From Small Things: Episode 3: Scrap Management

Welcome back! This week it's all about scrap management. I have some tips for how I store and manage my scraps, to turn them into something beautiful and avoid waste. If you're interested in how to use fabric scraps, you can find some ideas here.
My methods this week include string piecing white and neutral fabric scraps for a border; foundation paper piecing in blue and white scraps (using Granny Nanny's and Quilt by Number papers); English paper piecing scrappy hexagons; and half-square triangles in blues and greens (using @thangles and ‪@MissouriQuiltCo‬ papers). All of these are great ways to keep building your scraps into larger units, which will be much more likely to become a quilt.
This episode features a completed quilt made with the Ocean Waves block (with a small change) using recycled shirt cottons, as well as a newly basted double four-patch ready for hand quilting. All scrappy, of course!
You can find me on Instagram @fromsmallthings509

[@deafsetter]

I'm only half way through your video and just had to comment. You are great in front of the camera. It feels like we are friends and you are sharing your ideas (which are great ideas). I've learned that I too will more likely use my scraps if I keep them all in the same color family. Also love your use of white scraps for borders. I'm always adding borders and this is a great way to use up the whites and the border won't be so plain. Now onward to the 2nd half of the video. Keep up the good work!

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you for your kind words! I don't plan far ahead on anything, and find that using color families makes it easier to find a destiny for scraps.

[@Perfectlyimperfectstitcher]

I save my dog ears in a jar and call them quilt seeds!! I just think they look pretty in the jar. When the jar is full I will either put in a tillable ornament or use for stuffing small cross stitch or embroidery pillows.

[@fromsmallthings509]

I love that! My sister just gave me a jar to fill. I love how people find uses for even the smallest bits of fabric.

[@gwenj5419]

I love scrappy quilting. Nothing makes me sadder than a quilt where all the fabrics match.😅

[@fromsmallthings509]

Haha! I love the depth in scrappy quilts. But I also like the flatter look of a simple two fabric quilt.

[@terireiling402]

Hello!! I just found your channel and wanted to let you know how much I enjoy it!! I too love to work with scraps and find your ideas pretty wonderful!!!! Thank you!!!

[@fromsmallthings509]

I'm so happy to see so many other scrap lovers out there!!

[@sharondauz880]

I love how you used string blocks as a border. Your blue quilt is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you. I hope I can share some ideas to use our never-ending supplies of scraps.

[@donnafrancis9163]

You really have a great eye for color! I am beginning to wonder if you ever sleep! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@fromsmallthings509]

I am very good at sleeping! haha! especially in the winter months when my bed is so warm and cozy!

[@eavesdroppin1]

I started quilting in the 90's, quit but saved all my fabrics (which is quite a lot) and started up again last year. I'm 78 and have always loved scrappy quilts, but until recently I haven't saved small scraps. I am very drawn to your quilts and hope you will show more of them! I wished you had shown a bit more of your on-going projects, however I am going to check out your channel in the meantime. I have started hand quilting and love it also but am using a larger stitch.

[@fromsmallthings509]

It's great that you saved all your fabrics. Welcome back to quilting! I'm so glad you're enjoying scraps and hand quilting also.

[@DocumentedLegacy]

Welcome back to Quilting. I also put down the interest for about 20 years and I’m now getting to all the projects that I saved my fabric for making. I have no energy.

[@KarenK-r4f]

Welcome back

[@KarenK-r4f]

The thread count on that sheet probably very high. Tightly woven 💜💚💙

[@kimberleygirl7533]

A little hand embroidery of daisies on the blank space of the basket block? Loving, loving, loving the ocean waves quilt! Tutorial please. Love from Australia 🇦🇺💕

[@fromsmallthings509]

That's a great suggestion, thank you!

[@chriswilford3576]

@@fromsmallthings509 I too would love to learn how to do that, also the Around The World block. I’m watching from Brisbane Australia 🇦🇺 and would love to go and visit the Mennonite shops. Too far away though! 😊

[@sheilawilliams2875]

I hand quilt all my quilts. Slow process but clears the mind. So worth it.

