I save all my quilting, batting and fabric scraps to donate to the Animal Humane Society to make dog beds.   Quilters are naturally frugal people.  Who else would cut beautiful fabric into little pieces only to sew them back together again?  It’s in our history from re-using, re-purposing and re-cycling old clothing to make practical quilts.   But we can tend to become fabric and textile horders by thinking we can save it for an upcoming project. Because I know that my scraps will be used for a great cause it is easier to get rid of them and donate them.   I have a large bin that I use for collecting the scraps and then I bag them and take them to a drop off point at Quilt Works, a local quilt store.  This works fantastic for me as it is less than a mile from my home.

Recently I made my own dog bed for our labrador retriever, Tank.  It has compressed down so it is time to open it and add more stuffing.  This was a great way to get rid of all the little pieces of fabric and strips of 5 inch wide batting cut off of quilts that tend to accumulate so quickly in my studio

Larger usable pieces of fabric yardage  are donated to Project Linus.  Again many quilt and sewing stores have convenient drop of locations.  I am very fortunate that Ryan’s Sewing Store is a drop off and I can take donations to work with me on Thursdays.

I do save the ends of 2 and 1/2 inch binding separately to  make quilt tops.  I sew the short ends together and then use the Jelly Roll Race pattern.   It takes a long strip of pieced bindings that is approximately 56-60 yards in length.    These tops are then made into treatment quilts for cancer patients.  I use a backing that is soft and cuddly such as minky, snuggle fabric or polar fleece.    They are great for taking to treatments for warmth and comfort, very durable for frequent washings and can be personalized by the choice of an all over quilting pattern.   I have quilted cats, moose, hockey players, music and baseball on various treatment quilts.

It feels good to use my love of quilting for such great causes!    I hope you have been inspired to re-use, re-purpose and re-cycle also.