Scrap Organization

I make a lot of scraps from making lots of quilts and from doing lots of experimentation.  Scraps can get out of control and at least in my studio can tend to overwhelm my space.  Though I don't have a lot of storage space, I have a scrap organization system that works for me.  It's simple and allows me to find the right scraps when I need them.  I used this same system back in Kansas, but I had to downsize it a bit to fit the space I'm in now.

I keep this box on a shelf next to my cutting table. As I cut I pop any usable size scrap into this box.  I keep scrunching it down with my hand...you'd be surprised how many scraps can fit in a small bucket.

Eventually though, it gets full and overflows onto the shelf, the table and ultimately the floor.  That's when I know it's sorting time.

 I have a set of small laundry baskets that fit perfectly into my shelving system.  I used to have one for each color, one for solids, and one for selvages.  I don't have that much room any longer, so I combined colors into single baskets.

I dump out my collection bucket and sort the scraps into their color groups.  Right now I have six baskets:  selvages, neutrals, purple/gray, red/pink, green/blue, and orange/yellow.  When I need scraps of a certain color, I pull down the basket and grab what I need.  Easy peasy.

I also save scraps with a particular fabric when there is enough of that fabric folded in my shelves.  I put any scraps left from using that fabric tucked inside of the folded yardage.

I can store it neatly on my shelf and find particular scraps easily without having to cut into more yardage if I only need a few small pieces.

This system helps me keep track of my scraps making them easy to use without lots of effort.