[@fromsmallthings509]

So happy to know others are hand quilting as well. It is my moment of zen! Keep doing what you love!

[@lyndakling901]

I wish I could but it hurts my hand now so I have to send them out…at least this way I can move on to the next one quicker. But I will hand quilt flannel quilts.

[@carolentringer8836]

I enjoy hand quilting, too, but arthritis has taken away a bit of the joy. I enjoy the primitive “big stitch”.

[@terriflanigan942]

I love the way you quilt - it does not have to be an expensive hobby! When I try to buy thrift store shirts they are usually a polyester blend. You are fortunate to find so many cotton shirts. Happy Quilting! 😊

[@fromsmallthings509]

Some of mine are a cotton/poly blend as well, and I haven't had any problems working with them, although I look for cotton as much as possible. Happy quilting to you, too!

[@vickielittle7464]

Hi Sue ! Just found your KZbin videos . Just wanted to say I love your KZbin !! So many helpful tips . Thank you sooo much !! Please keep them coming . Now to go back to your other videos . Blessings

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you so much! I'm glad to share some of the things that work for me-- and I hope they work for you, too!

[@christinequirion8112]

Watched your video for the first time today - really enjoyed it! Just loved hearing your processes and love the wave quilt ❤

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you so much!

[@jwestfalldavis3574]

I just found your channel while hand quilting tonight! I love working with men's shirts and thrifted sheets as well. Your Ocean Wave quilt is masterful. I hope you enter it into a quilt contest.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you! I've never entered a show and I don't plan on it-- I feel my work is not precise or "correct" enough to be show quality.

[@HRHDMKYT]

@@fromsmallthings509 I don’t think that at all. I’d bet it would win a ribbon at your County Fair!

[@lindapoe4124]

I am so glad I found your channel. I love scrappy quilting.

[@davidhatfield5714]

I forgot to tell you I love your idea of doing the paper-pieced strip borders. It is a great suggestion! I don’t always want to do simple strip borders and because I love anything scrappy this will be the next border I do. Thanks(KH)

[@fromsmallthings509]

It's like giving yourself bonus fabric, when you can turn bits that small into a whole border. I hope you enjoy the process!

[@paulathomas9240]

I am also a house sitting quilter. I have brought my string blocks to construct while I here for 3 weeks. We are kindred spirits. 😄

[@jackiehorn3724]

I am very interested in house sitting. I am a retired senior. What do you do when you housesit? Do you just clean up after yourself or are there other chores you do. I would do house sitting if I could bring my little yorkipoo with me. I would not want to run back and forth , I would want a house sitting job where either you stayed there. Or you went over in the morning and stayed, going home in the evening.

[@paulathomas9240]

@jackiehorn3724 It all depends on what my clients want/need. Some I pick up the mail/newspaper, flush toilets, water plants, rotate light’s, open and close drapes. Some have me move in, take care of the critters, and I am here most of the day/night. I have others who have a 2nd in another state, so I go in the house usually every other day, set out garbage can, plant the pots with annuals, and what ever needs to be done. I started 27 years ago and the “business” has shifted over the years. I have not had a my own pet, but my friend did pet sitting in her own house, and that worked well for her. I try not to double sit two houses at once with animals, but sometimes it happens. Spread the word that you house and pet sit among your friends and you will have more business than you can handle. (I am not bonded or carry extra insurance.) I am a dear friend, completely honest and trustworthy.

[@paulathomas9240]

@ I replied to you. I hope you see my message.

[@Charlesschmied]

I really love the tans and neutrals in the ocean waves quilt. Much different feel than a white background!

[@abigaildolinger2754]

Great tip on pressing HSTs prior to removing the foundation paper. Thank you!

[@fromsmallthings509]

I saw that tip somewhere years ago, though I can't remember where... it does make a difference.

[@shelina_virjee]

I enjoyed seeing your process of managing your scraps. I love scrap quilts and have a KZbin channel too!

[@fromsmallthings509]

That's wonderful, I will check it out!

