Dealing with Scraps

I don't know about you but my scraps got completely out of control.  I was just keeping every little scrap from nothing to huge.  Here's the proof of my dusty screwed up uncared for obsession for scraps.

So I cleared off the cutting table, turned on the iron and started cutting.  I cut every (well almost) every use-able piece of fabric.    Resulting in this organised containers of scraps in a pre-determined size.

5x5"  squares 5" strips
2x2" squares  2" strips
3x3" squares 3" Strips

and so on you get the idea.  Now when I am cutting fabric, instead of throwing them into bin after bin I a know cutting them and filing them away afterwards.

I really think this idea is going to work for me and I am excited to find that next great scrap quilt project.

Take care Toni

Stash Wrapping

"Stash wrapping"  this is what I call it anyway.  I decided that I desperately needed a new system for my stash. Although it is rather small compare to some that I had seen around on blog land, I still wanted it to look great, be functional at the same time. I also needed it to be free so I could save all my cash for fabric. So this little tutorial is just to show you how I do it.  No rights, no wrongs just my way.

Stash wrapping 1/2 yard/metre , fat quarters or less:

1.Cut 2 pieces  3" x 6" old real estate/ realty boards .  I cut 2 and face the printed side inwards, there are 2 reasons for this 1. I'm not sure about the lasting effect of the ink  2. Two pieces of board together give a better thickness for the fabric and the stand-a-bility.

 Spread out your fabric keeping the selvedges together.

 Fold fabric in half (as pictured below)

 Fold again, but this time keep the cut edge in from the fold about 1/2" this will just keep it tidy again.

 Place your double boards at the opposite end from the selvedges.  I do this so when I look at the fabric later I'll know that it is a WOF piece and not a fat quarter.

 Pull only about 1/4" of the fabric over to start and then continue to fold over applying a firm pressure to keep the fabric nice and straight and tight.

 Fold over the last end of the fabric and fasten in whichever way works for you.  Below is what I do.

 I first started using a very fine glass head pin.  I decided that I just wasn't happy with that solution for a number of reasons.

 So then I used a humble piece scrap fabric.

 Wrapped over tied in a bow.

 I looks a bit bulky but the overall effect is clear as day.  If someone can suggest another cost free option I'd love to hear from you.

I also use, wool, ribbon, bias binding and trim scraps.

 I hope you enjoyed my first tutorial,  its a bit rough but hey it is what it is.