I also try to use different sized prints next to each other. Even in different colour value the same size prints seem to flow into each other and you lose some definition.

Some people will make scrappy quilts with every type and color of fabric. I personally think they are too "busy" and like to make my scrappy quilts more controlled...nothing too light, nothing too bright, and nothing with too busy of a print.

When I make scrappy quilts I pull fabrics from my stash, making sure I have all the colors represented.
Paying attention to include a wide range of prints, almost solids, solids.
I do not mix pastels in. Personally I think the same value should be used throughout the quilt.
Pastels looked so washed out compared to the wonderful fabrics/colors we have today.

I agree also.

I agree. Value is the most important aspect for me; otherwise, it all just blends into almost a blur. Value gives the definition and highlight that makes it pop, in my opinion. My biggest lesson was not to stress over it. The scrappy is really out of the box for me and I love it when it's completed.

I am NOT a scrappy quilt person, but I'm saving my pieces left over from quilts. I am a control person, so it's really hard for me to use them in another quilt. Thank you all for your posts.

I think I am a control freak and will select the scrappy look I want when making a quilt. I love the scrappy quilts best and remember all the ones Mom made me from my old clothes. It was fun finding the fabrics. I tend to sort the fabrics depending on the end result desired.

I always start with coupling together lights and darks and work from there.

I just sew together and try to off set seams so I don't have to match very many seams and just sew to make a quilt. I am sewing up all my scraps from previous quilts, just wanting to make use of them and get them out of the cabinet. I usually like a more controlled look. I never go by value, only colors I like, matchy = matchy are my favorites.

Good idea, Jenny Penny