Monday, March 03, 2008

My Cup Runneth Over....

all over! Figuratively speaking and at times, literally...I'm dangerous when I walk and carry a mug of coffee or tea *VBS* The coming of 2008 seems to have brought a re-newed energy and determination to many of us. Deeper than an urge, almost a burning desire to conquer our overflowing scrapbags,boxes,bags and baskets. I am not immune to this desire. It swept me off my feet and into a resolution to cut for at least 1 hour a day(scrap only) and ultimately not to forsake my love of scraps and scrap quilts, but to have lots of the scraps cut into a "sew now" state of preparedness.Containers of scraps are almost as numberous at my house as my quilts. This particular Rubbermaid tote has served me well for many years. It's the one I've been dipping into, lifting out a pile of scraps and cutting for that hour. It's NOT overflowing anymore!
But emerging from a far corner are these two quilt batt bags, holding lots and lots of more neatly folded bits and pieces. The bigger one is HEAVY! It's an extra loft queen size batt bag.
And then there are the various(and several)blanket bags. They stand so nicely and zip at the top. Keeps things clean, dry and dust free *VBS*
This old laundry soap pail is so handy for emptying the ice cream pail of scraps as it fills to overflowing on my cutting board. You can pack 'em down and really get a lot of scrap in there...right?? There are also several popcorn tins that house scrap as well as 3 of the rolling carts with drawers that now house the cut strips, accornding to size. I haven't decided as yet the best way to store the cut squares and triangles...probably will be the Rubbermaid shoe boxes, I think...for now they are in the flat cardboard boxes I showed you....stacked neatly by size.
I've been powerfully tempted to try Bonnie's new Maverick Star, but have decided I MUST wait until I have gotten more done on my cutting of scraps and work on the UFO's I'm determined to finish up this year. I've also been tempted to dive into the Civil War Block part that Kathie is hosting. Mine have been sitting neglected for about a year now....but I'm resisting that also. I've decided it's fine for me to have 'play days' with my Prairie Children book and some of those little quilts. They are do-able in such a short amount of time, hopefully they won't become another UFO.

21 comments:

Granny Lyn said...

I am in awe of your scraps!! You have a "wealth" I am envious of.

You've inspired me, I'm off the the cutting board of life!
thanks for sharing,
lyn

Fabricmom said...

I too want to make the Maverick Star. I have scraps coming out of my ears but am trying to finish projects I have already started. It is a never ending battle.

Norma said...

I would get so distracted looking at each piece and remembering which ones came from which quilt! Keep with it, you have some real treasure there! Do take a break and reward yourself with some sewing though........cut a half hour, sew a half hour. Whatever, the goal is to use 'em up and that will work!

Katie said...

I'd call that scrap heaven! You really have a treasure there. So much fun ahead.

Silverthimble said...

I am like you--need to get a better handle on my scraps and my UFOs. This is the year, I tell myself! LOL

Greenmare said...

Good luck!!! looks like you really have your work cut out for you. snicker

Unknown said...

I cut up my scraps last summer. It seems like it took forever. But it was worth every minuet I just love pulling out some squares and making a quick doll quilt. Just keep at it.

KC Quilter said...

Wow, that's a LOT of scraps!!! And I thought I had a lot but I can't hold a candle to you LOL!!! Good luck.

Cher said...

well Finn, you are the Queen of saved scraps! love how you are approaching the taming of them-what a shining example you are...a great influence as several other friends/bloggers are as well. I am just too busy to stop and cut my scraps right now LOL.
love how the rug is coming along-it is so gorgeous and the little bowtie quilt is so sweet. Always such fun to stop by and catch up with you.

Suzy said...

I really admire your tenacity in organizing your scraps. Want to come to my house and do mine? I have three big bins worth -- lights, mediums and darks. LOL!

Teresa said...

What do you mean by "cutting scraps"? are you cutting them into squares?

meggie said...

I must get some scraps cut too! Would make life easier if I could just grab a pile when the urge to sew hits me.
I have been procrastinating again!

QuiltedSimple said...

Oh my - you have a lot of neat looking scraps. I'm going to have to come back (when I have several hours to read un-interrupted) and get some great ideas from you on quilts and rugs and such. Can't wait to see some scrap quilts!!

Kris

Sweet P said...

You should never have to go shopping again with so many scraps. I always enjoy seeing your creations.

atet said...

Oooh -- those scraps would be such fun to play in. And, it is also prodding me to maybe do something about my piles of scraps laying about...oh my.

loulee said...

So are we to expect a scrappy quilt sometime in the near future? LOL

Amelia said...

I have read your blog several times and I keep seeing the "VBS". I don't know what this means...please explain? The only time I have seen it used was for "Vacation Bible School".

I enjoy your blog and your outlook on life...keep it up!

Amelia in Oklahoma

Pat at Bell Creek Quilts said...

just wanted to stop by and say, "Hi" found your link at Mare's Nest...I'm also from WI...closer to Milwaukee and I'm a newbie. someday soon, I want to try Bonnie's Maverick Stars :) Keep Warm!

Clare said...

Oh Finn, one great big huge lucky dip! I'd love to have a play with that lot.

Lucy said...

What what a scrtaps, I have them too and decided to make maverick stars with them!

Tracey @ozcountryquiltingmum said...

Oh, and congrats on the new baby! Tracey