ironing board organized

While cleaning other parts of the room, the ironing board became a staging area for more sorting and organizing, until, it was a disaster again.

With a little perseverance and determination, and a few naps, I have my ironing board to use again. I made progress on the room, but, it is not finished. It will be there for another goal.

I  am linking to:

midweek makers 

 

wednesday wait loss

My quilt infatuation

oh scrap

room cleaning

I am still working on the room next to my sewing room.  I have unearthed more mess, and, I can see some progress. I do the cleaning dance - go through messes on the floor and sort them onto a bed or ironing board, then, go through those messes, and put them back on the floor, and repeat. Eventually, the messes finally shrink and the spot is empty.

bed

ironing board

These were built in 2019 and, now, I can reach them again.

ta da

I  am linking to:

midweek makers 

 

wednesday wait loss

My quilt infatuation

oh scrap

more blue patches

I tidied the 1 1/2 inch blue strips and separated light and dark. I pulled shorter pieces for 4 patches.

I don't really have a plan for using these cute little 4 patches. But, when I have made a gazillion, I will think of something.

60 +

I am linking to:

rsc23 super saturday
oh scrap
wednesday wait loss

blue 4 patches

 I don't need any more blue for my rainbow scrap challenge projects. So, I decided a little tidying was in order. I separated my dark and light blue chunks in the scrap drawer. I added some pieces to the 'cut or get rid' box. And, then, I found a little more room. hooray

I grabbed my blue 2 inch strips, and thought, I would sort through them for dark and light. I also, grabbed smaller pieces of strips for 4 patches and an older ufo called strip tease. I needed to find 2 matching strips in the light, and, 2 in the dark to cut for flying geese, also strip tease. After half of the bag, I was overwhelmed and put it away. There are too many. Even after taking the smaller bits, it weighed 3 pounds 10 ounces. If a pound has 3 yards, then there is nearly 12 yards of fabric in that bag, enough to make a large quilt. And if I have 9 colors of 2 inch strips........ oh my.

I sewed 4 patches forever from the small pieces, and had 75 blocks. That is disproportionally too many for the random colors quilt I plan to make. I will likely have extra.

75

I cut for flying geese - I needed 48- 2 x 3 1/2 inches

they look so innocent 

I am linking to:

rsc23 super saturday
oh scrap
wednesday wait loss

cut list progress

I decided to make a cutting hit list for scrap management. You can read about it here. It has been a month. and, I am surprised at how much I have gotten done. I made a list of what I would need to cut for a few quilts in my ufo and maybe someday lists. With a pile of scraps, I move down the list and cut what I can to fill the need for these quilts.

It went from neat and tidy stacks to zip lock bags as I cut more and more. I am not worried about numbers yet. If when I am ready to make these quilts, and I have cut too many, I can always feed the extras into the scrap users system I have used for years.

Diffusion is a quilted twins free pattern that is simple 9 patches. I am cutting in fall colors with 2 inch strips. If the scrap is not fall color, I go to another quilt on the list. I have a gallon zip lock bag full of strips. 

Suzies snowball is a a great quilt to cut with 2 inch squares when that is all that is left. The bag is full, too. At this point I could retire this one. And pick another quilt to cut. - undecided

I cut red, blue and aqua rectangles for quiltville unity quilt round 5. I need 2 inch neutral strips for a variety for the borders. I have the rectangles for the geese cut and many 2 inch strips. I can move on to cutting round 6.

Strip weave is a new small quilt that I will probably use next year for the rainbow scrap challenge. I need to cut 2 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 3 of the same size and I have a few of those cut. I am concerned about random choices.

I have a color block quilt that I am putting scraps bigger than 4 1/2 inches in black red or white  for triangles in an hour glass alternate block. I have a few of those.

 

And another new one for next years rainbow scrap challenge using a hollow nine block. I am cutting 3 1/2 inch squares. I have a big bag of them.

