Thursday, May 4, 2017

No Scrap Left Behind



Welcome to my stop on the No Scrap Left Behind blog tour! It's all inspired by the latest book by Amanda Jean/crazy mom quilts, who is committed to using her scraps more than anyone I know! No Scrap Left Behind is a wonderful guide to scrap management and use, with a delightful collection of quilts to inspire. And one of my favorite features is the gallery of quilt backs Amanda Jean has created for her quilts. That's an area I'd really like to get more creative with.

As for me, my own personal scrap sorting method is a very simple one. Like not much at all! In fact, when I first saw folks sorting and organizing their scraps all nice and neat, I was so surprised. I guess that's not one of the things I picked up in my early quilting classes.


A big woven basket has been my main receptacle for years, and though I do paw through it to find just the right scrap, when I'm really getting into it, I'll just dump the basket out and work from the big ole pile. Over the last year or two, I've taken to keeping my solid scraps in a separate bin (the white one shown), as I sometimes do projects solely with them. I also keep two smaller patchwork baskets - one with low-volume scraps, and the other with 2 1/2" squares, or scraps that I particularly love that I want to cut into squares at a later date. I do realize that my method means more work for me when I really want to do scrap-sewing, but that's the way it is, and I don't expect I'll be reforming any time soon.


I guess one reason my hapless scrap organization works for me is when I work with scraps, I really like things pretty scrappy. Occasionally I'll work in a limited colorway, but what I especially love is a wild mix of colors and prints.



For the blog hop, I chose to make a variation on Amanda Jean's All Sizes quilt, a design cleverly created with half-square triangles of five(!) different sizes. I really love her finished quilt, and modified it to fit a 20" pillow form, using just four HST sizes, scaled down just a bit from the quilt.


With my finish size different from the quilt pattern, the width of my strips was obviously affected. Basically I made a patchwork slab consisting of several rows of HSTs. Note the sets of same-size triangles each line up, where I made sure not to have the different-sized sets line up, just like in the original quilt. I think that's part of the appeal!


I quilted the top with one layer of batting in an uneven grid, and had one additional tweak, which was to give the whole piece a bit of a tilt as I cut the pillow top to size.


The pillow was finished off with a backing of Essex linen to show off those gorgeous scraps, and a hidden lapped zipper.




Well in addition to showing off a project inspired by No Scrap Left Behind, I also am giving away a free copy of Amanda Jean's book! Just leave a comment on this post and share your best tip for dealing with scraps. Note that if you are a winner and you live in the U.S., you will receive a hard copy of the book. If you live outside the US, you will receive a digital copy of the book. The giveaway will remain open through the weekend. Giveaway has ended. Thank you!


Thanks for stopping by today, and be sure to visit the other stops on the tour. There's such a nice variety, and I've added links below to the actual project posts. You'll be inspired, I'm sure, to start creating with those scraps!

Monday, April 24, Mary Kolb/Mary on Lake Pulaski :: Pincushions
Tuesday, April 25, Lee Monroe/May Chappell :: Mini Nines
Wednesday, May 26, Sandi Hazlewood/Crafty Planner :: Slopes
Thursday, April 27, Bernie Kringel/Needle & Foot :: Ring Me
Friday, April 28, Erin Cox/why not sew :: Mini Nines

Monday, May 1, Katherine Greaves/Sew Me Something Good :: June
Tuesday, May 2, Tracy Mooney/Generation Q :: Cards
Wednesday, May 3, Cheryl Arkison :: Chain of Diamonds
Thursday, May 4, Debbie Jeske/A Quilter's Table :: All Sizes .... You're Here!
Friday, May 5, Amy Smart/Diary of a Quilter



Linking up with Finishing It Up Friday and Scraptastic Tuesday!

242 comments:

  1. Different sizes of half square triangles may work for me. I hate to throw away scraps so I have lots of small bits. The book may inspire me to get to work on my scraps.

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  2. Love the pillow. The book looks great! I live in the US and my tip is to get a bigger scrap basket than you think you will need, because it will get full pretty quickly! 😀

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  3. My best tip is to just figure out what works best for you! I like my smaller scraps sorted by color and keep my larger scraps separate in case I wanted to use them for things like bindings and pieced backings for mini quilts. :)

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  4. I love your pillow with the different sized HSTS. I am less structured in my color choices when I quilt scrappy too. My scrap basket is also every color, but am thinking I should organize them into colors. Ah heck....I'd rather sew than organize.

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  5. I have recently started sewing together the extra corners that get cut off when making triangles. I store the matched pairs in a baggie and when I'm working on a project, I sew a handful of those little guys together and set them in a separate place. I'm hoping to one day end up with a ton of half square triangles of various sizes all sewn together and ready for a project.

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  6. I need to organize my scraps right away when finishing a project. Otherwise it never gets done!

