Next phase -

I started sorting my scraps on 10/11 -

And emptied the BIG basket of NEUTRALS on 10/21 -

Eleven days -

And - believe it or not - it was a very FAST eleven days - ;))

When I started - I said -

So I'm going to try a different approach this time -

First - find the blocks/patterns that I want to make in the next couple of months -

Second - decide what color combinations I want to use -

Third - cut the scraps that I have in those COLORS to those SIZES this time -

I'll always have more scraps as I go along so I can always cut them in different sizes for different projects later -

First I thought I would cut some for some Wonder Blocks -

But I can always use FQ for those -

So I decided to use my dies and cut EVERYTHING into strips of various sizes -

I can use my LEFT-EZE™ Rule to make HST - QST - and Flying Geese -

They can be combined in hundreds of variations all from the same size strip -

I can make sets for more Upstairs/Downstairs blocks -

From the longer strips - ANY color combination will work for those -

And any shorter strips can be used for 4-patches and 9-patches -

I can match them to neutral strips and go from there -

The odd bits and pieces can be added to my "Crumb" collection -

Triangles and strings - are great "Crumb" block finishers - ;))

I'll always have jelly rolls and FQ and yardage for other projects -

It's the SCRAPS that I need to make work for me -

Maybe THIS time I can do it - LOL - ;))

I changed my approach a little as I went along - die cutting some pieces into 1" - 1-1/2" - and 2" strips - and sorting the rest into "crumbs" - "strings" - and larger chunks to be cut later - but keeping in mind some of the "projects" listed above -

So now - after all of my pressing and sorting and putting away of the various scrap strips and bits and pieces - I have this bunch of neutrals - "crumbs" and "strings" -

And these multi-colored "crumbs" and "strings" -

The pressing and sorting was the easy part -

The hard part is deciding what I'm going to DO with what I have - ;))

Because I already have the "crumbs" and "strings" out - I might as well start with them - start with the smaller pieces and work my way up to the larger chunks -

So - here's my list - subject to change due to Squirrel sightings - LOL -

• DEEP RED Crumb Squares - 56 more "crumb" blocks -
Use the "crumbs" - bits and pieces - triangles and short strips -
• NEUTRALS Crumb Squares - 120 blocks -
There are plenty of scraps to make a NEUTRAL version of the "crumb" pattern - use the "crumbs" - bits and pieces - triangles and short strips -
• NEUTRALS - STRING blocks
Use neutral strips not used in "crumb" blocks - longer and wider -
• BLUE - STRING blocks
Use Blue strings in separate bin in closet
• UPSTAIRS/DOWNSTAIRS blocks -
Use 2" die cut strips that are 12-13" or longer - any color -
• KITE STRING blocks - use die for paper foundation
Use any strip shorter than 12"
• ORANGE PEEL blocks - use die and larger chunks - color/neutral
Use 1-1/2" die cut strips for sashing and cornerstones - any length

That should use up a lot of what I have -

And keep me busy for a while - LOL - ;))



Talk to you later - gotta go - gotta sew -