First-Ever Die Cut Scrap (Make Later) Along – Beginning April 8!
NOTE: The DCSMLA is moving to April 8. See here.
Have you ever heard of a die-cut-scrap-make-later-along? Of course you haven’t, because I made it up. And now you’re super-curious about it, right?
There are all sorts of projects out there in blogger land, and you can certainly hop on the next Dear Jane, Trip Along, or Mystery Quilt sensation, but there’s a reason why I rarely join these things.
Simply put: I don’t have time to make another project right now. (Well, there are other reasons too, but let’s just go with this one, k?)
And the whole point behind a quilt along is that you actually work on the project, right along side everyone else who has joined in. That’s the fun of it, right? Somehow, it just doesn’t seem as fun if you miss one of the steps, or you fall behind, or it turns out you really don’t like how your project is turning out.
Then it hit me! While I don’t have time to start another project, what I DO have is several bins just overflowing with scraps, a notebook overflowing with sketches, more dies than I can store comfortably, and a backlog of videos to record.
Folks, this is just one of about a dozen hidey-holes for my dies. Yikes!
So, I thought to myself, why don’t I just pick a die, cut up some scraps, and get a project ready to work on for LATER? And that’s how the Die-Cut-Scrap-Make-Later Along was born! (I know it’s not grammatical, but it sure is lots of fun to say.) Now I’m sure you’re wanting some additional details on how a DCSMLA actually works. Here’s what I’m thinking.
The “Die Cut” Part
For this first adventure, I want to tackle the Thousand Pyramid concept. There are many dies that can work for this purpose across all the major manufacturers, and I probably own them all. You might have one or two of them yourself! And maybe yours is still in the packaging, like mine are. Let’s unwrap them together!
These aren't pyramid dies, but they ARE still in the wrappers.
Expect a video or two to help you identify these dies so you can decide which one you want to work with.
Even if you don’t have a die cutter or die, you can play along too! I’ll give you some ideas for rotary templates and such. If you’re close by, you can even come to my studio and cut some of your scraps on one of my cutters.
And if you’re not really excited about the Thousand Pyramid idea, feel free to suggest a different die for our next DCSMLA. If this is popular enough, we can do it more often!
The “Scrap” Part
The kinds of scraps I’m talking about are those less-than-a-half-yard, or even less-than-a-yard pieces that are too much trouble to fold neatly, but too large to make you feel good about cutting up into random scraps. Well guess what? You’re not using them, and neither am I, so let’s chop them up and at least pretend we’re going to use them someday.
And yes, I’m counting fat quarters in that equation too. You know you’ve got fat quarters up the wazoo and you’re not using those either. Think about it.
Ok, yes. I do neatly fold my scraps. I'm beyond help, but you're not.
Now, I’m not suggesting that you cut up every single scrap into pyramids, oh no! Why, if you did that, we wouldn’t be able to scrap along with other dies. So I’m planning to scour the interwebs for the best of the best ideas for using those pyramid shapes; I’ll post those up, and when you get a bit of an idea of the type of project that strikes your fancy, you’ll know how many pieces you need. Basically, stop cutting when you have enough!
And hey – maybe you have yardage you want to cut up – I won’t discriminate! I’m thinking some Robert Kaufman Kona Sand or Earth is going to find its way into my project, and I have so much yardage that those are on bolts. Sometimes, you need the solids to unify and tame the scraps.
The “Make Later” Part
I’m not planning to write tutorials for a specific project, and I won’t be stitching anything right now. You can if you want to, but my whole goal is to show you some cool dies and tame my scraps.
I will cut what I need for my Thousand Pyramid adventure, and then set it aside in its own little project bin, with a photo or set of instructions for what I want to make with it later.
My projects stored expectantly in bins. Oh, more dies too.
It will be like making your own kit! And you know what’s better than making your own kit for you to make later? Making a kit to gift to a friend for THEM to make later! It’s better than gifting random scraps; cutting them into shapes makes it more likely they’ll get used. Gifting the kit gets the scraps out of your house. It’s a win-win-win for everyone involved.
And maybe y’all will want to swap some pieces amongst yourselves & get more variety in your own pyramid project? Who knows? Anything can happen in a die-cut-scrap-make-later-along!
The “Along” Part
Well, even though we’re just cutting, I think we can do this together! I won’t skip any steps; we’ll talk through die selections for each machine, fabric prep, tips to speed up your cutting, project ideas for later, and then do some cutting together! How does that sound?
