I have been reading about how to store fabric strips, then got to thinking about my box of 2" x 4" rectangles. I'm talking abbot 2-3000 of these, lots of colors and patterns....any ideas to do with them? Thinking about trying that braided table runner pattern, just don't want to jump on the first thing to come to mind. My problem is, that is the only thing I can think to do with them.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-146069-1.htm This came to mind when I read your post.

Try looking at Bonnie Hunter's Bricks and Stone pattern, you could easily adapt the pattern it is rectangles and 4 patches.

http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005/...ng-stones.html

Also check out the rest of her patterns...awsome site for free patterns

Use a 2x4 pc then a 2" square, a 2x4 pc and a 2" square. I have seen this done in scrappy and in 30's prints with the sq being a solid white or cream. Makes a great looking quilt. The book I saw it in originally called it Bricks and Blocks. Just an idea.

Thanks y'all! As many of these rectangles as I have, I could probably make all of these!

Someone just posted this pic
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-146258-1.htm

It got me thinking that you could maybe do something like a bargello type quilt with your rectangles, or even a Trip Around the World (or Mini TATW) pattern.
Instead of the usual use of a few fabrics, you could build it based on a gradiation by sorting your rectangles by value, regardless of color.

Too bad they aren't all 2"x3.5" - a lot more flexible.

Don't laugh at me, lol, but what is meant by value?

Not laughing at all.

Value is the amount of light in a particular fabric - relative to the fabrics around it.

Rather than me go on incoherently about the value of value ;-),- here are some other explanations.

(FYI - You don't need the tools - most of the time it's very easy to discern value. However, the easiest way is to just copying/scanning the fabrics and printing/viewing them in b&w. It takes the color out and you'll get a greyscale image showing only the value.)

http://www.karencombs.com/freevaluelesson.htm
http://quiltbug.com/articles/color.htm

Successful quilts are ALL about value. You might not realize it, but it's the first thing you see (or don't), when looking at a quilt. Because without it, you really can't see the pattern.

I agree, I have made this quilt and several of her others. Her instructions are very clear and easy to follow.

And look how the illusion of value can fool the eye:
http://games.yahoo.com/blogs/plugged...024226513.html

I'm going to try this with fabric.