What do cupcakes, row robins, and Welcome Back, Kotter have in common? Why, scrap appliqué, of course!
Perhaps I should explain. We have monthly meetings where we look at what books are coming for the next month. We plan our blog topics and then decide who will write each post. Imagine Horshack from Welcome Back, Kotter—that was me when the new book Scrap-Appliqué Playground came up. “OOOOOOHHHHH! OOOOOOHHHHH! OOOOOOHHHHH!” My arm shot up and my hand started waving. I’ve wanted to play in Kay Mackenzie’s playground ever since I saw her fun scrap-quilting patterns.
Before I share a little project of my own with you, I’ll tell you a bit about the book. Kay gives you permission to play with all those quilt scraps you’ve been saving and shows you how to turn them into pretty new fabrics for scrappy quilts. Appliqué takes on a whole new dimension when the fabric is made up of many colors. Kay takes us on a creative journey that requires no measuring or calculation—just spontaneous fun! I’m especially fond of her methods because I’m not a particularly accurate piecer. I was relieved to see that precise piecing for these scrappy quilt patterns isn’t required.
In addition to providing detailed instructions for creating “new” scrappy pieced fabric, Kay also shows four different appliqué methods to choose from, including fusible appliqué, which is suitable for beginners. Then she shares adorably whimsical projects for you to choose from. Take a look:
I’m a huge fan of appliqué and I love all forms of it. But I have one problem. I’m not much of a scrap saver. I never know what to do with scraps, so I end up tossing them (yes, I hear your gasps). However, I recently completed a row-robin project (ten friends each sewed a row onto mine, creating a very cool quilt). My friends were quite organized and returned a bag full of scraps from the project, which happened to be all shades of brown. Woo-hoo! Instant scraps to play with!
Kay demonstrates five different methods for creating her scrap-appliqué fabric, each providing a different finished look. I chose the “shrinking strips” method, which is very relaxing and fun. And nearly every size of quilt scrap worked! Here’s the beginning of my piece, on the left. In no time at all, I had a new piece of fabric!
So what will I do with it? Make a cupcake, of course!
I’m working on a quilt that has a cupcake in the center block. I was still playing with it but wasn’t quite satisfied with the top of the cupcake because it seemed boring. So I set it aside until I could come up with something better.
Scrap appliqué came to the rescue. Look at the difference! I couldn’t believe how much more interesting the cupcake became:
Now I have to decide on the cupcake bottom. ‘Scuze me, I need to go dig for more scraps!
So, appliquéing with your quilt scraps—have you tried it? If not, what DO you do with them? Share your ideas in the comments and you could win a copy of the Scrap-Appliqué Playground eBook! We’ll choose a winner one week from today and let you know by email if you’ve won. (You can also get Kay’s book here, and when you do, you also get to download the eBook for free right away.) Good luck!
Comments are closed for this post.
Thanks to all who entered the drawing to win the Scrap-Appliqué Playground eBook! The randomly chosen winner is Vicki, who said:
“Ooh those are all super cute. LOVE that cupcake. No, I have not used my scraps for appliqué yet although I haven’t done much with my scraps at all. I haven’t made enough things yet with my good quality quilting fabrics to have enough scraps, yet I do look forward to using them in some type of project.”
Vicki, we’ll email you a special coupon code for your free eBook. Congratulations!
I keep storing them looking for the perfect project.
—Kristin M on April 19, 2012I have not yet tried appliqueing my quilt scraps; I generally end up collecting bags of scraps and wondering about how I will use them 🙂 This book could be so much fun!
—so we added chickens on April 19, 2012The only thing I’m gasping over is how adorable that cupcake is now! I definitely have to try this! 🙂
—Sarah on April 19, 2012This looks like such a fun book – and such cute techniques!
—Sharon B on April 19, 2012I love to make applique shapes out of scraps! I recently made a very simple block. It was a large circle appliqued onto a white background. I made a huge piece of ‘new’ fabric by sewing scraps together and then cut out the final shape and I absolutely love how it turned out.
And Karen, make me a cupcake!!
—Allison on April 19, 2012No I haven’t appliqued with my quilt scraps but I think I need to now!
—Tracy on April 19, 2012But I do save those scraps and I have good use for them, have to think of something to applique with….
I haven’t kept many scraps – unless they were sizeable – this might just convince me to change my mind! I’d love to play with the ideas in this book!
—Jennifer Dancy on April 19, 2012I love all the quilts using the scraps that are shown here. Thanks
—Mary LeTard on April 19, 2012I am a beginning quilter so I don’t have a lot of scraps. I have kept them all in the hopes that I can use them for another project, or pass them on when my little girls take an interest in sewing. They are still young enough to be happy cutting up mismatched socks.
—Nan on April 19, 2012I’ve never appliqued like that with scraps, but I do make a lot of scrappy pieced quilts! That book looks very interesting! I love applique too 😉
—Robin Lanteigne on April 19, 2012This book looks interesting. Never thought about sewing scraps together and then making the applique.
—G Britten on April 19, 2012Scraps are great for those little pieces for leaves, etc. This is giving me lots of ideas.
Your cupcake looks great. I’m sure you will come up with the perfect bottom.
I can never think of these things–but I love the gals who can. I can learn. Thanks to you and Kay. Looks like lots of goodies here.
—Pat Hersl on April 19, 2012I am a former elementary teacher, but am home now babysitting four little ones under the age of 4. I took a large plastic bin and placed it on the floor under my design wall and many of my smaller scraps go in there so the kids can make ‘pictures on the wall’! Unfortunately most of the scraps end up on my sewing room floor, but the kids have a great time with them!!
—Kelley Edick on April 19, 2012I love applique, never thought of using scraps like this for applique. What a unique idea. I save my scraps for applique, but for whole pieces, not to piece them together to make a bigger section. This puts a whole new spin on things!
—Amy Roth on April 19, 2012I haven’t appliqued with my scraps yet. I use them to make very scrappy blocks 6inch finished they make a very colorful kids quilt.