How long will this all take? Well, since we’re not actually making anything, this might go really fast! However, I don’t want to go so fast that people don’t get to participate along with me, so I think a 3-4 weeks should be plenty of time for this round.
Are you in? Let me know in the comments! I think we’ll start on April 1 April 8; that gives you some time to think about whether you want to join, and time to get your scraps together!
Get the badge code!
Oh, and with this new venture, I’ll be letting Pinterest back into my good graces. They’ve made some really dramatic changes, and I no longer have as strong of an objection to their policies. It’s not a perfect model, but it’s a lot more respectful of copyright than it used to be. And it turns out, it’s the perfect gathering spot for the die-cut-scrap-make-later-along. You don’t have to be a member of Pinterest to participate, but visiting the site will come in handy.
95 Responses to First-Ever Die Cut Scrap (Make Later) Along – Beginning April 8!
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Well, I have been researching the sizzix die cut systems, to do just what you are going to do with this project. So I plan on ordering my big shot tomorrow and will add a triangle die to the order. I am excited to organize my excess fabrics and make some project bins. And yes maybe gift one to someone.
I’m in. I may just cut up FQs in addition to scraps. I really need to get control here.
Hi! I just may take you up on that offer to use yours. I live in Round Lake area.
I’m in!! “Santa” brought a Big Shot Pro for Christmas, so with my Go, I can do some fun stuff!! Need to organize and utilize my stash, and this seems like a good opportunity to do both!
Got a question I forgot to ask: What’s a Badge Code?
Hi Sandy!
So, if you have a blog, and you want to put up the image of the DCSMLA on your blog & have it link back to my site without having to code it yourself, I’ve provided the code already for that. If you don’t have a blog, the badge code isn’t relevant.
I’d enjoy ‘cutting along’ too! I won’t be home from spending the winter in Texas until the first week in April but I can get caught up when I’m back in the same house as my GO!
Count me in! I don’t have this die for my studio cutter yet…..Hope to pick one out and order it by then!
I would like to participate. Thanks Ebony.
di
I would love to play along. I bought an Accuquilt last spring. Have not bought any dies yet. This is just what I need to get me going and rid myself of so many of my stash.
I would love to join you. I have just ordered a Go and think a “die-cut-scrap-make-later-along” would be just the ticket to get this newbie going.
Welcome back to pinterest!
Good luck with the scrap along!
This sounds like fun. I’m in
I’ve got a very under-utilized Studio cutter so I’m looking forward to making it hum.
Sounds great to me, keep saving scraps and wondering what to do with them. Too many baggies in the fabric drawer. What dies do we need? Have several go dies don’t know what you will be using.
Thanks
Sounds like fun, I received a Big Shot for Christmas and have only used it a few times. Your book and videos have been wonderful to help me start using the cutter!
Count me in!
Love to join – need the motivation. Roll on start date.
Wow! I have always wanted to make a pyramid quilt, but hated the thought of cutting it! I have a Go! Baby and lots of craps. LOL! Count me in!
Yes, I would love to join! I have never joined quilt-alongs before because I just don’t have a lot of time, and would just get behind. But I feel like I could manage this!! Then in a couple of years when I hope to retire, I can sew it together!!! Thanks for doing this!
Sounds like fun. Count me in.
Hi Ebony,
Here is Saudi Arabia it is very hard to buy dies, our little quilt shop has some but….. I don’t have a big triangle die and am quite limited, would love to see the circle, the hexagon and 2″ strip used as I have those!! Ebony – meant to tell you that your book was ordered in the UK and is with my sister waiting for me for when we get home to the UK in August. Look forward to joining you in April thanks for all the great help etc that you offer, Love Annie in sunny Saudi Arabia
Count me in; I just love using my Accuquilt Go Die Cutter – the sewing together not so much and even less with the quilting part. Oh what fun we’ll have!
Hi Ebony,,,Last year I JUST HAD TO HAVE A GO BABY !! Purchased many dies, and accessories..and there it sits, behind closed doors, never used…OH, I has so many ideas I wanted to make,,not for lack of fabric, but for lack of gumshun…
I surely hope your Sew a long,, gets me going in the right direction and get me using my Go Baby…
I enjoyed your video on the Silver Sharpee (Walgreens) which I bought,,still in package..two of them in fact..
