One of my favorite quilt books to come out over the last couple of years was Scraps Inc, Volume 1. It had one of the most creative and inspiring collections of fresh and innovative patterns that I actually wanted to make in one book. Plus it was a great inspiration for using up those scraps that accumulate so so quickly. Well guess what? Get ready for more because Scraps Inc Volume 2 is about to hit the shelves!
New Scraps pattern: Introducing Scraps Inc. Vol 2
Scraps Inc. Volume 2 is another collection of 15 unique modern quilt designs by 15 different designers. (I think that's one of the reasons these books are so good - they are the best work of each contributor.)
The book is also worth buying just for the eye candy and beautiful photography by Nydia Kehnle. Check out some of the projects included in this book:
I felt so honored (and excited!) to be asked to contribute to this second edition. This is my quilt design for this volume - Scrap Bag Stars. I actually made the quilt last summer and was feeling so inspired by this summer-y gold/orange/blue color pallette. It's a big quilt - 72" x 72" - and comes together really quickly. You could easily add borders and make it a queen or king-size quilt.
It's also a great one for pulling a variety of those string scraps that accumulate so quickly and giving them a beautiful, useful home. I'm so thankful to Melissa from SewShabby Quilting for doing the quilting on this one (lickety-split too so that I could literally bind it and send it off to be photographed as we were on our way to the airport for our summer vacation!) She chose this cool Peacock Feather's design that filled the large amount of negative space and gives the quilt a lot of wonderful texture.
This week all of the quilt designers will be sharing their quilts. You can visit their blogs here:
Monday, February 8
Amy Smart, Diary of a Quilter
Nydia Kehnle, Nydia Kehnle Design + Photography
Tuesday, February 9
Amy Friend, During Quiet Time
Alexandra Ledgerwood, Teaginny Designs
Wednesday, February 10
April Rosenthal, April Rosenthal - The {Studio} Blog
Dorie Schwarz, Tumbling Blocks
Thursday, February 11
Erin Harris, House on Hill Road
Janice Ryan, Better Off Thread
Friday, February 12
John Adams, Quilt Dad
Kari Vojtechovsky, Craft Happy
Saturday, February 13
Katie Blakesley, Swim Bike Quilt
Kati Spencer, From the Blue Chair
Sunday, February 14
Melissa Lunden, Lunden Designs
Allison Harris, Cluck Cluck Sew
Sherri McConnell, A Quilting Life
During this week, Scraps Inc. Volume 2 will also be available for presale for 30% off here with the code Scraps30 at checkout.
I also have a copy to giveaway to one of you! Just leave a comment on this post sharing your favorite method for organizing your scraps. Giveaway open through Saturday, Feb 13 at midnight MST.
PS You can see some of my own tips for sorting and using your scraps here!
Cindy smith
I like to use the shoebox-shaped clear boxes for organization of scraps.
Hildy
I still need to find a good way to organize my scraps. So far I put them all on one pile and then go through the whole stash when I need a piece ... not a so good method but it's somehow working;-)
Donel
I'm not sure if it is what you would call 'organized,' but I have a three drawer chest that I use. I keep my smallest scraps in the bottom drawer, medium sized pieces in the middle and larger pieces in the top. The kids know that they can use any of the scraps in the bottom drawer for art or projects if they need to. The book looks great! Thanks for the giveaway!
Cindy
I think I need this book! I'm working on sewing my stash this year and it looks full of great ideas. I don't keep scraps separate - I found I never used them that way. I just fold them neatly and keep small pieces organized by color right in the bins with all my stash.
Dawn Voegeli
I keep the scraps from each project in a small zip lock. I don't keep tiny scraps though.
Sheila Smithson
I'm new to quilting and have already accumulated numerous scraps. I've recently made a number of 1 hour baskets to store them in. Thanks for the chance to win an inspiring book.
Nancy
I have been on a mission to get my scraps organized and used!! I sorted them by color and folded the largest pieces and put in a long flat tote. The smaller pieces, I have color coded, and put into gallon zip lock bags. I now am at a manageable place, and am always on the look out for cute scrap projects.
Susan Branson
I know I'd love this book! I bought and use the first book and this one has even more great ideas for sewing up my scraps. Thanks for the info!
Andrea_R
I sort mine by size, mostly. Except for solids - i sort those separately, usually by color.
Sizes:
ticker tape pieces (super tiny)
squares - 1.5 to 2.5 or less
2-3"
4-5-6"
strings
triangles
binding scraps and WOF scraps
Coincidentally, I just bought Vol 1 of this book and was deciding which quilts to make first.
Rosemary B
Andrea, I love your idea. Come to my house and help me - STAT
LOL
Joye
I am trying without a lot of success to control my scraps. Not as much organization as I would like, but I am using the lender enders technique and string piecing to make units for scrap projects.
ConNie
I have them sorted by color....but I need to use them! This book would help..it looks amazing.
Emily
My scraps aren't really organized so much as jumbled together in one big plastic tub. Once I have too many to fit in there I will have to come up with a more sophisticated system.