[@bathens4971]

Old dog, new tricks! I learned something new today, putting the white fabric next to the paper when paper piecing triangles. I never gave it a thought before, but it really helps! I also tried trimming dog ears before removing the paper and that is a game changer! Thanks Sue ❤

[@fromsmallthings509]

I can't take credit for that tip-- or really most of the things I know!-- it's something I picked up somewhere, from someone else, along the way... but that's what crafting is all about, sharing knowledge and tips with anyone who's interested. I'm glad this little one is helping your work go smoothly!

[@jeancoody5993]

Love the double four patch with brown and tan.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you!

[@jeancoody5993]

@@fromsmallthings509 I am just starting a copy of your quilt. With men's shirt scraps. Wish me luck!

[@brendamc3535]

I am new here and just am amazed at all your scrap projects. I also love working with scraps. What lovely quilts you have made out of shirts. I will be excited to see what you come up with in the future. The strip piecing for borders is an excellent idea that I will be doing. thank you for sharing your ideas.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you! I'm glad you are getting some new ideas. I just started using my small white scraps that way because I had so many, and now it's become a go-to use for them.

[@hrbille]

Great for a beduin game, there could be a lot going on around the oasis.👍

[@fromsmallthings509]

Cryptic! I don't know what it means.

[@carmenbailey1560]

Just came across your video, you are very pleasant to listen to, and the fact that you do a lot of scrap quilting is quite interesting thank you very much for sharing.👍❤️😊

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you!

[@ellenthompson4441]

From one PA quilter to another, I really like your style.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you!! I never really knew what my style was, until maybe lockdown in 2020, when I got lots more time in the sewing room.

[@lindaramadori4655]

Love your videos and ideas! You have a pleasant voice to listen too.🥰

[@fromsmallthings509]

Oh thank you!

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Sue...delightful posting...I am so glad you came up in my feed...I will delve into your past if you don't mind...best wishes❤

[@fromsmallthings509]

I'm so glad you're enjoying them, best wishes to you as well!

[@helenfields2318]

I enjoyed your shar 33:21 ing your progress on many projects. I also work on a variety of things at a time. So fun!

[@fromsmallthings509]

I like to start the morning with some hand quilting, and then move to the sewing machine in the afternoon. It give my fingers a break, and it keeps things interesting.

[@MoonMa]

Hi Sue! I’m in Selinsgrove area!!

[@fromsmallthings509]

Nice! Do you know of any good quilt shows out your way?

[@LisaLisa-zl9vu]

I love your double four patch quilt!!

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you! It turned out better than I had envisioned

[@paulamcclellan8436]

I made 96 yo yos for my granddaughters quilt & put a button in center of each for a border of flowers around it 2 lines of tiny satan ribbons twined around and placed the yo yos in clusters of 3 looks like a vine of pink & blue flowers.

[@fromsmallthings509]

That sounds so lovely, and is a great use for buttons! I learned to make yo-yos when I was a child, long before learning how to quilt. I made a yo-yo clown.

[@pamlacey136]

Hi Sue, I have just found your channel and subscribed. I have sewn clothes and craft items for many years having learned to sew in high school. I also do cross stitch but during Covid I decided I wanted to learn to quilt. I did this via a KZbinr who quilts and does cross stitch. She did a beginner online class and I have not looked back!! I might make a suggestion for the basket block without the handle. It would be fun to use lots of your buttons from your jar to add to the top area of the basket so they look like a basket full of flowers. Then you can add a border and make it into a small pillow to put on a shelf or in a basket. It would be adorable. I loved seeing what you were working on during your house sitting time. I do enjoy scraps too but I don’t have tons of scraps yet since I am newer to quilting. I also like to use paper as a square template to sew strips to. It is especially fun to do when I don’t feel like having to study a new pattern or cut fabric. I have only done hand quilting on a few small pieces but I do love handwork so I always sew the back of my quilt bindings by hand instead of my machine. I look forward to seeing more videos from you. I think the quilt from the blue men’s shirts is so pretty. During Covid I purchased a lot of fabric online since I was not going shopping anywhere, so I have not used shirts yet as I need to use up the fabric I have. There is a KZbinr I watch who uses her tiny scrapes that can’t be sewn into anything by making her block layers and then she sews on a front layer of what I think was like Tulle or a netting over her quilt block leaving an opening so that she can place her tiny scraps all over the top of the quilt block. She spreads them all over it in many layers of the scraps and then sews the Tulle closed. Then she quilts all over the top of it in narrow lines so it winds up looking like a quilted block, so pretty. Happy quilting with your scraps!!

