Everyone knows about the three Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle. But don’t you think it’s possible that quilters invented the whole idea? After all, it’s why the first quilts were created—to use it up and make it do. Perhaps quilters were the world’s first conservationists!
Times have changed since our quilting ancestors started saving bits of fabric. These days, speed often takes precedence over using up scraps. But what if patterns existed that put your scraps to use—even before they landed in the scrap pile?
Leave it to Kari Carr, the self-proclaimed “recycled home-ec teacher,” to find a way to use your scraps without, well, the hassle of using of your scraps. Her new book, Twice as Nice: Quilts with Scrap-Saving Bonus Projects, offers six pairs of patterns, with each pair playing off each other in a very scrap-happy way.
Kari’s idea is to start with one large project that calls for typical fabric yardage. Then, with the scraps from the first project, make a smaller project. Between the two you get a beautiful, coordinated look, while virtually every bit of fabric gets a home. And just look at the gorgeous examples of her methods in action!
But here’s where Kari gets really clever. As she’s making a first project, Kari’s already working on pieces for the second one. Before fabric from the first project can even become a scrap, she’s already sewn it into a “bonus unit” ready for project two. See?
First project: half-square triangle on the left. Second project: “bonus unit” on the right. The scraps never became scraps!
Kari’s technique makes it easy to immediately turn those tiny, pesky leftover triangles into usable units. Presto.
Giveaway alert! Our friends at Maywood Studio have generously donated TEN half-yard cuts of fabric from their “Woolies Flannel” line to give away to you—the very same fabric Kari used to create the quilts on the cover of Twice as Nice! Find out more about how you can win at the end of this post.
If learning how to sew diagonal seams like the ones above makes you break into a sweat, Kari’s invented a special sewing seam guide just for you: Clearly Perfect Angles. It’s a brilliantly simple tool—a vinyl sheet that clings to the surface of your sewing machine. It instantly provides measurements and guides for stitching 45° angles, making the task completely stress free.
Watch a quick demonstration of the tool in this video.
(Note: Kari’s tool is completely optional—it’s not required to make any of the projects in Twice as Nice. It’s simply another amazingly handy invention from an oh-so-clever quilter.)
To celebrate the release of Twice as Nice—and Kari’s versatile tool—a special sale is in order:
Get Kari’s beautiful new book, her ingenious tool at 20% off—and free shipping too. Plus, download the Twice as Nice eBook for free. Now that’s a way to celebrate!
So, what have you done with those tiny leftover triangles from past projects? Tell us your three-sided story in the comments and you could win a copy of the Twice as Nice eBook plus these beautiful half-yard cuts of Woolies Flannel, generously donated by our friends at Maywood Studio! We’ll choose a random winner one week from today and let you know by email if you’ve won. Good luck!
Comments are closed for this post.
Thanks to all who entered the drawing! The randomly chosen winner is Cecilia, who writes:
“I have kept the extra triangles, but I haven’t used them yet. This book would be just the thing to show me what I can do with them. Thanks!”
Cecilia, we’ll email you about your free fabric and eBook. Congratulations!
I have tried to do this and was left with 1″ teeny tiny squares–unsewn yet and knew that I would not have the patience to collect them to make anything BUT hadn’t thought of a pincushion! Would love the to try to work with wool and see the difference
—Nancy on December 4, 2012I sew both sides of the triangles too. I have one drawer of scraps and one of leftover hst’s. Keep those ideas coming!
—Tammy M on December 4, 2012I have used the tiny triangles to make corner blocks for sashing a quilt.
—Linda Cartwright on December 4, 2012I have a stash of just tiny triangles, sorted by color/tone. I continue to save in hopes of making a tiny pieces quilt.
—Melanie on December 4, 2012I also sew both sides of the triangles. I like to make 12 x 12 little wall hangings these come in handy.
—Jenelle Boxberger on December 4, 2012My three sided story is that I have a lot cut..waiting to be sewn into a projects!
—Kay on December 4, 2012Mostly I use them to make scraps lol. I think I need this book.
—laurie on December 4, 2012I have collected them. Yep, that’s it, collected them. Now I may have a way to actually use them. Thanks for a chance to win.
—Beth B on December 4, 2012I took some leftover triangles, stitched them together and then used them to cover the pocket on a promotional tote bag. Instead of some corporate logo, I now have a nice patchwork pocket. Best of all, the bag was free and so were the scraps!
—Susan C on December 4, 2012Two baskets of leftover scrap pieces just waiting to be used a project. Lap quilts will be the result of my scraps!! KinMN
—Kay Devaney on December 4, 2012I save them and use them to make charity quilts.
—DebrafromMD on December 4, 2012I love to use the half square triangles in borders on quilts and wall hangings. I think it adds something. Even if it is only part of a border and not the whole border it will add interest. Also I have used them for coasters and placemats
—Sandy Boyette on December 4, 2012I have combined my leftover scraps to make a small table runner with strips of fabric and "broken dishes". I also have used them as gifts to make mug rugs for friends for Christmas. I also collected them in a drawer where I plan on using them as leads and ends. I like just looking at them also for all the colors but useful ideas are always welcome!
—Cindy Wienstroer on December 4, 2012I use my scraps to make doll blankets for my grand daughters, pillows for their doll beds, and even improvised doll clothes.
—Sandy Navas on December 4, 2012I collect them to make flying geese
—patti g on December 4, 2012I hate to say it but I usually just toss them in the trash. I know, it’s terrible to just throw them away. I do like scrap quilts, a lot. I guess I really need Kari’s book. Maybe if I had a plan it would be easier to save them. Thanks for the chance to win her book and also the Woolies fabric.
—Susan Griffith on December 4, 2012While making a jelly roll quilt I went back with my machine and sewed through and reclaimed a whole bunch of tiny Half square triangles, which I surrounded my label with.
—Joan Rodriguez on December 4, 2012When taking a quilting class, I used my leftover triangles to make little pin cushions for the others taking the class. They were appreciated and they could remember me and my fabric choices.
—Kathryn Otto on December 4, 2012When ever I have leftover half sq. triangles or quarter sq.triangles left from a project I put them in a plastic refrigerator container.
—Patricia D. Roberts on December 4, 2012Then when I want to make a miniature scrap quilt I get these treasures out and make darling little quilts. Or they can be in a pieced border. There many ways to use this little bits and pieces.
