More than 1,552 2 1/2" neutral squares cut now!

Yes, you read the title correctly. I have cut more than 1,500 squares in the last two nights. I did this because I "thought" I had exhausted my supply of neutral 2 1/2" squares. I found the remainder AFTER I had these two massive cutting sessions. They were hiding safely in the brown container. That was the last time I used them to make the Shaded 9-patch Leaders & Enders per Our Bonnie Hunter.

This is the result. I am so OCD. But there are really plus sides to being a control freak. All the squares are with their sisters. And as I use them I move them to another container so I get a good random selection. So there is truly a method to my madness.

And as I was harvesting my neutrals I cut 33 1/2 yard cuts of neutral to gift to my quilting friend Vicki. She is building her stash up slowly. I have been giving her boxes and bags of my scraps. She gets to keep the container too. I am making elbow room by doing this. Plus it makes me feel good. She will call and say what she gleaned from these gifties. They do not remain idle at her home!!!

I really like these type of containers. They stack well and the lids are very secure. And I also love the lime green handles!

I made these stars as "return from the hostess gifts" when I do the sleeve swap on the Yahoo group Quiltvilleswap. Most swappers include gifts to me and I love returning the favor.

See the method to my madness? Lots of control. But I have a very determined kitten who loves to play with my stacks of units. ARRRRGGGG!!!!
I have been training her to be a "good girl" which is her laying down and asking for the play
and then rewarding her with laser play. She does it over and over until she tires of the game and starts to really torment me at the sewing machine. Then I have to stop sewing.

My small sleeve cuttings for Ohio Stars. I am waiting for the swap to be over so I can add more variety before I sew too many.

Here is the little monster in a seldom seen position. Sound asleep and being an angel kitty. She is also tormenting James back in the family room. She KNOWS that climbing the screen door is a no no. So she runs and bounces off it before James can grab the water bottle. She is so defiant!! But that is the joy of Siamese cats. They have such strong personalities.

To give me more sewing time I bought this laser toy. It has a timer and many speeds. She has it figured out though. She will just lay down and grab at the light as it turns by. Smart kitty!
XOOXOOX Subee

For every shape there is a plastic container made for them...

I should have bought stock in plastic containers years ago. Sadly I am now retired and $$$ is tight. Yet I continue to find the PERFECT containers for cut units.
Below are 1 1/2" Companion Angle triangles. They fit so perfectly in these smaller bins. Then these little bins can be carried and/or stored in larger project containers.

I was on a 1 1/2" cutting binge and quickly filled this smallish container with neutrals and some grays.

This container size has been a staple in my cutting room. It is the same size as the one with the 1 1/2" strips. These are 2 1/2" squares. Some are really golden oldies. This size used to be my favorite size unit. Then I decided I really prefer smaller blocks and moved on. Yet these 2 1/2" squares are still handy to have and to use. I did have to add more neutrals as that section was sadly depleted over time. The only complaint I have with this container is that if it falls the latch WILL come open.

 I always label the container. These are removable stickers if I need to repurpose the container.

Aren't they cute?????



 There is a method to my madness. I get so much sewing done because I try to not make a move that is not efficient. For example, pressing should be done in "lots" to make the best use of my time.

I do not move the iron across the units. I lift it and move to the next area. Up and down, up and down and soon my little pieces are all crisp and straight.

I love scrappy but my eye wanted a little more control in my pink stars. So before assembling I did a bit of sorting. And since I had kept like with like it was a simple step to do.

Not all the stars are pictured here. I finished them up this morning but this picture was taken yesterday.
I really like the subtle ones but DH says they should not be used as they are too subtle. We will wait until there is more of the quilt on the wall before I decide if they stay or go.

I could not resist making ONE little gray star.

Here is my first cabinet (I have two of these). I really like to use magnets and magnetic baskets on these cabinets. I have scissors hanging on the sides and more baskets to catch stray fabric pieces.

Here is the top drawer. All neutrals...all stuffed to the gills. But all of them are in my Scrap User System in one size or another. I do try to be fair and when I get them out to cut I will cut some of all the sizes I use. I will come in here on a cold snowy day and fire up the iron and go through the entire drawer. Such satisfaction. Life is good!

 Drawer #2 has blues on the left and greens on the right. But somehow they seem to migrate together at times. It depends on what I am searching for. A bluish green or a greenish blue??????

Drawer #3 is a special drawer. It has the CHOCOLATE there on the left and some special cat fabric. I have TWO huge containers of cat fabric. I cannot get to them because they are on the bottom of a stack of containers. This was the first type of fabric I ever started collecting. And I am ashamed to say that the last time I was in the attic I found a medium sized container full of more quilting fabric. Why was it up there? There is cat fabric in it too. I left it up there. I have enough to play with down here thank you!

And here is the bottom drawer. Bolts of fabric fit in these drawers as if they were designed for them. Precious old fabric in here.  See the neutral with the deep pink stripe?? I have had that forever! I am slowly using up my stash. I sure cannot take it with me when I go.
And a whole bolt of that clear stuff for embroidery machines. It is all sealed up but I do wonder if it has a shelf life. It dissolves away in water. Oh! I think it is called Solvy!

I swapped out the washed batik swap this last week. It only took me a couple hours to count, sort, swap, package and then put them in tote bags for the trip to the PO. They love me there. Job Security!

I bought 4 of these totes in the clearance aisle at Walmart one year. Only a $1 each! They are beach totes but work great for lugging parcels or groceries.

I hope you are all having a great day!
XOXOOXO Subee

Too much organization?

To those who care: I now know where my HST's are. In a moment of generosity (that was regretted as soon as the container left my hands to hers) I gave them to a old/new friend. Old friend because I knew her 30+ years ago and a new friend because she has been gone from my life that long. I also gifted her with all the leftover spirals from the Carolina Christmas Mystery. Those I did not regret...the HST's I do.
At least now I know my memory is fading...HA!
I am doing a little pressing and a little cutting.
FYI you can get 15 pair HST from a 22" X 2" strip.
XOXOXO Subee

Orca Bay clue#3 has been posted. Wow! I know I have these units already made!

Those of you who know me through the internet have praised me for being organized.

Yet there are times when I am my worst enemy when it comes to keeping spare units.

Below is just an example of how I save the waste triangles by doing the double sewing technique.
They are pressed,labeled and de-eared and ready to be used. I made two Smokey Mountain Stars in pinks and these are my leftovers. Maybe 400 units???
They are saved in really nice plastic containers. Also I save the strawberry/salad containers from the store. Some are even in baggies...labeled of course.
Too many different types of containers makes for a storing nightmare. It is best to find a size that works and buy scads of them.
If you have them around they will get used.
If they are the same they stack better.

 My quandry is that I KNOW I have more than enough HST in black/neutral combination. I just cannot find them! I have spent more time searching for them than it would have taken me to press and cut what I need!
ARGGGGG!!!!
This is one reason I do not like cleaning my sewing/cutting area. I am sure I have tucked that container inside a larger plastic container that may be in an even larger plastic container.
See my problem?

 I know they are somewhere in this house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The squirrel is not too obvious in this picture but the kitties are really enjoying the show!