I have a bunch of beautiful scraps from tarbender ( :D ) that would coordinate beautifully into a small quilt.... but remember, I haven't even done my first yet. How do I even begin? Do I have to buy a pattern, or is there some simple pattern I can follow (I'd like to do something a bit more than just squares - squares and rectangles maybe....) How do I go about making this into something useful?

And once I figure out what sizes & shapes to cut, do I just cut what fits on what fabric and then lay it out to see what fits where?

Here is a easy block that you can make scrappy or with coordinating fabrics. Each block can be a little different or all the same. you can cut the pieces individually instead of in strips, too.

http://www.quilterscache.com/R/RailFenceBlock.html

Here is another pattern that combines a plain square with the rail fence block and can be quite stunning!!

http://www.quiltmaker.com/patterns/d...html?idx=5185_

Yes, you cut to fit the shapes of the scraps. Then lay out your blocks on a bed, floor, etc... and re arrange them to suit your taste. With the warm wishes pattern, you can make the rail blocks and the squares out of different fabrics and you will end up with a beautiful scrappy quilt.
I would start with the square blocks and then use what is left for the rail pieces for this pattern.

I am sure that you will get some more pattern ideas from other members too :D :D :D

Thanx you so much Naturalmama.
Youy can go to www.connectingthreads.com and go to the free patterns. There is one there called "Basically Kid Stuff Block" that I think would be easy and fun to do with scraps. One of these days, I am going to make the one I just told you about..............I hope lol
Thanxs again and I'm glad you are happy with the extras I sent to you.
Bev

I personally like the disappearing nine patch scrappie!

go to Quiltsville that lady makes scrappy uilts and you can have free patterns :wink:

check out the website Quiltville.com
Bonnie Hunter has a list on the right hand side of free scrap quilt patterns. She posted one using plaid shirts.

Ann

What a lucky girl getting scraps! I like scraps better than full yards! If the scraps are small, you can always make crumb blocks. Here's our darling Izy's tutorial: http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/6951.page

Crumb blocks are so fun and easy. Liberating, really! and I think they make wonderful quilts. Very artsy!

I want to make a crumb block quilt someday. They can be so pretty.

Thanks so much for all the ideas! I will be checking all of them out for sure! I was amazed at how much extra fabric Bev stuffed into that envelope! I only ordered 4 pieces, but got waaaaaaaaaaay more than that! And what's extra fun is that I'm not as afraid to cut up and work with these scraps so it's taken away my excuse not to actually get started on something! :D

I haven't had time to go through all of them yet, but I'm loving that crumb block - that is the ultimate in frugality - and so cool!!!

Amazing patterns, all levels of difficulty

Naturalmama,

The neat thing about Bonnie Hunt's Quiltville site is that she not only has free patterns, but she posts each step of making her quilts, along with pictures. It's almost like having her sitting right beside you, coaching you through each step. And most of her quilts are scrap quilts. Not only does she post pics of all her quilts, but she also posts pics of quilts others have made from the same patterns. Her site is a treasure trove of information (just like this board :D ).

http://quiltville.com/index.html

Like others have said, just go down to the list on the right-hand side of the page and start clicking on the patterns she has there. I think you'll find her site very helpful.

Have fun!

Oh I made a crumb quilt, and gave it away, it was a beauty. Started another one!

Here is another site that shows how to make crumb quilts:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/29087.page

and another: http://quiltville.com/crumbs.shtml

Wow!!! I really love the look of these quilts!

Check out this site, she makes all scrap quilts.

www.quiltville.com

I have made several and they are easy.