Uhhhh………… mine have gotten stuffed in the bin with all the other scraps, that is now overflowing on the floor, which are now multiplying like rabbits. I do keep my batik scraps in a separate collection, jealously guarded. I probably have enough in the scrap bins to slip-cover my whole house–on the outside!
—Claudia on December 4, 2012This is such an ingenious idea!!! I have saved "bonus units" before, but they are still safely saved… waiting for their day to shine in the spotlight. They were too good to throw away, but without a plan, they did not get used
Thanks for the chance to win this awesome prize!
—Becky Greene on December 4, 20123 sides = 3 times the fun! Tiny triangles are never scraps – they are parts of future beauties!
—Terry SailingKnitter on December 4, 2012I have made mini quilts of same style quilts as potholder s also saving for an SBS or simpler small block sampler.
—Robin on December 4, 2012I play in the pile of many colors – I am waiting to use them in a wall art quilt – bird beaks, quirky tiny flowers -. . . . . . . .
—Jane on December 4, 2012Thanks for such a chance to win!!
I made a quilt-along with a lot of chisel tips where you sew on the square and flip it up. I saved the bonus HST’s – which trim to about 2″ and I am going to make 2 tote bags for the two other people that were in the quiltalong – probably with a pinwheel pattern.
—Regina on December 4, 2012I sew all my cut off little bits and extra blocks into "new" fabric. I make pieces that get bigger and bigger, I then square (or rectangle) them up, join them together into longer strips, join the strips and make a quilt….eventually. My husband says of all the quilts I make, these personify his idea of what a quilt once was…made with every little bit of fabric a person had.
—Lorraine Balogh on December 4, 2012I also have many many bonus blocks. They are patiently waiting for the right project.
—Vicki H on December 4, 2012I’ve saved many a scrap triangle but most are still sitting in a basket … Would LOVE to win this new book (& yummy fabrics) I really need the inspiration !! Thanks for the chance to win !
—TxGal on December 4, 2012I incorporated the tiny triangles with other scraps to make churn dash blocks for a baby quilt. It was a stretch for me because the pieces were so small & I actually had to do my own math, but I really enjoyed myself and loved the result.
—jane on December 4, 2012I have just started quilting projects and discovering the extra for too good to throw away fabric. I am looking for useful projects to use this fabric in.
—Donna Viar on December 4, 2012I have two collection of scraps. One, the pieces are so small that I’ll never use them for anything, I give to my friend who makes beds for dogs and cats. The second group of scraps I collect I plan on making minature quilts or scrappy lap quilts someday. So this book sounds like its just what I need.
—Betty on December 4, 2012I love Kari’s CPA. I’ve started saving all my scraps separately from each quilt, intending to make a smaller coordinating project. I’ll need Kari’s inspiration from this book!
—Linda H on December 4, 2012I had been throwing these little gems away, but now plan on saving them for new projects! Thanks for the great giveaway.
—Judy Bowes on December 4, 2012I save my scraps and do use them to make scrappy quilts — but it’s a very haphazard system. I toss all the leftovers into plastic bins and then dig through them when I’m making something scrappy. I’ve made some pretty things, and I love seeing favorite fabrics in several quilts, but I think Karen has a better way. Wish I’d thought of it! Thanks for the chance to win.
—Lisa Marie on December 4, 2012I had lots of triangles left from a baby quilt I was making so I used them to make a doll quilt to go with the big quilt!
—Diane on December 4, 2012I have kept the extra triangles, but I haven’t used them yet. This book would be just the thing to show me what I can do with them. Thanks!
—Cecilia on December 4, 2012I have used the "bonus" triangles to make a wall hanging for the room where the matching bed quilt is used. It is so nice to have a matching miniature hanging in the room and an easy way to coordinate the decor.
—Ellie on December 4, 2012Cuando quedan restos pequeños hago alfileteros, fundas para las tijeras, posavasos, agarraderos de cocina… y en general pequeños trabajos útiles en casa. No se puede tirar nada incluso con los bodes acolchados se pueden hacer cosas útiles.
Translation:
When there are small remnants do cushions, duvets for scissors, coasters, handles of kitchen… and in general little useful work at home. It can not throw anything even with the bodes padding can do useful things.
—Jacquelin B. on December 4, 2012I keep the bonus triangles, sewn and unsewn in a box and use them to fill in when needed. I use the triangles for the corners, when making string quilt blocks. They fill the space nicely.
—Karen N on December 4, 2012I was making by daughter-in-law a quilt make of reproduction prints and, to my surprise, when I had made the final cut on the block I had a 7 5/8″ HST left over and the directions said to discard it!!!? Not willing to throw away such a treasure, I had a pattern my Carrie Nelson, "True Blue" and by resizing the block I made another full size quilt from the left over pieces. My daughter loved it and so not only did my daughter-in-law get the quilt she wanted by my daughter also got a quilt she loved! They were both happy and so was I.
—Sandra on December 4, 2012I keep them in a box. that’s it, a box. if i need to repair or use a part in a foundation i have it.
—diane on December 4, 2012Several years ago, I made my grandson a quilt out of red and white fabrics. When I was finished I had quite a lot of small HST’s left over. I put them together into a Dutchman’s Puzzle block and made a baby quilt out of them. He isn’t married yet but if and when he is and has a baby, I have the baby quilt to match his!!
—Sandra on December 4, 2012This brings back memories of taking my granddaughter to a class with me. I didn’t know while the class was going on, she was picking the half square triangles out of everyones scrap recepticle! When I finally figured out what she was doing, I asked her what she was going to do with them. She said, Grandma these are still good, you can make another quilt!
She taught me with leftover triangles you make another quilt! Even if it’s a very small quilt. Then give it to someone and make them as happy as you are to give it !!!
Also using the leftovers can make you a quilt designer
—Linda Janovitz on December 4, 2012I use tiny HSTs to make ‘quilts’ that fit into birthday cards for my faraway girlfriends.
—DianeH on December 4, 2012I’ve probably saved enough tiny scraps to supply the fifth navel district with quilts, but was afraid to use them. Possibly now, with any luck I can find a way to use them with out destroying them, or having a panic attack!
—Judith Nicholson on December 4, 2012I end up with lots of triangle and half squares at the end of a project. I sew them into several rows and stitch the rows together to make a rectangle. Then I stitch it onto a zippered pillow protector. That identifies what quilt is being stored inside so the recipient doesn’t have to pull it out to identify it. Works great and lets the quilt breathe.
