DJ

I haven't read through all the responses (sorry) so just thought I'd add what I do ...

I have a garbage can that I throw very small scraps into that I know I won't use or share with anyone else. I line the garbage can with an old pillow case (reminder to go to Goodwill and get more pillowcases). When I have enough scraps, I sew up the end of the pillow case and DH takes it to a local pet shelter.

I have larger scraps that are becoming a problem though ...

petthefabric

Recently, I've been making coasters with mine. Using a fabric medium, I glue and seal the fabrics to a 1/8 th inch thick piece of card board, a little thicker than mat board. Then spray with a water proof sealer. Spray glue the back and attach a piece of wool felt the same size as the coaster (4" sq). Doesn't use up scraps fast, but I'm having a great time. It's a good trading gift for Christmas. And it's an easy mindless task while watching TV.

Sewnoma

I started experimenting with making fabric beads out of my little scraps, but I didn't get far before I got interrupted.

I was inspired by paper beads - I used to make those with my niece when she was younger. If you're not familiar with the process - the technique I used was to cut strips or long triangles of colorful paper, coat it with Mod Podge or similar on both sides, and then roll it up into a bead on a cocktail straw. Paint or spray it with sealant and let it dry, then snip them off of the straw - ta-daa, paper beads! Great for using up old magazines and junk mail and the beads are great for kids to make stuff out of.

I have some Terial Magic spray that makes fabric really stiff, like paper. I got as far as cutting some strips and triangles out of stiffened fabric and then I had to put it all away and I haven't circled back around to it. I think it'd work, though!

Not really sure what I'd do with the fabric beads after I made them, but maybe an idea for someone with kids/grandkids/nieces/nephews and a bunch of small scraps for a rainy day project.

sewmuch

This is what I do as well and give to a quilting guild..

Purplella

great idea use those scraps up !

Purplella

you can add me to that list of scrap to send to i have this silly affection for them...thanks

Purplella

very good idea dear..

Purplella

great idea use those scraps up !

sherian

I have to say I use a desk drawer at my side for scraps easy to use for to getting fast. I use them to see how a drawn project looks. Like purse, bag, block etc.
List: To check fabric and thread color, make sure sewing machine's tension is good, matching colors, bags to keep items in, to give away. Bags for kids at school, church, etc. Linings for bags or pocket books. Practice embroidery by hand or embroidery machine. I had enough to make a tent for grandkids last summer, scrap tent that is. Then another tent out of a mesh fabric I bought and found it did not work out for me, but great for tent. Enjoy your scraps and share them. True I may not have as many scraps as some people.

Teen

As a new quilter, I realized early on how quickly scraps pile up so I just started to cut them down to precut sizes after each quilt. Then, before I started the next quilt, I would sew 10" blocks of different block patterns (or the same pattern depending on what I had in mind) As the 10" blocks pile up, I select enough from the collection and make a scrap quilt. I just keep adding to the blocks until I have enough for a quilt. Any extra scrap pieces I put in zip locks by color and store in plastic container for appliqué projects. Most of the time I make a quick charity quilt after each quilt I make. Seems to keep scraps at a minimum. If one color becomes too unruly, then I make a quilt with that fabric. I recently had a run on green and made this quilt. I went from 3 gallon size zip locks to 1/2 bag. Piano key borders are great for getting rid of scraps.