Jessica asked what I do with my scraps.
Well, here they are. They are color coded and stored in any container I can get my hands on. Then, for the rest, plastic bags. Can you tell that my blue and purple scraps rank low in my eyes? They are mixed together and thrown into a plastic Target bag.
My smallest scraps are organized in these storage cubes.
Now, a few words about my quilt production.
I get several emails asking if I sleep. Yes, I do. I got a comment asking me how many hours a day I devote to quilting. The answer: I'm afraid to keep track. It's A LOT. There is no secret to my productivity. Just a whole lot of hard work. I'll be the first to admit that my life would benefit from a bit more balance.
28 comments:
Thanks for the tips! My sister in law using the same folding method and her stash is incredibly neat! Love how you color code your scraps
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful tip of how to fold your stash with us. I am going to use the same folding method!
Millie
I don't know that I could keep it up, but I might be more productive if I was a bit more organized. I love seeing it all lined up.
Your stash is awesome. I use an old dresser. I was wondering what is the smallest size scrap you save? I have trouble parting with anything. My scraps are not organized at all but your picture gives me hope!LOL! I also wanted to ask about the white fabric you use in most of your quilts. What do you use? All white, is there any print in it? Is is muslin? Just curious, I am working on a quilt right now using feedsack repo. fabric and I am using white for the background. It is the first time I have worked with plain white fabric. But your's always look lovely!
Ha! I get that same question about if I sleep... and while I agree that balance is a good thing, if quilting for hours on end (every day) makes us happy, then where's the harm?!? I say there's no need for excuses or explanations. Ours is a victimless addiction!
Amanda,
thank you so much for sharing these great organizing ideas. I like that little folding tutorial that you link your post to.
I agree with Alissa. I feel that if there wouldn't be quilting/crafting time we would feel even more out of balance. My friends and family ask me the same question? How do you manage get any crafting done with full time school and 20 and more hours of work.
I say that I don't watch TV and my relax is reading blogs, and crafting. That helps to turn off the switch for some time and move to another level (That's what I call it).
OK, I don't know why it didn't take my url.
Here you go: www.craftfarm.blogspot.com
i love your blog every single time i get on i love your blog. please keep the unbalance for the sake of all of us who love your blog! -v
You stash looks great, and so do your scraps! I think we could all benefit from more balance in our lives...atleast you have something to show for it!! Imagine if you spent the same amount of time daydreaming or watching tv!!!
I loved seeing them all neat and organized and seeing your fabric look like THIS makes me feel so much better about my stash. I can't wait until my office is finished so I can get my fabric all organized!
barefoot quilter,
I save very small scraps. but usually not as small as the little triangles that I cut off mitering my binding strips. but still pretty darn small. sometimes it does get tiring trying to use up all those little pieces though.
for my background fabric, I like to use Quilter's Only Solid from JoAnn's in the color parchment. I recently bought some plain white muslin (a LOT of it) and after I use it up I will switch to something a little more sturdy. I'll probably buy quilter's only cotton in white. it's a very nice fabric and I usually buy it with a 40 or 50% off coupon and then I buy a bolt at at time so I have enough for several projects at one time.
let me know if you have any further questions.
aj
Balance is for suckers! I admire how passionate you are about your quilting, and your love of it shows in all of your hard work. How wonderful to be so consumed with something both useful and creative!
Smart to multitask by teaching colors and sorting fabric.
I must say that I really appreciate your blog and the time you spend quilting, as its been such an encouragement (and eye candy) to get my butt sewing!
thanks for the fabric folding tip. I never thought of that method.
i am new here - just found your blog. I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!! you have inspired me to get a few quilting projects of my own finished. I went to the fabric store to drop a quilt off to be machine quilted (next on my list - take a machine quilting class) and no matter how many times i tried to tell myself *NO* i still came out with more fabric. OHHHHHHH... dont you just love the feel of it?! Thanks for quilting and thanks for taking the time to share your projects with us.
Aaah, balance. What a wonderful concept...
You made me laugh! I'm glad you spend your time doing something you enjoy x
I think it is absolutely WONDERFUL that you took two days out of your busy quilt production to organize your fabric and spend time with your little girl. I think it was a wise use of your time to go over colors with her and to have special Mommy-Daughter time.
I also think that a neat and orderly sewing area is conducive to creativity.
Wow. I just come here occasionally for the eye candy and pure inspiration. I don't think you've done a single quilt that I haven't wanted to try my hand at making. Time for bed now, though. Tired eyes, you know. Not good for quilting, or knitting, or ...
I love your stash!
So neat and so colourful!
I would spend far too much time just admiring all that fabric goodness. ;o)
I'm a new quilter and I can't tell you how many places in your blog that I've bookmarked for future reference.
Guess I need to call in sick to work because I need some balance! :)
Balance, shmalance! If you are having fun, go for it! Now... mind you! My house could use some cleaning but sewing is a whole lot more fun! I don't sort my scraps... maybe I should, when I have time.. HA!
I've never been so excited to fold in my life!! Now if I can finish my current project, folding will be my reward!!
Any suggestions for tidying up the pieces cut from old clothes?
robyn,
any pieces I cut from old clothes automatically go into my scrap buckets.
aj
Your post was very timely for me. I am in the process of cleaning up a very messy sewing room and trying to get some ideas on how to organize it and keep it that way for more than a minute and a half! I am actually having a giveaway on my blog - suggestions on cleaning, maintaining, organizing, etc your sewing room gets you entered. Stop by and take a peak!
Thanks for all your great ideas, tutorials, etc. I love your blog!
Thanks for replying to my question. I even keep the small trangles scraps thinking maybe I can use them for small applique and fabric postcards. I love those Jo Ann's coupons. I will look for the quilter's only cotton next time I am there. I also like something a little sturdier than muslin. I love homespun for my folky projects. I usually get the plain light color and tea stain it.
thanks for the folding link! My stash is in need of a straighten up.
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