I listened to you yesterday on Pat Sloan’s radio great show, I also watched a segment with the Quilty girl you did w/her….and Yes your videos have so much improved,,now we get to see your face and not so much…well, you know..LOL…
Count me in as this will be an experience for me…now I off in search of your book you adversised w/Pat’s radio segment,
Kudo’s to you, Ebony,
Linda J
VA
LJeterpudd@aol.com
Ebony, I have the GO! And a few dies. I’m still a newbie at quilting so I’m ready to learn! I’ll look up pyramid quilts and may have to buy some fabric as I don’t have a large supply of quilting cottons, (though a huge stash of garment fabrics). This sounds like fun!
I have the Go cutter and eight or ten dies. I also have plenty of scraps and fat quarters. I think this may be what I need to get started.
Would love to play along!!
OK….I’ll jump in with both feet and my GO!
Ok, sounds like fun. Count me in. Even tho’ i’ve been quilting for a bazillion years [well maybe not quite that long], I have never made a 1000 Pyramid, so it sounds good to me. Another appealing idea is: Hexies + triangles, or 1/2 hexies, b/c both are easy to piece and no inset seams.
BTW, I just LOVE your book! As a relatively new Sizzix die cutter, all the info you teach in your book is heaven sent. Thank you.
Accuquilt GO! – Check! Dies – Check! Scraps – many many- Check! And…I just bought some beautiful new “project” boxes so – Check! I’m ready to go – Count me in!
I would be interested in joining.
Sounds great! I do want to join.
Sounds like fun…
I’m IN! ……..
Like FLYNN! What a Gr8 Way to star “SPRING” Cleaning. Thank_U!!♥
Great idea. I am new to the dies and am spending lots of time trying to figure out what quilt patterns they might be used for. Meanwhile I have been cutting up my scraps with them.
I would love to join!
Would love to join!
This sounds like fun!! I’ve had my die cutter since they came out and made ONE quilt with it. What a shame, and all the money I’ve spent on dies. Sign me up!!
I have trays of bits and pieces. And scraps to bust. This may be a great go with the evening quilt guild I belong to. I’m sure someone, has scraps to bust, somewhere.
count me in … sounds like fun.
count me in sounds like fun I have a go and lots of dies
Hello Ebony! This is my first visit to your blog and already I LOVE you! (and your blog) I hope to be joining you. Will you please, if possible, send out a reminder as it gets closer and on the day before start date?
I’m in…..thanks for the idea.
I’d love to join in…..accuquilt dies are on sale at JoAnn’s…..which dies will you use?
I have the isosceles triangles and the strip cutter–Sooo I think this might be fun and since I’m new to quilting, my stash is small but maybe I will gain some great ideas from this and the others. Thanks for inviting us to your busy schedule.
Shoot, girl, if I lived close to you, I’d be your own personal stalker. I love your little kids, your farm with those cute animals and your mean crafty skills.
I have a ton of scraps and small pieces that need to be made into something, this sounds like fun.
Thanks for the compliments! However, I think you’re mixing me up with Vanessa at Crafty Gemini. We’re both curly-headed quilters, but she’s got the farm and the kids.
Glad you’ll be joining the fun! 
Oops, I think your right. How embarrassing. Still I love you too, even without the kids and cute farm animals. You still have some mean craftsy skills.
I would love to play with some die cutting friends. I have ordered my Die Cutting book, and will have time to look at it before starting this ‘cut along’. Thank you Ebony for this opportunity.
sounds like fun
Count me in. I love my Go but it seems like I just use a certain few dies all the time. This will get me out of the box and trying all of them.
I’m in. Have a bunch of dies & lately have not been using my cutter so maybe this will get me back in the mood to cut up some of my scraps.
I’m thinking you just might be a GENIUS! This is a fantastic idea and, God willing, I am definitely in.
This sounds like fun…what a great idea! I use my Go and Baby Go all the time. I’m and applique lover which is another way to bust them scraps….I’m grammatically challenged too! ROFL! I’ll keep this in mind for April. Thanks
Sounds like fun! I just received the Accuquilt Studio for Christmas and I certainly have the fabric! Let’s sew!!!
This sounds like fun and a really great idea. Count me in.
Karen
Sounds like a stupendous idea, I’m in! I just got my GO cutter last week and I’ve wanted to start slashing my stash, especially the ugly fabrics. I bought the starter kit from Quilting-Warehouse but I don’t think it has a pyramid die, though.
I want to post your badge on my blog but I’ll take the “liberty” to tweak the code to make it smaller, so it will fit the space better. Thanks again for this great idea!