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  7. I'm currently organizing scraps like you but I'm storing my in a few old popcorn tins which barely close now. I need to start cutting them up into usable sizes to save me time down the road.

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  8. My best tip would be to not over think it when working with your scraps. Just go with it.

    I LOVE those scrappy baskets you have. Is there a pattern for those? I need them in my life.

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  9. I'm trying to reorganize my scraps, but not working! I keep going back to the big containers & pulling as I need to...oh well, at least I"ve got lots of choices all the time!! Love your pillow. Great idea!!

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  10. My best tip is actually one that I haven't tried completely yet. It is to cut scraps into same size pieces and sew them together as leaders and enders when working on a quilt to end up with an additional quilt over time. No finished quilt yet.....

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  11. Hmmm! I'm currently making a HST quilt top and will definitely have some HSTs left over. I love your pillow top. Maybe that's a good start for me. Currently, I save my scraps by color (more or less) and keep them in ziplock bags. I would love to be more disciplined about it but that's probably not ever going to happen.

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  12. I'm with you on anything goes when mixing scrappy prints and colors. And the little tilt to your pillow too is fun. Amanda is very brave saving and using such tiny pieces! My tip is to sort squares and strips by color. I'm fond of ROY G BIV😊 Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book.

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  13. Wow - your pillow is lovely! Great interpretation of the quilt in minature (and I love your hidden lapped zipper - very cool!!!)

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  14. I like you tend to keep all my scraps together in a big basket with the solids separate. When it gets too full, then I pick a small block that I like and start cutting and sewing those blocks for a project. Since I usually only make bigger projects, I have several going at a time.
    I really like your pillow and the tilted cut and quilting were perfect!

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  15. My best tip? I do not know, but I try to use them, making things matching the quilts, the backing, a pillow case. But till now I do not have so many, as I use them. Sometimes I work even with scarps in a quilt, if it means cutting a new stripe for some small triangles or just using some scarps - I tend to use sew scarps to fit my triangles.

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  16. Tips? Read other bloggers' tips!

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  17. Lovely pillow, Deb! I think the final skew was the perfect touch! My tip sounds flippant, but is meant sincerely...use them. As often as you can. Also, I sort by size and have the buckets right near my cutting table so I never have to think "I'll sort them later." Me + later = bad news!

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  18. Great pillow! That looks like a fun project. I store my not so favorite scraps in precut strips, some scraps in shoeboxes sorted by project, and some are in chunks for future applique projects.

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  19. I like working with scraps and I have them sorted by colour. The book sounds very interesting I would like to have a closer look at it.
    KATRIN W.

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  20. I sort mine by color and then every once in a while Sew a bunch together. I will eventually make a big rainbow scrap quilt, but there is no rush to complete it so it's not stressful.

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  21. I'm with you sister! All my scraps are in one giant clear, heavy weight, plastic bag. It has a zipper at the top so if I need to transport it to a retreat it doesn't become a mess. Because of the clear plastic I can sometimes spot a particular scrap I need so diving in can be a bit more focused.

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  22. My method of dealing with scraps is somewhat like yours--boxes, bags, baskets, tubs, etc. I DO have some strips sorted by size and color. I also have some odd-shaped scraps in see-through shoe boxes sorted by color.

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  23. my scraps are a one big bin kind of organized.

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  24. Really love the scrappy scrap containers! So much fun.
    Your pillow is terrific.
    Thanks for the chance to win the book.

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  25. If I am sewing on connecter corners as part of block assembly, I use the discarded triangles as leader/enders, sewing them together as I go. The resulting HSTs are all different sizes and would lend themselves to this kind of project.

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  26. My best tip is leave them as they are until you know what you want to cut for. That is 3.5" 4 patch then start cutting 2" squares!

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  27. I love your pillow! I do sort my scraps by color.... I love my little baskets all labeled (they have a little chalkboard tag on the front, so I can change them if needed). I used to cut squares but found I rarely used them so now I leave them as is

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  28. Box them up! And then buy more fabric. I'll make scrappy quilts when I'm old and can't afford to buy new fabric. Is that a good plan??!!

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  29. thanks Debbie, for being a part of the blog tour. I so appreciate it! your pillow (and photos!) are wonderful. thanks for working over your vacation on your project. that's awfully nice of you. thanks for sharing your scrap sorting system, too.... I think it is dandy!

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  30. I don't really have any good tips. I hate to throw away fabric, so I tend to hoard every tiny little thing, but I'm not good about using them.

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  31. I just put scraps in zip bags for now. I don't have very many - yet!! Beautiful pillow!!

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  32. My tip is i cut as i put in bins into certain sizes

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  33. I try to organize my scraps by color and size.

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  34. I love the quilting on your pillow. I like to manage scraps by color. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  35. good grief, I don't know why Chrome won't publish my comments!
    Anyway, your scraps look a lot like mine. One big old heap. I do have separate bins but the scraps don't always make it there. Love your pillow and the picture on the boat is beautiful! Thank you for being part of the blog hop. pam

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  36. I sort my scraps by size - I cut most of them into squares!