My overall opinion is very positive for how this is working for me. I am still enjoying the cutting, and feel more like I am moving goals forward, than, if, I just cut the usual sizes to fill the drawers. I have one or two that I am worried about, that I might not like them so scrappy when it comes to making the quilt. I like that it has added a puzzle challenge to the mundane task of cutting scraps.

I think I can say I have cut enough for unity clue 5, and, will retire that until I have a chance to sew that clue.

I am sure I have enough cut for Suzie's snowball so it will go back to the ufo list.

The rest are still active, but, I need to add some projects to the cut list.

I  am linking to:

midweek makers  

wednesday wait loss

stitch and sew

My quilt infatuation

oh scrap sunday

scrap cutting

I blogged about making a cutting hit list here. And, I am surprised at how successful it has become. I was able to add to my projects on the list, and, I had a few leftover scraps to add to the scrap users system that has served me well for many years. I have a tray of 2 1/2, 2, and 1 1/2 inch strips.

I have a tray of 3 1/2 inch strips, 2 1/2 x 4 1/2  and 2 x 3 1/2 inch rectangles. I had a few smaller pieces that became 2 1/2 and 1 1/2 inch squares.

Our apples have been falling from our old apple trees. I tried canning them in syrup with a touch of cinnamon. I am not sure why I lost all the water.  But, I am sure they will be yummy.

I  am linking to:

midweek makers  

wednesday wait loss

stitch and sew

My quilt infatuation

oh scrap sunday

quilt hit list

I am frustrated with the scrap piles again. A little bit here and a little bit there, can really add up over time. I have let a lot of time pass since the last time I have been sitting to cut scraps. I dumped all the bits into a container, and started cutting. This time, I  made a hit list. I have several projects, that I still need pieces cut to finish. When I pick up a scrap, I check to see if I could use the color in any of the projects. If so, I start cutting the sizes I need. If there is anything leftover, I cut the usual sizes, 3 1/2, 2 1/2, 2, 1 1/2 and so on. So far, There isn't much I can't use in the hit list quilts. I enjoyed the process and we will see if it confuses me too much LOL

Most of the time, I just cut biggest scrap saver sizes to smallest, and, then, I have to have to find a home for them. Most of those homes are full. This way, I am actually moving projects along. True, I probably have enough already cut in the scrap saver system, to do each quilt, but, they are already in their home, and happy, and aren't going anywhere, if I need them. I am trying to clean up the new accumulated scraps, not pulling for each quilt.

The inspiration came from a discussion at open sew about taming the scraps. My quilting friend said that she had a pile on her table that she decided was getting cut and made into patches, into a quilt, until it is all gone. I didn't want to cut to just start a new quilt, when I have so many I still want to make or finish. So, I looked through what I had and needed, and am doing the same thing. When the pile is gone, we will see if it worked and they are truly gone.

It is okra time. We tried some purple okra this year and they were yummy.

I am linking to:

TGIFF

TGIFF different     here  and here

creations

peacock party

from bolt to beauty

put your foot down

oh scrap sunday

patchwork and quilts

cleaning progress

As I am cleaning around my sewing machine, I have found scraps and more scraps from projects and messes. I cut as I go. I have an odd assortment of fabrics this way. I cut 2 1/2, 2, 1 1/2 in strips and squares. I cut bricks this time in to 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 and 2 x 3 1/2.

Now, I can change my mindset to think about the new Quiltville leader ender challenge called triple treat. and use more of my 1 1/2 inch scraps. I have been working with them for several projects, and I don't have a large supply left. Maybe, I need to try making it with 2 inch squares. I have those for sure.

I have been doing these challenges from the beginning, 2012. The first one was bow ties. I have them all cut and 207 made. I need to sew a few more. I have it in the ufo closet since 2017. Maybe, instead of starting the new one, I should pull this first one out of the dark hole. and work to finish it. hmmm

I  am linking to:

midweek makers  

wednesday wait loss

oh scrap sunday

a lifetime of scraps

This has been an eclectic scrap bucket.   Sorting this scrap bucket, I have found some fun surprises. I obviously just threw everything I wanted to clean up into the bucket at one point. I really like old blocks and feel a real urgency to rescue them. But, I don't know what to do with them. So, with indecision, they were doomed to a scoop and tidy. 

aren't these wonderful vintage fabrics?