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you for the suggestion for using buttons on that basket block! I hadn't thought of that, and it would be cute. I hope you are loving quilting! I have seen the process of using the snippets of fabric with tulle on top, and it's a great use for scraps, but haven't tried it. Once mine are below 1" I generally throw them away, at most I use those to stuff cat toys! Happy quilting to you, too!

[@NellieShannon-p9g]

Really enjoyed and hope to see more of your projects. You seem very sweet and genuine. I followed you on Instagram.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you! I started this Instagram just to keep all my quilts in one place. My old page had lots of nature pictures mixed in.

[@AvivaHadas]

I too am a scrap quilter - I love strings and small squares.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Me too-- use every scrap!

[@ConnieAcree]

You certainly do beautiful work. I love how you take shirts, etc. and use them for scrapping. Thank you for sharing. God bless.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you for watching! Making these videos is more fun than I expected.

[@terransummers5485]

I had only started watching your videos for the first time, and I stopped and subscribed. I don’t want miss an episode! I love, love scrap quilting.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thanks for joining my on my scrap journey!

[@debbieleverne170]

Oh my goodness! I'm so glad I found your chanel ❤

[@fromsmallthings509]

Welcome! Glad to have you here.

[@TheVelvetKitten]

You are my kind of Quilter! 25 cents a shirt! Woop! Subscribed instantly.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Haha! I love the 25 cent sale! Jut got back from this month's with 14 more shirts...

[@francespiquemal8813]

I look forward to seeing how you use up your scraps. How do you manage and store your scraps. I love how you used your low volume scraps especially into borders. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@fromsmallthings509]

I will be sharing how my scrap system works for me. I don't have hard and fast rules, and I hope it can help in your sewing room as well. Sometimes how I process my scraps can depend on which project I have in mind.

[@yvonneallan1020]

Oh how I wish you were my neighbor! We think alike. Enjoyed your company today. PS my "dog ears are in a jar, they are pretty cute👌

[@sandyvotel3484]

You are so good! All from thrift. Good for you. Thank you

[@mrsbobbinlacer]

Thank you for the video and the many ideas you have given me for all of my fabric. I enjoy you wor, so much I had to save this video.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you! The more you work with scraps, the more ideas you get from it.

[@violaqueen2234]

Hi, just found your channel, and I’m now a subscriber. I love your ocean waves quilt, and that it’s hand quilted. Looking forward to your future shows.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you! It's a fun pattern to make.

[@heidim.5545]

I also do hand quilting with all my quilts. I know, it takes ages but it is so calming and satisfying for me. I look already forward to your next video. A big Hello from Switzerland, Heidi

[@fromsmallthings509]

I'm pleasantly surprised to hear from so many fellow hand quilters! I also enjoy the peace of quilting every morning.

[@bonnierusch7275]

Enjoyed your video and all your lovely projects. great way to manage your scraps for sure. I have some of mine in boxes as well. Just have to get some time with the sewing machine to get going. I live in western NJ just over the Easton, PA bridge by 9 miles.

[@fromsmallthings509]

That's not too far from me, maybe about an hour away. I hope you find the time to get to some of those scraps!

