How do you deal with leftover scraps? My design wall today is devoted to leftovers.
https://smallquiltsanddollquilts.blogspot.com/
My first task this week is getting the binding hand stitched to the Scrappy Irish Chain quilt, and to a doll quilt - both are totally made with scraps, except the backing for the Irish Chain quilt.
Leftover binding goes into a couple of shallow little drawers, and periodically I find just the perfect one to finish something else. There was a big roll of purple polka dot binding in that drawer that was just perfect for the Irish Chain quilt. It was originally prepped for something else and I didn't like the color next to the quilt, so it went into the drawer. Now there is only about 14" left - just enough to use in some future string blocks.
The pink/grey/white doll quilt is ALL leftovers - backing, binding, batting - and the front was an orphan block left from a previous quilt with a border added to make it a little larger so it can wrap around a stuffed animal or doll for donation.
One day last week I was looking for my pinking shears (unsuccessfully), but came across this little stack of 2.5 x 4.5" purple and white pieces, and the 2.5" purple squares. These were also leftovers from a previous quilt, but for some reason were in the bottom of a drawer in the desk my sewing machine sits on. Hmmm - why did I put them there? I have no idea!
There were just enough of them to make this 16" square doll quilt. (The squares went into the 2.5" square bin for another day.) Again - batting, backing, and binding are all leftovers, finally put to use. I bought a small soft squishy baby doll for $5 at Walmart, and she's currently all wrapped up in this quilt, ready to give away to some little one.
When I trimmed off excess backing from the Irish Chain quilt on Sunday, I cut part of it into 3.5" strips, and then squares. Paired up with some aqua and pink squares (also scraps) this will make a nice little doll quilt too. And these won't go back into the scrap bins. Yay!!
most of the time all the leftover scraps go right back into the bins and boxes and are eventually used in other projects. I have way to many and I seriously doubt the scraps will ever be used up-there are two boxes of scraps I haven't even gone though in years.
ReplyDeleteIt's always interesting to read how other quiltmakers deal with leftovers and orphans!
ReplyDeleteI haven't gotten into doll quilts but I see the true benefit for our scraps. I've had an idea I'll pass through my guild in hopes that we might find a place to send that size of small quilt. It would be a great way to use a bunch of tiny (1.5") squares I have that I wouldn't normally use. I've quit cutting that size as I have a great collection already. Lucky you to find a perfect binding for your quilt.
ReplyDeleteNearly all of my scraps are red, white, blue and will eventually find their way into a scrappy Quilt of Valor. The tiny quilt(s) are cute and will bring great joy to a child.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun doll quilt that last fabric photo will make. Where do you donate those?
ReplyDeleteThat pink and aqua quilt is going to be adorable.
ReplyDeleteI made a decision to take my scraps and cut them into 5 inch and 2 1/2 inch squares....not for projects though, but to bundle and sell in my booth.
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