The best tip I've learned is to cut scraps AS I GO, anticipating a flying geese queen. I cut 3x5 bricks. The "sky" squares are pre-cut also. Before I start a seam on the current project, I stitch about 10 geese seams. Keeps me from being bored and the goose quilt should be half-done by the time I finish the current project, BTW, does anybody want scraps that are smaller than 3 x 5? Many good strings. Free; just pay shipping.