I had already cut the 10 inch square. This was the pile of  scraps that I thought were big enough to have a 5 inch square cut from them. 

I layered them with the right side as even as I could get it and used my stripology ruler to even the right and cut 5 inches.

But the only ones that were 5 inches were these. The rest I put in the less than 5 inch strip pile. Some were close but about 1/4 inch too small.

The strip pile is the biggest group in this bucket. I will work on them next. If I can get 3 1/2 , 2 1/2 , 2, 1 1/2 inch out of it, I will. and so on. If it doesn't make a strip I have started a small chunk bucket for them. I am also putting more into the string/crumb basket and even the trash than usual. I am trying to be brutal.  If each small bucket takes a week, then I will be done in a little over 100 years. I actually enjoy doing it, I just don't like the mess.

My favorite tools for scraps

1. stripology ruler

2. easy angle ruler

I  am linking to:

midweek makers  

wednesday wait loss

oh scrap sunday

taming the scraps

 My favorite tool for taming my scraps is my creative grids stripology ruler. I have the strip dies for the accuquilt and I use them a lot. But, when I have odd sized smaller pieces of scrap that I plan on using to add variety to my bins, I like to use the template. I have both sizes. I use the original template with a larger scrap, and, the smaller one for ( wait for it) smaller scraps.

It is a quick cut or 2, and I can make several sizes from one scrap.

This is a scrap print that never ends

I like to use it with the 0 at the bottom right

The left piece will go into the string/crumb bin. The middle is a 2 1/2 inch strip, and the right will go into the trash- no waste.

The left piece is 1 1/2 inch, then 2 inch, then 2 1/2 inch. All with out moving. I enjoy this in the evening when I am too tired to do much of anything. I find it very therapeutic. I don't worry about cutting it the wrong sizes anymore, because, I have a huge collection of scraps. If I want matchy matchy, I have plenty of other options as well.  I am sure the red bear print will show up in a scrap bag for years to come. And at my estate sale, if 5 people buy my fabric. It will be in each of their bags. It is just magical fabric.

I am linking to:

midweek makers  

wednesday wait loss

stash report january 2, 2022

 Last year I accumulated 173 yards of fabric - which had to weigh 519 pounds. No wonder my house is creaking. If each quilt averaged 20 yards that is 8 1/2 quilts. I used 233 1/2 yards in my quilt making. In my mind I pick up a little here and there, not almost 200 yards. If I say I won't buy any over 100 yards this year. what will I do if I buy all of that in January. That leaves 11 months of no fabric.

fabric I cut from gifted fabric

I need to tame my scraps better this year and try not to buy much at all. My weakness is the "great" deal so now, I own a great deal of fabric sigh.....

should I still take free scraps? probably not, but I bet I can't resist. 

It's good to start all over at the beginning of the year.

stash report January 2, 2022

Fabric Used this week: 0 yards

Fabric Used year to Date: 0 yards

Fabric Added this week: 0 yards 

Fabric Added Year to Date: 0 yards

net fabric: 0 yards used more than bought

 I stitched at least 15 minutes 2 days this week. We have been sick since before Christmas

 Once the friendsheep exchange began in my rug hooking guild, we have been passing them around pretty quickly.I have Vivian's rug to work on today. I haven't done anything on Vivians rug, but I don't expect to either today. I will have to join in next week, I hope

vivians rug

I am linking to:

Slow Sunday Stitching

Oh scrap

sunday stash at quiltpaintcreate
patchwork and quilts

15 min to stitch at life in pieces

 

stash report december 26 2021

The last stash report of the year - I hope you all had a merry Christmas. Ours was quiet