Excited about Scraps Inc 2! I have the first book and find it really inspiring.
Ashley
I need scrap organizing help! I like the idea of color jars but can't seem to keep up.
Laura
My scraps are a mess! I just finished dedicating a bedroom to my sewing room and haven't finished putting it back together. All the scraps are in two large plastic bins. This book would be a great way to tackle the chaos.
Octavia
Thanks! I sort by color, then strings and tiny scraps.
Barbara Mahoney
I have just two bins. The first is for big pieces (often those that I haven't cut into yet, but also for fabrics I've used that still have lots left over). The second is for my scraps. Simple storage method -- and it works!
Leigh anne
I keep my scraps organized by color in some Sterilite drawers. Looking forward to this book. Loved the first one!
suellen Franze
I fold my larger scraps and keep them organized by color. Right now my small scraps are in one box, waiting for me to get some inspiration!
amy
I'm a beginner so I don't have many scraps yet. What I do have I keep in a plastic box for now!
Emilee
I put my scraps together by color, except for the scraps that can be cut into specific size squares, the I keep those by square size-but if there are enough, I also separate by color within the container/baggy. Eventually I would like to make some pretty fabric baskets to separate them, but zippy bags and old Rubbermaid boxes work for now!
Heatherk
Congratulations! Your quilt is beautiful. I can't wait to check this one out.
Pam Chatham
I have 5 plastic bins labeled 1-5. I put scraps according to size (1", 2", etc) in each bin. They are clear with cute green tops. I used chalkboard labels and used pink chalk to write each number. They add a pop of color to my sewing room and keep me organized.
Summer
My scraps are in a storage cube shelf - the type where you can purchase the colorful fabric cubes to slide into the shelf. I have a different colored cube for each scrap color - blue, red, white, brown, black, green, and orange. The pink scraps go in with the red and the yellow in with the orange. It's so easy to toss in scraps as I go, then pull out the bin and dump it onto the table (and let's be real, sometimes the floor!) to see what I have to work with.
ShaEna green
The smaller ones are organized by General size and the bigger ones are in piles by color and the strips are just in a pile needing to be organized by color perhaps. Loved the last book and can't wait for this one too! Your quilt is lovely! 🙂
Jenni
I have my scraps organized by color except for my Christmas scraps and Halloween scraps!
Jamie
Very cool! Congrats on your pattern in the book! I have the first book, and I haven't made anything from it but I probably should! I have made two quilts from your book though!
I have some scraps organized in plastic shoeboxes by color but the majority are just in a HUGE metal basket. No organization at all.
Kim
Oh! I love the first Scraps, Inc book! I'm glad to hear there's another one! I try to cut my scaps into usable pieces 2" squares, 3" squares, 2.5" strips. I mostly follow Pat Sloan's scrap busting process. They are all piled up neatly in a bin. Now if only I could find the time and focus to bust out a scrap quilt!!
Diana knight
You're an inspiration Amy! Fun, bright colors and an appealing design. I'm heading to my scrap bag now!
Kelli
I used to do sizes for scraps but now I do colors...more fun to look at and I like knowin what colors I have?
Jenn Burkhart
I cut my scraps into usable sizes while I'm still at the cutting table - saves me a step later and keeps everything neat and tidy! I store them in puzzle boxes currently, in 1 1/2", 2 1/2", 3 1/2", and 5" strips and squares. Perfect for grabbing little pieces for little projects!
Paloma
This looks like a great book. Thanks for sharing! I fold my larger scraps with regular fabric sorted by color. The small scraps are all jumbled in a basket for now. I would like to better organize the small scraps but I do regularly use them for small projects so I guess the "system" works for now!
RaeLyn
Way fun! I sort my scraps by color...it's working for me now!
Melinda warren
My scraps are currently stuffed into a large tote, but I LOVE the scrappy look, so have several ideas floating around my head. This book would be awesome! A great line up of talented quilters!
Alison Wood
Hi Amy - love your mini scrap quilt. I make big quilts in country colours for the boys in my life using this method, but I still seem to have oodles of scraps... Because I love all sorts of different types of fabric, I sort by style ie a bag for modern/brights, a bag for country/traditional/reproduction, a bag for taupe, a bag for low-volume/neutrals. When one of the bags is overflowing I know it is time to make a scrap quilt in that fabric style.
Clara Chandler
My scraps are sorted by color and placed in Art Bin boxes, which might be the same color. I do sort the 2.5 inch strips separately because they are the most common size for me to use. Thanks for the glimpse into Scraps Vol. II. I've enjoyed the first volume.
carolyn montgomery
i cut my scraps into 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 strips and squares and sore them by size and color in clear plastic craft boxes from the craft store. i also cut 5 in charm squares using steel dies and store them by color in fabric boxes i made. thanks for the giveaway.
Susansquiltstudio
I put all newly created scraps in a large box and then periodically cut them into sized strips and squares, which I keep in the jumbo clamshells lettuce comes in, all colors together.
