I am STILL in the studio, sorting. ( I do work full time...) Anyway I am almost finished refolding my fabrics and getting it all into storage totes to go on my shelves.
As I have folded, I have purged fabrics from the totes. Some I am simply going to get rid of, but some I do want to save, but it doesn't fit (too small to really fold/keep neat)

I have boxes with all sorts of fabric squares and strips that I've made in the past, but I know that will just become too big a project.

If you could only have one size strip and one size square of fabric, what do you think would be the best sizes??

Im leaning toward 5 inch squares, as I have a Nickel Quilts book....
2 inch strips? Larger? Smaller??

what do you think??
Thanks!
(PS you can see the studio in all it's disastrious 'glory' by going to my blog, below)

I like 2.5 inch strips and love the five inch squares.

Well if you like doing scrappy quilts, many of us think Bonnie Hunter has a good system. Check out her site, and this page explains her theory.


http://quiltville.com/scrapusersystem.shtml

5 inch squares and 2 1/2 Strips seem to be the most universal for patterns , so that is what I would go with

This is one awesome link!!!!!!!!!! I am going to bookmark it and go back to it often to get my scraps under control. Thank you so much for the info.

If I was doing 5 inch squares, I would do 2-3/4 inch strips, because then the strips could be sewn into four-patch units that would work with the 5-inch squares.

If I was cutting 2-1/2 inch strips, I would cut either 4-1/2 in squares or 6-1/2 inch squares.

(if my math is correct at the moment)

Personally I prefer rectangles. 44"x180" or longer. When I was first starting my two sisters that quilt kept talking about fat quarters so I started cutting my fabric into fats. BIG MISTAKE I learned too late. Now I like to cut my fabric as I use it, not before.

five yard lengths are nice - - -

oh, generally I don't cut till I am using...this is more a stash reduction exercise....I will check out the link after work today....

I just want to make this 'extra' fabric become something easy more quickly, ya know?? I have tons and tons to cut into any old size!!!

Thanks so far for your answers, I knew I would get some great advice!

I cut 1 1/2 strips and sort into two tubs, light and dark, and make scappy log cabin quilts with these. One is on my bed now,(queen) and one on my couch (lap). I have made gifts from these also.

I have the Nickel book also and have a tote of 5" squares.

I do have one drawer of 2 1/2 strips

I don't have space to cut other sizes or the inclination. I keep larger scraps in a basket for applique or any project that needs some smaller pieces. I got a template for a tumbler quilt and need 4" pieces. Went through all my scrapes and a few of the 5" squares.

I'd go with 2.5 inch strips and the 5 inch squares like the others have suggested.

Now what to do with scraps that don't fit those categories, that's my problem now.....

That is what I use. All of the smaller pieces go to my sister.

ah the ones that wont fit may just get all sewn together and then cut back up into 12.5 inch blocks..... (or bagged and given away....)

For the "extra" fabrics - I like to cut them into 2 1/2 or 2 inch strips. Anything odd I throw in a string bin. Then any of the patterns that I see for jellyrolls - I can use my 2 1/2 inch strips, or if I am feeling scrappy I can grab my string bin and make string blocks.

Good luck!

5" squares and 2 1/2" strips.

seems like 5 and 2.5 are the winners....

thanks for the link to the website, but i dont need/want that much precut stuff.... just trying to figure out what to do with those fabrics i purged from my boxes...