—sue on December 4, 2012I use them for scrappy borders on scrap quilts….is like adding a border without having to buy fabric!!!!!!
—Judi Rizzo on December 4, 2012All my pieces go into one large basket for my next scrappy quilt.
—Tanya on December 4, 2012I too hated the thought of my lovely triangles being put in the trash, I sewed them together and had a wonderful collection of lovely little blocks. I recently had some family Counted cross stitch squares given to my by our charity group and I used my little bonus squares with the donated squares and I ended up with the most beautiful quilt..
—Bonnie on December 4, 2012I have a pile just waiting to be used
—dorothy on December 4, 2012I use the half-square triangles for leaders and enders. Eventually, I will sew them into a little quilt. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway, Twice as Nice looks like a great book.
—Heartsdesire on December 4, 2012I recently made a birthday quilt celebrating my mom’s 80th birthday. The pattern called for a bunch of "snowball" blocks. After sewing the squares to all the corners, I sewed another line to make a smaller half square triangle block before I cut it. Out of all those tiny hst blocks, I pieced them together to make 16″ candle mats for each of my siblings. When we had my mother’s birthday celebration, she received her quilt and everyone else received a goodie bag with a candle and candle mat made from her scraps. It is easier to do if you plan it ahead of time. Thanks for the chance to win this great prize and for the on-line e-book.
—Diane V on December 4, 2012I use the left over half square triangles to make doll quilts. Some are scrappy and some are an organized scrappy in one or two colors. It is fun recycling the scraps.
—Judy Maggio on December 4, 2012I save my small pieces from a project for awhile, and finally toss them because I’m not sure what to do with them. The scraps never seem coordinated enough to use in even a scrap quilt. This book keeps everything coordinated which is a super idea. I’d LOVE to win this book!
—Melody D. on December 4, 2012I keep some scraps if I can use them in machine applique, but some just go in the trash. I would love this book to help avoid throwing useful things away.
—Marilyn on December 4, 2012I always sew up the bonus triangle and put them in a container and then when I do a sew along, or a c.w. project, I trim to size and away I go
—Dee on December 4, 2012I did this same thing but with snowball blocks. The little triangle pieces were turned into the border on the pillowcase that will be the gift wrapping on my daughter and son in laws wedding quilt.
—Loretta T on December 4, 2012I generally save my triangles and other scraps for applique. Sometimes you just need a small piece.
—Janice on December 4, 2012When I feel they are too small for me to use, I collect them in a bag and when the bag is full, I donate the scraps to make dog beds for the shelter.
I have also stitched them together and made colorful pillow cases for little ones, or used them as part of the trim of a pillow case for donation.
I haven’t saved many, because I always thought that I would never use them, but what a great idea! I’m changing my ways!
—Cindy on December 4, 2012This is a timely topic for me! I’m in the process of redecorating my daughters bedroom and used two layer cakes to make a lap quilt for her bed. I had lots of leftover triangles so with a little tone on tone plus the trianges ( two sizes) I manages a runner for her dresser,a bed pillow,trimmed her window drapery ,a seat cover for her bedroom and managed a fabric collage for her trash basket. I feel I really got my money’s worth from those layer cakes!
—Rochelle on December 4, 2012I have sewed into squares and made doll quilts for my granddaughter. I even have my friends that I sew with save their half square triangles for me to use.
—Donna on December 4, 2012This is a timely topic for me! I’m in the process of redecorating my daughters bedroom and used two layer cakes to make a lap quilt for her bed. I had lots of leftover triangles so with a little tone on tone plus the trianges ( two sizes) I manages a runner for her dresser,a bed pillow,trimmed her window drapery ,a seat cover for her bedroom and managed a fabric collage for her trash basket. I feel I really got my money’s worth from those layer cakes!
—Rochelle on December 4, 2012Rochelle
I don’t do a lot of triangles although I do have a bag of them left over from a starry quilt I made.
—Christine M on December 4, 2012I’ve used my scraps for all kinds of other projects from string piecing to applique. I’ve used bonus triangles to make doll quilts and the only way I’ll toss a piece is if it’s too small to have anything show after seam allowances!
—Beth Strand on December 4, 2012Mostly the little bits are sitting in a container waiting for me to figure out what to do with them! thanks for the opportunity to have something to do with them!
—Judy Stolz on December 4, 2012They are all waiting patiently in my scrap basket……
—Paula on December 4, 2012I have used my scraps to make fabric. It’s really fun. And each quilt is unique.
—gab on December 4, 2012I have used them to make pinwheel quilts. Sometimes I use them to make a doll quilt. I have also used them to make a shark’s tooth border around one quilt. Some of them have just accumulated in my scrap drawer as I await to use them in a "someday" project.
—Nancy on December 4, 2012Last week, I dug into my scrap bag of trimmings from paper-piecing. There were lots of rough triangle shapes. I ironed them out, then used them for another paper-piecing project–the background triangles on little hearts!
—Rachell R on December 4, 2012I recently read about sewing the extra HST’s together, and I’ll try that the next time something like that comes up.
If I can, I like to do No-Waste Flying Geese method, if a project calls for flying geese. That way, I can reduce the # of scraps.
Thanks! I’m always looking to learn more!
I always try to think about what to do with the left overs. I group mine by colors and try to find a pattern or project to use the scrapes. The mess always become a challenge to keep it all together. I am now using cloth bags to keep it all together. Seems to work better than plastic zip bags.
—Linda C on December 4, 2012Although I have a container with these leftovers, I still have not made anything yet.
—Sandy D on December 4, 2012I’m still just an aspiring quilter, I haven’t made my first one yet, but this is a fantastic idea! I’ll definitely be sewing two half square triangles at once, when I start my quilt project!
—Elisha on December 4, 2012I use my extra scraps for kitchen quilts(potholders) and crumb catchers! They make great gifts, or pleasant reminders of a quilt given to a special person.
—Judy W on December 4, 2012I always keep the scraps, but I haven’t used them yet. I will probably make a tote bag with them. thanks
—Debbie H on December 4, 2012Leftover rectangles and half-triangles are saved for log cabins, of course! And when the left-overs of the left-overs get too small, they become stuffing for quilted cats!
—Lynne on December 4, 2012Well, I have the best of intentions, but so far I’ve saved the triangles, but they haven’t made them into another project yet. Thanks for the chance to win.
