I have been trying out Bonnie Hunter's leaders and enders idea....I am making a lap quilt which calls for 37 WOF 2.5-inch wide strips, so I am stitching small and odd shaped pieces into crumb blocks in between cutting the threads. This is so much fun I have to remind myself to get back to the lap quilt now and then! The next strap project will be patch blocks out of the square pieces already cut up from scraps.

I do not cut up large pieces until ready to use them. If I have odd shaped pieces I don't think I can use as is, I will cut them into 10" squares, 5" squares, 4" squares or 2.5 " strips. If it's a piece I don't like, I will cut it up. Someone said if you don't like it even after you cut it up, you didn't cut it small enough! HA

As I have a specific pattern that uses 2.5" squares, I cut all my fabric scraps. It does seem to take forever but I want to make a scrappy. I have the hubby help while he watches sports to divide them into general colors and then I refine them. Then pack them into a 14 X 14 scrapbook pages container. I don't have a lrge amount of scraps as I only purchase fabric as needed for specific quilts. Will soon need additional box!!
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I agree with you - if you have a larger piece, no point in limiting yourself too early. Also would leave you more "wiggle room" should you decide to applique or something like that.

Marysewfun

I would leave intact.

I want to try Bonnie Hunter's Sister's Choice so I've been cutting a lot of 2.5" strips, if it's smaller than that I cut 2" or 1.5", the shorter neutrals I've been trying to cut into 2.5" x 6.5" pieces. And if it's small, then 2.5" squares or 2" squares. Smaller than that goes into a crumb basket. Slightly larger, if I can get 5" squares, fine, if not then smaller squares or strips.

I leave my large pieces whole unless I don't particularly like them, then they're cut down. Most of the quilts I'm interested in right now either use 2" or 2.5" strips, though I am putting aside assorted smaller sized strips for strings.

I like to square up my scraps but leave them in the biggest piece I can. Experience has taught me if I divide into smaller pieces I will need bigger pieces. I do love my stash.

You don't need another box- you need to make a quilt. You have plenty pieces to make a beautiful quilt. Can't wait to see it..

ditto. but I have cut plenty of 5.5 sq for the I spy I am collecting for my grandson. but I have cut the smaller pcs into 2.5 squares for the scrappy I am doing for a nephew.

I use some of my mother's clothes in each of my daughter's quilt so they hve some of grandma there. love Bonnies thinking!