I think the discussion on this thread has been the most useful to date. Thanks for all the great things, I've learned more about scrappy quilts right now than ever before. The only one I've made was a mystery quilt and it turned out okay, so I'm not sure why making another seems such a big deal. There just hasn't seemed to be any good way to sort scraps........until now. I can feel the fear dropping away.

I'd just like to add my thanks also. Up to now I've not been 'brave' enough to do a scrappy quilt, despite having a bag full of scraps and strips.

I just shut my eyes to it and left it getting fuller as I used all the other stash. Will look at it again and might have a go later this year.
Thank you

What I find best to do when using scraps is to put them all into a bag and what I pull out is what I use..... don't laugh it works believe it or not.
I love scrap quilting and have people give me their scraps.
I have posted several scrap quilts on this site and so have others and they all look great.......... one of the quilts I did was a scrappy double Irish chain..... which I love.
Good luck with what ever pattern you choose.... will be looking forward to seeing your scrap quilt.

Here's what some friends and I am doing... we began in July and each of the six of us chose two blocks we thought could be done scrappily... I, personally, am using all florals but it is VERY scrappy. If a block (snail trail) is used I use color families to make the pattern but do it scrappy... I am learning alot about darks, lights, and mediums... two of the blocks that were chosen were not good ones for scrappy (in my humble opinion) but they were chosen so I did what I could. It has been a blast and I cannot wait to get my blocks done and made into a quilt for our guest room.

I love that. It gives me hope that someday I will stop being matchy matchy and make something like that.

Gather up those 5 1/2 inch blocks and go to

http://www.quilterstv.com/

and look at Billie Lauder's four patch video. It is such a cool way to use up scraps and it looks super fast and easy.

Take a deep breath and jump into the deep end, there is some really good suggestions already, pick one and go with it, if you need help after than just give a shout.

Great post and discussion...All these scrap quilts are stunning and the advice (as usual) gives us all something to think about and an opportunity to try new ideas and extend our creative endeavours.

I recently bought a big pile of "scraps" at a church opportunity shop...the lady at the counter looked at my "treasure" and said to her colleague "how much do we charge for rags"...I said, "Hey, these aren't rags they're potential quilts"...still only paid a dollar...and as I left I saw them shrugging and shaking their heads.

Just watched Billie Lauder's four patch video.......so good!! Thanks Lisa.

Try as I might....I just cannot do the "pick from a sack" and go with it...I must be anal....but I soooo love the look of true scrap quilts! kwhite...yours is gorgeous!

I can only hope that someday I can put on blinders and be able to just pick one and sew... :lol: