Save, yes, but not smaller than about 2" square. Use? Weeeeeeell...

I save scraps 2" square or more and strips 1 1/2" wide or more. I've given some to my sister who just started quilting and plan to give her more. These days, I cut up all small pieces of fabric into squares or strips and keep them in boxes. I also make scrap FG units and HSTs on a regular basis. Had to get myself organized! I made a New Year's resolution not to buy any more fabric - except muslin for backing - until I've used up the fabric I have. I have stuck to that so far this year.For financial reasons,I just had to stop buying so much fabric. When my store of larger pieces is used up,I'm turning to Pat Speth patterns to use up the scraps.First on my list is the one called "Flying Home From Bali Bali " Some day I'll get those scraps all used up!Right??
~Geraldine

I save 1.5" strips for log cabin blocks and bits that measure at least 2" x 2". The August Lotto block is going to be great for using up some of my scraps.

Annie

I save strips and anything over 2.5. The last three quilts I made were scrap quilts.

Vicky

I save just about everything 2x2 and larger. From time to time I sort them out and make blocks out of the smaller pieces. There have also been some scrap swaps so we can trade and get a new collection to look at. At some point you do have to get rid of some, but I put my tiny pieces on my mat and chop them up very fine with a rotary cutter, then put the fluff in a small net bag and hang for the birds to use for their nests. It is cotton so it will degrade and makes me feel nice knowing the little ones have a "quilt".

beverly

Here is a link that might be useful: Crumb quilts

Geraldine, you go girl!!!!! I decided the same thing in 2005 and kept to my pledge. NO FABRIC... my quilty friends and guild members use it as a guideline :-))))) Funny, I quilted as much as ever, just used from my own stash, and honestly when the year was up, I could hardly tell I had sewn for a year from my bins.

It did "teach me a lesson" however... it broke that cycle I had built up in my first 6 or 7 years of quilting of "having to buy some because it may not be here later and I'll never find anything I like so much!" DUH! There isn't a quilter who doesn't walk into a shop and drool on a bunch of bolts... there's always something ya "just can't live without"... I just fondle it and go on... hahahaa

Scrap quilts are fun (well, I like "planned" scrappy like Civil War, or blue and yellow, or fall... some theme in mind).

Good advice here! Bonnie Hunter told us recently that she puts all her really small scraps and trimmings into an old pillow case. When it is full, she sews across the open end and takes the bedding to the local dog/cat rescue center. The animals love having a soft pillow in their pen.

Scrappy quilt are so much fun! Last month I learned how to make crumbs with Bonnie from Quiltville.com. - lots of fun!

I love Bonnie's idea. I haven't made scrap quilts in years, which is not to say I won't, but my throw-out criteria is based on what I don't like. Really small scraps never get saved to begin with.

I have given a lot of material away to the church for garage sales, over the years--a lot of that was clothing material--but I was in the simplification mode. I had organized the material I still have by color, but recently I separated the prints from the solids and then by color. Organization is what I do when I'm not sure what I'm going to do next. Carole

I sure love scrap quilts and Bonnie Hunter's Website. I am trying to get a bit organized, when I am done a project I strip any leftovers into 2 1/2 strips or 3" sq. This is a start as it keeps the scraps from going back into my usable pieces of fabric.

I am actually using some 2 1/2 sq. right now making a sofa seat cover from scraps. Having the strips cut was certainly a benefit and easy to find.

I have this phobia in my head that if I use my scraps on a quilt I won't have enough for another. LOL I only have a TRUNK full to use up in scrap quilts! What is wrong with me?

I like doing string quilts...they usually turn out so bright and cherry and I love the variety of fabrics in them.
Jean

I save mine and I'm looking forward to using some for the August Lotto blocks, but the truth is that normally I do not see the joy in scrap quilts. I'll go back and use fabric from one quilt in another, but not as scraps. There has to be enough there to fit into The Plan, whatever the plan happens to be. I'm sure that makes me a quilter outcast, but it's honest. I'm learning to appreciate them, and some are stunning, but too often they just look messy to me. I think I'm too much of an engineer!

My house is a fabric BLACK HOLE. IOW when it enters my world, it never leaves. It isn't chaos up in the quilting room. Well, it's sort of a systematic chaos, thanks to about ten of the largest plastic bins you can buy. There is a fabric pecking order, with things like pilling sheets being the bottom feeders.

I save any relatively square piece of fabric if it's about 2" or larger. I'll save any strip if it's nearly two inches wide. My bins are sorted by material types first of the relatively big pieces. But, once it gets down to a square foot or two, then it gets sorted into the scrappy bins. I do not cut up the larger pieces, unless they aren't usable for quilts. If they aren't then they get ripped into strips for rag rugs, or folded for use as foundation fabric for strip quilting.

I do not do exclusively scrappy quilts, but I surely lean in that direction. Constructed with innovative patterns, they don't need to look busy. Yes, even denim jeans get taken apart and the largest blocks of useable denim cut out and saved. I guess I am more prone to make a quilt dependent on the fabric available, than I am to run out and buy material for a quilt. the absolutely nasty fabric I can't use constructively goes into a rag bag for hubby's shop.

