Using up the Scraps By Making Quilts
Scrap quilts are my focus for 2023 for several reasons. First of all, I love their look, reminding me of the quilts my grandma made. Secondly, I want to use up fabrics I already have. Lastly, it is a challenge; there are many options for beautiful quilts from seemingly simple blocks. As I told you in an earlier post, each month, I will share free quilt patterns that are geared toward scrap quilts. At the point in time of this post, I only have one pattern that utilizes a more challenging technique (“Y” seams).
A Random Comment Leads to Pondering Thoughts
A comment I read on another site by a quilter made me pause and think about what she had said. Basically, why are we in a hurry to use up our scrappy fabrics? I ruminated on this for a couple of days at such random moments. It is funny how comments will replay in our thoughts. I kept asking myself why I wanted to use up most of my scrappy fabrics.
Using up the Scrap Fabrics
For me, it has to do with sensory overload. I like some of my fabric in sight for inspiration, but if I have everything out front and center, I get overwhelmed and start jumping from one project to another. That isn’t conducive to finishing anything. That scatter focus is like blowing bubbles into the wind. It creates more chaos and more disorganization for me. How about you? What helps you to be productive?
Scrap Quilts Motivation
Quilting alone only keeps me motivated for so long; my creative side craves interaction with other quilters. To keep me motivated, I enjoy seeing what others are working on. Sharing project results keeps me inspired. Quilt retreats, weekends, and even a day-long quiltathon bring so much to my table.
Another motivation is creating more room in my “creative chaos” room by using what I already have. Looking around right now, it doesn’t look like I made much of a dent. Wait a minute, what about those five totes sitting empty that used to be filled with fabric? That counts for something. The reason it feels like it didn’t make much of a dent is they weren’t actually in my sewing room.
Monthly Scrap Quilts
Each month, as another easy scrap quilt pattern or block is posted, I will also share my quilt. Some of you will recognize my hand-dyed fabrics; it is time to put them to good use. When I first closed my business, I boxed most everything up, unsure when I would have the time to pick it back up again.
Let’s fast forward about five years when I slowly get back into designing – my favorite part of the quilting process. I probably won’t pick up the hand-dying part, but what a colorful, wonderful mess that part was. Now, another five years later, I am finally ready to settle back into the creative process again. I have found my happy place where I can escape the stresses of life.
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Until next time.