—Nina on April 19, 2012What do I do with my scraps? Well, I have a bird that likes to play with fabric scraps, I tie them around the wire on his swing…or in a wire circle. It provides him hours of fun. Now, if I had the book, imagine his disappointment. Hmm…oh well, I would have hours of fun instead of him…
—Sandy Spence on April 19, 2012I’ve been working on two scrappy quilts — a mystery and a string quilt. And my sewing group, the Rice Bowl, has created the Sisterhood of the Traveling Scrap Bag. It’s a GARBAGE SIZE bag of scraps that we created. It’s constantly getting added to/sorted through.
—Bert in Rice, WA on April 19, 2012What wonderful ideas!
—KarenW on April 19, 2012They just keep building up. Looking for the perfect project for them!
—Kate Brown on April 19, 2012I like using them for string quilts but sounds like something I would love to try.
—Debi gneckow on April 19, 2012Wow! I save my scraps and use them for applique but I never thought of piecing them and then cutting out the applique pieces. This book looks like it would have so many interesting ideas.
—Susan Griffith on April 19, 2012Awesome idea! Going from the old school of "well, I have this size scrap, will that work for this piece?" to piecing them together and using that for a larger piece! Cool!
—Jacque on April 19, 2012I save, save and save my quilting scraps. Larger pieces are cut into squares or strips, but I have never known what to do with the small bits…Love this idea! Can’t wait to get started! Thank you for the opprotunity to win the book and learn more about this technique!
—Jaci E on April 19, 2012I always save my quilting scraps-I’m too frugal to throw them away-but I never use them for anything! I would never have thought to use them in applique like this.
—Karen on April 19, 2012What a great idea! This looks like so much fun! I save all my scraps, but I have never found a use for them – they just keep piling up in my house!
—Helen W-K on April 19, 2012I have bins to separate my scraps via color. I haven’t thought of piecing my scraps to applique with. I love how piecing your scraps game your cupcake life, which is what we all want. Leave it to Kay to come up with this unique idea to show us more ways to use our scraps when they aren’t large enough to use in smaller parts.
—Mandy M on April 19, 2012i save my scraps for applique! i use them down to the tiniest pieces … then i found this fabulous blog that showed how to make fabric for applique out of the tineiest pieces. now i save everything!
—ritainalaska on April 19, 2012I just love scraps. I am so hooked and have gotten a few friends dropping off bags of their scraps monthly to me. Opening their bags are just like Christmas. I have been sorting them into bins of different sizes lately and enjoying the access so much. I don’t think I will ever quilt with anything but the scraps. I love the variety and the surprise of the project developing with all the textures.
—PAT BOUDREAUX on April 19, 2012I sort them, store them, sometimes use them–and for the teeny tiny little snips and strings?…Gifts to the birds for nest building, of course.
—Dora, the quilter on April 19, 2012I use my scraps for patching quillows. I also use my scraps to make softies- little soft animals.
—Joyce Mosby on April 19, 2012I use my scraps for doll quilts. Great for the granddaughters!
—Pam Smolek on April 19, 2012Green scraps make great leaves on vines. Now I want to make a bunch of flowers with the bright colored scraps that seem to be multiplying in my basket!
—Camille on April 19, 2012I don’t throw away any fabric unless it is smaller than a two inch square. When I cut fabric for a quilt the remnants get swept off the table into a large red bucket to be sorted at a later time. When I have the time, I go through the bucket and sort by color. Those pieces go into plastic bins with the same color family to be sorted and cut into 2 1/2inch strips at a later date. Then I end up with a bin of each color in strips 2 1/2 by whatever length and pieces that are 2 in. square. I also have all my magazines in binders according to name and year..and have scrap quilt patterns flagged. Someday there will be quilts for that.
—Pamela Zajicek on April 19, 2012I love all kinds of scrapping….particular with those little pieces that just seem to hang around. I swear they breed in the bags and bins but that’s okay. It is just more scraps to play with and this book looks liek a lot of fun.
—Lisa Phillips on April 19, 2012I have always intended to use my scraps for projects such as these, but have too many UFOs that I need to get finished first. When my 14 year old granddaughter comes to visit, she has been sewing my scraps together, making 12 inch squares in order to sew together to make the backing for a tee shirt quilt we made together. She and I would both love to use the ideas in this book.
—Emilie Walker on April 19, 2012I save all my scraps in a large pail under my work table. Occasionally friends will come over and raid the pail of Barbie (or other 12″ doll) clothing or accessory. I have started a "ticker" quilt with all of my favorite scraps of the year. BUT i see an applique project in my future.
—Jan Perry on April 19, 2012I’ve been a piecer for quite awhile now and have been saving some scraps. I’ve recently become addicted to applique so this looks like something I need to check into so I’ll have a new appreciation for the scraps I’ve saved.
—Marie Atkinson on April 19, 2012I make a lot of community quilts for our guild’s efforts. One of my big things is sewing little scraps together to make a big enough piece to cut out a block. But I never thought of cutting out an applique shape instead – what a cute idea!! Looks like a fun book to open up some new vistas.
—Linda E in AZ on April 19, 2012thanks!
OMG!!!! I would love a book like this. I am just learning applique but never thought to do it this way…I am fairly new to quilting, but what scraps I do have I organize by color and put them in zip-locks and saving them for something. Not sure for what. I am also saving the salvage. Not sure what to do with those either. Tee-Hee.
—Debbie on April 19, 2012No applique here – but I am working on a string quilt with my scraps. Thanks for the chance to won.
—Joyce Mitchell on April 19, 2012I cut scraps down to sizes and store them by size for when I need them but this looks like so much fun. Will have to check the book out.
—Sheila Plock on April 19, 2012Sheila
I do save my scraps for my appliqué projects. Sometimes it’s those little bits that can add spark and interest to your block.
—DebrafromMD on April 19, 2012Scraps that small I’ve been putting in a box for my good friend Carol C.