Krista - Poppyprint
Congratulations - your quilt is lovely, Amy! I'm so glad to see full flat photos of the quilts for this edition. I really love to see those scraps! I can't actually say mine are 'organized' but they are crammed into clear plastic drawers by colour. They are stuffed to capacity at the moment, so I could really use some busting projects.
Allison C
I have only figured out organizing by colors far. Hoping to get more organized (color AND size) in the near future as they never seem to disappear.
Lesley
I organize my scraps by color
What cones bext?
I am still trying to come up with a method that has me using my scraps and nit just collecting them! I've got various shoe boxes and bins, some colour sorted and some size and shape. This book looks like it has some amazing projects that just might be the ticket to get me sewing with them.
Robby
Oooh, I'm excited to see this one! If your great design is any indication, lots of new projects to drool over. Organize my scraps? Um, not really. But, this is a habit that should be improved on because I really love scrap quilts and hunting through a mess is not inspiring.
E. A.
I can't wait for this book! I love the first one.
Karen Oyerly
Scrap organization? More than throwing them in a rubbermaid bin, I have no organization! Organizing my whole craft room is definitely on this year's list of goals! Book looks amazing!
Andrea
Oh how i WANT to get the scraps organized...I'm paralyzed by fear of not knowing how to do it right!
Trudy
I keep scraps that have been pre-washed separate from scraps that have not been washed. I cut little scraps into 2.5" squares for scrappy projects.
Liz
I'd love to win! I put my scraps in clear plastic bins by color.
Julie in WA
I have small clear bins, one for each color, where I put the scraps immediately after cutting. Then when a box gets full, I take some time to cut the scraps into usable size squares and strips. I store the squares by size in flat cardboard boxes (from Costco) that stack inside each other.
I love quilt books that utilize scraps in refreshing and modern patterns!
Bunny
I have an old dresser to hold my larger scraps which have been sorted by colour. However, one drawer is for the tiniest scraps and they are one big unsorted mess. Someday I plan to make more mini quilts so I can't bear to throw these tiny pieces away.
Margaret
As soon as I finish a project, I take care of the remaining fabric. If there's more than 1 yard remaining, I put it in one drawer, if it's between a qtr yard and 1 yard, I put it in another drawer with other likesize pieces (sorted by color). The remaining pieces get cut into the largest pieces possible - 10", 5", 3 1/2", 2 1/2"' or 2". If you do this right after completing a project, the scraps don't accumulate into an unsightly mess or an overwhelming chore. Btw, I love the quilt you designed - you are very talented, and I particularly admire your use of color.
Diane W.
This looks like a beautiful book that I would use! I have SO many scraps, all organized and ready to go!
Clare gallagher
I just started teaching myself to sew, so my methods are still in the works! I have different size plastic zip bags for different sizes of fabric scraps, organized by color. Don't have too many scraps yet, but I hope to start making quilts soon and expect to be overflowing with scraps when I do! I am inspired by the look and feel of scrappy projects, especially quilts. 🙂
karen
I organize my scraps by color, but I'm not sure it's my favorite way. I think by color and size would be better.
Sandra B
I store my scraps in clear plastic tubs, by color.... That works pretty well, but I am sure I could probably improve on that concept....thanks for the great giveaway!!
Linda in pa
I follow Bonnie Hunter's scrap saver system by organizing my scraps into 1 1/2", 2", 2 1/2", 3 1/2", and 5" strips and squares. So far it has worked for me.
Lisa Marie
My scraps are mostly sorted by color, with larger pieces in clear plastic boxes and smaller pieces in ziploc bags. I love the first volume of this book so I feel sure the second one is full of inspiration as well. Thanks for the chance to win!
Cindy-Live a Colorful Life
I even hesitate to mention that a few weeks ago I went through a bucket of scraps and actually threw away a lot of them. Now I'm ready to work with the ones I saved.
Fransak
I cut scraps into squares and strips to maximize the most I can get out of any piece. I love sewing two random pieces together as starters and Enders. When I have a bunch I'll make four patches or nine-patches of random colors and make a scrappy quilt. I love how the design just sort of evolves.
Jessica
I just Chuck then all in a bag. It's a nightmare actually!! I'd love to use them up! I've been quilting for a while now and I haven't used any!!
Afton
I may have a few too many systems, but I sort by project, color, and type of fabric.
Ann in nc
Excited to see Vol 2! Really enjoy Vol 1! I tend to cut scraps into various size squares (1.5, 2, 2.5), and strings. Always seems like a good idea to cut as I go - now to use them!!!!
KrissBJOYFUL
I have 3 different plastic bins that I keep my scraps in. One is for 2.5" strips, one for any size square, and one for HSTs or 4/9 patch blocks. I also have a fabric bin with scrappy scraps so when it fills up I can make foundation pieced blocks or a scrap filled pillow for a local puppy rescue. In a little trims bucket I keep on my cutting table, I will collect skinny bits then put those in my garden for the birds to build their nests. I really hate to throw any piece of fabric away!