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  37. I am definitely more the super organized scrap stasher. I have oodles of boxes of lovely fabric.

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  38. I started sorting my scraps by color and have then in big Mason jars. So beautiful and I know what I have.

    lenelson(at)mail(dot)com

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  39. Gorgeous pillow--like that uneven grid pattern...hugs, Julierose

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  40. I organize my scraps by color. Our guild has a giveaway table where you can donate unwanted scraps and pick others.

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  41. I don't have tons of space for sorting, so I try to cut my larger scraps into usable sizes, then I just have all my little scraps in one bin, much like yours.

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  42. I love scraps! I especially like when I can make a quilt from my scraps /stash without going to the store for something. Pillows are fun to make!

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  43. When I'm done a project I like to cut some 2-1/2 strips. Other scraps are just thrown in a bin. I do need to attack that bin of scraps though! This book might just be the motivation I need!

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  44. love your pillow. I save scraps and make complete quilts from them but I still have totes full.

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  45. After trying various methods of scrap dealing (including throwing them all in a bin and when the bin was full, making a quilt out of them), I've decided to cut things into 2.5", 3.5" and 5" squares. If I love the scraps, they'll go in the bin but otherwise I wasn't using the other sizes I cut (2.5" strips, 2x4") and so I was wasting my time prepping them. I made a quilt out of everything already cut in those sizes to clear those containers. Do I sometimes see a project that may use strips or some other size, yes, but there are 400 things I'd like to make so I just move on to the next project. Plus squares make it very easy for my new church quilters to grab and sew together. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  46. I love your pillow. Thank you for your inspiration

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  47. I've been doing more and more scrappy work lately. I don't have a good process for sorting or storing scraps - they go into fabric baskets I've made until I get too much and then I start a project. Would really love to win a copy of this book!

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  48. I keep treasures scraps in a little bin, then some designers scraps on their own bag, and then squares and strips, the other odds sizes all together in a box ;)

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  49. No sorting by color here! I welcome "happy accidents" and that includes unconventional color combinations. Sometimes those happy accident occur by themselves if I get out of their way. Scraps for quilts are in a tall box with the lid cut as a flap. The box is labeled "tiny bits" but they are not all so tiny.

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  50. I love making things from scraps, but don't have a good "system" that I would recommend. I've got scraps in many boxes, with little organization to them. Oh well! One of my favorite things to make from scraps is pot holders, as they are quick and a great way to try new things. I give them to everybody I know -- and even some people I don't know.

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  51. I am a terrible organizer. I Stuff left over fabric scraps in plastic bags....not impressive...but I can tell which project they represent. This book might help me use up some of them. And I'd learn better ways to manage.

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  52. My scraps are not well organized at all. Mostly mixed in with yardage, only a few sorted out to color or size. Oh well, it works for me.

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  53. I have plastic clear shoeboxes one of strings, one of strips, several of fat quarters and one hodgepodge of "used to be a far quarter" but not a strip yet. I loved seeing every ones scrap system. Makes me want to go make something.

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  54. I love your scrap method. I like the separation of solids and prints and low volume. I have a basket for "strips", and one for all other scraps that are 5" or less. Larger scraps go into a zip log bag by color. We had a recent power out for 36 hours. What a girl to do when the machine won't run: I took the other scraps basket and dumped it on the table and cut 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 5" squares and strips in that size where I had it. Now I have usable pieces.

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  55. I keep my scraps to a manageable amount (for me :)) and gift the rest to other quilters. Now I actually am trying some scrap projects rather than feeling overwhelmed by them! I love your bright pillow, by the way!

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  56. For better or worse, my scrap sorting system is very close to yours: a half-bushel basket! I've started laying string flat but otherwise, into the basket they go. I have in mind to sort by color but I've had that in mind for at least a year and haven't done it yet!

    Your pillow is delightful! Thanks for sharing and for offering the book.

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  57. I just toss them into a small tote, & when there is enough I make kennel mats for the local cat & dog rescue.

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  58. Love your pillow! I keep my scraps, which multiply prolifically, in plastic shoeboxes sorted by color.

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  59. Ooooh! Gonna have to make a pillow like that! My method of dealing with scraps is similar to yours... only worse! Stuff them in a box! I have a couple of quilts in progress right now using up scraps... Feels so good! Definitely putting this book on my wishlist! :)

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  60. My best tip for managing scraps is clear plastic bins - lots of them!

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  61. Love your pillow and great pictures! All the project ideas from the book are very inspiring, so maybe I can read around in it a bit more?

    I just recently started sorting my scraps by color into different boxes. But so far I have not yet started to cut them into any prepared shape (square, strip...) Not sure if I will ever try the latter.

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  62. I like to set aside some of my scraps for my kids to use. Does that count?