[@GCBGIRL]

Oh,, Sooooo happy to see a hand quilter!!! I'm a scrap hand quilter as well. Started patchwork, never done any needle work before.During the darkest time of my life, sleepless nights, having difficulty breathing, desperately trying to survive deep depression, one night, I came across a quilt book in my bookshelf. Dont even know why i had it. Perhaps it got mixed up from my sister's into my baggages moving from japan to Australia. Well, I started making tiny house appliques, ending up in a huge kingsize bed spread and never looked back since. That was 20 years ago. I just love the hours of stiching tiny stiches for hours on end. Only downside of handquilting is that it takes a long time to finish one project. I don't have many finished pieceses in comparison to a mchine quilters as results. Sometimes, I let out a big sign marveling how fast the machine can finish quilting. But comes down to, for me, I love the hours I sit with my quilt project after a long day of work, in my room, in the quietness of the night, listening to soft jazz, a coffee mug next to me so many thoughts going through in my mind while my hands busying ,,,. I am as happy as I can be and blessed to have this hobby as a surviver of depression. I encounter some questions from time to time as a selftaught quilter and know hardly anyone to turn to, internet is godsend and to see a person like you!!! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. ❤❤❤❤ i have so many videos to catch up ! 😊 Happy Quilting everyone !

[@fromsmallthings509]

What a wonderful story-- I'm so glad you found quilting when you did! During the lowest points of my life, quilting has been there for me, also. I love to hand quilt because it means spending time with each quilt, and bringing it to life. I find it very meditative and calming, too. And, quilts have also been one of the great joys of my life. It's so important that we are able to feel creative and productive, and able to solve problems. All along the way, we are putting meaning into our quilts, and years later they will have their own stories to tell. These days there is so much helpful information online, it's a wonderful resource. I'm sure that being self-taught, you have also figured out new little tricks and techniques that you might not even know you've made up! I'm so glad you've joined me in my little sewing room. Happy tiny little stitching to you!

[@debrawortman1712]

I love your channel, and I am so inspired by your creative use of scraps! I'm so happy to have found your videos!

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you! I hope the scrappy creativity continues for all of us.

[@michele6708]

Great video. I subscribed and look forward to more videos! I recently started quilting again after nearly 25 years hiatus. I like to make modern quilts but I also really love to make scrap quilts. I have also deconstructed some men’s shirts for quilting fabric. I also have a bunch of my old silk blouses I want to use. No need to apologize for using poly batting-it makes light weight quilts with a lovely drape. My very first quilt had poly batting and I loved that quilt, literally to death over about 15-20 years. There are definitely some harder to use polys out there but most of them are good.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Welcome back to quilting! My first quilts were poly batting because that's what I had access to locally. I switched to an 80/20 because I heard that poly is abrasive to the cottons-- but my old ones have held up, also.

[@talesfromthewhitecottage]

I just found your channel and am so happy that I did. Very motivated to go out and do some thrifting!

[@fromsmallthings509]

I'm so glad-- I hope you find something good!

[@abigaildolinger2754]

I love the Postage Stamp Stars. I have a lot of tiny squares. Maybe I will use a solid color for the Star points, though.

[@fromsmallthings509]

That sounds like a great idea, I bet it will look really nice.

[@vikkirountoit497]

Fun to see what another scrap quilter is up to. Thanks for sharing. Your blue ocean waves quilt looks great - the back too. I'm always adding creative panels to my backs to make things fit nicely.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thanks! I enjoy putting little surprises on the backs, and now the people I know are a little disappointed when one of my backs is solid.

[@vikkirountoit497]

@@fromsmallthings509 Ha ha yes my friends now immediately turn over my quilts to see what I did on the back. Sometimes it's just a strip of various scraps to connect the 2 pieces of the back but it always generates positive remarks:)

[@MsAmberSunshine]

I’m sure there’s lots of things you could do with those little dog ears, but here’s one I thought would be particularly cute. Put them inside glass Christmas balls that hang on the tree. These also might make lovely gifts at Christmas for your sewing buddies. Just a thought I’m sure someone’s got better ideas than that.❤

[@fromsmallthings509]

That sounds so cute-- thank you for the idea! This kind of sharing is what I love about the quilting community.

[@lyndakling901]

Great advice! You are a natural speaker!

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thanks, it feels so unnatural to me!

[@jenniek4617]

Greetings from England! What a lovely video. I love all of your work. Can’t wait to see what else you make!

[@fromsmallthings509]

Welcome and I hope you stay tuned! I'm always working on something. I love to know that there are actually people around the world sharing this with me!

[@perfectseams]

Hi, I’ve only just found your channel. Just love your easy-going delivery style.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you!

