Scrap Attack {Bias Scraps with Completely Cauchy}

What size are your "scraps"?  Here we are gathering as a community to work with our "scraps", but we actually mean a million different things when we use that word!  I've heard "scraps" defined as leftover fabric from a previously used fabric cut.  That starts to get at what I mean since it leaves the actual size of your "scraps" open-ended.  Maybe you only toss pieces larger than 5" square in your scrap bin, or maybe you keep every drop.  Or maybe your scraps are anything less than a fat quarter?  Regardless, scraps are "leftover" from another project.  But, hey, what if you buy scraps from a fabric store?  Well then they're what's leftover after the store cuts or sells particular lengths.  So, still leftovers! 


And that's part of why I love sewing with scraps - it's taking something "leftover" and putting it to good use. That mentality is really at the core of the quilting tradition. But regardless of tradition, I really get enormous satisfaction out of seeing that transition.  Some of my hardest-to-use leftovers are triangle or bias-cut trimmings from piecing shapes like flying geese (the Swoon way), joining binding, string blocks, etc.  That's why I have been eagerly looking forward to learning a new technique today at Completely Cauchy. 

Compost Quilt by Completely Cauchy

If you're a fan of scrappiness, you may become a fan of Complete Cauchy.  She has a serious commitment to working with small pieces... in fact with any piece at least 0.5" inches in each direction.  Her Scraptacularity Manifesto is quite to the point and strikes a chord with me.  Last year in Scraptacularity, Part 1 she taught a clever way of using small scraps to build new "fabric" in a log cabin construction. 

blocks by Completely Cauchy

Today in Scraptacularity, Part 2 she shows us how to use foundation piecing to stabilize bias cut scraps so that they can be used in all their slanting glory and still produce nice flat works.  Aren't these little scrappy charm squares gorgeous?  And true to the tradition of making use, she suggests you use old phonebook paper for your foundations.  I've done that too - works great!   Check out Completely Cauchy for a step-by-step tutorial! 

In our Scrap Attack movement I encourage you to work with scraps, however you define them.  For anyone new to Scrap Attack, you're welcome to make a quilt of any design and in any size to join in.   The key detail is that it be made mostly from scrap (all details here).   We'll celebrate at the end of March with a Festival of Scrappiness for all who've finished a quilt top.  If you make more than one quilt, why then you'll just have more chances at some fun prizes.

Psst... wanna know how I roll?  I keep pretty small scraps.  It's not unusal to find 1" wide pieces in my tiny scrap bins and they really do get used... sometimes.   In fact, I think I'll be back tomorrow to show you what I've been piecing lately with my teeny tiny scraps.  Until then!