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Scrappy Challenge

This is a challenge for myself and I would love anyone to join with me if you wish. Scrap quilting is really hard for me. I look at Bonnie Hunter’s quilts, love them all, think I can make them but I just cannot. Part of my problem (and I have so many!) is that I don’t use her scrap saver’s system, or whatever she calls it so for me to make a scrap quilt, I have to get out a million pieces of fabric, cut a little piece off . . sometimes off a 5 yard hunk of fabric, fold the fabric back up (try that with Boots around!), and I usually make a big mess and accomplish little. But, as I’ve been using more of the stash, I’m ending up with more smaller pieces. When I go to pull fabric to make a quilt, I keep pulling out small pieces that don’t work for my type quilting but  . . I can be a scrap quilter . . at least some of the time.

So, my challenge to myself is this:

Anything in the stash that’s less than 1 yard will be cut into smaller, more usable pieces!

Simple as that!

This challenge is going to be a no guilt challenge too.  The main rule is this:  No UFOs! By about the 25th or 26th of each month, whatever blocks I have done . . that’s it!  If I have one block done, I will finish it and it will be a pot holder or hot pad. If I have three blocks, it can be a table runner.  If I have 5 or 6 blocks, I can set them together with plain blocks and make a baby or youth quilt for a donation project or for the area pet shelter.

There’s no reporting . . no accountability, no chance of failure!

If enough of you are interested in doing this with me, here’s how I see it working:

  1. On the 2nd of each month (Tell it to the Stars is on the 1st), I’ll post a block along with instructions. It may be any size block. Feel free to make a difference size. The instructions will be for the block only. What you do with it is up to you.
  2. Make as many as you’d like to use for whatever project you feel like making.
  3. On the 25th or 26th of the month, I’ll call for you to stop making blocks and finish your project.
  4. Because we don’t want UFOs, I would encourage you that if you don’t finish your project for one month, don’t go on to the next month’s project but finish up the unfinished project. This should encourage us to stay on track and get finished.

Anyone interested in doing this with me?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. I like the idea…..BOM’s excluded 🙂 I always love Bonnies quilts but I don’t keep…make that don’t organize my stash/leftovers 🙁 I do have drawers full….LOL. I like the idea of cutting them in useable sizes ….I think I could do it??? Like the little train…I think I can !!!
    First I will organize my scraps…That is a great goal, for me…off to the “studio” aka Sewing Room !!

  2. I’m in, I have so many little scraps and odd pieces it would be great to have a block to do and no more UFO’s, hee hee… at least the thought of no more UFO’s.

  4. Totally in! I also use the Rainbow Scrappy Challenge that another blogger does to determine the color to use that month. For 2013, I did an online BOM and the RSC for the color. For 2014, I will use this. Thanks!

    And Merry Christmas from central IL!

  5. Omitting the “no reporting or accountability” issue does not fire up my productivity, LOL, but I am a huge fan of making things from my scrap bins. Yes, bins, one for each color, plus some other collections. Having small project goals also works for me. This past year, I worked on a monthly scrap challenge and eagerly participated all year. I have plenty of stash, but don’t get to it often because I am too often working from the bins. May I encourage a day of the week or month that everyone might link up photos of their efforts?

  7. I love the idea. I too struggle with scrappy quilts, but I really need to find some way to use up all those odds & ends.

  8. You had me at scrappy! My scraps are out of control. My plan for January is to get a bit of control. I normally cut only less than a 1/2 yard. I love to use my Go! to cut the scraps up and since just this morning I ordered a couple more dies, I’ll have a good reason to play/use them. 🙂

  9. I do use Bonnie Hunters Scrap system. I have the overflowing drawers of bins to prove it! The most I have done with all the scraps is string quilts or tumblers. I would love to actually have blocks completed using some of my scraps and make table runners, baby quilts, even some potholders! I love scrap quilts, and most of my quilts are scrappy. I’ve made a few of Bonnie’s mysteries, but not used up many scraps. I’ve always had to cut new fabrics. So, I’m in for this challenge! Thank you, and Merry Christmas!

  10. I don’t wish to miss out on any fun….so i shall join in also. i am already in for the Tell it To The Stars mystery quilt. and am currently doing bonnie’s current scrappy mystery quilt…we’re on clue 4. and i plan on doing the new years day mystery quilt with planet patchwork. i should be very busy with scraps the next little while. bonnie’s current project has used a LOT of my scraps right now….but, not to worry….i still have lots left. let’s get started!

