I never expected I’d be quilting. Any curious progress I’ve made toward quilting is quickly banished to the scraps pile. That is until I learned about scrap quilts!

I started working in this in July, when I found myself in desperate need of a hand craft, something I could tote around to the porch or deck, something to keep my hands busy as I watch TV, something that didn’t involve my sewing machine.

I love using my machine, and love sewing garments, but, as the Summer of Quarantine dragged on, I couldn’t bring myself to set the ole gal up. It requires too much energy, too much focus, too much precision.

The idea for this type of quilt comes from Amy at All Well Workshop. She calls hers a “journal quilt” and I can’t quite decide what to call mine – scrap quilt, chaos quilt, goblin quilt – they’re all apt, although I’m definitely a fan of “chaos quilt”.

The process is quite simple. Take small scraps and sew them to larger scraps! I’m using undyed muslin for my base. It’s only $3 a yard from Mood! This piece is a remnant, approximately 1.25 yards, not large enough for a muslin but too large for the scraps pile.

Recommended supplies are an embroidery hoop (or hoops), needles, nippers, a thread jar, various colored threads, and a fine tipped pen. And a nice basket to keep everything orderly! I pressed a bunch of scraps flat, then layered them in my basket so they don’t wrinkle.

Speaking of scraps, I have four paper Trader Joe’s bags filled to the brim. This project doesn’t use up the volume of scraps I had hoped it would. Instead, it’s proving to be a great way to honor my favorite fabrics one more time. I’ll still have to find use for the other scraps (like a pouf or two!)

This is one of my fave projects ever. It’s so abstract, there’s no pressure to make it fit, or match seams, or mind the seam allowance. It’s born to be wild, with randomly sized scraps and wonky stitches.

I am taking care to place the pieces in interesting ways. For example, I try to avoid perpendicular lines and instead place pieces on angles. I’m also careful to spread the fabrics around. Some pieces are sewn with matching thread, some with contrasting thread.

I’ve devised a few tips for sewing the scraps, simple things you learn a few hours into the project:

Stop stitching 1/2″ before the next edge of your scrap, with your needle on the upside of your hoop. Secure the needle away from you and turn the next edge.

Also, keep rotating the hoop as you work, so the edge your working on is facing you.

Finally, wind up the parts of the blanket hanging outside the hoop to keep them out of your way.

The embroideries are all done with two threads, giving them a nice texture. It’s very satisfying to run my fingers over the stitches. For words and lyrics, I write directly on the muslin while it’s in the hoop with a .005 Micron pen. Most of the simple shapes are done this way, too. For drawings, like the cats, I drew one on paper then held the paper underneath my hoop, and traced.

Embroidering my handwriting is way more satisfying than I could have expected. My scrawl is odd, changes sizes, and often slants. Replicating it in thread is challenging and feels really special. How much more personal can you get? Most of the words come from songs I like/resonate with and have a positive vibe.

I intend to finish it entirely by hand, which I expect to take a long time. My mind is already thinking of neat patterns I can make when it’s time to actually quilt the top to the batting and bottom fabric. (My bottom fabric features adorable sleeping foxes!!)

What do you think? Will you make a scrap quilt? I’ll keep you updated on my progress. Thanks for reading!

<3 Virginia