Strip Therapy

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Comment by AidaCJ/NH on March 4, 2013 at 5:52pm

Carol's advise is great.  That's how I managed all the tiny scraps of fabrics I had for over 15 years - I cut them up into different size squares, then others into triangles, then some into circles; I have stash of 1" to 4" squares, and multiple size triangles, and enough circles to make into yo-yo's.  Now my problem is to find the time to do all the projects that I intended to do with these scraps. 

There are lots of video tutorials on the internet that show how to use scrap fabrics on almost any size of quilt or runner.

One I like in particular is this jelly roll race

Good luck!

Comment by Jennie Steward on March 4, 2013 at 4:21pm

Joanna.....try out Bonnie Hunter's website "quiltville.com" and see all the free patterns she offers.  If you don't want to go to all the trouble of cutting and sorting those scraps then try out one of her "strip quilts".  They are so very easy to put together.  You can make the blocks any size you want and have a bunch of tops in no time.  Check it out....but whatever you do don't throw away the fabric.  Donate it to a nursery school or Sunday School class for their craft fun.

Comment by Shannon, ON on March 4, 2013 at 11:22am

Joanna, if you google scrapbuster quilt patterns there are lots of links and ideas. Here is one that I like:http://www.sewwequilt.com/2011/02/scrap-busting-quilt.html

Comment by Barbara Graham on March 4, 2013 at 10:13am

Bonnie Hunter is the name that comes to my mind. She cuts all her odd bits into strips and squares and stores them in boxes by size. Google her and you'll find she has books but also free patterns for using all those bits and pieces.

Comment by Linda Christianson on March 4, 2013 at 4:02am

There are lots of scrape quilts pattern books.  I am doing one from Nickel Quilts by Charlene Thode. She uses lots of 2 1/2" with 5" block. In fact just about any pattern can be turn into scrape quilt. Fabric does get dusty. I too sneeze and have other dust issue. I keep my fabric covered as much as possible. I too am in the process of getting rid of scrapes. I try to work with one theme or section of the mess so I will not feel overwhelmed. I keep telling myself, now I only have hour for the mess. It has helped.

Comment by Mary, Tewksbury MA on March 4, 2013 at 3:59am

I don't know the names of any specific books but lots of books using Jelly Rolls available also look on line for free Jelly Roll patterns.  I cut my extra fabric up into 2.5", 5", and 10" squares and 2.5" strips if it's just small amount.  Any thing more than .5 yd I keep whole.  Quilting less than 3 years so stash, while building isn't all that much now that I cut and separated everything.  

Dust may be culprit but some fabric may have metallic threads that I think would break down in time.  If you get headache ironing it burning it would be worse.  I donate some little scraps to a nursery school- kids made artwork gluing fabric to paperwork.  I've received many great works of art in return for my donations!  No little ones around so its great to be once again receiving refrigerator art.

Comment by Joanna liguz on March 4, 2013 at 3:21am

Too much dust!! Is what I am thinking,,when I take out the fabric,,all I see is dust coming out of the air,,Yes I have washed it,, but WHEN did I do it last.????  Then I iron it and it smells funny....So I am thinking it is very dusty,,but I do wash it,,but It seem when ever I go in my sewing room and use the scraps...I am probaby overwhelmed...

No it isn't the too much fabric that is the porblem,,Carol.  I need to be using it up,,and I am frustrated on HOW....I have all the patterns and everyting I need,,Just may be in a slump....Your right Cindy! I am also using USED Farbrics from other sew-ers...so that may be the culprit too...

Deb....I just may do that!  Thanks!! Everyone....

Comment by Cindy on March 3, 2013 at 9:25pm

Oh Joanna, sounds like you need some nice warm spring days and a fresh view. You sound like you're on overload right now. As the others have said, there are some wonderful books out now for using up your scraps. We just finished a Bonnie Hunter mystery quilt that used scraps and they all turned out beautifully. Like PQ said, she (Bonnie Hunter) has some wonderful things. You can even go to her web site and download free patterns for scrap quilts! I've got several and they are well written, easy to follow, go together fairly quickly, and turn our beautiful. Only thing you have to remember is to follow the suggestions for values. Doesn't matter the colors on lots of them, just as long as you have your contrast. I know that Connecting Threads has several good books available on scrap quilting as well. And, like Debra, there are probably lots more of us that would be willing to help you thin down your stash. Another suggestion would be to separate your fabric out into possible projects. Set aside groupings of fabrics you would like to see put together, place them in a tub or other storage container and then just pull out one project at a time. That way you may feel less overwhelmed by all of your fabrics. Another thought is to start making pillow cases for your local children's hospital, nursing home, etc. That would thin out a lot of fabric. Also the nursing home/retirement centers are usually very happy to get donations of lap quilts. You might even have some of your friends get together for a day or weekend of quilting. You provide the stash, they do the cutting and piecing and together you've made several quilts for charity. Just some thoughts that came to me. Good luck. I am confident you will find someone who can help you 'downsize'. And as for your headaches, could they be a combinaton of stress, tense muscles from ironing, and like PQ said, the height of your ironing board and the rest of your sewing area needs to be adjusted for your comfort. Nothing is more stressful than stooping over or having to reach too high while ironing or quilting/sewing. Stop and take regular breaks, do some stretching/loosening exercises to keep your muscles from knotting up. And don't forget to keep yourself hydrated. Not enough fluids can also take a toll on our muscles and system in general. Quilting should be an enjoyable endeavor. Take care of yourself. Am looking forward to a positive report back from you.

Comment by Prairie Quilter/NE on March 3, 2013 at 8:11pm

Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville has a book with quilt patterns and suggestions for cutting and sorting strips.  You might also check out the Scrap Therapy books also (but I don't know anything about them other than I've heard they have a "scrap users system" as well.)  I'm sorry to hear about the headaches.  Maybe it is the strain of ironing - like perhaps your ironing board is too low causing neck strain and giving you headaches.  I agree with Carol Ann that if you've washed the fabrics, the sizing should be gone, otherwise I'd have suspected a sizing allergy.   Good luck with finding a use for those scraps.  If you absolutely aren't going to use them, you might want to donate them to groups who make charity quilts, or find someone (like Debra) to take them off your hands.  I sure wouldn't burn them, but that's just up to you.  

Comment by Carol Ann Hinton on March 3, 2013 at 5:25pm

I'm puzzled; I don't see how too much fabric could give you headaches.  I guess it's possible to be allergic to the finish used on the fabric, but that would be gone after one washing, and you said you had washed it several times.  

I cut all my scraps into 6" squares and 2-1/2" strips then store them in see-thru boxes sorted by color or type (flannel, batik, etc.)  I have no trouble finding uses for these pre-cuts!  Anything else I throw away (it's mostly small scraps by then) and I only save really good fabrics.  I got rid of the junk long ago!  You will know the good fabric when you touch it.

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