  11. Sounds like fun! I have my scrap saver bins – but I need to have some scrap user projects – they are overflowing!!!

  13. I like the idea. Maybe it will help me use up some more of my scraps. I do save them in colors and using is something time intensive, but it is nice to use what I have.

  15. I’ve been following Bonnie’s Scrap-Users system for a couple of years now, and just finished a King-size quilt for my daughter and her husband. I have refined the pieces I cut to just four sizes now, strips and squares in 1.5″, 2″, 2.5″ and 5″ (which can be cut down to any odd size I might need). I like your idea of making blocks and completing a project by the end of the month – I might try to do a few things along with you!

  16. Sounds good to me Judy – I am currently doing Bonnie’s mystery quilt and we are only up to clue 4 however have used 2074 pieces of fabric (for the small quilt). I love to learn a new block so this sound like a great idea – thanks

  18. Judy – I make scrap quilts almost exclusively. In my stash (which is very large), a fat quarter is a large piece of fabric! I usually buy fat quarters, standard quarter yard pieces, fat eighths and charm squares. When I cut fabric for one quilt, I always make myself cut the leftover bits and pieces into squares for my version of Bonnie’s system – I keep cut 1.5in, 2in and 2.5in squares only.

    I think you might like to review your decision to cut up every fabric less than one yard into ‘scraps’. There’s a lot of cutting to reduce one yard of fabric to small squares. Perhaps start by cutting off a 5in strip across the width of your yard, and just cutting that strip up.

    Good luck with your goal. I’m really looking forward to seeing what you make.

  20. Sure. I can do that as leaders and have a few blocks done at month’s end, I’m sure. Scraps are overflowing around here. LOL

  21. I will say “I’m in”, but probably not every month, I’ll have to make sure I’m not already overcommitting on a couple of things. I too have a modified-Bonnie Hunter system for my scraps, but then, I’m a scrappy-loving quilter, er piecer….need to quilt more!

  22. I’m in. Scrap quilting is also hard for me. I love Bonnie’s patterns, but i have not taken the time to cut my smaller cuts of fabrics into usable pieces.

  23. I cut all of my scraps into pieces and store them in plastic shoe boxes. I sort by size, not by color/ color family.
    I like having the pieces pre-cut because I can just grab and go.

  24. I have tons of scraps cut but when I pick one up and try to match it my brain seems to freeze and wonder if they will look ok together. Or for making 4 patch units with no pattern in mind. I have promised myself already this next year to push my limits by concentrating on techniques rather than UFO’s or projects, so this fits in…I’ll jump in with you all!

  25. Oh my….if you saw my scraps and how they are stored….tossed here there and everywhere. This sounds very interesting, Judy. I will join you as long as I don’t overwhelm myself. That is one of my goals for 2014…don’t get overwhelmed in quilting. I must reduce my stuff and this might be a big help to the cause.

    I hope you have had a lovely Christmas.

  26. Sounds like fun, will join in when I can. yes, I have way to many scraps. Do dig them out and make string blocks once in a while and one or two other scrap blocks patterns I have. Maybe if i ever got myself really organized……… I am not my Mother’s daughter when it comes to that!

  27. I have all my scraps cut 1″, 2″, 2.5″ & 3.5 strips and squares. Not by color but by size. I’m making your current sew along and Bonnies Mystery plus one other. I can not comment but I’ll think about it. I do use my scraps and have no problem doing so. Its just that I have so many given to me that I’d even consider doing this. I’ve used all my orange and green up doing this mystery.

  28. Sounds great to me, count me in!! I love scrap quilts. Just finished a crayon box quilt, Bonnie Hunter’s pattern. I love it!!!

  29. I’m in.It will be hard for me to make a scrappy quilt. I took a class with Bonnie H. and just loved her quilts that she brought to share with us. I made her braided quilt but I had to just grab a piece and sew because I think too much about matching. The quilt turned out very pretty and I was glad I took her class. So I’m game to try yours also. Thanks.