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  63. Love your pillow. I sort my scraps by size and shape. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  64. Great pillow! I keep triangle scraps (like from making a flying geese or snowball type block) in a small bin and sew them together as leaders and enders - it's fun to piece the littlest ones to make pincushions!

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  65. My best tip about scraps? Save them! I hate to throw away $10 a yard fabric, even little pieces. There is always some way to use scraps. And Amanda Jean's book looks like the perfect solution :-)

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  66. One of the things I try to do with my scraps is to cut them into useful sizes as part of the process of cutting out the quilt I'm currently working on.

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  67. My tip would be to not think too much about colours in a scrap quilt. Just using what comes to hand can bring some lovely surprises

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  68. I have a similar scrap "system" to yours: I have the big box of scraps and smaller clear containers for low volume and saturated tiny scraps that are "too good to toss." I have sorted the big box into colors, but they always end up being re-mixed together. I do love your little patchwork bins and I might have to make some to hold my half-square triangle scraps that I am saving. Your pillow is a great idea to use some of them up!

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  69. I cut my scraps into squares or rectangles to use as leaders and enders...I love your pillow, it is a great triangle user!
    Eileen ekmvalencia@gmail.com

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  70. I have containers for strips of scraps in a variety of widths but so far I haven't been successful at organizing squares and rectangles. It's definitely a work in progress.

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  71. love this idea -- more doable for me! i tend to manage my scraps much like you - toss them in a bin until i need something....!

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  72. Best tip? Save ALL your scraps!!

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  73. Your pillow is so cute, I love the tilt you gave it, really cute idea!! Thanks for sharing. I try to cut my scraps as soon as I'm done with a project. I follow and love Bonnie Hunters system. Diane

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  74. My organization is about as simplified as your method :) I am hoping that I can start using them for some projects soon - I think that I have enough variety to get a good scrappy look. Thanks for sharing the great pillow - I especially love the tilting - so unique and unexpected.

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  75. The pillow is inspiring, the quilting is unexpected but a great combination! Thankyou.

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  76. Love your pillow! I sort my scraps by color in large plastic drawers. Pieces less than 1/8 yard are sorted by color in small plastic drawers. At least every other quilt I make is a scrap quilt - I have lots of scraps! ~Jeanne

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  77. I love the pillow. I keep my strip scraps in plastic shoe boxes by strip size.

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  78. I really love your pillow. Thank you for the giveaway.
    I have a large container that holds all of my big pieces of fabric. The others I have cut into squares and strips and stored into see-through containers. My squares are cut into 11/2 inches up to 5 inches My strips are whatever they come out.

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  79. Hidden lap zipper, gonna have to check this out.
    My scraps are by colour except for HST, they are in a special box ;-)

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  80. Debbie, it's great to meet you via your Blog and Amanda's No Scrap Left Behind Blog tour. I've enjoyed the immensely and here we are nearing the end and your pillow is so stunning. Love the tilted quilting and of course all your tips on lining up the 4 rows of triangles. No tips from me...just soaking in all the ideas from this blog tour and it's looking like I'll be stitching up some colorful bins to house my teeniest scraps, and then onto the larger to house my 5" squares on down . Thank you for the Spring view w/your pillow...so happy, so gorgeous.
    bluestarof2(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  81. First it was stash envy, now it seems to be scrap envy! Just do what works for your sewing space and time and have fun with your fabric . I have got to the stage of knowing I cannot take it with me so it needs to be used!

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  82. I have a small amount of scraps as I've just started quilting. This is a great pattern. Thanks for the chance to win.
    tunyosmond at yahoo dot ca

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  83. Great look for a pillow! Most striking! Thanks for that idea. I like the scrappy fabric buckets- good use of scraps. We are downsizing and plan to move into a Sr. Housing unit. I think I will have to make some of those buckets to corral my scraps and still be an attractive display in limited spaces.

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  84. I like things pretty scrappy, too, but I do have warm colors separated from cool ones.

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  85. I wish I had a tip. My scraps are all thrown together in one large bin and I dive in when I am looking for something in particular!

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  86. I like to cut them into 2.5 inch strips. It seems like I am more likely to use them then.

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  87. Love the graduated triangles on your pillow-very pretty! I haven't been quilting long to have too many scraps-I keep larger pieces in covered bins, and smaller pieces in zip-lock plastic storage bags-works for me! Thank you, Susan

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  88. I save everything 1 inch and larger it all goes in a box, I am getting quite a collection. though not enough for a lap quilt, yet

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  89. I have a zip lock bad attached to my cutting table and as i toss scrapes in there as I make them. When it's full I try to made something scrappy placemats, pin cushions, coasters etc.