LINDA
HI, I USE WOVEN WICKER BASKETS OF DIFFERING SIZES , AS I LOVE THE LOOK OF THE BASKETS AND MY FABRICS ON DISPLAY! THANK YOU FOR SHARING!
Diane
When I am done with a project I take my leftover scraps ( which I have collected in a pail on my cutting table) and cut them in strips, squares, or rectangles based on what amount I have left. I then sort them by value in plastic drawers. I can then pull the drawers out and keep them by my machine as desired and use my scraps as leaders and Enders or use them in patterns.
Lynn McIndoe
I keep strips in drawer-1 1/2 inches, 2 inches and 2 1/2. I also ke5ep a couple od sizes of squares, but have yet to find a good way to store those.
Becky
I sort by color than store my scraps in clear, glass jars with lids (like cookie jars). It makes a pretty display in my craft room and are easy to find and sort through.
Lorraine
I would love to organize my scraps by color but I don't currently have the room so I organize them by size. At least they're in some sort of order. Well, currently. This looks like a great book. Thank you for the chance to win.
Donna Murdock
I love your Fab quilt! One would never guess it came from scraps. I organize my scraps still by groups from which project they came from until that quilt is completely finished. If the scraps are big enough to be used for other blocks they stay in color stacks. Otherwise they go to a large scrap container. My solids all go to their own container. This system isn't very organized but I have a closet tucked under my stairs with shelves so it works for me.
CaroL San diego
I have to admit I don't have a system for my scraps. They just gather in a big container! That's why I need this book!
Mary
I don't have a system! I have plastic bags of scraps from a specific project, and some bagels with everything but the kitchen sink. And I have a couple of big plastic tubs of scraps... It out of control. I need to get organized or marked more scrap quilts......
Kim Cassie
I place scraps from a collection in a large zip lock bag. It kinda works, but I would like to find a better way to mesh collections together.
marilyn
I've just started purging my stash and am organizing my scraps by color in clear shoebox size containers.
Mary
I have my scraps sorted by color with larger pieces in plastic containers and smaller pieces in zip-lock bags. I also have a bin of just strings, as well as some cut into 1 1/2", 2" and 2 1/2" squares and strips. It seems like scraps multiply in the night when we're not looking!
Cheryl m
All of my scraps go into a bin underneath my sewing machine table. Once the bin gets full, I spend the day cutting them into strips and squares. I sort and store these by color and size into clear plastic shoe boxes.
Tamie
I have a couple of bins on my cutting table and just add another one when they are full. I need to use some of them!
Amy L
I cut my scraps into 4.5, 3.5, 2.5, 2, and 1.5 inch strips. Sometimes I'll cut squares out of the small leftovers. These go into designated drawers. The leftover strings go into a big tub, and when I feel like stringing along, it gets open. This book looks like a lot of fun!
tisha @ quiltytherapy
I sort my scraps by sizes that I use frequently. If it's under a fat quarter, I cut to 5", 3", 2.5", 2" and 1.5". I have them stored in buckets according to size. It's not perfect but it works.
Charity
I collect small triangle scraps in a bin; selvedges in another bin; and then have drawers for random odds and ends... Semi-organized yet dysfunctional. I like it!
AnneMarie
I sort my scraps into plastic zip bags by color - works for me.
Sally Christiansen
I sort scraps by color, the large scraps that is. The small scraps seem to go into a basket in my quilting table and there is no system to it and it can be frightening.
Karen Seitz
I cut my scraps into widths of 1.5", 2", 2.5", 3", and 3.5" and then store them in plastic baskets by size. I can pull out the basket(s) I need and cut strips and squares easily since they are already to size in one dimension.
Ellen P
I have most of my scraps sorted in plastic stacking drawers by color and they brighten my day!
Jill
I really like reading how people organize their scraps...I don't, yet, except that they all go in a cute tin container with lid (it's getting too full so I need to do something better soon). Hopefully I will get a scrappy baby quilt made before spring, that will help. But I do like the idea of cutting into widths and storing according to size 🙂
Jill
I should add that someday I would like to put an antique dresser in my sewing room and store different size/colour scraps in each drawer. Someday!
Ruth G
I keep bigger pieces sorted by color and the rest cut into and sorted by different sized strips. Scrap quilts are my favorite.
Nicole
By colour of course! Although strips are separate as are 2.5" squares.
Congrats on the book!
Brianne
I am still trying to think of a way to organize them. I have thought about cutting them, but then I think what if I needed that color or that style I a bigger size, so then I decide not to do that way but then I think what if I do buy color, then I think well what colors should I do. red orange red and so on. lol so then I think nope cant do that way. so right now they are in a bin, one is the tiny tiny scraps from trimming and things then the other is ones that can actually be used for something. lol but then I few weeks ago I thought of making them all into hexis and I am still playing with that idea . lol I cant wait to start a scrap quilt. 🙂 thanks for the give a way!!
Melanie
I have a clear plastic tote full of scraps. It's not really organized at all.
