Confessions of a quilting scrapaholic

Dec 6, 2017Article

Recently I have become engrossed with my scrap pile. This happens every so often when it outgrows its baskets and tries to escape. Scrap is like an alien being that multiplies until it threatens to take over my entire work area. Hence, it requires occasional culling.

Sound familiar?

A few years ago I culled by making a queen sized bed quilt. This time it has taken the form of several smaller projects. My current obsession began when my sister-in-law asked for donation quilts for a group collecting for young refugee girls having babies. The request seemed simple – quilts about 1 metre square. Even though I had several other things requiring my attention, when I got home that day I pulled out a few scraps I had left over from a baby quilt I had made for a friend.

My first baby quilt from scrap

My first baby quilt from scrap

Baby quilt number 2

Baby quilt number 2

Several baby quilts later, I had used up a few scraps and I was looking for the next scrap project.

 

Serendipitous…in walks Glen. He needs a dust cover for a computer printer. Why use large pieces when I can use small pieces. I pulled pieces randomly from the basket and started sewing.

Voila! – a printer cover! (I think he’s a little sorry he asked)

Definitely one of a kind!

The scrappy printer dust cover

The scrappy printer dust cover

I also got stuck into making trivets. These things are downright addictive – I couldn’t stop. All you need is a few scraps and some insulated batting, the result, some very colourful trivets!

It was a lot of fun.

My selection of scrap trivets

My selection of scrap trivets

Recently, I have found a new project to assist in reducing my scrap pile.

I’m doing the 100 blocks in 100 days challenge. I decided to use my scrap pile for all of the blocks. It’s a lot of fun.

Check out my Instagram to see how I’m going. https://www.instagram.com/quiltingfabrications/ As you can see from my pictures, there are many useful ways to reduce the scrap pile.

Of course as all quilter’s know, it will be back!!!

 

Maybe it's time for you to declare war on your scrap basket!

Guest post by Leslie Edwards.

Like to read more articles from Leslie's quilting journey? Go to->>  quiltingfabrications.com/