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  90. I love your scrappy project! I always, naively, think that if I can just sew fast enough, I can stay on top of the scrap basket. It doesn't work 😉

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  91. I put my 2-1/2" strips into their own box, everything else gets tossed in a big tote. Works for me :)

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  92. Love the pillow! I give my scraps to a friend who sees for Project Linus, thanks for a chance to win.
    Mindingmomma at aol dot com

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  93. Your pillow is beautiful. My scraps are pretty much like yours, in a big basket. I did get a cart with mini drawers and I plan to organize them by color...someday.

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  94. LOVE your pillow!! My best tip for dealing with scraps: If you love them, SAVE them. You will eventually find a use for all sizes of scraps. Amanda Jean's book can help with that!

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  95. I love the tilt you've given your cushion - it's the kind of thing that really elevates a project into something extra extra special! I'm afraid my scrap tip is to give them away - I like to cut into my stash so I use it before i get sick of it!

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  96. Love your pillow and the way you quilted it and that you trimmed the big block a little off kilter! Very cool!!! I am in the same boat as you - all scraps go into a big plastic box and I just enjoy sorting thru it looking for whatever will work for the current project. I do like your idea of putting low volume scraps and solid scraps in a separate "box". Thanks so much. I hope I win!!

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  97. Love! you pilow! Nice job! I've been making some of the note cards in the book. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  98. I found I was not using my scraps when I kept them in one big basket, so I sorted them by color and have had more success using them.

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  99. I try to keep my scraps sorted by color in plastic shoe boxes. I now have so many scraps that I have the shoe boxes and a 5 drawer plastic unit full. I use them all the time but they seem to reproduce and never get used up! I love your pillow. I am a big fan of Crazy Mom Quilts and would love the book.

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  100. I love your pillow..I sort my scraps by size. I just wish they'd stop multiplying!

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  101. I try to sort scraps by size. And if I am in the right mood, by color too. Unfortunately, they don't stay that way long...

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  102. Isn't it on of the seven deadly sins to covet? I love your stash and the pillow is so lovely. I have no organization for my scraps yet. I have just retired and starting the quilting life I always wanted but couldn't due to a nurses schedule. So excited to join with other like minded quilters ready to dive into their scrap piles!!

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  103. Debbie, that was the perfect pattern to make a pillow from, and I love that you put your own "twist" on it! I just sort my scraps by color into different little bins, and that works for me! Thanks for the lovely giveaway!

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  104. My scraps are in one big bin, however, separating by colour would work better.

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  105. I have just started using up my scraps. I've made a pillow cover, pin cushions, and a small mini quilt. Think I'll try the multi-size HST quilt or pillow next. Love it! I want to sort my scraps by color in clear tubs. With maybe the tiny bits separate to make cards from!

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  106. I also just throw all my scraps in a bin. I am glad there are those like me out there. ;) I love how you "twisted" the pillow. It gives a nice effect.

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  107. Beautiful! I like sorting my scraps by color into clear bins.

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  108. I usually end up with at least a half yard of fabric when I make a quilt, so I keep anything smaller folded up with the larger piece of fabric. It would drive me crazy to have a bin full of little pieces.

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  109. Enjoying all these projects! keep up the good work! thanks for the chance to win!
    Schattle@sbcglobal.net

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  110. I don't know that I have a best tip-- I like to sort my scraps by color, and I use them frequently, especially in sampler type quilts or small pouches/wallets. I love your pillow!

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  111. I don't have a good tip; like you, I just throw them all into a big basket!

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  112. Alas my scrap system looks a little like yours. I try to organize it once a year but it's BORING, so I don't get far.

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  113. I really like your pillow, I sort my scraps by color and that is as organized as I get. I thought one day I might cut into usable sizes and such but that day has yet to arrive ... haha.

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  114. I really like your pillow, I sort my scraps by color and that is as organized as I get. I thought one day I might cut into usable sizes and such but that day has yet to arrive ... haha.

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  115. Love your pillow . Need a definite system better than my full bag of wrinkled scraps stuffed in . One time did decide to cut all selvage printing off and my large fabric pieces and actually put then in a separate container til I had enough to piece together and made a zippered pouch. Maybe I need to make Amanda jeans clear work in progress bags for scraps !! Always thinking just need to get doing lol guess my shopping bag will have to do for now ! Thanks for sharing your project!! Susan from Ontario Canada

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  116. Love that twist on the pillow square. I keep scraps mostly by size. Because I sew with mostly fat quarters I have a basket of small scraps, one for larger ones that have to be folded, and then various sizes of squares. It works for me.

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  117. Great pillow - I have baskets under my cutting table and I throw my scrapes into the baskets by size not colour ie 1 1/2" widths or 2 1/2" widths etc ... I also have a basket of those scrapes that need to be cut into usable sizes that usually is overflowing long before I get around to cutting those up

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  118. I have been cutting my selvages so they are 1" to 1/2" wide. They are overflowing and everyone gives me their selvages. It's so fun to have free fabric. I'm cutting all of my odd scraps into 2" and 2 1/2" squares. They are the perfect size when I need something simple and fast.

