I use a system similar to Dunster's picture. I'd hate to dig into a pile of un-ironed scraps. That would be uninspiring!

That's what I did a few weeks ago: ironed, cut to consistent sizes, and chose some to give away. Now my red and orange scrap drawers are organized, and I've made some progress with yellow.

My scraps would fill my bathroom from floor to ceiling with no room to spare. To resolve this problem I have divided the scraps in bins by size or length of strips. I also have an 'active bin" next to my sewing machine that collects current pieces, as they fall from the cutting table. These pieces get wrinkled as they fall and are pressed before they go into a more defined place for use at a later time. I am currently working on a scrappy quilt that has pieces that are more than 40 years old and look new. I am careful with my scraps as there are a number of quilts that I want to always be scrappy. Two of my favorite scrappy quilts are the Double Wedding Ring and Joseph's Coat. They require boundless scraps to make them look perfect! I keep pieces as small as 1 1/2". It is amazing what gets used. It is time to thin them down too.

Oh my goodness! I did not expect this response! You guys certainly know how to make a girl feel welcome! ;)

Thank you so much for all your suggestions. Like I said, I'm just getting back into it after dropping it about five or six years ago, so I'm still sorting through what I have (and I know I'm missing fabric somewhere....). I even found a mini tree skirt I cut out all that time ago and didn't finish! (That was my project last night, I sewed all the wedges together). You've all certainly given me a lot to think about!

I just throw my scraps into a bin and hope to get them out sometime and iron them and make a string quilt.

What works the best for me is to have a pattern or two that I can use as a srappy quilt. The scraps that are daily accumulating can be cut in sizes that will eventually go into those particular patterns. When I feel there are enough scraps that are cut I can then sort by value and color and place pieces together that can be leader/enders or just a quick sew when the mood strikes. Eventually the small scraps become a project on its own and a quilt. It's all spent in small increments of time. This has kept scraps from taking over or just storing them and not using them.

You have to decide if you will ever use them. If not they should go. I am not a scrappy quilt person so anything less than a fat quarter goes.

Over time I have discovered the sizes of scraps that I use most frequently. So I cut all my random scraps in 2.5 strips, 5 in squares and 10 in squares. For me, anything less than 2.5 goes into my bag to be used for dog beds for ASPCA. I do not try to tackle the whole pile of scraps all at one sitting, but from time to time I will press and cut for an afternoon and put the pieces in labled clear shoebox sized bins. I love diving in and pulling out color ways or just creating a purely scrappy quilt from my little pieces.

If you know what size you lean toward, cut your scraps in that size. It saves you time and is satisfying to use later on.

Welcome to the board! I've come to a place where I think I've got a handle on it! That could, of course, change at any moment. I started with Bonnie Hunter's way of dealing with scraps. I've moved to Gudrun Erla's way of cutting up scraps, which I like. Then, I make it a point to shop my stash first. Also, donate, donate, donate. Our P.E.O. garage sale has fabric for sale to bless others. The proceeds go to programs to help women with educational needs. We'll see what tomorrow brings!

As you see, everyone has their own ideas about scraps. :D

When you get around to making something with them, here is a great collection of free patterns for scrap quilts:

https://www.quiltedtwins.com/free-patterns-layout-2 (scroll down a bit)

If your scraps are not yet cut into usable size pieces, it helps to have a pattern in mind before you cut.