—BillieBee on April 19, 2012This looks like a great technique AND some really cute patterns! I have been so inspired by Kay in the past. I can’t wait to see this book! Thank you for the chance to win a copy. I would LOVE it!
—Loris Mills on April 19, 2012I use my scraps all the time for applique and for piecing fun little table mats to put under computers, lamps, etc.
I use my little scraps for background fabrics, (Sew all the blues together for sky, all the greens for the grass) yellows for sun etc and then I do the piecing on top of that. Turns out SOOO CUTE!!!!!! Takes awhile to get the hang of it but it is definately SCRAP PIECING at it’s best.
—Jeanne on April 19, 2012I have a basket near my machine where all my scraps go for future use in applique projects. Then there is a separate basket just for selvage edge trimmings. These are used to tie up rolls of fusibles or larger applique designs or bundles of scraps!!! =!=
—Barb Rohrmayr on April 19, 2012I have *more* fun with my scraps than yardage in my stash! Most of them bring back a memory of a previous project. I have them sorted by color in ‘Iris’ brand plastic drawers. Most recently I have been sewing short strips together to make the thread-unit on Spool Blocks. In the summer, I use narrow strips to ‘tie up’ vines on the tomato cages!
—Gina M on April 19, 2012Of course I use scraps for applique. I have several bags of them and often pull them out–well, dump them on the bed–for just the right piece. I keep meaning to sort them by color or size but still haven’t done it. Some of my scraps go back to the 70’s, some were given to me ("could you use these?"), and some were even rescued from wastebaskets.
—E. Engman on April 19, 2012I give my small scraps to a lady in our quilting guild. She, in turn, takes the scraps and makes beds for dogs in the animal shelter. The folks at the shelter are always glad to get the "dog beds". I keep my larger scraps to use for miscellaneous applique. Thanks for including me in your giveaway.
—Mary Burn on April 19, 2012I keep most of the scraps and sometimes use them for machine applique — little pieces go a long way sometimes. Mayabe someday I’ll make a scrap quilt or sunbonnet sue quilt for my two girls from the scraps of the clothes I made for them.
—Marilyn Snow on April 19, 2012I love the tree tops that are pictured on the front cover of the book!! The cupcaky you are making is going to be absolutely darling. Please post a picture when you are done!!
I have not appliqued with my quilt scraps but what a great idea!
—Johanna Lovering on April 19, 2012I usually make a matching pillow cover with the left overs from making a quilt. I have also made a tote bag
from left over scraps. I just sew what I have left into a large piece of fabric and then cut out the pieces I need to make the little project from the large piece of scrappy fabric.
Thanks for this great idea!
I am off to applique with scraps!
So many cute ideas! I save almost any scrap that I have, so have lots of variety to use in projects!
—Jeannine on April 19, 2012I’m in the process of sorting & cutting them to use for leader/ender pieces using Bonnie Hunter’s method for dealing with scraps.
—Carmen Wyant on April 19, 2012I am saving my small scraps for when I am in "the home" with my quilting girlfriends. We won’t have the funds to buy fabric so we will be forced to use the stash we have been saving all these years! Just think of all the little quilts we can applique!!!
—Pam George on April 19, 2012I love using scraps, I keep them in a basket and when I need a small piece for a project, I can dig into that.
I also love sewing scraps together in a crazy quilt style, then cutting them out into animal shapes, to make dolls with.
Debbie
—Debbie St. Germain on April 19, 2012I always use my scraps; well mostly. lol. Applique takes up a lot of them…But not a cute as yours..love the pics here,thaks for the giveaway.
—Marjorie on April 19, 2012I have lots of scraps and have been looking for a way to use them. I’m not into totally scrappy quilts so I think this would be just the thing. Would be a great addition to my library.
—Gjeneve on April 19, 2012This makes me want to learn to applique 🙂
—Christy Nordmann on April 19, 2012I save my scraps and use them to make fabric postcards which I mail to people all over the US, as well as the world. I send them my scraps in a new form, and they send theirs to me. A great exchange with no waste!
—Melody DeGraziano on April 19, 2012What a great idea!
—Gill on April 19, 2012I save my scraps but I’ve never appliqued them! I will from now on!
Thanks!
Thanks for the chance to win this great new book. being a professional scrap making I know I can find lots of scraps for the fun projects in the book!
—Cathie in Ut on April 19, 2012I’ve started cutting some of them into useable sizes–2 1/2″ squares, etc.–so they’re ready to go for future scrap quilts. But the ones I like the most are those that are too small to use for any applique or patchwork project. Those I put in a clear glass jar and put out in my sewing room as an extra splash of color. The scraps remind me of past projects and sometimes give me an extra push to "get with it"!
—Nancy H on April 19, 2012Looks like fun, I can’t bear to throw my scraps away, so I am always looking for new ideas to use them up.
—Pam Cope on April 19, 2012Lately I have been using my miscellaneous scrap pieces to make some hodge-podge squares on paper foundations. Using them for an appliqué project looks very interesting. Would love to be the recipient of Kay’s book.
—Nancy (Cat Lady) on April 19, 2012I have all kind of scraps, but I didn’t once think of sewing them together and making a new piece with which to applique. I’m going right back to my sewing room and "make" more fabric!
—Robbin Golden on April 19, 2012I like making string quilts, but maybe I’ve found something new now!!
—Darcie on April 19, 2012This looks so fun!!
Mostly save them in boxes because I might "need" them one day, although I dip in once in a while to use for small applique projects. I think I really NEED this book, it looks like loads of fun!
—Kim Q on April 19, 2012What a neat book! I love saving my scraps and making flowers from them!
—Connie Campbell on April 19, 2012I’ve never done scrap applique. All my scraps right now are separated by color in gallon size storage bags and thrown into a drawer. I did use some scraps I had for a picnic quilt.