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  119. I'm not very organized with my scraps, but I have a basket for 2.5" squares, another for strips, and a later one for everything else. I hate to throw out even the tiniest fabric crumb! Lol

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  120. Fun pillow - I like the hidden zipper in the back too. I sort my scraps by color in plastic shoeboxes\bins. Patterns and solids. I keep flannels, Christmas themes and batiks in separate bins. I should put all my leftover bindings in a separate bin. Thanks for the drawing!

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  121. Love your pillow!! I'm a new quilter, so not many scraps yet, and no organization for them. Just all in a bin right now!

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  122. Your pillow is so colorful and fun! My scraps are organized in plastic shoe boxes and that helps me find what I need. Donn't be fooled; that is about the only thing that is in order!
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

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  123. Scraps have a party when you leave them alone too long - then they multiply. Surely there weren't that many when you left the room a week ago? Lesson learned: go into the quilt room every day to staunch the growth of the scrap pile!

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  124. Love your Pillow!! I save all my scraps...and do try to keep them contained & organized...giggle...but they seem to just keep growing! lol Your Baskets & all are Super!! My scraps are mostly in Rubbermaid (clear tho) containers...

    Thank you for chance to win your Give-a-way too! :)

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  125. Love the pillow, love the triangles. I'm trying to figure out how to use all those triangles left from trimming, and this may be it!

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  126. Love your pillow! So bright and colorful. I do try and sew my stitch and flip corner triangles into HST's as soon as I am done sewing the main blocks. I keep them all in lunchmeat containers that are clear so I can see what is in there. I really need to press them and actually put them together to make something from them! :-) I like looking at all the scraps as they remind me of the quilts they came from. Glad you were on the blog tour. Love your blog. K- lkw2x6-apq@yahoo.com

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  127. So happy and colourful ! I particularly like the effect of the two striped fabric triangles.

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  128. I love your pillow. Your scraps are like mine. Every Summer a group of us get together bring our bags of scraps and sew kite quilt and string quilts for charity. Lasts all Summer and we have lots of fun.

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  129. I currently sort blue green purple, red yellow orange pink, and neutral baskets have separate bins for triangles waiting to be hat.

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  130. My best advice for dealing with scraps, whether you sort them by color or just dump them into a bin (I've done both, and right now do a little bit of both) is to deal with them right away.

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  131. My tip for scraps would be Don't Do What I Do!

    Which is have everything I count as a scrap in a huge plastic tub with no organisation at all.

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  132. Hello, I loved your idea for the pillow. I recently had a huge tub full of scraps I donated to a local quilt shop, of course t kept some larger scrapes I fell in love with. Thinking about making a table runner out of them. The quilt shore I donated to has a group of individuals that are handicapped and loved getting the scraps. I'll visit them soon to see what they used them to make.
    Thanks for the idea

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  133. I also sent the first post about the quilters shop. Another idea is , I made a bag like you would use to put your plastic bags in to hold. I have this hanging in my sewing room full to use when I need to test my stitches on my machine, I love this , now I can just pull a scrap out the bottom of the bag hanging close by. Making it much easier when I need to do that test.

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  134. I sort my scraps by size and then color. Anything over 12" becomes a strip and smaller becomes a square right down to 1 1/2".

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  135. I sew the half squares before I cut them off for scraps and even iron them open. I can trim them up before I use them on a scrappy project. Scraps are good for those, oh I think I will make something different for that person, and half the sewing is done before you start.

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  136. i sort my scraps by color, in large gallon glass jars. they look pretty on my shelf, and also inspire me with all their possibilities!

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  137. I save almost everything for scraps, storing similar bits, pieces, hunks and chunks pressed and laying flat in appropriate size zip lock bags as I don't like to re-press them. Your pillow is greatness with the slant cut pure genius!

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  138. I don't have any tips on scraps. I am new to quilting and keep all the teeny tiny pieces. When I'm bored I sew them together into large "made fabric" pieces. Maybe one day I'll have enough for a completely scrappy top. Thank you and Amanda Jean for the chance to win. momoftana at yahoo dot com

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  139. My tip is to make a scrappy project all along so that your scraps don't get too out of hand. They can be overwhelming to me so if I keep one going, I am always pulling from my bags of scraps!

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  140. My scraps look a lot like yours, whew! I was beginning to think I was the only one! Love the pillow!

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  141. Fun pillow! I always have several scrap projects in the works, so I cut my scraps down into the sizes needed for those projects and put them into the appropriate project box.

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  142. I never use them, I just keep all the scraps:). Maybe as soon as I get this book I will be more deliberate about using them

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  143. I use them to decorate wrislets, tote bags, purses, pencil pouches, etc.
    I love your pillow! My granddaughter may get one like it soon!

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  144. i love your pillow. makes me want to make one!