—Cindy on December 4, 2012Hi, when I am making my stars or cutting off fabric for triangles off of my blocks I cut them and resew them then make new squares. I then iron them and because you usually have lots of 4, I then turn them into pinwheels and make them part of the boarder of the quilt I am making If there is not enough to for this, I will then use them to make a quilt bag for the just made quilt or a table runner or small wall hanging. I have all my appliqué scraps colour codes and use them for paper piecing and needle turn appliqué. Sometimes you find the best feature piece in this collection. There is unlimited possibilities. It depends on what the original project is. Thank you I hope this inspires others to use there scraps I love scraps…
—Julie Morgan on December 4, 2012I have just quilted with square so far- so i just make smaller and smaller square with left overs.
—Joyce on December 4, 2012I have used the left over triangle in paper piecing. That is still a grand idea, but getting a twofer sounds better to me…. Please Pick me
—gwen ziegler on December 4, 2012Gwen Ziegler
I have used some of mine to make mug rugs. Thanks for the chance to win the prize.
—Sheryl Miller on December 4, 2012And I thought I was being so inventive when I began stitching that second line to create another HSQ! LOL! It just goes to show that Quilters are alike in so many ways.
How wonderful that Kari Carr has created a book that will inspire us all to utilise our scraps while we’re in the right frame of mind for the colours we’re currently using.
This is a lesson, Stitch Sisters, to never think that the little things we do are too silly to share with others!!
—Kayt on December 4, 2012From the cut off triangles, I use them as leaders and enders and end up with many HSTs. Currently I’m sewing those together into pinwheel/windmill blocks to make into a large quilt (Wassenaar Windmills by Mary Elizabeth and Biz Storms). This book looks wonderful and I sure hope I win! Thanks for the opportunity!
—susan on December 4, 2012Small ones become thread savers. I try to chain piece when I can, but when the "chain" ends, I stick a pair of these small HSTs under the needle instead. When I’m ready to piece the next block, I just sew off the thread saver and onto the next set of patches. I clip the tiny bit of thread between the two & the thread saver is ready to be used again. Thanks for the chance to win.
—Joyce Mitchell on December 4, 2012I have used left over triangles in a charity quilt and then given some triangles to my friend who makes scrap quilts.
—Leann Williams on December 4, 2012I use them to make mini scrap quilts.
—Bonnie on December 4, 2012I made a pinwheel quilt out of 1 1/2″ pinwheels (3/4″ HSTs) because I couldn’t bear to throw the scraps from a bowtie quilt away. It’s sooo cute! Thank you for the giveaway!
—Paula on December 4, 2012I save them in a basket with the best of intentions. I have made pillows, and now I’m using the leftovers from my present quilt to try and make a half square triangles border. I am having a little difficulty planning how I will have them meet at the corners.
—Karen on December 4, 2012I would love some new ideas for using my scraps.
I had saved my long scrap strips and made a string quilt for one of my grandsons. The pattern I used had you cut off the corners to put the block on the diagonal. I squared up the cut off corners,sewed four together to make a block and had enough squares to make into another quilt. I liked the quilt made out of the second leftovers even better than the first one.
—Valarie Black on December 4, 2012I save all my hst for future use. Scrappy quilts are becoming a passion, any new patterns or ideas I can find the happier I am.
—Connie on December 4, 2012ooo, I love to make those little squares. They make super sashing for my crumb quilts or two/three row checker borders. Scraps are the best!
—Kathy Gaines on December 4, 2012I used to throw all my scraps in big zip-lock bags but now I trim them to usable sizes in squares or strips. Now it’s easy to go to my box of strips to make log cabin blocks or my box of squares to make nine patches. The second half square triangle trick is genius!
—Karen in Breezy Point on December 4, 2012I save all the trimmed triangles from my projects, throw them in a box and then when I have some extra time, I make little whacky squares in a square for pillows, pin cushions or tiny decorative quilts. Waste not, want not!
—Connie Wright-Zink on December 4, 2012I have a ton of blue and tan "waste" triangle pairs all set for leaders and enders…they will probably become a "sea"…bit by bit they get sewn and pressed!
—Kathy O in GA on December 4, 2012I’m sooo excited to see this! I have been using up those HST scraps to make pinwheel mug rugs as I go. And the tool looks amazing – keeping my fingers crossed for this one (so thanks for a chance to win!)
—Laurie on December 4, 2012I’ve saved my too-small flannel pieces from rag quilting to cut them down to triangles and make baby burp cloths. The original quilts were for babies, too.
Can’t wait to see this book!
—JulieCC on December 4, 2012I love to use these "bonus" pieces in small quilts I make for NIC Unit at a local hospital. The preemie quilts can be as small as 24″ square.
—Bonnie B on December 4, 2012Those triangles always end up in another project–just someone else’s project. Our guild always has a member who’ll take a scrap bag! When I’m down to the unusable bits, another member takes them to use as stuffing for pillows for cancer patients.
—Patricia Hersl on December 4, 2012What a great idea. All I’ve ever done is take my leftover triangles and put them in a Ziploc bag and hope one day to do something with them. Hasn’t happened yet though.
—LeAnne L on December 4, 2012I make bonus half square triangles which I sew and press. I use a Tucket Trimmer to square mine up and store them in shoe boxes according to size. I cut any leftover fabrics or odd fat quarters into 2 1/2″ strips, 2″ strips, 1 1/2″ strips, 5″ squares, 3″ squares, 2 1/2″ squares or 2″ squares and also store these into plastic shoe boxes. I can put together a scrappy quilt in no time, my pieces are already cut! I am working on a Sister’s Choice Christmas Quilt right now; my bonus 1/2 square triangles will be made into pinwheel blocks to go at the sashing intersections between blocks. I love scrappy quilts and the challenge of making my fabrics work.
—Fran on December 4, 2012I have tried setting up Bonnie Hunter’s system to use scraps. It helps some. I am still learning though! I have used a lot of scraps in Linus Projects for last 3 yrs.
—Kathleen Till on December 4, 2012I save them. Some were sewn together before cutting from main unit and some sewn later into little blocks.
—Darlene on December 4, 2012I made a quilt for my son and daughter-in-law for the wedding a few years ago and made "bonus" half-square triangles when piecing the blocks….I gave the bag of bonus to my grandson who was 15 at that time and he designed and sewed pillowshams to coordinate with the quilt as his gift….all from the leftovers! If there is just one triangle, it is saved for the corners of string quilts. If the pieces are really small, they go into dog beds as the stuffing and are given to the local animal shelter…keeps the fabric out of the landfill and repurposes even the smallest piece!
