15 Minute Studio Spiff Up #13 and Stashbusting Reports

Ok ladies, how did you do with your spiff up last week?  Me, not so good.  I have most of my magazines in magazine boxes/holders with some just slid into a book shelf or two.  For now, they are just fine. 

Now this week's assignment is:

Time to tame those scraps! 

Oh no! Where do you keep your scraps before you tame them?  Or maybe a better question is do you tame your scraps?  I have been using a modified version of Bonnie Hunter's Scrap User System for several years. My version limits how many sizes of strips and squares I cut.  For the most part I cut 1.5", 2" and 2.5" strips of fabrics.  My strips are stored in a plastic 4 drawer, wheeled tower.  Each size strip has its own drawer.  One drawer is for odd sizes but I try not to save smaller than 1.5" or anything that is too odd. 

Squares are kept in the same sizes 1.5", 2" and 2.5".  I've been known to cut 3" squares and some even larger but the majority fit the first three sizes. I have individual silverware holders to hold my squares.  I use the small size shown on the link above.  I have two different brands -- one can hold the 2" and 2.5" size.  The other brand holds the 1.5" size.  Hum, the squares all work with the strips.  Pretty good system, yes?  

OK now what happens before the scraps get organized.  Two things: Some sit in a cute box waiting to be sorted.  ARGH! Photo below shows the cute box overflowing with scraps.  I do try to keep up with cutting up fabric into usable sizes.  But, recently most of the drawers are stuffed full.  I've been ignoring this cute box. 

I also have a big bag where I stuff more scraps. Sometimes the scraps are cut offs from finishing a quilt and I have to pick out stitches. No wonder both of these areas are full to overflowing.  Next week I'll be in Maryland attending two Bonnie Hunter classes and I am hoping to pass on several gallon size baggies of scraps to other class members.  I should see a dent in my overstuffed drawers and in my scrap box and bag.  If nothing else, I've gone through quite a few of the scraps and unstitched the edges where batting was attached.  Some batting was tossed. (GASP! Yes, smaller pieces were tossed, I can only use so many of the small batting squares!)  But it did mean that the fabric was ready to be used, cut or stashed away somewhere for future use.  

Unlike some folks, I do not want to cut all of my smaller pieces into strips and squares.  I won't ever strip up my fat quarters unless I am doing it for a specific project.  When I am being really virtuous I will organize my strips or squares by color.  Bonnie H. has started keeping her strips by size and color in zip lock bags. I've done that with my 2.5" strips and it works well until I get lazy and don't put the colors away.  

Because I am away next week I won't be offering up a new area next week. Heck, we could probably stay on scraps for a month and hardly make a dent if your studio is anything like mine!  I will try to post a little reminder but don't worry if I don't, I'm having a great time visiting with my grands and taking those Bonnie Hunter classes. 

Since this is also April 1, I thought I'd throw in my Stashbusting Report too. Or perhaps I should say my stash enhancing report! Sigh. 

2015	Fabric In Month	Fabric in Year	Fabric Out Month	Fabric Out Year	Total In or Out Year
March	12.5	19.00	6.90	15.650	5.600

I must admit I am not too upset by this report.  I actually am a day or two away from finishing a secret project that has used 4 or so yards of fabric.  It will be counted this month since I'm not quite done. I have several quilts that are just waiting for time for me to quilt them.  One or two I haven't even had to buy backing for which is really nice.  I've gotten very busy with some quilting for hire and finishing the antique quilt so I won't be seeing a lot of personal finishes for a while. 

Happy Quilting All!