learn how to sort fabrics scraps and tips on what to make with fabric scraps after you are done with the fabric in a quilt
Make the most of your small fabric scraps by turning them into crumb quilt blocks! You can combine blocks to make a full crumb quilt top!
Improvisational piecing is putting together a quilt top without a preconceived plan for exactly how it will look. It's a way of working from intuition, with a sense of adventure and a willingness to explore unknown territory. It's probably the most fun you will ever have. Yesterday, on the morning of my website launch, I
10 SUGGESTIONS FOR EXTRA FLOORING Yesterday I overheard a customer ask one of our sales representatives if
When I blogged about my scrappy improv blocks, I had several people mention that they were afraid to try it with their own scraps, since there really isn't a true plan for sewing. It does take some time to get used to sewing with reckless abandon in an improv style, but I thought that a few guidelines might help some of you take the plunge. Once you get the hang of it, this method of sewing is so much fun, and it's a great way to use whatever fabric you happen to have. The first thing you need to decide is how big you want your blocks to be. I use a 12.5 inch square ruler, and I find it makes things much easier. If you would rather use a regular quilting ruler, that's fine too! Get all of your fabric ready and divided in whatever way works for you. I have my scrap baskets divided into cool, warm, and neutrals. I also don't distinguish between scraps and strings. They all go in together, and you'll love using both with improv piecing. Start by sewing two pieces of fabric together. It's helpful if the sides you're sewing are similar in length, but not necessary. When you're finished sewing, just take your scissors and trim the excess. Add another piece to any side you choose. I always try not to sew around the first piece in a regular way, so that it doesn't end up looking too much like a log cabin block. If you don't come across a piece that is long enough to cover the side, or if you just want some variety, piece a couple of scraps together to make them long enough. As your sides get longer, you will have to piece smaller scraps to get enough length. Try to avoid sewing too many long strips on the sides or your block might end up looking like a log cabin instead of an improv block. I don't press my block until the end when I'm sewing like this, but you can if you choose. Continue adding to your sides until you have a block that is about 3-4 inches bigger than your square template. I know you're wondering why you are making blocks that are too big, but just trust me. The part that will make your blocks really special is coming up. Give your block a press and take it to your cutting mat. Line up your template along one edge of your block. Check our those extra side strips! Cut them off with care and don't throw them away. You'll need them later! I know when I look at quilts that are improv pieced I'm always impressed by the tiny little strips and fabric bits that seem so perfectly placed within the blocks. Well, you can get those neat little pieces without actually sewing teeny tiny pieces. We're going to use those fabulous little trimmed strips in your next blocks! One or two of those strips can really add a lot of interest to a block full of bigger pieces. If you really get on a roll, you can always make a really big improv block and cut several blocks from it! This also gives you the freedom to use pieces that are a little bigger, because there is a good chance that they will get cut when you cut your blocks out. You can do improv piecing with a planned color palette as well! If you choose to use scraps though, just remember that the beauty of a scrap quilt isn't fully realized until all of the blocks are together. In my opinion, that's when scrap quilts really show their wow factor! I really encourage you to try some improv piecing. Once you get the hang of it, it's a lot of fun, and I think it's really great for getting your creativity and sewjo going! Editied 8/25 to add- Here's a picture of the finished quilt, just in case you're wondering how it looks when the blocks are all put together! You can check out the post with more pics of the finished quilt HERE!
Check out these simple scrap wood projects and ideas to try! These easy small wood projects are perfect beginner woodworking projects too!
UPDATED JULY 6, 2022 — CLICK HERE TO SEE MY CRUMB PIECING TUTORIAL TO LEARN HOW I SELECT FABRICS AND SEW MY CRUMB BLOCKS. INCLUDES A VIDEO TUTORIAL. A little over a week ago on February 22 I …
Happy Thursday my Scrappy Friends! This week we are going to be looking at a simple couple of blocks that will pair nicely to make a beautiful scrappy project quilt that is easily expanded to be as large as you like. Once again, we'll be doing all simple piecing and all simple cutting. As you clean out a collection of scraps one of the best things you can do to be organized is go ahead and make simple pre-cuts. When going through my scrap drawers, I press my scraps and cut them into 2 1/2"
Make these DIY scrap wood projects with those small pieces leftover from your larger projects! 40 ideas to get your creativity flowing!
