You know the moment. You've just finished a project, you're tidying up, and you're holding a little piece of fabric over the scrap bin thinking: is this worth keeping?
Save everything, and the scraps take over your studio. Toss too much, and you feel that little stab of guilt — because throwing away something that beautiful just feels wrong.
I get asked about this all the time, so this week on the blog I'm sharing my honest answer: my 4-inch rule of thumb, the one exception that changes the math (love), and why the real secret is simply picking a number for yourself — because a number takes the emotion out of that moment entirely. Plus the three-basket system I use to keep scraps usable, and what to do with the truly tiny bits (including one idea involving handmade paper that most quilters have never heard of).
This month in Meander
The most beautiful thing I know to do with scraps? Scrappy Appliqué™ — and it's our block of the month! I designed two blocks (a simple silhouette and a multi-shape design) so you can practice both styles. Once you've made both, you can make any Scrappy Appliqué pattern out there.
Warmly,
Shannon
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