I've started cutting scraps into squares of different sizes -- 2.5 inches up to 5 inches. This came in really handy when I started a scrappy top using hundreds of 2.5 inch squares -- they were already cut.

I put them into plastic bins -- one size to a bin -- but the sewing room is still messier than I'd like. I was wondering what you folks do with your scraps.

Something else I'd like is a way to manage strips for log cabin tops -- mine go into a box, but there must be a better way to organize them.

I have an over abundance of scraps too. I told my daughter (9) that this summer that we would make string quilt blocks and use them all up. She wants to make one for both our beds but we'll probally have enough blocks to make some for Christmas gifts. Our strings won't be organized...I think we'll just do random so that it's really scrappy.

Janice

String quilt blocks? That's new to me. I'll have to check that out. Strings are narrow strips? Or something else?

String quilts are so much fun to make. Sometimes when I am stressed out and want to sew, but I don't want to work on anything that takes too much concentration I will string quilt. I am not a good sleeper and sometimes I will work on them in the middle of the night. Strips are usually between 1" and 2", but can be whatever you prefer. They are sewn on foundation fabric. I like it because you just sew and sew and sew, but you really don't have to think. There is a really great primer on Quiltville.com.

I purchased a bunch of Christmas fabrics last fall and I made two queen size quilts and one full size quilt for my DH's hospital bed. (He won't use it. He folds it up and puts it on the foot of his bed, so he can look at it.) I sewed all of the blocks in about 2 1/2 weeks. They go together really fast and can be whatever size you choose. I have made small blocks that are about 6" and I have made up to 14" blocks. I made a baby quilt with purples and oranges and it really turned out pretty. They won't use it, they put it on the wall.

I sort my strings by color, but a lot of people just throw them all together. Whatever works for you is great.

Vicky

Oh, that looks like so much fun! Sometimes I just want to sew too, without thinking about it.

If you sew on a foundation fabric instead of paper, do you do your batting and backing the same way? It's not too thick?

Janice,

Those string quilts are so cool!! Thanks for posting the link!

Delia

Your foundation can be anysize square and you just sew them on on the diagonal. These can be chain pieced and nothing has to match because it's scrappy. You would square them up when you're ready to sew the top together and then make your quilt sandwich the way you normally would. If you do a search for "string quilts" you'll get lots of hits. It seems to be the craze these days. it seems to be a "no brainer" kind of quilt because there's really no planning involved until you lay them out the way you want them before setting them together.

Janice

I gave it a try -- -- made two 9-inch blocks. I like this! I figure I can cut a bunch of foundation blocks and work on them when the scrap pile gets big. Or when I get tired of working on the same top for a week or two.

I tried sewing strips together and cutting the block (with a template) on the diagonal -- way too much wasted fabric!

Janice, I hadn't thought about chain piecing -- that'll save me trips to the ironing board.

I almost forgot the best thing -- no points to match up!

Pam-
Check out http://www.quiltville.com/index.html She has some awesome string quilt patterns. She doesn't use foundation fabric, she uses old phone books and deli paper. It tears off easy, and you can cut the sewn strips into anything you want.
I use her method and use deli paper. I did discover that if you mist it with water, it tears off so-o-o easy. Half the time, my strips might measure 3/4" on 1 end and go to 1 1/2" to 2" on the other. I use it anyway. With the paper, when I have the size I need, I quit on that paper and start a new one.

Jami

PS- I'll see if I have a picture of a quilt in process on my webshots. If I do, I'll post the link. I found it... http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/211256286008452026...EAG?vhost=good-times