Anything the size of a fat quarter or larger gets folded and put in a bin sorted by color. Anything long enough to cut a strip 1 1/2 or 2" gets cut and put in boxes by width and lights and darks. Left over pieces are cut in what ever size squares I can cut. I use mostly 4 1/2. 4, 3 1/2 and 3 inches so that is what I cut the most of. I keep them in boxes sorted by size.I have a ton of color wash 2" and 11/4 inch squares from when I did a lot of colorwash quilts but I do not cut them that size anymore.
I use my scraps and they are much easier to use when they are all cut instead of having to go through the mess and press and cut what I wanted. I usually lost interest before I got started.

What a beautiful quilt!

mrspete, what a beautiful quilt! I love it.

So far we have completed 21 tops. I thought while it was still manageable I should start doing something with all the scraps and leftovers.

It seemed like we had a lot, but when I started digging into them last weekend, there really wasn't that much. I sorted ours by size. FQ and above went into one bin. Big chunks went into another bin. The small pieces that only my grandmother would use (she was very thrifty) are in another bin. I hope someday we can just do a crazy-string-strip quilt like Sara's.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-24032-1.htm

Darren

mine are in a trash bag waiting to be cut into 2 1/2 inch strips

What are piano keys?

What fun to read this thread. All of you inspired me to go get cutting! I love scrappy quilts.
Mrspete--what a wonderful quilt and story--thanks for sharing the picture.
Judy in Ohio, yes! I would be very interested in seeing pictures of your organization of strips, squares, etc. and your scrappy quilts!
You quilters are the best!

Hey MrsPete, I love your scrap quilt that you made with the elderly lady. It's exactly what old-fashioned scrap quilts should look like. Simple, bright and cheerful. Good job!! 8-)

Most of my quilting friends seem to always give me their scraps, I fooled them I bought an Accuquilt and I cut them all into squares and strips, when we go to retreat I will be sewing these scraps together. I give these quilts to the fire department for fire victims.

How kind you are, thanks for the nice comments. Blessings, Ruth