Erin
Love that stars quilt! I use a small bucket to collect my scraps and I have them separated by color in ziplock bags.
Dorothy
I should probably get a system. My scraps are just kind of mixed in with everything else. I have two forced fighting internally - one that wants to save every.single.tiny.scrap and one that wants to throw them all out because I don't have nearly enough to really do anything with them. Mayhap this book would help. ?
Diane
I'm just starting to get a "scrap collection". I tried to keep them sorted by color in ziplock bags but that hasn't been working out too well. I really want to make color coded fabric baskets but haven't gotten around to it yet. I love the quilts in this book! Thanks for the chance to win.
Cassandra
I keep offices of fabric folded into my fat quarters and real scraps and strings are sorted by colour into IKEA shoebox sized boxes. I love the idea of cutting scraps into the most commonly used sizes, but I have so much fun paper piecing and finding THE perfect scrap for a project!
LeAnne L
I put all of my scraps in clear Tupperware bins by color. My strings go in a big pile. It used to be assorted by size -- I do try to keep the 2 1/2" strips separate -- but it's pretty much become a jumbled mess at this point.
Jen o
I categorize my scraps in clear shoebox-size bins by color, plus a few extras for Christmas, Halloween, batiks, and 30's reproduction. I purposely chose small bins...when they fill up, it's time to make something scrappy!
Camille
I separate my scraps by color and store them in shoe boxes. I noticed someone else also puts their scraps in shoe boxes!
Thanks for the giveaway, I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
Christine sherman
I've yet to figure out what works for me! My scraps are all in one of those pretty trash can things from IKEA 🙂
Lara B.
Woohoo Amy! Congratulations on being a part of this book! I love Volume 1 and can't wait to see Volume 2.
I like to organize scraps by type and then color. Some of the types I sort by are - Neutral and low volume, Bold and bright and reproduction 1800's.
Beth T.
I am moving my scraps by color from a big rattan clothes hamper to clear, square scrapbooking containers--the kind that are very high and can hold a remarkable amount of fabric. I pick up a couple each time they are on sale and then pull a couple of colors from my hamper. So...slowly but surely I'm making progress. The fun part has been tossing the new scraps into the appropriate container, or going there for a piece of blue or red or whichever color I need, instead of my usual dive and dump routine.
By the way--perfect timing! On the day I learn that my brother is engaged and I'll need to make a quilt, you introduce me to a brand new wonderful book! Thank you for the inspiration!
Trycya leishman
I truly love it when I can use. My scraps. All of the quilts looked great. I would purchase this book. I am still having problems reading your blog, it keeps kicking me out. I'm only having a problem with your blog. I really do love it when I can get on. Thanks
Lisa E
Currently, I don't have a method to organize scraps. I'm just throwing them into a bag! Eventually, I would like to sort them by color.
Tascha
It's not really organized. I'm throwing them into a box!
Helen
Beautiful fresh summer quilts, just the thing for our Aussie summer. Love the colours, must dig into the tub of unorganised scraps and get them sorted.
sue godfrey
Not a system as such, just a big box.... I keep reading how others sort their scraps and will get to mine soon ? recovering from a horrible flue virus so not this week... X
Anne
Looks like a great book! I keep my scraps by colour in boxes and have further divided these in reproduction fabrics, 'modern' fabrics and solids. I recently stumbled upon someone keeping her stash organized by creating 1-2-3-4-5" squares (or triangles if that fits better) immediately as soon as they are determined scraps. That seemed like a very viable option too so I am considering working thru my boxes with that method in mind. Thank you for your blog and introduction to this book. I really love your quilt in it. Thank you also for the lovely giveaway.
Stephanie
I have different boxes for different sizes, then go through them every week or so& sort by colour.
martha cook
super book. well, I sort some scraps in clear bags by size and style but the majority are odds and ends that end up in a big plastic bag :(.
Terry
Thank you for the chance to win this inspiring book. I try to organize my scraps into 4 1/2, 3 1/2, and 2 1/2" squares and longer pieces into strips. Then I just have a large basket of smaller scraps for applique. Anything larger gets folded and kept in color order in transparent storage containers.
Teresa Palmer
I sort by color in white buckets I got in the dollar isle at Target. I also have one for bindings and linens. Getting ready to purchase your book right now!
Mary Baker
I sort scraps by size...for small scraps I use recycled clear spinach container from the store and keep strips 1, 1.5, 2. (each in their own container). Then I have clear plastic drawers for 2.5, 3, 4 and 5. I store strips and squares together.
Love your large star quilt. Made of a few months back for a friend. I love how quickly they go together and it was fun and easy to machine quilt. Thank you for the inspirations!
Ginny
This looks like another great book! I love Vol 1 so inspiring. I don't have an orgainzied system for my scraps beyond keeping a large wire basket next to my sewing table for them and then dumping and sorting through for that perfect little piece. I buy mostly FQ's so this generates alot of scraps and I really would like to start cutting them up into the most used sizes right away (like Lori Holt or Bonnie Hunter). Sometimes it seems I reach for the scrap basket vs. cutting into a new FQ, which doesn't help in using my stash.
