Messy scraps during RSC block making
After participating fairly regularly in RSC (Rainbow Scrap Challenge) since 2016, I have decided to leave it and do my own thing. I love rifling through my scraps and seeing fabrics from as far back as 2010. But when I begin to dread "getting my blocks done" each month, I know it's time to quit a challenge.
Scraps in plastic bins on top
Part of the dread involves "the mess", so my first goal as a Scrap Whisperer was to wrangle my scraps into some semblance of order. My scraps are stored by color in plastic bins on top of the "stash unit", and they were busting out of their lids. I needed help! Using some tips from Sherri at A Quilting Life, Since I do not cut my scraps into standard sizes, I used these categories to organize them, and they are still sorted by color:
- 1-1/2 to 2-1/4 inch pieces
- 2-1/2 inch squares
- 2-1/2 inch to 5 inch pieces
- 5-1/2 inch squares
- Strings - 1-1/2 inch and up strips as well as triangular pieces
- 6 inch+ pieces
BEFORE - the biggest and most unruly collection of colored scraps was the blue bin
I put the bin on my ironing table, pulled out scraps and pressed them,
and placed them into appropriate stacks.
AFTER - much better!
This big jar sits below the cutting table to accumulate scraps as I cut fabric. Jack noticed that it was quite compacted with over a year's worth of scrap dumping, so he recommended that I empty and sort it into the freshly organized bins. This proved to be about a two hour task.
Ready to make some string blocks!
I've ordered these bins in the hopes that I will be able to see my scraps more easily with the wider and more shallow 14 x 11 x 3.25 inch dimensions. I will use the leftover bins to store my yarn skeins!
I've made good progress and have organized blues, greens, browns/blacks, reds/pinks, purples/grays, and yellows. I still need to sort out three exploding bins of white, off-white, and white prints, plus these two bins of Christmas scraps! But first I need to take a break and do some sewing . . .
I would love for you to share your scrap storage methods in the comment section below!
Good for you, Linda! I keep telling myself I need to do some scrap sorting and organizing, but never end up getting to it. Did you keep the scraps organized by color, too, or sort them into sizes? Your photo of your stash shelves is so appealing!
ReplyDeleteYou will love those new bins for scraps or projects! They work great. I really need to take the time to go through things and re-arrange or pass along to someone else. You did a lot of work and it looks great! Giving up the "have to do" can really help our creativity for our own projects. I am making it "I want to". So I quit one of the BOMs. It was 'freeing'! LOL
ReplyDeleteYour organization is admirable, astounding, in fact. Your room looks like a fabric store. I really wish I had you here to help me organize all of my supplies.
ReplyDeleteI love your plastic boxes, neat! I store my scraps by color only ;)
ReplyDeletewell it all looks beautiful ...i love the cat!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandy! I love that cat too. :)
DeleteI have my scraps in bins too, and it sure helps. I do need to think about getting them cut into sizes; that would help too, but I lose interest in that pretty quickly!
ReplyDeleteThese are a few of my favorite things.... Organizing by color! Plastic bins! Art/craft supplies! Curious yellow cat!
ReplyDelete