[@amandasue6500]

I love to use old sheets as backing for my quilts. Thrift stores are the best place to find them. You're absolutely correct about new sheets, every single time I buy new ones they say cotton but there's no way that's true. New sheets smell funny when you iron them, even after washing. They shift a lot and snag easy too, I will keep thrifting used sheets for my quilts. Thank you for sharing. 💙

[@fromsmallthings509]

I'm happy to collect regular old cotton material as long as it's still around! It seems like so many new materials are some form of plastic. Someone suggested that the sheet may have been cotton, but coated in something to make it waterproof or wrinkle-proof. I'd rather not live around those things. I'm glad to hear you're out collecting cottons, too!

[@yx6889]

That ocean waves quilt is on my to-do list! Yours is beautiful!

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thanks so much!

[@annhinz6326]

Putting the dog ears in a jar makes quilters jam! I have several. Taste great on toast!

[@fromsmallthings509]

Haha! I would love to see them!

[@paulap7366]

I’ve seen those dogs ears and other thread or too-small fabric pieces saved and used as stuffing for fabric toys or small pillows. I thought it was a very keen idea!

[@TeresaMaria-i4c]

Newer subscriber- you can save your ears in a jar until you’ve got enough & then do a picture with them by using a fusible under and tulle above.

[@fromsmallthings509]

My sister made a special jar for me to save them-- so I'm on my way!

[@vickyasberry4496]

Just found your channel, you are truly an inspiration ❤😊

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you so much!

[@paulamcclellan8436]

The basket shape one you could make 3 hexi shapes as flowers & applique them on.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Great idea!

[@marycampbell5568]

Beautiful ocean waves quilt !

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you! It's one of my favorite patterns to make.

[@Stitching_grandma]

When you mentioned having all the tiny dog ears that you thought about putting them in a jar, that’s actually a very similar idea that cross stitchers will do with what they called the ort jar, putting all their end cut offs of their threads into a jar to show their progress for the year.

[@fromsmallthings509]

That sounds like a neat idea. I do save my empty spools, just to see how many I've gone through.

[@KarenK-r4f]

I’m the same way. Scrappy quilts are the best 💜💚💙

[@villagesteader3552]

I love buttons! I have an idea for a scrappy lap quilt that I would tie instead of stitch for the quilting. I would use the buttons sewn or tied on. All different sizes and colors. Whatever suits the design and my whims! I love the ocean’s wave’s quilt, the colors appeal to me so much. ♥️👍🙏🤓

[@fromsmallthings509]

That sounds like a great idea for using buttons! Very creative! I love working on projects like that, just playing around with what feels interesting.

[@kathleenmcginley4827]

I was re watching this tonight and had to laugh at how much you enjoy trimming off the 'dogs ears' off 1/2 square triangles. Why don't you save them in a huge glass gallon jug, just for your entertainment! You know, life 's best moments are the simple ones.⏳

[@fromsmallthings509]

That's funny, because my sister made a special jar and label for my dog ears!

[@diannehenningsgard1692]

I also love making scrappy quilts and love your videos. I have more strappy quilt tops than finished quilts. I have a question for you........Why don't quilters make 2 sided quilts. One pretty quilt and one seasonal quilt, reversible. Maybe it's only me, but I feel it's a waste of fabric, to only display a quilt for a month and store it for 11 months. I also find the most expensive part of a quilt is the batting and the backing ( which nobody sees ) . Thank you for listening to my rambling. ❤ from sw 🇨🇦

[@chriswilford3576]

I always try to make my backing interesting. I agree it seems a waste to only use the front. ❤😊 Since I live in Brisbane Australia 🇦🇺 it’s way too hot for heavy quilts so I often use a light weight Pell on for my batting for summer use. 😊

[@fromsmallthings509]

You can absolutely make a quilt with two tops! As a hand quilter, the problem with this is that if both tops are made with smaller pieces, there will be LOTS of seams, which will be difficult to quilt through by hand. So using larger pieces on both sides would make that easier. I agree about seasonal quilts-- they can be beautiful, but I don't make them. I'll stick Christmas fabric in any old quilt!