—Lisa Cox on April 19, 2012oooh I’m right with you on this one. I love the concept. I save my scraps for all sorts of pieced blocks but to piece the fabric and then use that for an applique …. haven’t tried it yet. But I do save littler pieces for little applique. Love this idea! It’s now on my to do list! I have
—Bonnie in Va on April 19, 2012I save most scraps and use them often. I make scrap quilts and I also sometimes applique with scraps, but haven’t tried applique with pieced scraps. That’s clever! I love the interest that "scrappiness" adds to a project since there are so many different things to see.
—Lisa Marie on April 19, 2012I do some applique with scraps, but haven’t done much piecing with them. I made a woven basket block with berries a few years ago, it wasn’t as quick as I expected and ended up being a framed piece! Which is just fine.
—KrisL on April 19, 2012The book looks wonderful … thanks for the chance to win!
I save my scraps for when my granddaughter comes to visit. The 2 of us work on doll clothes together. She is 8 year old now and will be visiting this summer and this time she has decided she wants to learn to quilt (music to my ears), so my scrap pile is just waiting for her arrival.
—Kim Schau on April 19, 2012the truth is that I have way to many small scraps but keep them for a future… near project….might just peak into that book
—Francine on April 19, 2012and try a few thing
I LOVE applique, though my arthritic hands are pretty much limiting to machine work. I save all my scraps or it seems that way to my family, just in case I might need it for a project in the future. Sounds good right? This is great, love the look, as it really works with the little ones. My bigger scraps have been used for heart shapaed pillows my quilting Girl Scouts make for cancer patients in the Houston area. This allows them to practice cutting, piecing, & sewing prior to sewing the heart together & stuffing it. Thanks for the oppportunity to try something new & to win!!!
—Tracy Darr-Van Reet on April 19, 2012I usually cut them in some size of square and store them in boxes. Sometimes I take them and sew all the little pieces into a big piece of fabric and then cut that into quilt blocks. But, no matter how many I use, the bucket is always over flowing.
—Margaret R on April 19, 2012I save pieces about the size of my hand or strips. But piecing fabric like this, could be very interesting . And truly green also!
—Mary Ann Harpe on April 19, 2012I have lots of fabric scraps, love scrappy quilts BUT I have been swapping fabric postcards online for several years now, making about 500 of them. That is how I use most of my fabric scraps.
warm quilt hugs, sue in CA
—sue in CA on April 19, 2012http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PostCardMailArt/
http://community.webshots.com/user/wraez
The previews are very inviting. I’d love to try some of the bright ideas for my grandchildren.
—Barbara K on April 19, 2012What do I do with my scraps? hahaha..funny! I have several tubs because I can’t just throw them away, but I have not tried a scrap quilt because piecing doesn’t like me at all, but applique?? hmmmm? I do love that cupcake!!
—k ewers on April 19, 2012I have several bins that house my scraps. I use them primarily for applique but sometimes for hexagon flowers too. I don’t save the itty bitty scraps that some people do so, yes, I do throw some away. Kay’s new book looks like a fun. Thanks for the opportunity to enter your wonderful giveaway.
—Stray Stitches (Linda G) on April 19, 2012Looks like a fun book, and boy, do I have scraps! Boxes, shelves, drawers, baskets, of scraps!
—Katie Wilson on April 19, 2012I have used scraps in several ways, including piecing together small squares and rectangles for miniature quilts. Also, I keep scarps for applique. But the idea of cutting the scappy sewn pieces into applique is a great idea! I can’t wait to try this!Bravo!
—Nancy Bekofske on April 19, 2012I have a whole basket of scraps just waiting to be used. What a great idea!
—Robin Fish on April 19, 2012I love the look of the appliques in the images. What a great idea. I use scraps for applique when I can but I haven’t tried this. Now I will!
—Maureen on April 19, 2012What adorable ideas! I have appliqued with full pieces of scraps but not scrap applique – can’t wait to try it.
—Deb Morrissey on April 19, 2012I love Kay’s books. She’s very inspirational. Right now I’m making a quilt using all triangles cut from my scraps.Love Thangles and Bonnie Hunter for this. I can’t wait to try some of the scrap applique and I love how it makes your cupcake pop. How about pink scraps for the bottom.
—Mary on April 19, 2012What a fun looking book! I love your cupcake and all the pretties posted! I hate to throw any fabric away. I’ve used some for different projects as well as applique. It’s fun looking back and remembering what the different fabrics were used for the first time.
Thank you for an awesome giveaway and a chance to win.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
—usairdoll on April 19, 2012I should do something like what the book demonstrates! Right now, they are semi-sorted & sitting in drawers in a dresser.
—GG on April 19, 2012I have more scraps than I realize. When I sew with kids, I dig through for the biggest pieces and cut them up into the sizes needed for their projects. AND, scraps cost the same $$$/yd as yardage you do use. Who knows what little piece you will find that is just right for a flower or worm or bug or ??? when you are doing applique? Kay McKenzie looks like she knows how to have fun.
—Claudia on April 19, 2012I have several bags of scraps. All of them divided by size and color just patiently waiting to be turned into something grand.
—Donna on April 19, 2012Love the idea of sewing them together to make them more interesting for applique.
i have done piecing, paper piecing and applique from scraps. i have been quilting for 12 years now and have been saving some of all my scraps. i want to make a quilt with some of everything i have made.
—JoAn GODFREY on April 19, 2012I keep ALL of my scraps! I sort them by size in little plastic containers. I adore hand applique and I am actually planning a quilt similar to some in the pictures on this page. I want it to be fun, swirling circles in all of the colors of my scrap selection on a pieced background of blues, like bubbles floating in the sky! I would love to win this book, it looks like it contains tons of fun ideas and lots of inspiration!!!
—Amanda Best on April 19, 2012WOW scraps I had three 13 gallon bags of them,what to do. I went through them and keep only pieces that were at least 1 inch by 2 inches. I would like to make a pineapple quilt. Have not gotten to it yet and I’m starting on my second bag.So maybe I should give them to our local ARC which helps disabled youths and adults.They are always in need of all kind of craft material.