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  145. Love the pilow! My favorite tip is to use them!! I love going through them and choosing the combinations for the next quilt

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  146. I love the way you tilted the pillow. I love the challenge of finding a new home for the many scraps. I sort mine in plastic shoe boxes by color. I am really getting inspired by this awesome book. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.

    Polly
    pmertz@yahoo.com

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  147. Hi Debbie

    I love your cushion with all it's bright colours. You could use it anywhere as it would fit with any decor.
    I love your patchwork scrap buckets. What a great use of scraps as well!
    Kerrie

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  148. I'm afraid mine are just in a bag in a tote right now. But I don't have that many. I have cut many of my big pieces up into 5 inch squares for a scrappy quilt.
    I like the pillow. More my size.

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  149. Sorting them by color. It saves time sometimes. Thanks for the chance to win!
    gigiv13@gmail.com

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  150. I have them in clear pretzel containers by color, then one that is triangles trimmed from other projects and one of strips. I currently am making tiny Ohio stars from scraps and using thin strips for making sewn greeting cards.
    Ohioholman AT aol DOT com

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  151. Your take on the triangle quilt is fantastic. Cutting the piece with a tilt gives the already interesting design just a little bit more.
    The blog hop has been so inspiring that I've already purchased the book.

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  152. My leftover scraps from a particular project are put in zip lock bags, the rest are dumped in a big tote.

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  153. I'm a new quilter. This inspires me to get organized now. My space is small so I'm going to get creative. Thanks!

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  154. My organization looks a lot like yours :) Love this project! HST's are my favorite & I have over 300 tiny ones that were scraps from a recent quilt top. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  155. Adorable pillow. I store scraps by color, and I make strip blocks to assemble into potholder/casserole trivet combos. I always have a few on hand to give as hostess gifts, birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, etc. They're very popular.

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  156. I really like your pillow! It's very cheery! I have trouble tossing any leftovers, so my scraps runneth over. I try to keep them in usable sizes, but then there's all the crumbs. I should keep the scaps divided by color family, but that's not happening yet. Some day! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  157. Your pillow is beautiful, but then I am partial to triangles. The tilt adds extra interest and dimension. My scraps are sorted mostly by shapes such as squares and strips and some sizes and colors. I also love a truly scrappy look so take them as they come out of the container! Thank you for the chance to win the book.

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  158. your scrap organization really looks a lot like mine. The pillow is beautiful

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  159. I love the pillow. I plan to have my grandkids organize my scraps by color next sleepover.

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  160. Great Job on the pillow - fun way to use those scraps we all seems to like
    the best at times... For Me having sorted my scraps by color into shoe
    box type containers has sure helped me use them - easy to get to and
    they are not all wrinkled at the bottom of whatever they were put in..
    Thanks for the chance to maybe win a wonderful book of great ideas and quilts..
    MaryLou

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  161. Love the pillow! For some reason I never think of small projects. That might be why I have so many UFO's! I also throw my scraps into bins but unlike you there is absolutely no organization what so ever! I was thinking just the other day maybe I should take the time and sort them by color at least. That just might be too organized for me, lol!

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  162. Love all the HST's in various sizes in your pillow. My favorite tip for scrap organization is to sort by color and size. Thanks for sharing.

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  163. Pretty pillow - looks like a fun book to inspire quilter to use scraps. I usually cut various sized square from my scraps and store them by size. Nothing fancy.
    Happy sewing!

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  164. I think your pillow needs a bee: something to "Buzz" about... I like the way you don't worry about matching the corners.... my next quilt will be inspired by you! Thanks..." quiltea police BEE gone"

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  165. My best tip? Use them! Make a pillow to go with your quilt, or make a mini-quilt to give away as a gift. Mini quilts can go on the wall or be used as a table runner.

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  166. I'm a semi-organized scrapper. Some cut into squares or strips, some left as chunks, and some sorted by color or size. Then there's all the old sorted by cor scraps (many triangles cut offs) that I should probably just send to Amanda Jean.
    Pat

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  167. Love your pillow! I'm enjoying seeing all the projects based on Amanda Jean's book. If your scrap storage system works for you, why change it? Have a great day!

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  168. Love how you tilted the pillow to highlight the size triangles.
    Doesn't the wrinkles in your scraps irk you?

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  169. My scraps are semi organized by color size and type. When they get out of control, I tidy a bit.

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  170. I'm addicted to scrappy pillows, so I obviously love the one you made. I'm a relatively new quilter, so scraps aren't a concern.......yet. Hope to get to the point where I have to organize them!

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  171. I cut my scraps into usable sizes after I finish a project. I have a box of 5", 4.5"; 4 "; 3" and 2" squares. I also cut 2.5" strips. The rest of the scraps go to the whatever box and are used for crazy quilt projects.

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  172. I have the book so no need to enter me in that drawing. LOVE the book, and I absolutely adore your pillow -- what a great way to use the multi-size idea (and how you tilted it just a bit makes it extra dynamic).

