I've seen so many gorgeous quilts made with scraps and they have inspired me to start saving mine. But my question is do I sort by size, color, motif, or what? I have found when piecing blocks I'm not a fan of pieces less than 1 1/2". Also do I make up blocks with leftovers as I finish a quilt or mix them all together with other scraps? It seems to me to be harder to put a scrap quilt together than a planned one.

organize?????????????????????????????????????

Right now mine are not organized at all. Although, I hope to get them sorted by colors in the near future. I think this would be easier to put together scrappy quilts.

my method of organization is...." all in my sewing room" LOL/..... in a perfect world, I'd sort my color amd or theme( since I do alot of quilting for Veterans, I have one area set aside for patriotic fabrics)

but mostly, I'm content if, I get it all into one room... smile

I cut my leftover fabric into squares. starting with 8.5, 5.5 3.5 and 2.5. the rest that are striplike I put in a bag for a future string quilt. the squares are separated and kept by sz. I have almost enough of the 8.5 of Christmas motif for a full sz quilt! and the 5.5 will be for a masculine quilt to send my dsil who will be in Aphfanistan (sp) in June. So, for me cutting the extra fabric right away, with a project in mind, helps.

I did a post on my blog a while back on this. You can view it here:

http://andicrafts.wordpress.com/2010...ing-the-stash/

i don't cut mine down until i need them.

i typically use my scraps to make swap blocks since each block doesn't have to be made from the same fabric just the same color requirements of the swap.

I'm with you. Only in the past six months have I started this habit. When all my pieces (including binding) are cut for a quilt, if the remaining pieces are less than 1/4 yd, I cut it up...usually into 2 1/2 inch strips, but sometimes into 5" squares. I take real "scraps" and put them into a shopping bag. I've only done this this year, since I discovered Crumb Squares. I realize I've thrown away many quilts in my trash can over the past ten years.
I do not organize any of my scraps by color.

Mine are in tubs by color. I tried cutting into specific sizes but never had the right size so now I don't cut until I know what I need. This is not very organized, but it works for me.

Mine are organized by boxes. When the first box fills up, start a new one. So far there are 5 going plus a huge tote on wheels. Each one is a new present when I decide to dig through it.

I try to organize my fabric but none of it cooperates for very long especially scraps so just put them in one of those zippered bed linen bags so they can reproduce. Strings are in a wicker picnic basket with a lid...who knows what they get up to!

LOL, this is what I do too! :thumbup:

That's the method I use. At last count, I had about 20! Surprises in every box!!! :thumbup:

You'll get a ton of different ideas and then incorporate what works for you.

I keep my wof strips in one tote all weird sizes
2.5" WOF strips go into a separate pile
odd size strips go into yet another pile, I periodically will sort this into similiar sizes like all the 3", 4" 5" , 6", 12" etc.

Squares-I only keep 5" and 6.5" squares, the rest I add to the strip piles in the appropriate piles.

It sounds like I'm very organized but I'm not, usually my piles tend to land on top of each other, then into a giant tub where I ignore the.

Right now, I'm trying to get a bunch of my scraps used up. I started sewing all my strips together on the long side, then I trim them up, and then add a solid color along the top and bottom...sort of like this:

http://www.mspquiltingangels.org/bom/sept2010.htm

but random width of strips.

I trim to a size that will eventually make a square once I add the strips...like if I only have 4" long strips then I'll make a 6.5" block, if I have 8" long strips I'll make a 12" block. Or I'll get discourged and cut all of the down to the same size and make one size block...

Once I have enough of one size blocks I'll put them together somehow.

sometimes I just use the mile a minute technique to make crumb blocks

http://quiltingisstillmypassion.blog...-tutorial.html

My scraps are organized by size and color. 1 ½” & smaller together by color (or at least they start out that way.) Larger scraps and strips same thing. As I’m working they get all mixed up. Every so often I’ll take the time to straighten them out or some fabric I like gets lost and forgotten at the bottom.

IMHO I would wait to make the blocks and mix up all of your fabric when you start the scrappy quilt. This way the fabrics are mixed through the blocks throughout the quilt. That's just my take on it and there aren’t any rules you must follow for this.

My scraps are in specific bins, tubs and drawers..

Each Accuquilt shapes have a sterilite drawer all of its own
strips less than10 inches but longer than 5 inches of has a a sterilite drawer all of its own
Strips longer than 10 inches but less than WOF has a sterilite drawer all of its own
2 inch strips are hanging on the back of the door
1.5 x wof has a sterilite drawer all of its own
2.5 x WOF strips has a a sterilite drawer all of its own
3x WOF strips have a sterilite drawer all of its own
5x WOF strips have a sterilite drawer all of its own
all other strips x WOF are separated by colors and has a sterilite drawer all of its own
Crumbs have a sterilite drawer all of its own
Scraps less than a fq but larger than 6x6 has a sterilite drawer all of its own
2 in sq have a sterilite drawer all of its own
3 in sq have a sterilite drawer all of its own
4 in sq have a sterilite drawer all of its own
5 in sq have a sterilite drawer all of its own


And that's how my room is organized..

I followed Bonnies method.. www.quiltville.com.

I throw all my scraps in big totes, so consequently I have 5 big totes to go through and cut into strips and squares, then I sort them by size first, then background color. I've got 3 more totes to go through, then I'm going to send them to a very dear friend who doesn't have a lot of money and is absolutely thrilled when I send her a couple spools of thread.

Here is my problem...scraps

I have about 4 plastic bins of 4" squares, one of 5" squares, two of 6" squares and 2", 2.5", 3", 3.5", and 4" strips as well.