—Nancy Danish on April 19, 2012I have lots of scraps and did you some to make a quilt that had 266 nine patch squares that ended up being 3 inch squares. Did enjoy working with them and have been looking for more to make
—mary ann johnson on April 19, 2012Never try scrap appliqué before. Loved the ideas.
—Hueisei on April 19, 2012I used to make string block using the scraps 🙂
Wow!!! Love this idea……I’ve been storing all my scraps in stacked, square lidded buckets, ready for the day I discover a way to use them…..this sounds ideal and looks A-MAY-ZING!!!!
—Wendy B on April 19, 2012I have a wonderful collection of scraps, but haven’t thought about using them for scrappy applique! What a clever concept! I do make "crazy pieced" quilts & use them for scrappy quilts, but this looks like a great use for those pieces that just seem to reproduce in the box!
—Sally Atkinson on April 19, 2012I really need to get a handle on my scraps! Wonderful ideas here. I would love to try them. Thanks for the giveaway.
—Bobbi Palagi on April 19, 2012Here is what I do with my scraps….I make a few items here and there and use a wee bit of them for applique projects. But mostly, I just look at them. Yep, I look and say to myself I ought to be making something with those scraps. But they look so pretty sitting in my sewing room in the clear shoe boxes separated by reds, yellow, blues, greens, pinks, tans, etc., etc. If I ever get the urge to let them come out and play, well, I will have one delightful, colorful quilt.
—Paula Coleman on April 19, 2012I just keep saving them thinking that a worthy project will come along some day. This looks promising!
—Bambi Mayer on April 19, 2012My scraps are here and there…a bucket here, a bag there. I pull a few out here and there for something small, but other than that, they just sit. This sounds like a great way to use them up!
—Garilyn on April 19, 2012Mostly I HOARD my scraps! ha ha… Recently I have been using them for applique, "made" fabric for piecing,"Snippets" wall art and to piece letters for words that I want to put on my quilts. Trying to get organized and use stuff up. This book looks like FUN!
—Machelle on April 19, 2012I tend to want to save lots of scraps, especially if I really love the fabric. I am a paper piecer, so sometimes small scraps are really useful. (And sometimes, my paper piecing ends up making lots more little scraps!!) This book sounds like a treasure chest of ideas!
—Pam on April 19, 2012My, my, gotta think about that one…I seem to have quite a bit of yardage that has large and small shapes cut out of the middle . Can’t rightly call them scraps tho’ … it can be difficult to get the blocks and strips cut for some projects. Scraps get cut into squares, triangles, strips etc. and put in boxes usually by colors/hues and hauled out to do things similar to what you did with yours. I love to hand applique so even tiny scraps get used or re-stashed for later. I just CAN’T throw them away.
—Shari W. on April 19, 2012Wow what a great idea and the book looks so interesting. I love delving into my coloour co=ordinated scraps. Save every little bit of scrap just incase.
—Bev C on April 19, 2012Happy days
Bev.xoxo
I faithfully save my scraps in a big tub. I hate wasting fabric. But I never seem to come up with a project to use them. This book is a problem solver for me!!
—Ruth B on April 19, 2012I have saved a ton of scraps and after I get through the goals of the next few months, I plan to cut them up into units for the scrap savers system. Yea! I will be a happy camper come Christmas time!!
—candace on April 19, 2012I use every thing i can to applique or paper piece with even the tiniest scraps. These 3 books look so exciting!
—Donna R on April 19, 2012I save them and when one of my quilty friends comes up with a challenge I reward her with a neatly wraped box of my scraps. They think I am wonderful for sharing so we are both happy. Now my secret is out I will have to think of another way to share them. Joan Kowalsky
—joan K on April 19, 2012I have lots of scraps and lots of grandchildren to make quilts for. My granddaughters will love the cupcakes. Would love to have this book to help make a dent in my scraps.
—Cheri Williams on April 19, 2012I have not appliqued with scraps but I would love to! thanks!
—Lee on April 19, 2012I save them and have used several in projects, but not like Kay’s designs. How very clever. My mom would be proud of me, she used to say, "isn’t there something you could do with these leftovers?" Little did one realize what the future held for those bits and pieces. Yeah!
—Mary on April 19, 2012p.s. My daughter made me a small wall quilt with dress scraps from fabric I made the girls and my clothes from back when….
I have an enormous stash of scrap fabric. Two bins of pieces of fabric and shoeboxes of strips of different widths. I dive into them whenever I can. Now, as I gaze at these examples I am incredibly inspired! Absolutely brilliant idea! I immediately thought….well how come I didn’t think of that? It makes perfect sense. I can’t wait to apply this new twist to my (obviously limited~ LOL) creativity!
—Anne Caton on April 19, 2012First, I sort them into piles of different colors, then I randomly select fabric scraps and sew them together by machine. Finally, I use my "new" fabric for backgrounds. I’ve thought about applique. What a great idea!
—Anne on April 19, 2012OOh those are all super cute. LOVE that cupcake. No, I have not used my scraps for applique yet although I haven’t done much with my scraps at all. I haven’t made enough things yet with my good quality quilting fabrics to have enough scraps, yet I do look forward to using them in some type of project.
—VickiT on April 19, 2012What a neat book. I do use scraps for appliqueing. Mostly for children’s type things.
—Ginger on April 19, 2012I just toss my scraps in to a laundry basket with the hope that some day I will walk in to my quilt studio & find a gorgeous scrap quilt draped over my chair with a note saying the quilt fairies came in during the night & made it for me!
—Janet Espeleta on April 19, 2012Wow! That really looks like the solution to my ever-expanding stash of scraps! I might even get to see the furniture in the spare room again.
—Chrys Morris on April 19, 2012I love scrappy quilts and I can’t wait to see this book! Several years ago I made a scrappy wreath quilt using the scrappy applique method, but had forgot about it until now. Lately my scraps have been used to make doll quilts. I can’t wait to try the new projects in this book!