Ebony, I have the GO equilateral triangles and they are so SMALL. Can we make this quilt with the isosceles triangle instead? I would like to participate. I just finished using up my flannel scraps on a quilt using the 5 inch raggy die. It was great to bust that stash!
Sara – use whatever triangle die strikes your fancy. We’ll go through both equilateral and isosceles triangles during this round.
What a great idea! Can you give us a list of possible dies to use ahead of time so we can order it ahead of time?
Sounds like fun, I’m in.
Linda
Ready to cut!
Count me in. I am ready to cut and sew later. Great idea, Ebony!
I’m in! I already have some triangles cut! They are all in a little bin. I think it’s a great idea to pull some fabrics that are awkward to fold and some solids. I only have the GO! Baby. But I love it. It will be my cutter of choice. Love the name too! (along with all your other stuff!)
Wonderful, great way to use up scraps. Count me in
I love this idea! I just spent 3+ hours last night cutting circles on my Go! for a guild lesson. I cannot imagine doing that job with a die cutter! It was fun, but thank goodness for my Go!
Wonderful idea count me in
Hello….count me in! I have spent the last week cutting up scraps and still have lots left!
Sue, NJ
I have the isosceles triangle in which I am working on a piece now. I will have to break down and get the equilateral now! lol
!`m definitely in !!!
Ebony, cool idea. I do not have a die cutter but always wanted to make a TP. Let me know what you need for a non dier.
OMG What a wonderful collection of Sizzix dies. Yumm.
Sounds like a fun event.
SewCalGal
http://www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
Oh, sounds like fun! I hope that you will post links in the groups to the daily-alongs. Idea for the next one … a zigzag quilt. So far I know this can be done with either HSTs or rectangles. You will probably know more options.
Thanks Ebony!
I will definitely post about the a-longs as they happen but I don’t think they will be daily. LOL
Thanks for the idea! I’ll keep zigzag on the list for the next DCSMLA.
Oh, I would love to participate. I have the Go with 3 strip dies (1.5, 2 & 2.5) other than the value die.
I would love to do that, get us all to loving our machines even more. What great fun this can be.
I’d love to join in! Do you suggest we stick to a certain colorway, or will totally scrappy work? I’ve never done a TP before.
You know, I’m going to go mostly scrappy, with probably a solid fabric to unify them. There are many, many ways to do a TP. You’ll see!
I like this idea. What AQ die makes a pyramid?
Ok, I see equilateral dies on the AQ site. Can a strip die be used to cut these triangles?
Good question! Let’s try to figure out how to do that during the DCSMLA.
(In my head, it’s three cuts and two strip dies. I’ll show you why.)
I think this is a WONDERFUL idea! I look forward to joining in.
I want to join. sounds like fun. I have a Studio, Go and Baby Go.
What a great idea, I am in and the Thousand Pyramids sounds like a good sart. I just have to get the die…
Thanks Ebony.
I would like to join in, It would give incentive to use my GO machine and dies that I’ve had almost 2yrs. Haven’t use it lately.
Yes, yes, yes!! What a great idea. I’m in.Hope you’ll be giving suggestions as to which die to get.
Yes, Ebony, I want to do this. This is a great idea. I had been thinking about how I could cut my scraps up and use them and making a “kit” for later or gifting is a great idea. I have the Big Shot.
I’m in! Sign me up!
Sounds like fun-can always use ways to cut scraps
Willing to give it a try. They can always sit in their box along with my other WIPs. I do label the boxes so I know what I haven’t done.
oh, Ebony, you’re always thinking outside the box, aren’t you??
:) I really do love this idea and need to check if I have the right die. oh, it’s the tumbler die so I’m ready to go!
Oh Sue – not the tumbler. It’s thousand pyramids, so triangles.
This sounds like huge fun; my Go is still in the unopened box along with an extra die I bought and I am thinking of getting a tumbler die this week (on sale at Joann’s). Don’t know if what I have in my little supply of dies will work or not but I’d love to try this. No time to make a project but time to learn my Go cutter and make a supply of die cuts for later use (or to pass along to one of my good friends who is a wonderful and prolific quilter).
I would love to join in. I have a Sizzix and a couple of dies. This will be an incentive to get more dies and become familiar with using my cutter. Thank you and I am looking forward to the DCSMLA. I’d also be interested and strips and tumblers. Take care and God bless, Cory
I just got my pro! I have a few dies. I have scraps and yardage and groups of must make into’s! How is that for grammer! lol I think I want to do this!!!!