I'm a scrap collector myself. Occasionally, I will use from the bin...especially when working with applique. I've used quite a few really small pieces on a certain detailed applique quilt I've been working on.

But for the most part, it's a lot of effort to use small scraps for piecing since you have to cut each individual piece instead of rotary cutting multiples. But...I hate to throw stuff away cuz you never know!!!

Do I use ALL my scraps? Heck no. But I do use some on occasion & I like a big variety, so I don't throw away. Scraps are helpful if you only need a smidgen of a certain color so you don't have to cut into your large pieces.

My scrap basket is a bit full & now have to purchase a small tub just for the scraps. :)

I also donate some of my scraps to my church quilting group. We do charity quilts & have several bins of donated fabric & fabric scraps for strip piecing.

During the construction of a "regular quilt" I cut the left over pieces into 2" strips and square the ends. I throw out what's left.

I have a psychological block against saving small pieces with irregular (not 90 degree) edges. If edges are angled, the piece has to be large enough to be folded into FQ size and stored on the fabric shelves in the proper spot.

From now on I'll do what Bonnie Hunter suggested and donate the pillows to the Humane Society.

Dianne (with a dash of OCD)

Well, at least we "hoarders-of-way-too-much-fabric" are in good company! I did have all my scraps in one large storage tub, but now I confess the scraps have expanded to fill three (3) more paper grocery bags - which, of course, clutter up the floor.

[Did I say that I keep scraps of batting also?]

Teresa

[Did I say that I keep scraps of batting also?]....Teresa

LOLOLOL! I wasn't going to be the first to admit that. Actually, it has come in handy. I made my husband a cover for his bible and found a piece of left-over batting just the right size for padding.

Oh yeah, scraps of batting fill a couple large bags. But I use those scraps for practicing quilting and testing new thread. Old batting bits never go to waste.

scraps? what scraps??

I've just about fallen one the floor reading this and am so glad to know that I'm not the only one! I have been sorting my stash the last week and was amazed to find my scraps had grown from 2 bags to now having a bag for every color group and then there are the pieces that are at least an 1/8th of a yd. in a different bin. I think I could do a scrap quilt of every color! I've thought of cutting them into postage stamp size or the equivalent of HST's, but there are so many, the thought kind of is overwhelming! Maybe my motto of 'every scrap is precious' needs to be revised!

Karpet--I was just thinking the other day that my over-flowing scrap tub needs to be dealt with and that the solution was to start a smaller tub for each color. Then I got thinking that I have an old dresser with 7 small drawers that I usually keep my UFO's in that would work great. I could use a different drawer for each color! I'm trying to work out some changes in my studio and I think this is going to be one of them.

Annie

Well, all I can say is ask me why I picked the name "Scraphappy" LOL I will say I personally believe that it is almost impossible to ever use up ALL one's scraps - believe me, I've tried. I have bins of pre-trimmed scraps in many sizes, plus bins of strips that I've made 4 or 5 log-cabin and strippy quilts from - - and they're full again! I've given away bags of scraps, but they keep appearing. I realized a while ago, that I seldom make a quilt from specific fabric, purchased just for that pattern! What's to become of all my yards of fabric bought "on spec" just lying on their shelves waiting for a chance to be used. (Oh, yes, I also have a bag of batting scraps).

Like solstice, I'm not so very fond of really scrappy quilts. I do like "organized" scrappy quilts, but I find I prefer highly contrasted and highly graphic looking quilts, like the one below. All the "buzz-saws" were scraps.

I do save scraps over about 1.5", but when I collect a bin-full, I donate them to the local Children's Museum.

Before I joined this forum I did not really like scrappy quilts. I wanted mine coordinated and I tried to buy the exact amount needed for each quilt.
Wellllllllllll, I retired, moved and have my own sewing room, joined this forum, started to quilt more and started to have more scraps!!!!!
I can not throw any scraps away including batting. I use batting pieces to clean my machine, hold thread bits, and to stuff pillows.
I love the idea for the birds and donations to the pets.
After seeing beautiful scrappy quilts on this forum I have grown to love them (could it be because I have so many scraps now LOL).
I store the small pieces in take out boxes and they keep multiplying, they are stacked on one wall.
I use dryer sheets and sew crazy quilts. I feel guilty about throwing away the selvages I cut off so the pet idea is perfect.
Thank you ladies for making me feel 'normal' LOL.
Rosa

I'll keep "scraps" large enough that I can use them in an individual block -- say for a swap block -- or for applique.

But I throw out a lot of smaller scraps that it sounds like many of you would keep. My least favorite part of quilting is cutting the fabric -- and so even if I was making a "scrappy" quilt, I'd want to be able to cut many pieces at once from strips/large chunks of fabric.

I can't even IMAGINE taking a lot of small pieces of fabric and cutting what I need for a whole quilt from them.