—Karen M on April 19, 2012I play with the scraps that are teeny tiny (keep them in baggies). It’s when I just don’t want any stress. I have one that has been going for several years – just bits that will make teeny pennants on a line. Looks crummy but it works to absorb me. Anything larger is a real piece of fabric and it goes back into my mother’s fabric scraps storage boxes (I use her fabric). Now, this would be helpful because it will actually guide me into making something that can be finished.
—MarciaW on April 19, 2012What great ideas for using all those scraps that are just "too good to get rid of"
—gmc on April 19, 2012I am using scraps (to small to sew) cut into confetti to use as stuffing for dog pillows for our local dog rescue service.
—Marilyn Koestler on April 19, 2012Been throwing them into a bin for small projects and applique.
—Sandra on April 19, 2012I save everything! I made a bowtie quilt with all of my scraps. Working on a Tumbler block quilt now. But I dream of making a postage stamp quilt with all of my 11/2″ sq!
—Karen G on April 19, 2012I haven’t appliqued using scraps; I usually use scraps to make scrap quilts. Thanks for the idea and for the giveaway!
—Sallie on April 19, 2012Great idea! I never would have thought of scrappy applique. I cut my scraps into squares, rectangles and strips. Little pieces I make "crumb" blocks.
—Debbie on April 19, 2012I applique with my scraps. I’ve never tried sewing my scraps to make a bigger scrap for applique though.
—LeAnne L on April 19, 2012I was hoping to start a crumb quilt some day. I have cut some applique pieces out of scraps, but really like Kay’s way. I love quilt books.
—Sandy Scott on April 19, 2012Apparently I’ve been saving my scraps for when I retire – which is soon! This would be a wonderful book to get me started. I love your cupcake top – hope you’ll share what you do with the bottom!
—Karen Dicken on April 19, 2012I save my scraps for making the Rail Fence quilt. I am on disability for life, so I make simple quilts that can be finished quickly and donated to our local Homeless Shelter for women and children. The Rail Fence is a great quilt to put together with small strips of fabric and fast to make. I even seperate Autumn colors from pastels and small flowery prints to make both. I also use the square ruler lined with half circles for quick quilting to get as much quilts out as possible. With all my scraps, I’ve got enough fabrics to make tons of the Rail Fence and with my Half Circle ruler, I can also make any size of circles and applique them on beautiful backing fabric and make up Bouncing Balls quilts for the children! I feel so happy making these quilts, and I seem to come up with endless ideas as I go along. The quilts have to be easy and fast to get them out to these needy women and children, so I’m challenged to come up with beautiful quilts that are easy and fast, and I LOVE applique!!
—Glori Blanchard on April 19, 2012I save scraps like crazy–in bins, in buckets, in cannisters–but have yet to use them. I’m planning to make a "color book" for my nephew Maxwell, and have thought about making a confetti or mosaic quilt in the Bottled Rainbows style, but that will still leave me with plenty of scraps. I love the ideas you’ve shown here, and would be thrilled to win this book. Thanks for the chance.
—Beth on April 19, 2012I save my scraps to make string quilts for charity quilts.
—Susan Kellam on April 19, 2012I save my scraps, and I’m known among my friends as someone who will take THEIR scraps – so they won’t feel guilty about not using them. I’ve made several string quilts, but this book looks like a good new way to use them.
—Dot on April 19, 2012Scraps are filling also my boxes and bins. But often they get used in paperpieced projects where I can use those tiny little bits. Such a great idea to use them in applique. Have to try this! Thanks for the chance to win the book. Looks like a big inspiration.
—martina on April 19, 2012I’ve saved my scraps forever and use them sometimes, this book looks like what my scraps need. Thank you
—Gwendolyn Clark on April 19, 2012I just made a mobilphone-cover for my mum, perfect little thing to decorate with scrap-appliqué.
—Inger Martinson on April 20, 2012What a great idea! I have never tried that but I save scraps, even tiny bits. I’d love to win the book.
—Wivi on April 20, 2012I save all my scraps and have been known to scavenge the trashcans of other quilters while at retreats! I love the idea of scrap appliqué!! How clever!
—Diane on April 20, 2012I love Kay’s books – thanks for the opportunity to win one. I save my scraps since I am a scrappy quilter. I give most of them away to family, friends, and have made a few for members of the military.
—Donna on April 20, 2012I have not tried this technique, but love the possibilities! I just keep saving my scraps for "someday"!!!
—Darlene B on April 20, 2012I currently make string quilts out of most of my longer scraps but this is an excellent idea for any type of applique! I didn’t used to do applique quilts because I didn’t know the correct way to adhere them to other fabrics. Then I researched it further (thank you technology) and found that I had been missing out on a lot of fun projects. This will only enhance my new found love!
—Colette DeGroot on April 20, 2012This would be great for a quilt, and using scraps up is a bonus. LOVE the way it looks and thanks for a chance to win the book.
—Karen Crosby on April 20, 2012I have so many scraps they are taking over my sewing room – I’m up to 14 drawers and counting. Have actually started using them, but they are multiplying during the night. I love the dimension that the pieces shown have by making your own "fabric" using the small scraps.
—connie b on April 20, 2012Would love to win this book for even more ideas of using my "savings"
That’s a great idea for applique! I usually cut my scraps to 6″ squares for Project Linus quilts and the smaller pieces I cut to 2-1/2″ and keep them in a container for cute 9 patch baby quilts or quilt bingo squares. I’m saving the long skinny pieces to try a string quilt. That patchwork cupcake top is great!
—Pam Losely on April 20, 2012Wow, I never thought of putting them together and making a new piece of fabric – terrific. I have mine separated by color and use them for small applique pieces. I have a new baby quilt to make and I am going to start putting them together and then applique. I am so excited about this new technique! Thank you.