—Rosalie on December 4, 2012I can’t bear to throw away even the smallest scrap. Some work for foundation pieced minature quilts. And some just accumulate in baskets and bags . . .
—Pam Solberg on December 4, 2012I have been sewing these leftover triangles for a long time. I have them all in a box just waiting to make a project with them. Thanks for the great giveaway.
—Renea on December 4, 2012I used the cut off triangles to make an inner border for the very project that required them to be trimmed off! It added more visual interest and movement to that Christmas quilt, and it kept those out of my scrap collection!
—Lois S on December 4, 2012Sometimes they might make it into another quilt. But I also have some on hand to use to start and end feeding the pieces into the sewing machine. Can’t have those messed up points.
—Rita Scott on December 4, 2012I have a small drawer full of these triangles. I hope to incorporate them in a quilt someday. Thank you for the chance to win.
—Marty Askins on December 4, 2012Well, because I am new at quilting I have just put them in a drawer for now and when I have enough, I will make a doll quilt for my granddaughter.
—sandy on December 4, 2012Sandy
Am still pretty new to Quilting..tho have sewn for loooong time!!
So do have lotsa scraps saved up ’round here! LOL & DO have some HST leftovers too…haven’t used ‘em yet. (Saving all the cool ideas you Ladie’s have shared here tho…loooove scrappy quilts!!)
Thanks for chance to win your Awesome drawing!!
—Lori Morton on December 4, 2012I love this! With my left over triangles I made a wall hanging & since I could not bear to throw even the tiniest ones away, I have them in an antique Mason jar & I display them. So pretty. Awesome giveaway! Keeping my fingers crossed!
—Gale W. on December 4, 2012Depending on the size I incorporate them into smaller projects and borders for scrap quilts’
—cindy white on December 4, 2012Every time I make a quilt I put the scraps into a pile and cut them into 1 1/2 inch and 2 1/2 inch squares…If I’m making a new quilt then the scraps get used for the next quilt first…So far I’ve made 7 Scrappy New Millenium Quilts this way… 2013 will be the start of my 8th…
—Darlene Krystal on December 4, 2012I hate to throw any scraps away, so i don’t. I make all my scraps into different units, turn them into scrap quilts that i donate to various charities. I like that some one will be warmer with my colorful scrap quilts. Hopefully it makes their day a little brighter. Thank you for the chance to win. Merry Christmas and happy quilting to one and all.
—Sharon Meyer on December 4, 2012My left over triangles and hst left overs are stored. I don’t have enough to do anything with them.
—Valerie A. Clark on December 4, 2012Thanks
I have been sewing them together…and that’s it! It would be nice to have a "reason" for them! Hope I win the book so that I have some ideas of what to do with them!
—Brenda Sanders on December 4, 2012I save leftover pieces for foundation paper piecing. I put them in a ziplock bag and when I am working on mini paper piecing projects I can always find some small pieces that will work in my projects.
—Cathy K. on December 4, 2012I used the leftover triangles to make pinwheel blocks. I took it one step further and used all the trimmings from those pinwheel blocks to create a tiny fused river scene wallhanging. In the end I really had only thread scraps left.
—Nancy Myers on December 4, 2012I’m afraid so far they’ve been chucked out, but then I am a beginning quilter and it’s the first time I’ve worked with HST’s. From now on I’ll rethink and keep them for a later project.
—Rachelle on December 4, 2012I have those pesky little triangles saved in a basket awaiting some future project where, hopefully, they will all work perfectly together.
—lindawwww on December 4, 2012I am saving my little triangles for a crumb or schnibbles quilt….awolk at rogers dot com
—Anda on December 4, 2012I just throw them in a box and when I need little pieces for whatever project I search my box. thanks for the chance to win something.
—Aurea Gillis on December 4, 2012So far the leftover triagles are growing in a box… to be used one day.
—vabney0353 on December 4, 2012I am seeing yet another book in my future!!!
—barbara on December 4, 2012I recently finished a Quilt of Valor. I now have a lot of small triangles. I am now working on a small art quilt of a flag waving in the wind.
—Cathy Martin on December 4, 2012I collect those small triangles, and use them to make blocks for miniature quilts, pincushions, mug rugs and fabric postcards. I
—Rhonda Desgranges on December 4, 2012give them away as little gifts. Thanks for the chance to win!
I have a collection of tiny triangles, some of which are sewn together…some not. I’d love to win this book!! Thanks for a great give-a-way.
—Leslie on December 4, 2012I like to use the tiny left overs to make quilts for my friends whose children have dolls. They fit nicely over the doll’s bed because they are to scale
—MaryRose on December 4, 2012I want to use them to make stylized (fused on maybe) flying geese moving through a quilt .. So far I used 3 in an unfinished doll quilt. I have a lot more potential flying geese in tastefully decorative containers. Thanks for the beautiful giveaway. The triangle could also be used to make snowball blocks.
—Susan B on December 4, 2012I have used the left overs to make mug rugs for gifts. Great way to use up all my "extras" and I have gifts, too!
Thanks for the chance to win!
—Sandy A in St. Louis on December 4, 2012I have used the triangles left from snowball blocks to decorate a prayer flag for friends.
—Bev Crabb on December 4, 2012I used the bonus triangles in another row scrap quilts and I also sew them together as independent blocks to be used in a backing. Thank you – this books sounds fascinating!
—Barb in MI on December 4, 2012I am working on a Dutchman’s Puzzle for my son and making HST with the part that gets clipped under the wings so I can make a matching wall hanging.
—OHSue on December 4, 2012I started making these bonus half square triangles a few years ago when a pattern suggested doing this. I use them in scrap quilts. I now have too many scraps
—Judi Reiss on December 4, 2012These triangles are great for making a small doll quilt for my granddaughter.
—Rosalind Gutierrez on December 4, 2012I was lucky enough to have the right number of matching triangles to put together in a band to run down the back of a quilt. So, now I save any triangles that large enough to create either strips or blocks. I hate to waste them…Judy R from Buffalo
—Judy R on December 4, 2012I stuff my leftover triangles in a bag.