KT
I usually have a scrappy project I"m working on, so first cut my scraps for that, and then the remainder I cut into useable sizes--1-1/2 inch strips, 2" strips, and 2-1/2" strips as well as squares. Looks like a great book--love your star quilt!!
Patti
For scraps I repurpose the clear plastic containers that I buy salad greens in..
Kim
I'm new to quilting and my scraps are stuffed in a bag. Now that I've read these comments, I'm gonna go organize them!
Leslie
Organizing my scraps is my February project. I think I am going to try to use clear plastic shoe boxes and have boxess for different colors. I will see how that works.
My scraps are in piles from different projects all over my sewing room (my husband has muttered comments about how my sewing room seems to be quite ill with the flu) . I have not had a plan for scraps until now and the task seems overwhelming but I can't stand the disorganization any longer. I also had to rearrange a closet to make room for more plastic boxes so it has not been a one-step project. Wish me luck!
Janet Green
Currently all my scraps are in a giant plastic box where anything big enough to use was thrown. I then separated them into colors and put them in gallon bags. (still in the box though) then my plan is to cut them into useable sizes 5,2,2.5,1.5,1, squares etc. after that they will have homes in boxes for scrappy projects! All this would happen in a perfect world where laundry and dishes don't live!
Donna M
I have two large waste baskets under my cutting table. One for waste and the other for scraps. After about three months I go through the scraps and cut them into 2 1/2" strips, triangles and assorted squares. Then I put them into clear shoe boxes by color family. All my salvages go into a box as well. The size of the waste basket forces me to stay current with my scraps.
Kristi
Right now I organize scraps by project, I gather them in a ziploc as I work. Then they are coordinated a little with what I have already made.
Michelle
I don't have a room dedicated to sewing and not a lot of room for storing fabric so I went to the Dollar Tree and got some baskets that look like small laundry baskets with handles, they are perfect for storing scrapes and stack inside each other for storage. I tend to sort by material type, flannel, baby patterns, kitchen pattern, solids, etc. I have bigger clear plastic bins for large fabric pieces that are also sorted by the same method, right now it works. The Dollar Tree is a great place to look for storage ideas, all sizes and shapes.
Emily
I cut my scraps down to usable sizes, then sort & store by size in plastic shoe boxes. I started with Scrap Therapy's sizes, but have been adding my own sizes in to customize for what I am likely to use. If I have full WOF, I also cut 2 1/2 inch strips. I keep things waiting to be cut up in a old pillow case on the floor--I'm hoping to go through my backlog and move to smaller containers--that's still a work in progress in my head.
jane d
Right now, I just sort by color but want a more organized system!
Amanda
Gorgeous quilt Amy!!! I store my scraps sorted by colors in bins, it helps to keep me organized when I'm looking for just the right scrap 🙂 I'm going to have to get this book for sure, such inspiration and beautiful photos!
Mary D
I am getting better about organizing my scraps. I cuta lot of them into strips or squares and store them in plastic drawers or see through plasticbins. And then there are those I have in large plastic bags from comforters or sheet sets that I stuff full and use the seek and discover method when going through them. 🙂
Linda W
I try to sort mine by color, but it always seems to get messed up. The new book look great.
Leanne
I am not very organized. I store my scraps in zip lock baggies, loosely by color, sometimes by project, and sometimes I just shove them in a plastic bin. The scrap book looks like a blast!
Sharon
Uhm, organization? I wish I could say they're stashed by colors, or size, or that I cut them into useable pieces before I put them away . . . BUT, I've no system . . . so far, the leftover scraps from each project are sort of stashed away together. It's always good to have a goal, right?
Beth
So far, I manage to keep all of my scraps in 2 smallish drawers. One stack is nothing but 2 1/2" strips, so I can pull scrappy bindings out quickly.
Melissa Q
I don't have a good organization system right now. Everything is in a big bag. I would love to make fabric bins for them but that might be too much work for this busy mama. I just need to find pretty and cheap plastic bins and start sorting.
Jennifer
Organized scraps? Ha! I really need a push in that department.
Sonya
I sort some of my scraps by color, and others by designer. I keep searching for the perfect way to keep them so that they are easy to use, but so far I haven't found it.
Marsha
Scraps! They never end. And it's always amazing to see how scraps can still create more scraps! Mine are all jumbled together in a very large bin. My granddaughter created a fabulous improv small quilt using those scraps -- I was so impressed. The sneak peak here of quilts in the book is appealing.
Ms Sam Nicholson
I have taken the last six months off of quilting? just to organize my scraps, from one inch blocks up to yards!! Now, I am looking for different things to do with them. I really loved the first quilt pictured and the photograph itself is a work of art!! I would love to win this book!!
Lynnette
I sort my scraps by color or theme i.e. Halloween fabrics. When I start a new project and need a little extra something it's easy to pull out the plastic tote (they're small) of a color I think I'm missing and audition the pieces next to what I'm working on.
