If you haven't seen string blocks, look them up. I keep anything over 7/8". Too short? sew them end to end until you have a longer string. I string piece on doodle pads, easy to crack off after it's sewn. I really like the string blocks with a certain color in a certain place - adds continuity. Look up the tutorial on herringbone strings. Many free and great ideas out there. I'm really not cheap, I just love my fabric and want to see it as much as possible and in as many ways as possible.