—Ginger on December 4, 2012I learned that little trick in the first quilt class I took, about 10 years ago. Ever since then, I save all those little triangles, no matter what size. They are all in a box just waiting to be put together into a hodge-podge of anything I have made put into one quilt
I also do this when I have extra pieces from strips sewn together.
—Dawn Hollingsworth on December 4, 2012With miscellaneous triangles left over from fall projects, I inspired by grandson to arrange and paste them into a heart-shaped "quilt" along with the word "love" which his mom helped frame to give me for my birthday. A clever and lovely wall hanging or picture made entirely with leftovers.
—Claudette Burque on December 4, 2012I’m a newbie, but I’m diligently saving every scrap for something!
—Lauren aka Giddy99 on December 4, 2012I’m sorry to say I have grand ideas for really small projects, like pincushions, coasters, hot pads, etc, but nothing has materialized as yet. However, I would absolutely love to be the lucky recipient of those soft, cuddly and delightful Maywood woolies. Thanks much for sharing!
—Janet on December 4, 2012I think I have a few stashed away in a box! They are waiting to be used one day…
—Denise L. on December 4, 2012I do the extra line of stitching and save the trimmings for a dear friend from quilt retreat who makes miniatures. By the time the next quilt retreat rolls around, she always has a wonderful grab bag of goodies.
—Margaret M on December 4, 2012I like sewing the HST’ss into pinwheel blocks. They can then become a potholder, mug rug, or cornerstones in a large quilt. I only save larger ones, though. No tiny pieces for me.
—Judy Smith on December 4, 2012I like to make pinwheel blocks and use them in settings for sampler quilts.
—Lynn D in NC on December 4, 2012I’m still collecting. I plan to make a scrappy quilt when I have enough.
—Wanda Heath on December 4, 2012I have incorporated some in some improvisational piecing projects,but mostly I’ve collected them for "someday"!
—Susan on December 4, 2012My guild does a block of the month each year and invariably one or more block leaves me with those extra half-square triangle pieces. I like to piece additional blocks from these half square triangles and add them to my blocks to make a one of a kind quilt!
—Karen M on December 4, 2012I use the short side of HSTs to make mug rugs. Usually the projects that I work on don’t have enough scraps to make more than a mug rug, but the rugs are nice to give to family and friends and they usually think that I have slaved over every little piece just for them! lol
—Darling Jill Quilts on December 4, 2012I made a queen sized quilt using a lot (lot!) of flying geese blocks and used the method where I cut a square for each end of the rectangle. Then I sew across the diagonal to make the corner piece, cutting off the extra. The extra bits were kind of an odd size, but already half of the triangles were light and the other dark and when I had so many of these odd sized bias squares I just sewed them together (so it didn’t really matter that they were such an odd size) and designed an ‘on the fly’ wall hanging which looks quite modern and original. The wall hanging is about 55″ square. I still have a few bias squares left over and will finish making a doll quilt (or 2)in the new year!
—Marion on December 4, 2012I save every little piece of fabric. I use them in pincushions, hotpads, placematsand anything that comes to mind. I am definetly a fabricholic and find it easy to put these scraps into things.
—patricia crocker on December 4, 2012Still collecting! Have lots of streamers of half-square triangles so a book with ideas would be great! Thx for the opportunity.
—Barb Peters on December 4, 2012I’ve turned them into a small table topper and pin cushions. Thanks for the sweet giveaway!
—Terry on December 4, 2012I just made an improv mini quilt using cast-off triangles. It was fun!
—Beth T. on December 4, 2012Well, I didn’t think I would ever use mine, but needed to enlarge a square lap quilt into a King-sized bed quilt, so turned it on point and used up all my bonus units building up the corners. Turned out great and I have started another box of bonus units.
—Patty Moffitt on December 4, 2012I’ve only had a few of those since I’ve only been back to quilting a few months. Mainly because I have only done one quilt with half square triangles because I didn’t know what to do with the leftovers and I hate to waste anything. The book sounds wonderful and if I don’t win, it will for sure go on my list of things that I really need to get.
—Marjorie Nath on December 4, 2012I use those scraps to create standard 10X10 inch "crasy" blocks which I collect to use later whan I’ll have enough for big progect.
—Elena on December 5, 2012I save all those half-squares and small squares and sew them together in a scrappy quilt. I just keep adding rows till it gets as big as I want it. The last one was lap size then I quilted it, just add some solids for the mix.
—Chris on December 5, 2012Basically I used scraps for small projects such as bag,pouches or mug rug.
—hafza on December 5, 2012I sew a seam in the otherwise discarded section of the project and after cutting them off save them in a ziplock bag. I have used the new little squares for Mug Rugs and scrapbook covers.
—ELIZABETH CROSS on December 5, 2012I have a stash of tiny triangles made using that same method. I hope to collect enough to make a 1 or 2 inch scrappy border on a quilt before adding the final border.
—Wendy Hausauer on December 5, 2012I just hate to waste fabric, and seem to save anything useful. When cutting off triangles, I go ahead and sew the seam much like in the book. I have used them in borders, as fillers between blocks, as cornerstones. I make pot holders, coasters. I stick them in cards sent to fellow quilters, It just seems endless…but never wasted!
—Karen Bryant on December 5, 2012I collect them.
Sadly that’s all I’ve done with them. Need motivation to get something done with them!
—Kim on December 5, 2012I’ve often thought of doing this, but I’ve only ever gotten as far as sewing the other side of a flying geese unit to the get the bonus HSTs. Kari’s concept is unique in that she’s giving you the bonus pattern so you can immediately put those bonus pieces to work right away. I love the pineapple hanging and the matching coasters! And thank you Martingale for the generous giveaway!
—Amy Roth (IL) on December 5, 2012My favorite quilts are scrap quilts because anything — everything — goes! I stitch all of the leftover triangle bits into pinwheels, and then stitch the pinwheels together to make quilts.
—Cindy on December 5, 2012I have used these triangles to make mini quilts that I have donated to our guild to auction off at our quilt shows. The fabric gets used up, the buyer gets a nice addition to their collection and the guild get the money for the next quilt show. Everyone wins in this reduce, reuse, and recycle!
—Sharon Scott on December 5, 2012I have used them to make Windmill pattern filler blocks but mostly I save them in baggies and fondly remember the quilt, and the person for whom I made that quilt, when I come across them as I search through my stash. I like to think I will make crazy quilt blocks with them someday.