[@fromsmallthings509]

I love a little surprise on the back of a quilt!

[@georgiadabinett6312]

31:16...stars are beautiful. Wow.Your channel is delightful.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you!

[@reneedugasjacobs5354]

Google button art. There is some beautiful pictures.

[@fromsmallthings509]

I've seen some button art, it is amazing! I have found a home for my buttons, I'm going to donate them to a local craft guild.

[@oddanneout]

Wow! 👌🏼

[@anngrant4366]

I am so happy I found your video. I am also a scrap quilter, and I loved seeing what you are working on.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you!

[@barbararadzeviciusbondi4150]

Hello Sue fellow Quilter. I love 'Scrap' quiltmaking too. Most of my quilts are made using small eclectic bits of fabric. I'm Bondi Fibre Crafter on KZbin focused on Quiltmaking and Knitting. I collect Novelty prints mainly and have talked about how I choose fabrics and how I use them. Ive just subscribed. So good to see you there. I live in Sydney Australia and Ive been a quilter since 1973. Im interested in the same type of quilts and enjoy watching KZbinrs talking about quilts. So great to find you. Hope we will be quilting friends 🪡🧵

[@fromsmallthings509]

Welcome to my little corner of the world! I imagine that your quilts are so interesting to look at, and so unique. I will look for your channel! (FYI, my daughter runs this channel, I don't use it to watch videos-- so my watching/subscribing may not be apparent!)

[@lyndakling901]

I’m in SE PA, too, and love scrap quilts too! Just subscribed!

[@fromsmallthings509]

Aren't we lucky to live in a region with so much quilting history?

[@chriswilford3576]

@@fromsmallthings509Yes you are, I’m jealous! I live in Australia and we don’t have such a long history or supply of older quilts. Love your channel ❤

[@debc8402]

You are so talented thank you for sharing all your Smart ideas Love the way you think

[@leannemori9688]

The white string block border is a great idea.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you!

[@gwenj5419]

I use shirts for quilting too. I've gotten so I only keep the buttons that are different. No plain whites.

[@fromsmallthings509]

That makes sense. I rarely find unique buttons on shirts, but I can't help saving the plain ones. No idea what use I could find for so many buttons!

[@glendaporter4362]

I just found your video and Im very interested in your methods of scrap quilting. The ones you’ve shown here are beautiful!

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you so much!

[@DanaBarbieri]

Hi Sue. Love your sewing room. I love scrappy quilts but I'm new and it's a bit intimidating. New sub. ❤

[@fromsmallthings509]

Just go for it! We all have to start somewhere!

[@jannmier3487]

Beautiful hand quilting.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you!

[@muffysfeatherweightattachm7134]

Hi, use that quilt you were not happy with as an ironing board cover.That is what I did with one made from scrap fabric. I didnt like it much. So I laid the quilt on the floor, tipped my ironing board upside down on it. Cut out the shape leaving a 4 inch board. Sewed a 1 inch hem all the way round and threaded tape through the channel. Put it back on the ironing board pulled up the tape secured it and one smart cover that cost next to nothing.

[@chriswilford3576]

That’s a wonderful idea! 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@fromsmallthings509]

That's a perfect use for something that didn't come out as expected. I also cover my ironing board in a single piece of yardage-- right now it's a piece that I don't want to use in a quilt, but it's good enough for the ironing board!

[@jaynecarreiro5005]

I've been a scrap quilter for my whole career haha. I also use men's shirts and sheets for backings. Love that you combined the two! Love your house sitting projects.

[@fromsmallthings509]

I used to do pieced backs or buy yardage for backs, but I've started using more sheets in the past 5 years or so. They are only a couple dollars at my thrift store, and they are big enough for a back already. It's great to have some stashed away and ready to use!

[@rosalindh007]

I really enjoyed watching your channel. I have so many scraps. I was given those fpp. I liked how you organized them.

[@MsAmberSunshine]

Hello I too just found your channel and excited to like share and subscribe. Lovely work thank you for sharing ❤

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you!

