Wednesday, August 19, 2015

scraps in progress

I've been very careful to refrain from starting any new quilts in the past few weeks. It feels good to be disciplined and (mostly) focused. However, I have found a loop hole. If you set out to piece a scrappy back, technically you don't need to add it to the work in progress list, but you can still start a new project! (Are you laughing with me yet?)
Today I'm working on busting through some solid warm scraps. I usually work in cool colors (I have made a pillow, a few quilts using cool solid scraps) so working in the warm color range is a nice change of pace.
The blocks are built in the same manner as a scrap vortex quilt.  I really enjoy the process of improv scrap quilting!
It takes awhile to make the blocks, but I love that it uses scraps of all sizes and it produces a fabulously scrappy look.
I posted this picture on Instagram a few weeks ago and looking back at it today scares me a little bit. Hahaha! This is the main reason I'm piecing scrappy backs. As you can see, the scrap situation is almost out of control over here....I'm desperate to make some headway! I do love a two sided quilt, so it all works out in the end. :)

35 comments:

Frog Quilter said...

Look like my house lol. Now matter how hard I try there are still loads of scraps.

Mystic Quilter said...

I think I might have about the same amount of scraps lurking around my room! Love the colours you're using - for the back of course!

DeeDee said...

My scrap bins are all out right now as I'm working on your Craftsy class quilt. I'm gonna tame those scraps! I won't let myself start another quilt until I bust some of these scraps and that quilt is perfect for it. I even had enough of the background fabric in my scraps that I didn't need to buy more. Did I mention I haven't even been quilting for two years? My fabric addiction is as bad as my yarn addiction.

Turid said...

I love seeing your rooms like that. Scraps are just beautiful. I've just started a scrap vortex project. And that's not because I have too few projects. Nope! It's just for FUN!

Allison said...

I really like the colours you are using for the scrappy back - they look delicious, like a bag of sweets!

Susan C. said...

Oh my.....that is exactly the problem I am dealing with! Thank goodness I am not alone I am trying to clean my heaving shelves of fabric and make some sense of my scraps. I feel so much better now I know, the professionals such as your good self, are not immune to the scrap attack. Phew we are all human.

Laura said...

I've got the same problem, and a friend of mine keeps giving me more.

Anonymous said...

Oh my. Your scrap baskets are way worse than mine. LOL It's lovely to find someone in that condition. I love the bright colored work you are showing at the top. That's just plain fun!

leanne said...

this back will be awesome - I really love the look of the solid scraps - looks like you hide your scraps in all sorts of containers !!

Knitwitsowls said...

You do have a lot of scraps! You could hold a scrappy charity event! You could bag up your scraps and give people a bag and then they could make a small baby blanket then you could donate them all to a hospital! You'd probably make a million blankets from your scraps! X

Suzanne said...

Roll with it! You are making them and using them so what's the problem? :)

✾Jamie Lee Cooley✾ said...

The warm colors are so pretty! I was a bit overwhelmed by your scrap photo but then again, you make so many beautiful quilts it makes sense you'd have a lot of scraps! Can't wait to see some two sided finishes!

Unknown said...

this is so funny! hahaha! my fabric cupboard looks like this sometimes. At first its frustrating but when you need that little strip of fabric for that one project you thank youself!xxx

https://justthatdiy.wordpress.com

2Craft.e.Ladies said...

I am still working on my scrap vortex quilt

LynneP said...

Wow! That is a lot of scraps. I look forward to seeing what you make with them. I like how the warm solids are turning out...I'll bet the quilt top will be wonderfull!
Scrap Vortex is on my list after I finish up some others. :)

Linda said...

Do you sort your scraps, by color and or size, as you make them?
I love scrapy quilts.

starsthatblaze said...

What is it like to quilt through so many seams, both on the front and the back? Have you learned any tricks?

Brenda said...

looks great! Maybe you have to start another 101 scrap projects, lol?

Ned Night said...

Oh, my. If those were my scrap piles I'd be with you feeling desperate.

Marla said...

At least your scraps are in containers. Mine are currently spread all over the floor, cutting mat, etc. because I've been working on several scrap projects at once. Today is the day to find a stopping point and do some reorganizing!

Daytona Damsel said...

WOW and I thought I had scraps! LOL I love your colors for the scrappy back. Looks like a pile of rose petals all mixed together. I can smell the scent now. Please be sure to post the finished back and quilt.
Debbie

margaret said...

my scrap vortex quilt I enjoyed making so much with your help, shame I now need more scraps!

Unknown said...

Still working on my 'print' scrap vortex. It has grown to 65 wide by 55 long...obviously needs to get longer...and it will! :-) Have fun!

Lorinda said...

I love the warm colors! Scraps get out of control so easily.... I think they multiply when we quilters aren't looking.

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

Those colors are really striking together. Hmmm - I have some scraps I could donate to your "backing Piles" Bwahh haa haa!!!

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

Your rationale reminds me of the time that I wanted to get around the "no new quilts rule." I started a duvet cover. Not that I owned a duvet...

Becky said...

My scrap piles were almost that bad ;) but I finally got some sorting done last week. The scrappy backing is a great idea! I do use up some big pieces for backing quite often, but seldom use up the smaller scraps.

Anne / Springleaf Studios said...

Can't believe your making a backing. It looks like the front to me. I usually get lame about the back just to get it done.

Jeneta said...

I'm laughing with you! I actually thought that your scraps looked very contained and are very modest in amount. Or do I have too many scraps?!!!

Noblequilts@gmail.com said...

Thanks for the inspiration. I have just nervously started a scrap vortex quilt. I hope it turns out half as beautiful as yours. Nicole Beauchamp

Cut&Alter said...

Scrappy quilts look as good in solids as they do in patterns. This one is looking great.

Katherine said...

Loving those luscious scrap blocks you're making. The colours are so summer-y!

Smiling to see that last photo of your scraps. I've not been brave enough to gather mine all together like that, but I think that mine would add up similarly. Thanks for making me feel normal. ;o)

Karen said...

Pink, yellow, orange and red--are you kidding?? WAIT--I really like it!
Thanks for the kick in the pants about colors!

Tracybug Creative said...

My scraps were out of control, over running EVERYTHING, so I pulled my favorites aside, kept only what I wanted, and sold the rest for cheap to give them a good new home! Someone was selling a small stash of cotton/steel scraps for what I sold my 20lbs (60 yards!! YIKES). But they are scraps I'd rather have/use than the ones I rehomed... Now to start a project with it!