—Nancy on December 5, 2012Those little triangles were saved for a future project which never happened! I tossed them a bit ago but would have loved an idea to use them up.
—Bonnie on December 5, 2012As a newbie, I wanted to keep everything! Fabric is expensive! So I bought 3 see through shoe boxes and labeled them for squares, strips and odd shapes. Hopefully, this will make a wonderful crazy quilt!
—Cindy Weeks on December 5, 2012I use the triangles to build larger squares and combine them with scrap strips to make large quilts. Finished two already. Have lots more scraps saved. The wool is beautiful. Thanks for the chance to win.
—Marsha Nelson on December 5, 2012The itsy bitsy triangles go into a 2 quart canning jar on my shelf for a pop of color and the others are sewn as a "thread saver" between making chain pieced blocks. Then into my collection box for a scrappy project.
—Becky on December 5, 2012I love Bonnie’s fabric. I already have lots of scraps that her mother gave my daughter and I. It would be really nice to have the 1/2 yard cuts to put with the scraps. Thanks for the opportunity to win this gift.
—Diane on December 5, 2012Wow…. I have a beautiful glass jar filled with 1/2 square triangle I have made which were left over from numerous quilts. This would be a great way to use them!
—Cheryl on December 5, 2012I have made pinwheels with leftover hst and used them in corners of border! Really looked cute.
—Judy on December 5, 2012OH boy this is one of my hot buttons and/or achilles needle-I think of true "scrappy" like dipping into a grab bag and what you grab is your next piece, but most "scrappies" I see are quite well coordinated. And my own "scrappy" project that started with a little pack of prints and few directions for a "scappy" top has now been rearranged on my wall multiple times. However, I am so determined that I keep all my scraps and I have even started to cut a 2″ strip from all my new fabric so I can make "scrappy"–ta daa!
I really like the "leftovers" idea–I think I’ll start collecting for that.
And cheers to all who get their scraps used up scrappy.
Carol
—Carol on December 5, 2012I save any fabric scrap 1 1/2″ or larger! I have 2 stacks of 8 Iris drawers labeled by color grouping of scraps from my stash, plus a drawer of pre-cut scrappy 1 1/2″ squares and a drawer of leftover binding. Recently I did a wall quilt of spool blocks made of narrow strips of colors for the ‘thread.’ When my grandson went to college this fall, his quilt was made of evergreen tree blocks – mostly from my green scraps. Scrap quilts are my favorite!
—Gina M on December 5, 2012I have done some sewing of bonus triangles while working on projects, but haven’t done anything with them as yet.
—Judy Forkner on December 5, 2012oh, this book is right up my alley! I have been saving those cutoff triangles from my projects, and actually went begging other people’s cutoffs to make a scrappy star quilt. At first I didnt have enough, now I have enough to make 2 bed size quilts. I simply use the triangles as the points in a star, and make the center from some scrap squares. The points dont all have to match, in fact, it looks even scrappier since they dont. My goal is to make a queen size quilt without buying any material. (The background is all scrap neutrals, and the centers of the squares are all scraps too.) I have already bought a multicolor thicker thread for hand quilting around each star, primitive fashion, to make it all come together.
—Madeline on December 5, 2012I have started saving the small triangles cut from half-square triangles from a red & white polka dot lap quilt I made for my aunt this spring. I haven’t done anything with them YET, but I just could not throw them away. Your book may be just the inspiration I need to get busy! Thanks for the chance.
—Kathy on December 5, 2012I haven’t done anything yet. But I am making a wedding quilt for my niece and I have quite a bit of extra triangles and fabric. I want to make wall-hanging for both the bride’s mom and the groom’s mom and give it to the at the wedding shower.
—Marilyn R on December 5, 2012I have taken those little tiny triangles, sorted them by color/print/etc. and created beautiful little doll quilts for little girls and their dolls to enjoy!
—sarah schweitzer on December 5, 2012I have made table mats or runners. They are the perfect size for scraps.
—Joan on December 5, 2012When I made a signature quilt for our daughter’s wedding, I used the leftover triangle squares to make a matching table runner.
—Bev on December 5, 2012I love the topic of using scraps!! I keep a basket by the sewing machine for all my triangles, and I sew both sides of the line before cutting down the center. I was able to use a bunch of these half square triangles in a basket project this year. Still have lots left!!!!Would LOVE a chance to win the book and I LOVE Maywood flannel.
—Dianne Bondaroff on December 5, 2012All during the year I save those tiny triangles from any projects that I am working on. In the Fall our guild makes placemats for shut-ins and senior meal sites to be delivered during the holiday season. What fun I have rearranging all those tiny pieces into placemats. It is such a small project, so I usually have enough matching ones to complete a mat. Wide borders also come in handy to finish them off. Isn’t it interesting that our small scraps can brighten someone else’s day?
—Marcia on December 5, 2012I’ve sewn them together to create HST units and used them with a pre-printed panels to create baby quilts for our church quilt ministry.
—Sallie on December 5, 2012I save them until needed. I try to get out of my comfort zone and put them randomly together for small runner. They also make a good border on small projects.
—Marguerite Namdar on December 5, 2012I’m collecting them to make some miniture quilts.
—Emily C on December 5, 2012In my infinite wisdom, I decided to make a miniture pinwheel quilt using my left over pieces of HST. Each block is no larger than 1 and 1/2 inch unfinished square. The question, we now asked, is "Where was Lynnita’s brain?" Yes, it’s a UFO, but in fairness, everytime I opened my sewing table drawer, there it was staring back at me, crying out "finish me, finish me" and I manage to do a few more finished squares. The next time, I get an insanely brilliant idea, I hope the padded wagon is waiting for me outside my door. I’ve learned, for myself, anything smaller than a 2 inch finished square isn’t for me, but I do love my scrappy quilts and have made several.
Keep smiling,
—Lynnita Shipman on December 5, 2012I am a new sewer so I don’t really have much scraps yet. I have started making a mug rug with the scraps I have though!
—Emma Bourke on December 6, 2012I have used some of the scraps from my lap quilts for a pillow to match each one and I have made a block or two out of the rest ofeach quilt to put into one for myselfto reind me of the ones I have done for family so far. After I am done with this 8th quilt for family I will start on the family quilt for myself and then as I continue I will do the same for each quilt I do and after so many will do another. I would love to see other ideas to but I never throw out any of my scraps. I even use the smaller scraps for the miniatures I make for dollhouses for quilts curtains and tablecloths.