  30. Hi Judy,
    It sounds like fun and an easy way to get into scrappy quilting. I already do a lot, but doing blocks in different colors is one way I usually DON’T do scrappy, so that sounds like fun. I already have lots of smaller pieces, so I will try to use more of them, and leave the yardage!

  31. Sounds like a great idea. My favorite quilts are scrappy and have a hard time making a 2-3 fabric quilt. Thanks

  32. Sounds great! Last year I vowed to use up scraps and have but there is still so much left. I think I will have to go with Kat S idea of bins for every color and cut sizes that I tend to work with. The block idea is fun, my challenge will be to do something to finish up at the end of the month.

  33. What a super idea! I am trying to finish my first Bonnie Hunter quilt, which is helping me get out of that put together rut. Love you idea of anything under 1 yard goes into her system. I also have recently ordered 31 product bags for organizing my stash. Makes my guest/sewing room look presentable. Can’t wait to join you in a productive 2014. Merry Christmas!

  34. Great…I am not a scrappy quilter, but have saved all my scraps till moving to our rv. Still have some in michigan iin storage though. I did bring some for small projects, so I am in to try scrappy, too

  35. I’m in! I do nothing but scrappy these days anyway. It might be fun to make small projects. I seem to be making a lot of queen size quilts lately.

  38. Would love to get more of a scrap-user’s system going. I have a GREAT stash and want to enjoy it more! I’m on board!

  39. I have been cutting my leftovers from other projects into squares and strips for the past year. It really gets to be a habit to just trim them up, instead of throwing them in a drawer or box. It is a little overwhelming at first to think of cutting up everything!! I just started with small amounts and worked for a short time. As Bonnie says—you are just playing with color & not the design on the fabric. You can use up everything– if you have been collecting for as long as me!! Count me in on your challenge–I love how your mind is focusing on a new idea for the start of the year.

  40. Count me in. This will give me some incentive to start clearing my scraps at a quicker pace.

  42. I have committed to a few things next year but count me in for this one please! I have just moved my huge box of scraps so there is plenty to use!

  44. I Love Bonnies quilts too, I like you do not have enough scraps to pull them off. But I am trying to use my stash, doing the ‘mystery quilt’ w other colors. That I have in my stash. Usually about 4-5 of one color and I use that.
    Too many UFO’s in my life right now.

  45. This might be fun!!! AND I could use some more potholders. 😉 Seriously I love to work with scrappy quilts, the more fabric the better in my opinion. Actually when you have more fabrics in the quilt it’s easier to do scrappy. When I cut for a quilt I cut extra strips for my bins when I have enough fabric to do so. Then I have more choices when making blocks.
    Hugs!!!!

  46. If I can get the sewing room unpacked and organize it sounds like something I would need, let alone like! If you start in January I will not be ready but SHOULD be in Feb. Great idea

  51. I started cutting the extra fabric into 2.5 strips (wof), 5 inch charms, and 10 inch layer cakes. There are many patterns and book that use those sizes.

  52. I started 2 years ago reducing my steadily increasing scrap stash to the more managable system that Bonnie uses! I would just take a handful of scraps and put them on the cutting table and cut them down-starting with the biggest square I could get. At that time I was saving for a raggy-shaggy done with 7″ squares and 4″ four patches. Those went to Hurricane Sandy last year. Now the largest I use is a 6″ square and then I cut whatever else can be gotten from the piece of fabric. If it is able to be done in strips, I cut the strips and then go to squares and half squares (but I have stopped cutting 1-1/2″ squares-if I need them, I have plenty of strips!) Any thing smaller than a 2″ that looks usable goes into the “crumb bin” and I give those pieces to a friend. I have several bags of the small “trash” pieces-going to use them to stuff animal pillows one of these days! I now have almost everything below a fat quarter reduced to usable and about a dozen totally scrappy quilts in process! I like to make the one by “Bits ‘n Pieces” called “crazy eighths”. Makes up really quickly in scraps and you can make it whatever size you want! Is a wonderful charity quilt (I do have trouble making it with only 8 fabrics like the pattern shows-I’m definitely a scrappy gal.) Once you start cutting it seems to take on a life of its own and before long you have conquered the scrap mess! If i can do it, so can everyone else-my ADD brain does not do organization very well!

  53. I’m in. I like the idea of cutting up all the fabric that is less than 1 yard. I’m going to have to start cutting tonight when I get home from work.

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