| Most of my afternoon has been spent getting my long skinny batting scraps ready to reuse. First of course, I had to cut them into the proper lengths and then trim them to neat rectangle size. I have to ask myself was it worth it, do we save much when we spend our time trying to save money. I still have a good bit of time left before they're finished, as I have to sew these into approximate 17 by 27 inch sizes. A queen sized batt is on sale at Joanns for $26.99 and according to my math, I could get about 20 of my required size pieces from said batt. I only need 10, so i am saving approximately $13.40 and using up several hours of my time. I'm not so sure that I can stop trying to save (there is a certain feeling of accomplishment and self righteousness), but I'm very unsure that the tradeoff in time is worth it. If I just cut a batting into pieces, in the same time, I could probably have them all meandered and ready for my daughter and I to make the Halloween trick or treat bags when she comes in a few days. Also, if I found someone who made dog beds or such and wanted them, they wouldn't be taking up a good bit of room in my closet. I can't help but wonder what others think. |
6 comments:
A penny saved is a penny earned. I am using up batting scraps on five small quilts that will be in the silent auction at our guild's show. I just learned that Goodwill will take all scrap batting and unsalable clothing to recycle into fabric for third world countries. Tell them it is for recycling you drop it off. Since my funds are limited I don't worry about the time it takes to do what you are doing. I also live alone, so don't have the obligations you have.
Hm, yes, I also have ambivalent feelings towards saving scraps of wadding. I hate to throw anything away that I might be able to use, just like I hate buying anything that I might be able to make. But I find it difficult to stitch pieces of wadding together and keep them flat. So I compromise; I throw away any really small pieces and keep just one box full of larger pieces. When the box gets full I throw some away. I only use these pieces for small quilts which seems to work.
In my book, it is not worth it as I work full time and my time for sewing is very limited. I may feel differently once I am retired. I do save some of the larger pieces to use in small projects like table runners, etc. They are also good for quilt-as-you go projects where you quilt individual blocks as you make them. I would not throw them away though as I bet if you took them to a guild meeting they would be grabbed up. We have a lady in our guild that is always making the dog beds, I know she, and others doing this. Would love to have your scraps.
In my book, it is not worth it as I work full time and my time for sewing is very limited. I may feel differently once I am retired. I do save some of the larger pieces to use in small projects like table runners, etc. They are also good for quilt-as-you go projects where you quilt individual blocks as you make them. I would not throw them away though as I bet if you took them to a guild meeting they would be grabbed up. We have a lady in our guild that is always making the dog beds, I know she, and others doing this. Would love to have your scraps.
A thoughtful question Candace.
I have two answers
If I were in a hurry I'd buy a blanket. Speed is not my goal when quilting.
In my real life I bill at $25.00 an hour. It is when I get to thinking I need to run down to Portland for some widgit which will take an hour total coming and going so $25.00; fuel cost will be $30-35.00 that I consider time vs. cost. So I order on-line and am thankful for the resource.
I like your sock cushions. Simple and practical..
I do tend to throw those strips in a doggy bed bag. But now that I see them all piled up so nicely, I am wondering about using them for a scrappy coins quilt-as-you-go border!
Post a Comment