Buffy
I used to just sort scraps by color but recently I did an overhaul of my scrap bins and now sort by color and by size. I also cut any strange shaped scrapes into more usable sizes or shapes because I found I am much more apt to use them if they already look like a size/ shape that would work for a project. This holiday season I used only scraps to make gifts- bags, pouches, and coasters. It was so satisfying!
Linda rattie
I just had my basement re-done with lots of storage for my material and quilting needs.
I tend to sort my scraps by colour....but sometimes by collection if I have a specific quilt
in mind. Thanks for the chance to win!
Casey
My scraps get sorted into a clear plastic box for strips or a clear plastic box for pieces. If it's a fat quarter(ish) size, it gets folded up and stored with my fat quarters. If it's closer to or at least a half yard, it isn't treated like scraps at all, even though it may be what's left over after a project/quilt.
Lynda H
Organize my scraps???? What a silly concept - oh how I wish
Isabella
My scraps? Ziploc, ziploc, ziploc and ziploc!!
I need this book, I really need it!
Becca
I've got mine sorted by warm, cool, neutral, and larger scraps. But I think I need to rethink it, because the size sorting isn't as helpful for me.
Michelle @ From Bolt to Beauty
I consider anything smaller than a quarter-yard a scrap and don't keep anything smaller than a 2.5" square. Everything gets sorted by color and stored in a plastic bags. All the bags go in a big ol' plastic bin. It isn't a fancy system, but it works for me!
Lynette reed
Holiday scraps are kept separate, solids by color and prints together. Not a GREAT system, but working so far. Love all the ideas.
Stephanie A
I make a lot of string quilts and found it really helpful to store my scraps in designated lengths. I know the first (center) strips are 9.5"; the next row 9" and so forth. I found the perfect storage bin in the jewelry section of a craft store. I need to win this book because the link to pre-sale is not working.
Nena
Hi - I save by (1) Type of fabric (cotton, flannel, broadcloth, deco), (2) Colourway, (3) size - and have them in clear boxes of varying sizes. This book looks fantastic! Thank you.
Cathy
I sort my scraps by size and sometimes by color/designer. I use cleaned plastic salad containers as they stack easily and I can see what is inside. The rest of my fabric is pretty much sorted by color and stored in clear bags. Thanks for the giveaway of a very inspiring book.
Wendy
I have 2 overflowing containers of scraps that are not sorted. I love the recommendation from Sunday Morning Quilts on sorting by color and having a container for each color. I plan on doing this. I just need to find a space for 9 containers. I'll probably go with clear shoe box containers so I can see the fabric.
Rosemary B
I love this quilt and I would LOVE to have this book
KAren
I sort mine by color and shape !
Barbara
I sort by colour, and try to separate out small pieces from strips etc, but it's hard to keep up with the scraps at times! Love the eye-candy in this book - thanks for the chance to win!
Lucrecia
Right now I just keep my scraps in the top drawer of my cutting table. But I'm still a baby quilter so I don't have a large collection yet 🙁
Cathy
I'm pretty pathetic at organizing, as I hate to cut my scraps into smaller uniform sizes as so many recommend. Therefore overflowing in a rough rainbow order. Guess I really need this book!
Elizabeth Bolton
I have fairly shallow clear tubs into which I sort by color - I have a LOT of these tubs!! When they get overflowing, I try to use them up so the lid fits well, at least!
Christine n
Congrats on being featured in this book! Thanks for the chance to win!
Lorraine
My scraps are organized in plastic bins by color and sometimes by collection/designer. Now I just need to use them!
Judy
At this point I can store my scraps in plastic bags by color. I can see outgrowing this system though!
Judy
I don't have a lot of scraps, so I keep larger ones in a clear bin and smaller strip scraps in another basket. If I have solid scraps, especially whites, I keep them in separate ziploc bags with the fabric name for other small projects.
Johanna
Organization? My scraps are stashed in ziploc bags and not organized. It is a real mess!
Melissa murray
Color coded bins and one large collection of 1.5 inch squares.
Alicia
I have them in 2 clear bins. One solid, the other prints. I think I need more bins and change to organizing by color and purge things I don't like any more.
Heather
I keep scraps in three bins/boxes. They are all clear plastic. One is for the largest scraps (where any dimension is 6" or bigger). The second is for the smaller scraps and the third is for the small triangles I get when I make binding strips.
BjoLiz
I keep my scraps in plastic bins and they are stored on a metal shelving unit. Unfortunately, they are random in colors and sizes in each bin. When I am making a scrap quilt, I usually pull one bin out and go through it cutting the fabric there in sizes I need. I have made a number of scrap quilts, but it seems my scraps are growing not shrinking! I do love the look of scrap quilts - so many stories of other quilts in the blocks.
Melanie C
My are "organized"...if you can call it that...by designer
Lynn B
I have lots of scraps, I hate tossing fabric out bc it never fails I can use it later. I sort by color . Easier for me to pull for projects .
