May 04, 2021

Define Scrappy

I've been having a lot of fun digging into my scraps for an upcoming pattern. I've also been emptying lots of bobbins that were partially filled with colours I don't use often. With scraps of every colour, it's a great opportunity to use random thread colours since no thread will match everything anyway.
Scrappy quilting | DevotedQuilter.com
I've always enjoyed Yvonne's discussion posts, including her recent one about the difference between a WIP and a UFO. Reading that, while in the midst of my scrappy quilt, made me wonder how we all define scrappy quilts, so I thought I'd host my own discussion post. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! The pictures are all of my current scrappy project 😊
How do you define scrappy? | DevotedQuilter.com
These are the different ways I can think of to define a scrappy quilt:

1. A quilt made entirely from the leftover bits from other projects. This is what I think of as the old fashioned scrap quilts, made with fabric leftover from the lady of the house's garment and quilt making.
Scrappy quilting | DevotedQuilter.com
2. A quilt made with some pieces of fabric leftover from previous projects and some new fabric (the background, maybe). This is the kind of scrappy project I'm currently working on. In fact, it's often how my scrappy projects go, since I don't usually have enough of any one fabric to be the background, especially for a larger quilt.
Scrappy quilting | DevotedQuilter.com
3. Another possible definition of scrappy quilt doesn't necessarily involve leftover pieces of fabric at all. These quilts invoke the look of those old fashioned scrap quilts by using a lot of different fabrics, but they could be cut from new or stashed fabric yardage. I'd include quilts made from fabric acquired through group exchanges under this definition, too.
Scrappy quilting | DevotedQuilter.com
So, does one of these fit your definition of a scrappy quilt? Do all three qualify to be called scrappy, in your opinion? I'm looking forward to reading your definition of a scrappy quilt 😊 And thanks, Yvonne, for providing the inspiration for this post!



13 comments:

  1. Discussion posts are so fun, I will definitely be back to read thoughts that others share. These definitions of scrappy all resonate with me. Scrappy quilts, for me, could also include bee quilts as you receive blocks from others in order to get different fabrics and a different feel. And perhaps even an orphan block (kitchen sink) kind of quilt could be a scrappy quilt.

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  2. For me a scrappy quilt uses leftovers on hand. Too many times books on scrappy quilts look entirely too coordinated to be scrappy. I'm just finishing a top using 2-1/2 inch squares
    squares that were swapped with guild members. It is truly scrappy!!

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  3. Most of my scrap quilts are a mix of #2 and #3 - depending on who it's going to. My taste in fabric has changed a LOT in the 20 years that I've been quilting, and there are true scraps that I wouldn't use in scrap quilts that I make for Project Linus for example. And when I go to a quilt shop, I usually only buy FQs, which primarily end up in my scrap quilts - a bit in this quilt - a bit in that one...

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  4. Many books refer to using an assortment of fabrics when they say "scrap quilt", even though they may purchase a brand new coordinated collection to create the samples. I would say these patterns are intended to have the potential to be suitable for leftovers pieces from other projects. Personally, I prefer if there is a unifying concept, color scheme, and/or organizational structure to tame the chaos that extremely varied fabrics can create. For example, the gray in your quilt controls what would have been disjointed. Regardless, it someone wants to call their quilt scrappy, then I'm not inclined to disagree. That said, if you purchase a book with the topic of scrap quilting, it can't be assumed that the projects can be solely composed of tidbits remaining from other quilts.

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  5. All three will be "scrappy" quilts. But to me, at least half the fabric in the quilt needs to be leftover from another project OR fabric that is recycled from clothing, etc.

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  6. My quilter friend told me she made a particular scrap quilt (a pattern) entirely from her scraps. I wanted to make the same scrap quilt but had to cut into stashed fabrics. That's because ALL my scraps are much smaller than those required for the pattern. So, what my friend calls scraps are what I would call "large chunks." My scraps are really "little bits." What I'm saying is that the definition of "a scrap" is what starts the conversation that leads to the definition of a scrap quilt.

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  7. I don't think I've ever made a scrap quilt entirely from fabrics especially bought for the project. I enjoy making scrap quilts especially if I can find the borders, backing and binding in my stash! Then to my mind it's a 'real' scrap quilt! :-D

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  8. I liked Flourishing Palms comment about what we consider scraps. Some people may toss the small pieces leftover from cutting something else into a scrap container for later use. I always fold the leftover pieces back in with the larger piece of fabric that they come from. So, when I get that fabric out again, I begin by cutting the smaller pieces first. When I want to make a scrappy quilt, I have to pull fabric from my stash to make up the required amount. Also, I think scrappy is a "Look". I usually make a quilt to "Look" like a scrappy quilt

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  9. I have never made a scrap quilt. I have lots of scraps and want make one. This conversation has encouraged me to do it.

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  10. I think of scrappy meaning a large variety of fabrics. They can come from my scraps or from my stash. Or from purchased fabric bought for that purpose. For instance, I recently bought a lot of different purple and gold to make my granddaughter a quilt in her school colors. I am calling it scrappy because of how many different purple and gold fabrics will be in it. Nancy A: SewingGranda@gmail.com

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  11. About 25 years ago I "inherited" two trash bags of my grandmother's fabrics. There was a few pieces of yardage, but most were off cuts from the making of blouses, aprons, curtains etc. I made 9 scrappy quilts for her children and grandchildren. I have made other scrappy quilts; some were total scrappy, but most have a unifying neutral. I have also cut strips from fabrics which I no longer have a need. I refer to quilts that look scrappy but the fabric was purposely purchased as "Scrappy style" quilts.

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  12. I love scrappy quilts and think that all of your definitions can fit. I tend to make "controlled scrappy" quilts where I use a certain set of colors, because that's just the kind of quilts that I like best. I will usually start with leftover pieces and then cut from stash as needed. I think the most important thing about quilting is to remember "You do You".

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  13. Yes those are all variations of Scrappy!

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