I like all your ideas.. I have used scraps from board members, and have bought shirts from thrift stores, and have made a bunch of scrap quilts not using patterns, and you are right that the fabric can turn from ugly to nice by cutting the pieces small.. I made five quilts for my staff, and two of my nieces using scraps, and and odd pieces, and everyone has gotten compliments on them.. I made 6.5" squares, and needed a template. Chain stitched the pieces as I went, so saved on thread, and it was just too easy to not do it..