I am STILL in the studio, sorting. ( I do work full time...) Anyway I am almost finished refolding my fabrics and getting it all into storage totes to go on my shelves.
As I have folded, I have purged fabrics from the totes. Some I am simply going to get rid of, but some I do want to save, but it doesn't fit (too small to really fold/keep neat)

I have boxes with all sorts of fabric squares and strips that I've made in the past, but I know that will just become too big a project.

If you could only have one size strip and one size square of fabric, what do you think would be the best sizes??

Im leaning toward 5 inch squares, as I have a Nickel Quilts book....
2 inch strips? Larger? Smaller??

what do you think??
Thanks!
(PS you can see the studio in all it's disastrious 'glory' by going to my blog, below)

I like 2.5 inch strips and love the five inch squares.

Well if you like doing scrappy quilts, many of us think Bonnie Hunter has a good system. Check out her site, and this page explains her theory.


http://quiltville.com/scrapusersystem.shtml

5 inch squares and 2 1/2 Strips seem to be the most universal for patterns , so that is what I would go with

This is one awesome link!!!!!!!!!! I am going to bookmark it and go back to it often to get my scraps under control. Thank you so much for the info.

If I was doing 5 inch squares, I would do 2-3/4 inch strips, because then the strips could be sewn into four-patch units that would work with the 5-inch squares.

If I was cutting 2-1/2 inch strips, I would cut either 4-1/2 in squares or 6-1/2 inch squares.

(if my math is correct at the moment)

Personally I prefer rectangles. 44"x180" or longer. When I was first starting my two sisters that quilt kept talking about fat quarters so I started cutting my fabric into fats. BIG MISTAKE I learned too late. Now I like to cut my fabric as I use it, not before.

five yard lengths are nice - - -

oh, generally I don't cut till I am using...this is more a stash reduction exercise....I will check out the link after work today....

I just want to make this 'extra' fabric become something easy more quickly, ya know?? I have tons and tons to cut into any old size!!!

Thanks so far for your answers, I knew I would get some great advice!

I cut 1 1/2 strips and sort into two tubs, light and dark, and make scappy log cabin quilts with these. One is on my bed now,(queen) and one on my couch (lap). I have made gifts from these also.

I have the Nickel book also and have a tote of 5" squares.

I do have one drawer of 2 1/2 strips

I don't have space to cut other sizes or the inclination. I keep larger scraps in a basket for applique or any project that needs some smaller pieces. I got a template for a tumbler quilt and need 4" pieces. Went through all my scrapes and a few of the 5" squares.