But this is untamed.

And I am determined to use more of them up. I'm looking into scrappy log cabin (saw a beautiful one on here recently), another strips 1.5" one, and probably several more random scrappy squares.

They are stuffed in a drawer. I am lucky to have my regular fabric somewhat sorted.

WELL Folks --if some of the stash of scraps need a home, I know of several good causes!
PM when you want to clean up the mess...that is what I did.
OR you can make scrap quilts, and there are several groups that are tickled pink to get unfinished tops to give to those in need......I find that a superb way to clean my spare room----
Monday I am sending out 26 quilt tops to two different groups.

thanks for the link

I sort them by color and put them in clear boxes. They look kinda pretty on the shelf!

Minbe are very organised. They are crammed into carrier bags and make a humungus mess all over the floor when I am looking for a scrap, before being crammed back in. It is a great method! :lol:

I've just started a system, so I don't know yet whether it will work. I have a couple of books on scrap quilts 'cause they're my favorites.

If the piece is about the size/shape of a fat quarter, I keep it intact for large blocks and keep these pieces separated by lights and darks.

Smaller scraps I cut into the sizes I would most commonly use: 2.5" strips; 2.5" squares; and bricks that are usually 3.5" by 5". Each of these are sorted by lights and darks.

I'm learning that the most successful scrappy quilts depend on value rather than color, which is why I keep them just by light and dark. As I use them, I can sort again into medium-light and medium-dark. Anyway, that's my current new system!

Anita

i don't....hope i'm not the only one!

My 'scraps' are jammed into 2 large dresser drawers...:(

Bonnie Hunter says - find a quilt you want to make and start cutting and saving that size square/strip/piece. Before you know it you'll have lots of scraps to make it a scrappy quilt.

I have too much always going on to devote hours to cutting up scraps - the day may come - but for right now they're out of sight in 2 drawers :)

ewwww...Right now I have a few plastic totes (small) the rest are in some canvas totes..

How do I organize my scraps ? Well, for me it is pretty easy. I use see thru bins (not to lg of ones). I keep my fabric up on on a shelf in my closet: darks, lights, prints, novelty, and patriotic stuff. At end of each bin inside, I have a 4 by 6" index card with what it is. For my really 'true' scraps, I organize and cut them into 6.5", 6", 5", 4.5", 3.5", 2.5", & 2" sqs. I usually take 1 day every other week and do this. I sew everyday, and lately have started pressing only on Thursdays, (becuz I hate pressing). I also have cut 2.5 inch strips also. I sort of got the idea from, the quilter, Bonnie Hunter. I met and have one of her books called "Leaders and Headers". It is a great book and it helped me alot

I have a decorative "basket" a friend gave me and I just put them in there,they don't get dusty,and the basket looks nice in my sewing room.

I use clear shoe boxes and save by size: 5", 4", 3", 2.5" and a bin for strips either 2.5", 2" or 1.5". Colors are all mixed up unless I have a lot of something like the 5" charm squares and then I break them down into colors.

I just started my first scrappy quilt. I saw a quilt as you go demo and decided to do it. It uses 2" strips plus needs a 3" width for the corners. My problem is I haven't been quilting long and I don't have enough scraps. I cut a few strips from my (small) stash but decided that is silly. This quilt will probably be a wip for a few years so I can accumulate more scraps.

I cut my scraps up into squares of sizes I use starting with 5" squares if I can get that size, and then into whatever sizes I can get with 1-1/2" being the smallest I will cut. Then I have plastic shoe boxes I put them into. I have written on the boxes with marker the size of squares in it.

If a scrap does have a full width of fabric I can cut a strip from, I will cut that first before cutting the scrap into squares.

And if the scrap is something I don't think I will be wanting to use any more of, I put it on our guild's put and take table.

Love the idea of crumb quilts-- I was saving only scraps that I could cut into strips of 1.5 inch or bigger. WOW-- I cant wait to try the crumb quilt. I love being able to use every inch of fabric. It's so expensive to buy- I am a bargain person. Thanks Ladies!

I have tried organizing my small scrap stash by size a few times, but it seems that I think in color. I always end up digging around for the right color when I am actually using my scraps for something. Right now they are in rainbow order, with extra space for neutrals, holiday themes, and multi color prints.

I don't think there is a right or wrong way. Color works for me, but size might work for you.

Some people think "in a heap" is best. Isn't it great we all have the freedom to choose, and we are all right!?!

New fabric is sorted by project. Unused fabric is sorted by color except specific holiday fabrics (those are kept together). Scraps are also sorted by color except specific holiday fabrics (those are kept together).

Just a thought -- too much thinking/planning with a scrappy quilt is not a good thing (you will drive yourself crazy -- no pun intended). I just pull a fabric out of the container, the only exception for me is placing the same fabric too close together.

i agree the scrap quilt is a fun idea but doing it is scary.
i started cutting leftovers into strips.then rolled them up according to the colors. blue rolls, brown rolls, etc. i may regret it later but at least i can tell what i have. big pieces i have left alone so there is more flexibility with how to use them

I fold them so the messy sides are in, roll them up tightly, tie them with a short piece of inexpensive ribbon and stick them in a big basket on the floor--more or less by color. They're pretty that way and, best of all, I can find what I'm looking for when I want it.

I organize mine using Bonnie Hunter's Scrap Users System. Read about it on her website. www.quiltville.com

Organize? is that a new word?

Mine are organized by color. Anything smaller than 2" square is gone in the trash.

I have little storage drawers - one for reds, brown/yellow, beige/white, black, red/orange and green. I take one day a month and "file". Works for me.

Pat in CO