Scrap Happy Summer Meet Beth

Beth is our first guest that I have not met in person.  But through her blog Love, Laugh Quilt, I have gotten to know her.  She is generous.  She is always making a quilt for someone; a baby, a graduate, a friend.  All of them scrappy wonderfulness.  She is innovative.  She uses scraps to fix problems like here and here.   If you have not visited Beth’s blog you are missing out.  Her sweet personality and creative style is sure to inspire you.  

Here is what Beth has to say about scraps;

Me: What do you consider a scrap?  What’s to big/small? 

Beth: I keep almost ALL the scraps after each project. Nothing is too small.  😉  

Me:  Do you prefer big projects or little ones when using your scraps?  Or do you use a combo?

Beth: Projects can be BIG or small. EVERY project needs some scraps!  Even when using precuts (charm packs, etc.) I always add scraps. I think it improves the quilt to have the fun surprises tucked in! 

Me:  How do you keep your scraps form taking over your sewing area?  

Beth: If I’m lucky I pause before diving into another project and “FILE” the scraps. I have drawers for 2″, 2 1/2″, 3″…squares.

I have a basket where I keep LONG strips that are NOT trimmed and another drawer where 2 1/2″ strips are stored. I LOVE having the 2 1/2″ drawer for unusual bindings and other projects.  I also have baskets that I think of as “fat quarter” baskets, even though they’re ALL DIFFERENT in size.  I try to keep these organized by color. 

Of course, There are some UNFILED bags in  my sewing room.  You’ve got to have some of those!!

Me:  Any tips you would offer others when using scraps?.

Beth: Use your scraps! Make a rainbow quilt using ALL of them. Make a BLUE quilt with just the blues. Follow the colors in a charm pack and fit them in!  Cut a bunch of squares and sew them together.  Think about the light and DARKS (VALUE).  Enjoy your scraps!  Swap scraps with friends.  That’s my advice.  😉

Good advice I’d say.  Now go enjoy your scraps!