Well it took me two weeks, but finally I completed the background for my Christmas wall hanging. Just as I started it, I changed my mind and decided to do 2.5" squares rather then 4". A big ADUHHHHHHHH on me. Should have figured out that although it would make the gradation of values nicer, it was A LOT more work. Then to add to the drama, was the fact that I pieced it and didn't like it - so had to rip it a part and do it again - of course! I mean why do it once when you can obviously do it a couple of times (read dripping with sacrasm)
All that said, there were some nice things, learned in this piecing. First of all, I think 17 years later, I have conquered the scant 1/4" seam. Most of my blocks were proper size and I did very few pins. I also got to use up a good bunch of hand dyed blue scraps. This took more time to cut them down individually but I felt very thrify and vindicated that I wasn't just saving them for nothing!
Speaking of that - I was wondering. . . .....................
How do you all store your scraps? For years, I tried different methods. One that worked well for me was taking any scraps left over from a project and cutting them down into usable charm sizes. Then they were stored by size in shoe boxes. This was great when I was doing a lot of traditional work. Now that I'm doing a lot of art quilts, I had to find a new method. So I decided to start storing them in zip lock bags by color. I have one set of baggies of hand dyeds and one set for commercial prints. Each set goes in a tote bag for easy storage and travel. When I finish a project I just throw all the scraps into a zip lock bag - then when I have some TV time I just take them out and sort into their respective color family. Two years later it seems to be working out well.
How do you all store your scraps? For years, I tried different methods. One that worked well for me was taking any scraps left over from a project and cutting them down into usable charm sizes. Then they were stored by size in shoe boxes. This was great when I was doing a lot of traditional work. Now that I'm doing a lot of art quilts, I had to find a new method. So I decided to start storing them in zip lock bags by color. I have one set of baggies of hand dyeds and one set for commercial prints. Each set goes in a tote bag for easy storage and travel. When I finish a project I just throw all the scraps into a zip lock bag - then when I have some TV time I just take them out and sort into their respective color family. Two years later it seems to be working out well.
Oh and yes - Kali was there helping out - if only she would learn to use a seam ripper - sighhhhhhhh
11 comments:
Pretty colors. I'm sure it was work all the work -- and rework.
Your gradation turned out beautiful. I have a cross stitch that reminds me Sew You Rip, LOL.
I cut many of my scraps into strips and store them in bins marked with the strip widths.
Anything that can be cut into 2" strips is cut and put in a bin. The rest is put in a separate bin.
I cut things into 2 1/2 strips (can be used for binding or any jelly roll pattern) and the rest of my scraps I give away. I just don't have room or time to deal with all of them.
I do not make quilts. So, my method for scraps is to fold them into 2 to 4 inch squares and sort them by color. I then bind the squares in a stack with twine. Just like you see in quilt shops. You can toss the stack in a storage container or on a shelf. Takes a little time at first, but then becomes routine. Nice piecing. Not my thing.
I did one "art" quilt using 2.5" squares and before that I hadn't realized how much work went into setting the squares and then sewing them all together. Your background looks great. Can't wait to see what goes on top.
That is a lot of unsewing and sewing! I just did a couple of borders using 2" squares and man that took a lot of thread :) It's great to be able to use treasures you've saved in the form of scraps. I have boxes and drawers for my scraps cut to different widths--soon I will have to sort them by color as it is not simple to pull out the colors I want. But don't your pieces get all wrinkled being put into baggies?
Hi Annie - yes - they get wrinkled - BUT they only have to be ironed if you are going to use them LOL!! So its really not that big of deal till them :)
The blue one is gorgeous, absolutely beautiful! You made remind me that I had ever did such a gradation project (but with crayons and water colors) when I was still at college. I enjoyed it very much at that time and got A! maybe I should try on fabrics someday :)
About the scraps..
I also keep them in ziplock plastic, but not sorting them into colors first. Bad isn't it? hehe..
The background turned out great. It should be a nice compliment to your applique.
I like your scrap system...easy to see the pieces you want to pull out to use!
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