—Janet on April 20, 2012I LOVE to machine applique!! In fact almost all of my projects include applique. I keep most of my scraps to reuse for applique, but I have never tried to piece them together to make a new fabric. Looks like fun…I will have to try it on a new project.
—Christine Archer on April 20, 2012The designs are sweet and you can make so many things with them–quilts, wall hangings , bibs, aprons, potholders,and on girls clothes, to name a few. I love to applique by hand and machine. I first learned to machine applique over 30 years ago and haven’t stopped since and this book would give me some fresh ideas–I would really like to win it. Thank you for making it possible.
—Joan Trautwein on April 20, 2012I am a true beginner and just bought a sewing machine, so I’m anxious to start trying different techniques. This looks very interesting. I need to find some scraps! Debbie H
—Debbie H on April 20, 2012This method is ingenious! I love the look of the scrap applique. I have never tried this and would love to win this book.
—Bonnie on April 20, 2012I have cut them into squares to use in quilts, or strips that are sewn together – but this sounds even better because sometimes random is better! I would LOVE to win this book!!
—Donna Kay on April 20, 2012I’ve been saving scraps for years. I’ve made crumb block quilts, but that hardly uses any! Making fabric sounds like it would use more. This book sounds like just what I need – not only applique but making fabric from scraps – wow! Thanks for the giveaway.
—Angie SoCal on April 20, 2012LOVE this idea. Of course I have scraps. I try to keep them organized by color-way. Fingers tightly crossed. This book is full of so much inspiration. Scrap stashes will shrink, then we’ll just have to buy more material. 😉
—Polly Hada on April 20, 2012I am so bad i do not throw anything away and to am just starting applique and love it this book looks so fun!!!!!!
—Nikki on April 20, 2012I have just recently gone through all my scraps and saved only my very favorite. Now I have more options on how to put them together! I’m very inspired by what you’ve shared with us, Maria! LOVE the cupcake!
—Susan on April 20, 2012After viewing this wonderful book from Kay, that’s a moot point now, isn’t it?
—Luanne Corts on April 20, 2012I never have enough scraps for applique, always seems to be some shade I am looking for. Our quilt club has a scrap box, you can toss in your unused scraps and take out the shade you are looking for. Scraps make great log cabin strips, strips make great infant quilts for our local hospital.
—Darlene on April 20, 2012I have never had a scrap that I could in good conscience throw away. I also belong to a quilting group that makes lap robes for charity and I am the official cutter of donated fabrics so you can imagine how ends and scraps accumulate. It is such fun and I am always on the lookout for ways to incorporate scraps into my quilting. This book will be so much fun to read and then create some more.
—Carol W. in Minnesota on April 20, 2012I seem to just accumulate scraps – they’re so hard to throw away. This book could be helpful. Thanks for the opportunity to win it!
—Deborah on April 20, 2012I just got a ton of fabric scraps from our local Weaver’s Guild Fabric Garage Sale. This book is perfect. I can’t wait to start quilting!
—Dawn DeMulling on April 20, 2012Why didn’t I think of this? Scrap Applique was what got me into quilting again 18 years ago doing a Crazy quilted Victorian Hearts Wall hanging! I just didn’t mentally transfer it to anything other than square blocks or a background!DUH!!!! I will DEFINITELY be trying this as I cannot tyhrow any fabric away unless it’s smaller than an inch square.(I know….I’m compulsive)
—Linda Pyke on April 20, 2012I have played with this technique before and it was fun but it takes someone like Kay to help me reach hysterical madness ~
—Kathy Pennell on April 20, 2012I can’t wait to get a copy of this book! I hope I win this copy as it will leave me more money to buy fabric that needs to become scrap!
I try to use some for leaders / enders and eventually want to do something (?) with those, others are used for postcards and of course basic applique, although i jhave to admit I never thought of piecing my scraps together for applique. looks like fun…
—Bonnie L on April 20, 2012I finally had the nerve to try hand applique using Kay’s instructions for back basting. I love the results.
—Elaine on April 20, 2012I love using my scraps for my applique. I usually give away alot of the quilts i make by using my scraps i get to keep alittle of these quilts for myself. Thanks for the chance to win happy quilting
—Sharon Meyer on April 20, 2012I keep ALL my scraps for that one day when all my UFOs are caught up! LOL! I LOVE the idea of scrap applique! I just made a cake/cupcake quilt and never thought to use scraps for the tops of the cupcakes! That’s a super idea. I would love to have this book.
—Deb on April 21, 2012I made a child’s appliqued quilt from scraps using fusible applique. Each block pattern was designed using elements from different colouring book pictures – simple and fun to do. Otherwise, I use my scraps to make donation quilts for our local guild to distribute.
—Nellie on April 21, 2012Would love to win this book!
I love appliqué and have several of Kay’s books already. I do save most of my scraps, especially my hand dyes.
—Mishka on April 21, 2012I haven’t made anything with my scraps – but I save them faithfully, because I hate to throw anything away! I want to learn to paper piece and know that small pieces come in handy. Looks like they can in applique as well – would love to win this book. Thanks for the give away!
—Jacklynn Grimm on April 21, 2012I save many, toss the tiny ones, and use some for paper foundation piecing.
—Diann Cornell on April 21, 2012Keep trying to figure out what to do with my scraps. I love to applique, this book may be the solution.
—Beth Hammergren on April 21, 2012I’m truly a scrapaholic. I have tubs and tubs of scraps all trimmed, cut in to squares and lots of noodles. Please o’ please let me win this book. It looks like a fun way to start.
—Diane on April 21, 2012I have only used scraps for paper piecing not for appliqué before, but love your cupcake. I make a lot of pincushions and have started cupcake pincushions and haven’t found a way, I liked, to finish the top of the cupcake. I have now.
—Barbara on April 21, 2012I use my scraps as the seam starter on my sewing machine so I don’t have to worry about the fabric getting fed through the plate and getting all tangled up. I then use these to make lopsided log cabin blocks, some of which I then made into coasters and placemats, and miniature quilts for dolls. I’d love to win this book to learn the appliqué techniques to use my scraps!