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  173. I'm not really organized when it comes to scraps. Mostly I have them in little plastic bins according to quilt projects from the past. I should organize them better but I would rather be sewing and quilting. I would love to win a copy of this awesome book. Thanks for the opportunity.

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  174. I have separate containers for triangles, squares, and 2 1/2 inch strips. Beyond that my odd shaped scraps live in a giant plastic container. Would love to win a copy of the book. Thanks for the chance.

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  175. Love your pillow! I cut my scraps into useable sized strips and squares. They are then stored in plastic shoe boxes by size and type.

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  176. A container with a lid, or abag that zips, like one I got sheets in. Then when I or kids tip over when not sew ing, it didn't spill everywhere.

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  177. Love all the half square triangles! I need to dive in! Still cutting up my scraps to sort so they can be usable to jump right into projects. I have a wicker basket similar to yours and that is jam packed. Right now with sorted scraps by color. The yellow is cut up and the purple is cut up. Going bag by bag. I guess I am a bag lady. Ha Ha I need this book to have ideas like yours is so cute! to use this all up!

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  178. I really like the skew of triangles, the perfect final touch to your pillow! My tip has been mentioned-use the scraps as leaders and enders. It's such an easy way to end up with something usable with very little effort. And all that thread doesn't go to waste!

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  179. I love the use of bright colored fabrics and half square triangles. Beautiful for spring into summer and also for a spot of cheer in our gray Seattle winters.

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  180. Thanks for the chance to win! I'm currently working on cutting my scraps to usable sizes.

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  181. Love the pillow. I also have a big basket for scraps.Sometimes I dump it out to find the perfect scrap.

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  182. I love your pillow!
    I love the look that both you and Amanda Jean get with a real mixed assortment of your scraps!!
    (I love to use my scraps, too, but I just can't seem to completely let go... I "curate" my scraps in a project, looking for just the "right" fabric scraps to go together... )
    Maybe because of my lack of spontaneity (?)... I keep my scraps sorted out like my yardage... sorted by type, color, designer, but kept in clear plastic project boxes.
    Pat T.

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  183. My tip is to know your limits. I see some amazing projects made from tiny scraps, but know that I don't like sewing with pieces less than 1" square - so I don't save the tiny scraps for sewing. I give them to friends or use them as stuffing.

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  184. I would love a free copy of Amanda Jean's book! I have a big pile of scraps just waiting for a great project to bring them to life. My best tip for dealing with scraps is sorting them by color. For smaller scraps I use shoe box size plastic bins. My best scrap find so far was a fabric sale day at our local Senior Center that has a quilters group. They are the recipients of large volumes of fabric and use much of the donated fabric to make their own quilts, but have excess and hold a big sale twice a year. They sold old batting bags stuffed with scraps for only 50 cents! A great find for me as I'm a beginning quilter and did not yet have a big stash of fabric.

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  185. Your pillow is adorable - love the little offset tweak!

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  186. Such a pretty pillow and that photo in the boat is genius! I don't really have a system for my scraps beyond keeping them in a basket. It works for now!

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  187. Whenever possible, I sew the extra HST before I cut it off (as in making flying geese) so that I have a sewn HST instead of two odd triangles. I'm more inclined to use something that's basically square than triangular, so this works for me! And I LOVE your pillow. I have a couple different piles of accumulating HSTs, I might have to do this.

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  188. Love the pillow! I throw all of my scraps into a hanging container behind the door. When I feel like it--I sort by color into smaller containers.

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  189. My best tip for dealing with scraps is to use them. :)

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  190. My best tip for dealing with scraps is ..... get Amanda Jean's book !!! I did learn a lot from her first book, but I am nowhere near as organized as she is.

    karenbbsnow@gmail.com

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  191. Hi - I have subscribed as well as joining in the fun here today! Love your pillow - very inspiring, and much more likely to get one of those done than a quilt of any size using these techniques and ideas! And love the linen - one of my most favorite fabrics, so comfy on the face (pillows on the couch or bed get used at my house). I sort by color but only vaguely - the trouble I have is I never know what size the fabric should to be to move it from 'fabric stash' to 'scrap'. Thanks!

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  192. Love your pillow and the photos in the garden. My best tip is to sort.....I'm like that it's haphazard but I have started sorting as I'm working with my scraps a lot lately.

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  193. Love your pillow, but alas I don't have any good tips. My method is similar to yours, just throw them in a bucket. If they are larger they are sorted by color, but real scraps are just tossed in a bin.

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  194. I don't really have a great way to organize my scraps. I just have all of them in one bucket. But I don't keep nearly the stash that Amanda does!

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  195. I'm a brand new quilter with few scraps to speak of; that's why I'm following this blog-a-long! What will I do when I have more? It"s been great fun to see how the rest of you manage.

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  196. I can relate to your scrap bin! I really like your quiltng deign on this one.

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