Due to the fact that I have the attention span God gave a gnat, once I toss the scraps, I never give them a second thougt. I like the bird nest and dog pillow ideas though -- that's even better than tossing them!

OH -- I do keep scrap batting for small things like pillow shams, pot holders, etc.

I use scraps that are 1" or bigger. I used the 1" strips for chicken pin cushions (chicken scraps!) Bigger than that, I'll used for fabric post cards and costers and little stuff like that--and of course, lead-in scraps for piecing. But I very rarely take other people's scraps. I have a friend who's a real scrap junky and will take any scraps from anyone--not me--I have my pride after all!

A good way to store your scraps is in those clear plastic bags that blankets and bedspreads come in.That way you can see at a glance what colors are in there.

I like scrappy quilts and i love log cabins,maybe because it was the first quilt i learned to make,after taking a class from Eleanor Burns in the early 80's.
Kathi

I put my scrappy scraps (very small) in a shoe box. This is what I used on the crazy quilt I just made my daughter. I used it and used it and for some reason that box is still overflowing? I can't answer why that is.

This is a Bonnie Hunter pattern called Pineapple Blossom. I made two of these and still my scraps multiply. It's truly a phenomenon.

Oh MY Gosh. That quilt is gorgeous! I love the crazy quilt too, but this one is so beautiful.

First, Vicky, those quilts are beautiful, now about scraps.
I have lg. shoe boxes that I covered and put sqs. that I have cut in different sizes from 6"-1 1/2"s depending on the size of the scrap and lable. Have decided not to do small ones anymore and 2 1/2" what I use mostly.I keep them beside the sewing machine and use them as leaders. and enders which I turn into blocks along the way. I used some today when I tried out the lotto block pattern, even went to the 3 1/2" box for some. Stipes I through into a couple of paperbags, not fussy about width or length, I will figure that out when I use them. Ofcouse I save batting! I also save salvages and trimmings in a basket and then I roll them into a ball which wts. almost 4#s now. That just reminds me there is not end to fabric.
Jayne

Vicky, I love that second quilt! I think the solid beige really grounds the rest and pulls it together. I'm clipping that post and may use the pattern. I really like it!
Kate

Vicky, love those scrappy quilts. I especially love the scrappy prairie points! Great inspiration.

-------
About strip cutting left over fabric...I just cannot bring myself to do that! (My brain says that is purposefully making scraps.) Since I have limited funds to buy fabric, I save & fold pieces that are FatEighths or larger & color coordinate them in my bins. (The rest go in the scrappy bin) I have found that those smallish pieces come in handy & wouldn't have them available if I had stripped them already.

However...those that can do it are definiately one step ahead in the game when it comes to scrappy quilts that need strips.

One of these days..........

Crafteedee, I think I must think as you do! I'm not prone to cutting up larger pieces of fabric just to have strips/squares/rectangles of certain sizes to "maybe" make a certain quilt "someday" with them. The only reason I will cut up fabrics ahead is for Nickel Squares and the Morning Star quilt that I plan to make.

Vicky, that pineapple blossom quilt is outstanding!!! I agree that the beige background helps to pull the scraps together and enhances the quilt. The repeated use of that bright blue is a good choice also. Fantastic!

Teresa

After making a scrappy quilt that needed 2 1/2 squares I put all of the long scraps

I consider scraps the small pieces of fabric that are odds and ends and I save them to use when possible. Short strips (for that someday piano key border), are tossed into a basket under the sewing table. I think a true scrap quilt is one that has very few fabric repeats in it because they came from the scrap bin. I have some squares (beginning at 1 1/2") cut up and have them in big clear glass jars (3 of them) sitting where I can look at them.

Vicky, I, too, like your Pineapple Blossom quilt. It appears a scrap quilt needs a consistant solid fabric to pull the scraps together.....I'll have to remember to make sure I have enough of a solid fabric to complete a scrappy. I've, so far, been consistant in using various scrap whites or beiges, and haven't really been happy with how they've turned out. But, then, I haven't made the same block pattern either! I'm such a mess........ @:(

SharonG/FL

I love the colors and patterns of fabric, so quilting is the ideal choice of needlework for me, and scrap quilts should be a natural choice for that same reason. Most of the time, scrap quilts are like a symphony for the eyes.

I don't really agree with Sharon about needing to pick one fabric for the background on scrappy quilts. I usually go with a variety of neutrals in the same quilt. Check out the first one in my "Quilts" album via the link below.

Annie

Here is a link that might be useful: Webshots albums

The Triple Whammy Block quilt? Very powerful and quite beautiful. I really need to quit looking at other people's quilts. LOL. It's giving me a complex.

Vicky, really like the pineapple blossom quilt. I will have to get that pattern and start cutting scraps for that.
I'm learning that if I don't cut scraps for something specific, they overwhelm me.
Right now I'm using 2 1/2" colored squares and 4 1/2" neutrals to enlarge my 2008 bday block quilt; 1 1/2" squares for another quilt (can't remember the name...), and thinking about 3 1/2" squares for a cathedral window. Now to look for that pineapple blossom...