Aurifil is dedicated to fostering sustainability and driving meaningful change within the quilting and sewing industry. We believe in not only creating high-quality products but also in empowering makers to embrace practices that benefit our planet. Through conscious awareness and actionable steps, we aim to lead by example, encouraging a shift towards mindful creativity.
It is with this vision in mind that we are thrilled to celebrate Zero Waste Quilting, the stunning new book by Patty Murphy. The book highlights a new approach to quilting, taking readers from quilt to quilt to throw pillow to accessory, using every bit of fabric until nothing is left and everything is mindfully incorporated into something new.
For this book I changed how I designed the projects by designing with intent. I’ll show you how to create quilts and then how to make additional projects until all the fabric is used up. You’ll end up with no rogue blocks, no scraps, and virtually no waste.
— Patty Murphy
Zero Waste Quilting highlights practical strategies for reuse and zeroing out waste while quilting, taking stock of existing scraps and fabric stashes and working toward a redesign of the way we work with our quilting supplies. Patty talks through organizing your stash to find meaningful ways to work with what you have AND how to use that stash efficiently. It’s a wonderful guidebook for getting started with a no-waste mentality in quilting. In Patty’s mind, together, we can sew a brighter, greener future, one stitch at a time.
What if we buy with the intent to maximize how we use fabric and tools, and we don’t accept waste as the cost of being creative?
— Patty Murphy
We are delighted that Patty humored us a with a few notes on how she came to love working with Aurifil thread as an integral part of her sustainability practice.
How did you first start working with Aurifil?
My friend, Sarah, owned a quilt shop in Decatur, GA and bought a small Aurifil display (that turned into a large Aurifil display) for her store in the mid-2000’s, maybe around 2004? 2005? I immediately fell in love with Aurifil thread and have been using it since.
Why is it your go-to thread choice within your practice of sustainable quilting?
I like that Aurifil partners with PlasticBank and rolled out a partnership with Earth League International for the endangered species color builders. I like to support companies who are trying to make the world a better place through initiatives like this. Small acts matter. Change doesn’t happen overnight but knowing that companies are taking steps where they can makes a difference. However, I’d be an early adopter of Aurifil organic thread, too (hint, hint, wink, wink, nudge, nudge)!!
Beyond that, I simply like the thread. Colors, weight, quality is always consistent. I know what I’m going to get and there are no surprises. Aurifil works well with my machine, too!
What do you see as the benefits of quilting with cotton over other substrates?
For me, I think I’m a bit of a purist. Cotton fabric, cotton thread. It’s really a personal preference… what I like to use. There’s nothing wrong with using other substrates and if that works for you, keep at it! But for me, I guess I’m old school this way and just want cotton. I think the biggest benefit of quilting with cotton is that rogue cotton threads from the end of a spool, seam ripped bits, etc. can go into my compost bin so they can decompose there – never toss threads outside, y’all! Birds get caught in them! Knowing that I’m not putting more polyester into the world is nice, too.
What is your absolute favorite go-to thread weight & color?
Spring Green (1231), Dusty Blue Violet (2525), and Blossom Pink (2530) are my three favorite colors! I piece with 50 weight and like to machine quilt with 40 weight.
We’re so excited to hear what you think, we’re offering an opportunity for one lucky reader to win Zero Waste Quilting, (courtesy of Patty Murphy and C&T) in addition to large 50wt spools of Patty’s go-to hues. Simply click on the button below, add your details, and tell us how you are inspired to incorporate more sustainable practices into your own creative journey?
Happy Stitching!!
Patty’s book looks like a great read for over the holiday. It would spark lots of ideas to get your creativity flowing in the new year!
Beautiful looking book! I am interested in the zero waste ideas, I’m incorporating in many other areas of our lives.
I’m collecting scraps from my friends, and almost all my quilts are scrappy.
This book looks awesome! I love to use every scrappy bit, even loose threads, in art quilts. Fusibles and dissolving stabilizers are such fun to play with. Thank you for offering this generous giveaway!
This book is on my Christmas list! It fits perfectly with my promise to self that in 2025 I will be more selective with fabric purchases, shop my stash, and reduce those scraps! Zero Waste Ideas is exciting. Thanks for this giveaway.