When making a scrap quilt, do you just randomly select pieces and put them together? I have a terrible hangup with this. I'm always worried that I will get two of the same material together or that the colors will clash. It seems I spend more time "arranging" my scrap quilt than actually starting it. As a result I put it aside and haven't touched it in years. Is this a common problem with newbie scrap quilters or is it just my own hangup. What do most people do?

I was told I was "scrappy Retarted" I know it's not a correct term but that was what she called me. I'm a controlled scrappy person. I put all the scraps in a bag and close my eyes... if i don't like it I just put it back in and go again.

Yes I think we all "arrange" our scraps to a certain point. It is not a problem. If you don't like what came out of the bag then go back for another.

I am not experienced in this, but I am making a scrap quilt right now. I put strips together that match in size. I look at it and if the color goes with what I have, I stitch it together.

I'm a scrappy quilter, I have found that I like a quilt that has a lot of the main fabric (muslin, white on white, etc) I also will choose a color or two and use it more often then the others (like blue and yellow). All the other colors will work and I go for it. If this is just not your bag....do the quilts that you like to do. I enjoy looking at art quilts but have no desire to do one. What ever you choose~enjoy the process:)

the only sorting i usually do is sorting light from dark- 2 bags- then i can alternate light and dark as i put pieces together- and when it's done you would be amazed how those fabrics that you would never put together work quite well together.

that's how I do it too

Fabrics that clash *make* a scrappy quilt!!! When fabrics clash they vibrate against each other and make a quilt very vibrant. You need some good ugly fabrics that will "lay back" and some pretty fabrics that will "come forward" and some that clash to give it vibrancy.

I'm in the category of those who are trying to break through the wall and jsut do it. I've got a couple "scrappy" quilts started and maybe after reading these posts I'll actually be able to finish one of them!

I've heard it called "controlled scrappy" -- when you adjust the choices. I can't just leave things to random, I have to tweak! I do, however, make an effort to trust the fabric and let things go together -- sometimes I am pleasantly surprised!