Karen
I keep mine in a couple of boxes. I don't have very many yet to turn them into something useful.
Lynn
Oh my gosh, I love the scrap stars! I have boxes of scraps, the smallest ones in ziplock bags.
Michele
I pre-cut some common sizes and sort by color
Barb in MI
I am trying to follow Bonnie Hunter's scrap system, but have trouble implementing it. So scraps do ends up as a big bag/ box and I'll pull from the pile. Love the quilts in the book - and your Scarp bag star is fabulous!
Mom C
I try to sort by color in those plastic rolling drawers. When I have bigger pieces or strips I cut them in strips so they are ready for use. Love the quilts. Thanks.
Aggiequilter
I have a couple of the wire basket carts from Ikea and I TRY to keep my scraps sorted by color at least ... also trying to cut larger remnants into pre-cut sizes when I can, so they're ready to use. Congrats on the new book, it looks great and thanks for the chance to win one !
Kim
I throw mine in a bucket and every so often sort into colors and store in the bags sheets come in. They're great because they're see through, but well contained, which means easy to travel with.
Laura
I've only made a small number of quilts so my scraps aren't too out of control. Right now I have large pieces separated out by color with a separate section for strips (2.5" or smaller) and snippets (anything 2x5 or smaller). I love your contribution to the book - thanks for the giveaway!
Jessica
Love your quilt! I'm so excited about this book. I'm actually really terrible at organizing my scraps (they all go straight into one giant bin), but I'm always resolving to do better. 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
Stephanie Daniel
I organize my scraps by size. I only do small cuts, med cuts. and larger cuts. I don't have the space for much more than that.
Karen Thurn
Scraps? Open drawer, insert scrap. I so need this book!
Julianna
My scraps are sorted by color with pink being the dominate drawer.
Kathie L
I have clear boxes for different sizes of scraps.
Brenda
My scraps are partly organized by size, partly by color, and partly by which project they come from. I also have several "pulls" that I keep adding to with possible projects in mind.
Melissa
All my useable scraps (over 4inches or so) go in drawers that I rummage through every time I start a scrap project. All the smaller bits go in a baked beans casserole dish I got for my wedding that I've never, ever cooked in. It's white and pretty so at least this way I have a reason for keeping it!
Gill
Great quilts!
I organise my scraps by size!
Joni
I organize by size (strips, chunks and blocks) and color value (light, dark, medium). I am an avid scrap quilter and many friends gift me with their leftovers. Thank you for the chance to win! I cannot wait to get my hands on this lovely book!
Cathy
I'm a pretty new quilter and I have no method yet. Help!! So far everything is just stuffed in a drawer. Hopefully some of your tips will inspire me to get a system going.....
Pat V.
I sort my scraps by color in clear plastic shoe boxes. So easy to find what I need!
Four dogs and one quilter
I have 3 Ikea wire basket racks filled with scraps sorted by color. Anything smaller than a fat quarter is a scrap to me. The larger pieces are handy for making bags or pouches or pincushions. I also cut 10" squares if there is enough fabric. After that I cut in the usual small pieces, 1" - 5 " and save them in clear plastic boxes. At least that is what I used to do. After our cross country move, everything is in a big moving box. Time to get organized again.
Anne J
As a newish sewer, I do not have many scraps…yet! I have a small filing drawer unit from IKEA that I use to sort scraps by color. I moved recently and have a new room for sewing with built in shelves so I'm thinking I need clear containers for my scraps so I will see them better and use them…as I LOVE scrappy quilts!
Veronika
Right now everything is just stuffed into a big bin...but ideally they'd be sorted by color! ?
Mary Kasavich
I organize by color, and place into clear boxes. When they get too full I make a new project!
Kathy Wilkey
Love your scrap bag quilt! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of the book.
Chris
Sort by color. Have Scraps vol. 1 and love it.
lisa m
I used to throw out the smaller pieces but I've started to keep them so I really need a method for storing and saving them properly, right now they're all in a big plastic tub.
aNNIE cOOK
My scraps reside in plastic bags until I can't stand looking at them, and then I donate them to my quilt guild.
becky moyer
Organizing scraps!? HAHA! I have a large mason jars that I keep small scraps in which are rainbow ordered. other than that I keep stacks sorted by color in bins.
Michelle O.
I am a new quilter so I don't have many scraps yet. But I love reading the comments with all of the ideas!
Kelly O.
I use an Ikea wire basket drawer system and sort by colour
Lorna Alexander
I sort large sized scraps by color in plastic storage boxes. I 6cut smaller pieces by sizes I use a lot in my quilts-5", 2 1/2" squares and strips.in small boxes and then I have a clothes basket of just narrow strips 1 1/2 to 3" strips.. I'm ready for this book to dig in to this wonderful big basket of strips!
Kay Rose
I’m currently building my scraps stash, which isn’t too large yet. I’m putting my scraps in a very large clear glass canister-type jar. It sits in my sewing room and looks like a jar full of color!