For several years I have been keeping a bag beside the sewing machine of little scraps. Too small to be put into the respective color scrap bin (yes, I am THAT person that has multiple scrap storage tiers) but too special to be thrown out. In the early stages of the quarantine I noted that the bag was overflowing. Doing a little research I rediscovered Amanda Jean's scrap vortex quilt along. First step was prying all the little pieces and strips out of the bag and organizing them in some order. Very, very little was thrown in the trash and every bit was used! I followed her recommendations and started with small pieces making small slabs and then just kept adding on. In the beginning I had my doubts as to whether this was ever going to build up into something cohesive. I stepped back and went back to review some of the beautiful quilts made as part of Amanda Jean's QAL (for example Linda's!) and that gave me the inspiration to carry on! As the quilt blocks began to grow came the challenge of assembling some pretty random sized slabs. To my delight that little bag of bits and pieces came together pretty nicely! Perhaps I shouldn't have been too surprised under the theory that if I loved each of the little pieces then the odds would be good that I would like the compilation. Quilted in a simple meander this one is staying with me. In the end I enjoyed the process so much I have started two more bags including one just for Christmas bits and pieces! Keep smiling, Kathy
I've decided that scrap management is a full time job. (One that I am happy to have!) I've been cutting 3" squares from scraps. This is a stack of 400. I'm on my way to cutting at least 700 (!!!) to make a lap size quilt. You know, I've got to hurry and whip this one up because we are running low on quilts around here. Ha! After cutting up squares, I have lots of odd sized trimmings that I store in this pretty wood bowl. I love to sit down and just sew them together. It's such good therapy. I recently sorted all my scraps back into their color coded baskets. That took a better part of a weekend to accomplish, but it was so worth it! The pattern for the boxes can be found in Sunday Morning Quilts. I have 3 more colors to make...purple, brown and white. Then I'll have a complete set! Meanwhile, my strings are piling up and threatening to take over. They need to be sewn up. Pronto. (This seems to be my most robust category of scraps. Always. I think I need to make another spiderweb quilt. Or 3.) I'll spare you a photo of my tiny ticker tape pieces, thus sparing myself judgment. (hopefully.) I really ought to throw them away, but I can't bring myself to do so. As if that weren't enough, Flaun came to visit and sew yesterday. She generously shared her scraps with me. I've got a whole basket of new-to-me scraps to sew up. Thanks Flaun! I'm so excited to dig into these! My solution to all the scraps? Sew faster. I'll let you know how that goes. :) On the home front....my other full time job... (another one that I am extremely happy to have!) Today is the first day of school. (sniff sniff.) Early morning. (Yawn.) New shoes. New routine. Lots of jitters. And one very sentimental mama. As hard as it was to send them on their way this morning, it was time. I am excited about finding a new routine and having some serious structure in my day. Hopefully with lots of sewing time! Happy Tuesday!
Top Las Vegas lifestyle blogger, Outfits & Outings, features their latest home project: Load Bearing Beam Ideas. Click here now for the before and after!!
Check out these simple scrap wood projects and ideas to try! These easy small wood projects are perfect beginner woodworking projects too!
Before sending your paper goods off to recycling heaven, check out our ideas for upcycling your remnants into cool creations.
Let's celebrate these little fellows with those sweet bee amigurumi, that's easy and fast to make. They will make amazing decoration and toys.
If you've been around since the beginning of Lo & Behold Stitchery, you might remember that key fobs were my JAM. Back in the early days, I cranked out SO many key fobs in all sorts of variations and stocked my Etsy shop with them. They are super fun to make and very quick and rewarding! I eventually phased out of making them for sale, but I do still really enjoy making one from time to time! They make great teacher gifts, stocking stuffers, party favors....whatever you'd like! All you need is some scrap fabric, scrap batting and a key ring (which you probably already have!) Gather all of your supplies and lets get to it! PS - Looking for a printable PDF? I have this tutorial condensed into six lovely, printable pages for your convenience. Download it here. . . Okay, here's what you'll need: Basic sewing supplies (Sewing machine, rotary cutter, cutting mat, scissors, iron, ironing board, etc.) You can find a list of all of my favorite supplies here. Fabric - One 3
Make these DIY scrap wood projects with those small pieces leftover from your larger projects! 40 ideas to get your creativity flowing!
Looking for easy leftover hardwood flooring projects? In this article, I'm sharing a few pieces you can create with your hardwood scraps or any other plank-style flooring. You will love the possibilities, especially if you're a beginner!.
Use the trimmings from your sewing projects to make cute and original scrap fabric bookmarks!
Copy Right Anne Ibach 2021 (I’m really happy that a lot of people are making this bag! Since it’s free, when you post a photo of your bag on social media, please credit me, use the hash…
This is how I made a modern scrap quilt without a pattern. This is a quick controlled improv style quilt you can make in less than a week!
How to build an adorable DIY bar cart from a single board of construction lumber! Includes video and building plans!
Learn how to make the Hidden Wells quilt block with this tutorial. is very fast and easy to make and each time you make it.
Here's some free printable journaling cards and below, some planner sheets... Lists, etc. They are little larger They are shown full size!...
Simple printable airline ticket and boarding pass writing frames.
It is Scrap Happy Time and I have just the project for you! Moving cut scraps from the cutting board to the sewing table can be a bit tricky. The pieces can shift and move or even fall to the floor…
I'm back to share my second layout that was featured in the Fall issue of Scrapbook & Cards Today. If you still haven't downloaded this issue, you can find it RIGHT HERE. I was asked to create a layout about...
Okay, I am not quite sure how this happened, but I am two months behind cross-posting my CropChocolate tutorials here at Scrappy Canuck Studios. While you can always find them over on The Crop, I …
This artist can turn an old pair of jeans into a museum-worthy masterpiece.
Make these DIY scrap wood projects with those small pieces leftover from your larger projects! 40 ideas to get your creativity flowing!
Today I want to share 8 ingenious ideas on how to use up your yarn stash - so you can stop being stressed out by all your leftover yarn!
It’s all the rage among scrap-using quilters. Search for it on YouTube and Pinterest and you’ll see what I mean! Video by Brenda of “Conquering Mount Scrapmore with Brenda” …
You've made something out of fleece, and now you've got a bunch of scraps leftover. Here are 20 things to make with fleece scraps to help you destash.
3D Printed Ultimate Biplane 10-300S (RC Plane): I have designed this plane from scratch using the software Catia. This plane was specificly designed for 3D printing, which means that it is very light (about 400 grams without electronics). There are .stl files of every part that is used on this pl…
Learn to make quilt binding in six simples steps by Simple Simon and Company.