I am facing a scrap dilema. I am sure I have officially more scraps than yardage, but I can't find room for them or all the scrap quilts I want to make. They are piling up higher and higher. And it seems that the more I cut, the more there is. They are lurking behind every corner, under every surface, hanging from the ceiling. There is some in the garage, attic, and basement. Somehow, I must make a stand. I am just not sure what.  These totes are all scraps. If you go by weight there is 900 yards. Most of my quilts take 20- 25 yards = 36 quilts. I finished 18 quilts this year, but start to finish I might make 8. My scraps alone could last more than 4 years

embarrassing confession

my first stash report on this blog was Aug 2016

Fabric Used this Week: 6 1/4  yards  backing, binding for a quilt and hexies

Fabric Added this Week: 48 yards

Net Fabric for 2016: 41.75 yards in the hole

 ended the year with this

Stash report dec 2016

Fabric Used this Week:  8 yards
finished a quilt and passed some fabric on to someone else.
Fabric Used year to Date: 63 3/4 yards

Fabric Added this Week: 3 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 570 1/2 yards -  a large portion was from goodwill and an estate sale.

Net Fabric for 2016: 512  yards in the hole

the end of december 2017

Stash report

Fabric Used this Week 34 yard
Fabric Used year to Date: 388 1/2 yards
Fabric Added this Week: 6 1/2  yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 369 3/4 yards

Net Fabric for 2017: 18 3/4 yards used more than added.

stash report december 2018

Fabric Used this Week 1/2 yard
Fabric Used or gone from house year to Date: 779 yards  * 400 donated = 379.00 actually used

Fabric Added this Week: 1 1/4 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 242 yards

Net Fabric for 2018: 537  yards used more than purchased. 

I didn't really keep track in 2019

the last report in 2020 sept 

Stash report  September 2020

Fabric Used this week: 32 yards - 

Fabric Used year to Date: 300.25 yards

Fabric Added this week: 31 yards  

Fabric Added Year to Date: 148.75 yards
net fabric: 151.5 yards used more than bought

And now for this year

stash report December 26, 2021

Fabric Used this week: 22 yards wonky courthouse finish

Fabric Used year to Date: 233 1/2 yards

Fabric Added this week: 0 yards 

Fabric Added Year to Date: 173 yards

net fabric: 60 1/2 yards used more than bought

 I stitched at least 15 minutes 6 days this week. 

 Once the friendsheep exchange began in my rug hooking guild, we have been passing them around pretty quickly. I did the rainbow rug on the bottom right. I have Vivian's rug to work on today.

carolyn' s rug

 I am linking to:

Slow Sunday Stitching

Oh scrap

sunday stash at quiltpaintcreate
patchwork and quilts

15 min to stitch at life in pieces

  

rainbow scraps in aqua

I have added a new word to my rsc project. I had forgotten how much I like to make letters. I use Lori Holt's alphabet book.

I am trying to prepare for next year and a new rainbow scrap challenge at so scrappy project. I want to do strings and crumbs by color so I have started sorting the big bucket into colors. I was afraid  I wouldn't find enough of each color, but, alas, I have plenty. And some have already been sorted into baggies. If I do a little every day, I may have it sorted for the new year.

I have a few easy breezy blocks I made this week. I was doing one every day but now its sporadic with new projects.

I am linking to:

rsc21 super saturday
oh scrap
put your foot down

rhododendron and scraps

I cut and pieced the second clue of rhododendron mystery quilt this week. It doesn't look like much, but it was a lot of cutting and piecing. And I was off with my numbers and didn't have enough to finish the opposite colorway.

I did cut the rest of the wings.

I have been cutting scraps again. I can't take much of a break from scraps or they will overpower me.

I have a few ideas for the rainbow scrap challenge at so scrappy next year that will use strings and crumbs.

10 inch -1 pound 4 ounces

2 inch and 1 1/2 in - 4 ounces

5 inch -1 pound 5 ounces

2 1/2 in -9 ounces and 3 1//2 in - 6 ounces

3 pounds and 3 ounces = 9 yards  = 90.00 dollars Well worth saving the scraps.

I am linking to:

TGIFF

TGIFF different     here  and here

Whoop Whoop

creations

peacock party

from bolt to beauty

put your foot down

oh scrap sunday