspirational… I am your new follower
Hope you would like to spare a little bit of your time for my new post, its something different I hope you enjoyed
http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
Love
Farah
Sherryl says
I LOVE the idea of cutting up my scraps! Duh! Why didn't I think of that?? How do you decide what size to cut them?? Any recommendations on a good rule of thumb for this? Anybody, andybody? Also, forgive my ignorance, what constitutes a "string" piece? Love you – love your blog. 🙂
sunshdws@yahoo.com
Anita says
Hi, love your blog and your great idea for cutting up scraps! I'm trying to devise of a way to organize my scraps like yours and wanted to know what your "string" pieces are? What do you use them for? Thanks for the great tips!