New task - making squares from scraps

It takes time---but it's not so bad if it's a side task while you watch tv. But it's really nice when you get it done---I have a whole series of those cardboard photo boxes full of squares and strips pre-cut, and have already done some scrap tops working from them. Handy!

--pig

I am having a hard time not cutting up the strips! I'm on a roll ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

hey N, if you plan on using the sqs in rows randomly... sew the long strips to one another and then cross cut when you're in the cutting mood. gets'em done faster. woooohoooo. jeanne

Thanks Jeanne. I was actually thinking about doing that with strips. On the longer pieces, I stopped cutting them up into squares and am cutting 2 1/2" strips. That should work out pretty good. I don't know how much I will have, but I am not even 1/4 done with my scrap box, so I'm sure I will have plenty to do something with.

just occured to me.... with strips sewn together, you can cross cut different sizes and make a bargello. so dont cut those yet, not til ya give it a bit of consideration. you might just fancy a small wuh just cuz they're so pretty and you got the strips there already. could make a cute wee pillow cover too or a bag of some kind. just me thunk'n outloud yet again. :) jeanne

I enjoy your thinking outloud. Makes me want to jump right in and join the fracus. (sp)

I think the strips make sense, except for those smaller scraps (couple of inches by couple of inches.) You can always cut rectangles later to make flying geese, or use strips to make a scrap log cabin. Works for me! ME-Judy

ok, found this just now. another use for strips, if ya got enough of them. they'd not need to be batik either, obviously for that matter, as long as the colour coordination pleased you...

thunk'n, well nearly always.jeanne

if you've got such a wide varied lot of scraps... just make up any filler type blocks that please you with whats at hand when you grab some. eventually you'll have enough for a decent randomly laid out scrap quilt, eh. flying geese, HST, QST, coin strips, heck, just long skinny strips become separators. anything and everything can be used in anyway ya fancy in a scrap quilt. jeanne

There are several books and patterns out that use 2 1/2" strips. And some that use 2" strips. (Noodles and Worms) With the advent of the "Jelly Rolls" which are 2 1/2" strips in a set of

40 of a line, there are several patterns being designed with those in mind. And some that combine a jelly roll and a charm pack. So think 5" squares and 2 1/2" strips. A good place to see some of these is at The Fat Quarter Shop website. Karen Combs did a couple-three books: Noodle Soup?? (may be someone else??), Open a Can of Worms, and Another Can of Worms (??) not positive on any of those titles being exact. sorry

Pati, > I think the strips make sense, except for those smaller scraps (couple of

Thanks Pati. I'll check it out. Noodle soup and worms.....interesting.

I believe the Noodles and Worms books are by Debbie Caffrey, not Karen Combs.

Thanks KJ - I now have a used copy on order from Amazon.