—SueP on April 21, 2012I Have been made four scrap quilts. 1st one is an American map ,which was made 20 years ago while my husband was studying in Boston.All those scraps were from my friends’ left over from making sheets or curtains. 2nd one was a baby quilt for my daughter also use those scraps from my friends but chose only cotton fabrics. Here is an article on my blog:
—Vivian on April 21, 2012http://tw.myblog.yahoo.com/buyen-quilting/archive?l=f&id=47
It was written in Chinese,hopefully you can get some idea from the photos.
I’m sorry, it’s me Vivian again. I make a worng link . Here is the correct one. http://tw.myblog.yahoo.com/buyen-quilting/article?mid=7431&prev=7561&next=7127&l=f&fid=47
—Vivian on April 21, 2012I hope I am luck enough to win the book. I am going to save all my scraps for the book.
I have SOOOOO many scraps. I sew them together any which way and then cutt the new fabric into equal size squares or rectangles, sash them with one color and sew them into a quilt. Never thought of appliqueing with them.
—Nancy Myers on April 21, 2012I don’t applique with scraps, but this book sure makes it look like fun! Thanks for the opportunity to win it!
—Mary Jo on April 21, 2012I have used some of my scraps to make larger blocks but never thought to use them in this way. What a great idea. I have enough scraps to make at least 3 or 4 king size quilts in this style. I keep all scraps at least 1 inch inn size. Noe I’ll need to start sorting by color family.
—Maralyn on April 22, 2012I haven’t tried applique yet. I’m saving my scraps for a someday project. I’m just starting to quilt so, don’t have a lot of scraps yet either. 🙂
—Carla G on April 22, 2012I can honestly say that I have used some of my scraps on more than one paper piecing project and at least on applique project. I only keep scraps if they get way to small or thin or both at times. My wastebasket very seldom have much fabric in it, but what scraps it does have I tell myself it is cotton AND biodegradable.
—s hadley in soggy WA on April 22, 2012I save my scraps you just never know when that one little piece will be all that is needed to complete something! Besides I love the look of a scrappy quilt why use 2 when you can use 20 or 200 or?????????????
—Peggy M on April 23, 2012I save my scraps and utilize a modified version of Bonnie Hunter’s Scrap Users System to keep them organized. Since they’re already cut down to squares and strips I can just pull things out to use in quilt blocks rather than cut into yardage. Thank you for a lovely giveaway.
—Kylie C on April 23, 2012I do save my scraps up to a certain point. I do a lot of dressmaking from different material, not cottons, so those scraps I usually don’t save. But there is always something small waiting to be used on a quilt or other, so most of those scraps I save. They have to be a good scrap size however. Thanks for the giveaway. Just became a follower.
—Maria Kievit on April 23, 2012I haven’t tried scrap applique yet but after reading this page I am surely going to try it out!! Would love to win the book!
—Jan Sheets on April 23, 2012This is such a great idea for scraps!! Thanks for the chance!!
—Michele T on April 23, 2012I save my scraps. I have been making pin cushions out of a bit of them.
—lynda Morrissette on April 23, 2012thanks for the giveaway.
So far I save scraps but have not developed an organized method. A friend encouraged me to begin sorting scraps by color and you have cemented this idea:) I believe Kaye’s book would fuel this fire. Hurrah for scrap applique!
—Geri Collins on April 23, 2012I haven’t tried this, but what a GREAT solution for my scrippy scraps that are too tiny to use on their own…
—Nancy Sue on April 23, 2012I save scraps that I really love for other projects… A lot of them goes into a sack that I give to a lady in my guild.. She makes dog beds for the Humane Society…
—Gail M on April 23, 2012I like to work with the smallest of scraps, making postage stamps, strips and "made fabric". I’ve only tried applique with it once or twice though. Thanks for a chance to win.
—Janet on April 23, 2012I love to save my scraps and I am always digging through the bags to use a small bit for something but this looks like it adds a whole new dimension to the idea. I also allow my children to play with my scraps, they practice cutting and gluing with all my little pieces.
—Mhairi on April 24, 2012WOW ! I have several bags of scraps collected over several years. This book would be VERY Helpful with ideas on usungthe scraps and making items for gifts ! I sure hope my name is drawn. Carol
—Carol Dunn on April 24, 2012Of course I applique with scraps! Why buy fresh fabric to applique? The fun is in finding that scrap that will be just right for that section of applique. I start with a picture first, then find the scraps, so I never know quite what the finished project will look like. I did put together several pieces in a crazy quilt fashion to make a pig with once. He was blue, very unique!
—Madeline on April 24, 2012I always save the scraps, but I forget where I put them when I want to go through them to see what looks like I could use it in an upcoming project. I end up finding them months later.
—Cyndi on April 24, 2012Now I’m putting my scraps into one place so I’ll always know where they are, and can use them when I want to.
I have been able to use them in some hand applique, and I love saving the money and validating my buying decisions from long ago.
Oh my gosh–this book looks like so much fun!!! Your cupcake is looking delish! I just recently returned to quilting….and have been drawn to scrappy quilts, but sadly don’t have enough scraps yet! I have been joining swaps, buying scraps, etc. trying to build up my stash! I can’t wait to play with them and this book looks like a great place to start!
—KimR on April 25, 2012I save my scraps to use for other projects and I love appliqué so this,looks like fun! Thanks for the chance to win.
—Kate on April 26, 2012I love, love scraps and can’t seem to use them all. I think this book would have a lot of ideas for things I could make from them. Hope I win!
—Nancy B on April 26, 2012I save all my scraps over an inch. It’s fun to go through and use the bits and pieces to embellish new projects. I’ve used scraps in appliques a few times and I really enjoy the look. Now if only someone would come over and organize my scraps so they are easier to use lol.
—Robin (RsIslandCrafts) on April 26, 2012