Summer scrap elimination

It is that time of year to go through and use up some of those scraps.     I was so glad when Swan @ swanamity.com  invited me to join in on this.   I just went to a class last week where we talked about some scrap organizing, so I will be sharing some ideas with you.       

Every quilter ends up with scraps, right?   And it can be hard to throw them away, especially since you know what fabric costs.

A few years ago I came across a really good site for using scraps and this lady has a system set up called the scrap users system.  You can read more about it at www.quiltville.blogspot.com.  Bonnie has a wonderful system and she even has free patterns available that uses scraps.  Through following Bonnie she has taught me that it is okay to even have your background scrappy.

The project I am sharing with you today is a spider web block.   For this one I like to use scraps that are up to about 2 inches wide.   

 So, here is what you need:

A stack of 9 1/2" blocks.  I used whites on mine and I didn't worry about all of them matching.   

A pile of scraps.  You can go super scrappy or more controlled scrappy.   The blocks I am working with today, are a bit more matchy in that I have just 2 color families.  I use anywhere from 1 inch to 2 1/2" scraps for these. 

So, the first thing you are going to do is cut your 9 1/2" squares in half on the diagonal.

Then mark  3" in from the center of the top and right on the center of the bottom.

I don't necessarily measure my strips.  I just grab them and sew and trim after a few blocks are stitched.   

Next you will begin sewing your strips.   I usually do a few blocks at a time.  I stitch my first scrap strip to my marked lines, right side together, so that my seam is on my markings.    I use a 1/4" seam.   

 Then I go to the pressing mat and I press the strips so the right side shows. 

Next I stitch my next piece to the one I just stitched,  right sides together. 

 I press after I get each strip sewn on.    You could also finger press or use this handy tool.    I got this at a local retreat from a company called Westenskow and sons.  

After my first side of my triangle is done, then I repeat on the second side.  I then trim all of my pieces even.   

I then start sewing them together, so my tops of the triangles will point at the center.    I stitch 4 of these together.   

That makes one block.   

I hope you will try this.   It is a fun way to use up your scraps.   If you are interested in a class on how to make these, let me know.  We would do it online, maybe zoom, and there would be a nominal charge.   I would love to see your project if you do this so tag me on Instagram and Facebook at kathyskwiltsandmore.