I really do like making scrappy quilts and what a good way to use left over fabric pieces and etc.

I just love scrappy quilts and as one experienced well known quilter said, which is oh so true, the scraps cost just the same as per yard! I am doing a string quilt at present for my (?) Sofa, the reason for the question mark is my fur-baby thinks its her's and scratches and rumples everything up so it is just right for a scrappy backed with fleece, for an extra grip, seems the choice
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I wanted it toned to the room, which has a lot of reds and autumn colours so I grab a load of scraps, cut our the foundation fabric and then began to sew. Below you can get an idea of my method, if they are autumn colours they go on one block the Pinks n purples go on another, will make a nice Project Linus quilt, this way I don't get too hung up on colour mismatching etc.

The hardest thing I have found is to get the centre diamonds wonky as I didn't want the hassle of aligning seams. Quite happy with the way it is going at present and you can see just how effective it is going to be on the plain coloured sofa :)

I fully agree with you, TanyaL, but you should know from experience with past threads on this topic that 99+% of the posters are always pro-scrappy and that those on other side just don't bother to reply. Furthermore, the artful arrangement of color is not all 'matchy-matchy' as so many imply, it is what makes a design truly sing.

Sometimes people put the scraps in a large paper bag, then just reach in and get one, sewing it onto the last piece. That is difficult to do when you are a matchy-matchy kind of person, or one who does not want two blues together or two greens together. I love scrappy quilts that others have made, and, yes, they do seem old fashioned.

TanyaL - - - perhaps you felt insulted because your dtr-in-law probably had no idea how much time, thought and effort you put into achieving a particular 'look'. Maybe you took her comment about a 'scrappy' quilt as meaning 'random' and 'just thrown together' when that was the exact opposite of what you were going for. It's a shame, really, because I suspect your diamond quilt is very nice. I hope you decide to share a picture so we can see just how pretty it is.

Jan in VA - - well said.

I used to have trouble putting blues and greens together!!! Don't get me started on pairing up plaids and a floral print! LOL Now I put all sorts of things together. And yes, it is very liberating. I have recently discovered Bonnie Hunter and her site, Quiltville.com. I highly recommend her. She has an amazing approach to scrappy quilting.

May we all experience wonderful liberating creativeness in our quilts!

Jane

Those quilts are 'scrappy' the EXTREME. You have a wonderful imagination.

For me, 'scrappy' can be controlled or completely random. In addition to all the great suggestions in this thread - - -for those who find 'scrappy' a real challenge, consider trying a scrappy four-patch or Broken Dishes, only paying attention to your lights and darks. Broken Dishes is next on my list of quilts to make.

Jane

Like others I like to look at the fabric and try to remember what project I used that material in. I took a class once and the instructor had us place our scraps in a paper bag. You picked out 2 fabrics without looking and had to sew them together. You would be surprised how things go together once you get them all done. I made a log cabin that way for my sister and I think it is one of the best quilts I ever made. I wish I had a picture. My sister is not well so I hate to ask her to take a picture. Maybe someday when she is feeling better I will ask and post it.

Hate them, they look messy to me and are not "pretty"

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Isn't this fabulous??? Then again, it might give some quilters a migraine! LOL. Personally, I believe, as quilters, we are supposed to challenge ourselves and 'push that envelope'. How else do we grow and expand our skills and our creative talents?? Just my thoughts - - - -

Jane