—Jody on December 6, 2012When I can, I sew two leftover triangles together to make a hst triangle when working on the larger project. Most the time, I find a place for these in my crazy dolly quilts. My grandnieces love these quilts that are all theirs to use. Even the "barely 1 yo" knows to use them to cover up the stuffed animals.
—MarciaW on December 6, 2012I have been saving all my little "cut-offs" but I have not made anything out of them yet. Maybe the book I hope to win will give me many ideas.
—ellen on December 6, 2012I love to make potholders.
—Kelly C on December 6, 2012I used to save them thinking that someday they would become a project. Now I give them to my friend who is the yo-yo queen. She can make a yo-yo out of the smallest scrap of fabric.
—Sharon W on December 6, 2012I had some from quilted bag projects and they were backed with iron-on fleece and already sewn into squares! I put them together for travel pillow slips.
—Bonnie on December 6, 2012Are this giveaway for worldwide?
Hello Elizabeth! Yes, the giveaway is open to everyone!
—Elizabeth on December 6, 2012~Cornelia from Martingale
I’m new in sewing. I think the tools help me alot if i can win this giveaway! Thanks for giveaway so awesome stuff + fabrics!
—Elizabeth on December 6, 2012I have sewn both sides of the triangles, but I have not done anything with them. Love the book!!!
—Marie in Boulder Creek, CA on December 6, 2012I also have a stash of bits and pieces…as yet collected, but unused. There are some great ideas for projects here and I’d love to win the book!
—Maretta on December 7, 2012At this time of year my favorite use is to make Christmas ornaments and keepsakes that I give to family and friends. I make and give these every year and family has kept them and made garlands of the ornaments placing them consecutively for each member until they get old enough to move out, then the garland goes with them.
—Sharon Jorgensen on December 7, 2012Hey – I do this! I assemble all those triangles into HSTs and keep them in a plastic bin labelled "Spare Parts"! However, what I haven’t done is actually figure out what to do with all those spare parts – how great to have a book that provides some answers to that question.
—Colleen on December 7, 2012I’ve been collecting 1.5″ half square triangles from quilt projects for a couple of years. I make them into 2.5″ pinwheel blocks. When I have 1200 pinwheel blocks I’ve planned a super scrappy quilt made 30X40 of all these little blocks. I have about 400 blocks at this time. I make the HSTs from cut off braid strips, corner triangle units, 2″ scraps, etc.
—Judy Eades on December 7, 2012I have 3 bins, 1.5 in., 2 in. and 2.5 in strips and squares from quilt projects. I do this technique as well; then trim them up to one of these 3 sizes and add them to the appropriate bin. When I’m in the mood to make scrappy blocks, i get my bins out and start sewing!
—Denise on December 7, 2012Kari’s idea of a second prject from the leftovers is wonderful & I’d love to see all the projects in her book. Sad to say, however, I have a bin full of leftover HSTs – When I finish the quilt it semms there is never time to use up those scraps. My hope is to one day design a scrap quilt to use up all those extra HSTs.
—annmarie on December 7, 2012I use them in Crumb quilts.
—Kathy M Boice on December 7, 2012It looks like a neat book! I’ve made little pinwheel blocks & broken dishes blocks with the leftovers.
—Louise on December 7, 2012I love this technique of sewing "the scraps" at the same time as the real quilt. My son wanted to help make his new quilt using left-over fabric
—Stella MacD. on December 7, 2012( mostly plaids) from sewing his shirts. So he chose the design, cut all the pieces and sewed some of the blocks. I did the rest. While trimming off corners I realized I could make small half square triangles. I used them to make mini pinwheels and incorporated them into the borders. A win-win quilt was born.
I used leftover scraps of all sorts from a special quilt for my new granddaughter to make a scrappy quilt for my daughter’s friend when she had her new baby. It was all same fabrics but very scrappy and fun. Thanks for opportunity and have a good day
—Eileen on December 7, 2012I have piles of these tiny triangles! Sometimes I use them as leaders and enders when chain piecing and eventually they will make a scrap quilt. I think you have a better idea to sew both triangles at once. Thanks for the contest.
—Mary Ann on December 8, 2012I just finished a queen-sized crazy quilt using tiny scraps from previous projects from years before. It ended up a true memory quilt as I gaze at each small piece and remember what it was used for and for whom. I have wedding fabric from both my son’s and daughter’s weddings. I also have leftovers from tops I sewed for their first born, and on and on. I wouldn’t think of throwing away all those tiny scraps. And … I have enough left to make several more!
—Susan Berberich on December 8, 2012I’ve made a quilt from scraps. The finished result was wonderful, but I didn’t like the enormous amount of time it took to go through the scraps and choose ones that coordinated well. The best thing about Twice as Nice is it eleminates that step. Working on the second project at the same time as the first seems like a big time saver.
—Theresa Nicholas on December 8, 2012I use them to make 4 squares, then put the 4 squares together to make hot pads for different seasons by using differents set of colours. ALso set aside some 1 squares blocks to mug pads. Thanks for the opportunity, hope you’ll have a great day
—Helen on December 8, 2012Helen
I actually have not done a thing with my little leftover angle pieces, they usually go into a bag and eventually they end up in the garbage, so this book would be great for me to get some ideas of how to use those leftover pieces so they don’t get wasted. The woolies flannel fabric would be awesome to have also. Thank-you.
—Gwen H on December 8, 2012I’m too new to quilting to have many scraps to do anything with.
—robin on December 8, 2012I sew half squares together to make blocks and then sew those together for a narrow border. I make note cards by pasting scraps on to card stock to create a quilt block. Sometimes I sew triangles together to make pinwheel blocks. Once I have enough I will make a scape quilt.
—Julie B on December 8, 2012I really have not done much with left over hst. I like the idea of being able to make a second project to complement the first. The project pictures look quite interesting.
—Jamie on December 8, 2012I make coasters and/or potholders.
—PJB on December 9, 2012I made my sister a king-sized quilt for a wedding present. Each block had 32 snowball corners, from which I made half-square triangles. From those HSTs, i made 40 10-inch blocks, enough for a twin-sized quilt.
—Jill Ellis on December 9, 2012I made 2 baby quilts using snowball blocks, as I cut off the extra corners they became half square blocks that became an ocean waves wall hanging for my cubicle at work. It is a definite conversation starter.
—Susan K on December 10, 2012