[@michellestallo1881]

Just found your videos and I love them! I’m a scrap quilter too and love how you approach using everything from orphan blocks to strings and small piecing! I would love to hand quilt but so far I haven’t really learned how! Hope you keep making more videos!

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you! Give hand quilting a try-- start with a larger needle and bigger stitches, on a small project. As with everything, it gets easier as you go and you'll see a difference in your stitches over time.

[@afreespirit1]

Hi Sue, I just found your most recent video this morning and then started at the beginning and am working forward.. I've enjoyed it enough to subscribe! I usually work with natural fibers, cotton, wool, etc. To test a mystery fabric for polyester or acrylic, do a burn test. Just take a sliver of fabric, thread, yarn, etc. and light the end with a match. Only all natural fibers burn completely to ash.

[@fromsmallthings509]

That's a great tip, thank you! I definitely prefer cotton, but I will use shirts with some polyester content. It's pretty bad to have produced the polyester in the first place, but I feel that keeping that out of a landfill is better than not.

[@linhdasagen6498]

Can you make videos of your process of deconstructing the shirts, etc? Also, would love to see your hand quilting process. Even if you just video you quilting. I am not very good at it

[@fromsmallthings509]

I see you found the episode on cutting up shirts! You can find some of my hand quilting process in episode 8-- there is a bit at the beginning, and more at the very end. It is just straight line quilting, on a blue and white snowball quilt. Hope that helps!

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

❤Thank you for sharing. Subscribed.

[@eveshaw233]

Hi Sue! I just found your channel and I really enjoyed it! You are very industrious ! I wish I could get that much done in a week! Keep up the good work!

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you for watching! I feel best when I feel productive-- I'm so enjoying being retired, and having more time to sew.

[@preppedforeternityhomestea2848]

Very nice. You are a busy bee for sure

[@mbkile6762]

I, too, just found your channel and had to subscribe immediately. The ocean wave quilt is stunning. Love scrap quilts. Loved every quilt project you shared. The neutral quilts reminded me of the utilitarian quilts my great grandmother's made from men's suits. Those quilts were so warm and comforting. Looking forward to following your channel.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you! Not all quilts have to be show-stoppers to be beautiful, and loved. I'm glad you have treasured memories of your great-grandmother's craft.

[@beckyvillines1613]

I just found your channel! I subscribed, of course!! Thank you for sharing your content. I recently needed a bunch of 10×10 papers, so I went to the local newspaper office. They GAVE me an end roll containing a tremedous amount of paper!

[@fromsmallthings509]

That's great! It's always a good feeling to get a good stock of materials in. What project do you have in mind for those squares?

[@danabailey6174]

We have so much in quilt common. And we are both East Coasters. So tickled to find you.

[@janstol3411]

You are so inspiring! I feel like I just visited a dear friend!

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you so much for spending your time with me!

[@jeanettewithrow9641]

I like your ideas

[@yolandasager5307]

I love your new channel! ❤….. Keep posting new content. 👍🏽

[@annetteellis4188]

Use the basket block as a quilt label. Write your information where the basket Handel should be. I love your Ocean wave quilt.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you for the suggestion! I think I will do that-- it will be very cute!

[@lexar.5682]

Show us how to do some of your work. Its all so beautiful. Especially the one in the beginning. Love❤ the fall colors. I'm new at this and Im Learning as I go.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you! I hope you're enjoying quilting! I may do some sort of how-to things in the future, but I don't feel like enough of an expert to do tutorials, even after 30 years. There are just so many methods, and different ones suit different people best.

[@chriswilford3576]

@@fromsmallthings509 Your colour choices and designs look great and we beginners would love you to show how you do some of the simpler designs. ❤❤❤😊

[@marygeorge9688]

New subscriber. Excited to see your videos. Thank you for sharing.

[@georgiadabinett6312]

Hi refered to your channel by someone who is a friend through Catbird Quilts channel. We have lots of scraps!

[@fromsmallthings509]

Yes! Save every scrap, and use them up!

[@renestovall9226]

Those scrappy stars are wonderful😊

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thanks! I just finished that quilt!

[@jennrea4275]

I have the same boarder fabric in the double four patch quilt.💕