Lots of Stash Questions
06-06-2009, 03:55 PM
#42
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Indiana
Posts: 3,607
Some of you are truly addicted to fabrics. Not me. I have only purchased
a few (20 or so) fat quarters, only about 35 yards of fabric and maybe 5 or 6 books. Oh, did I forget to mention this fact: that is what I purchased in May. :oops: My stash is large. Hubby says I can take over the den while I am on vacation this summer. I now have only 1/2 of the room. He just wants his computer and a small tv to stay. I have the big tubs and hate them. Can't find anything, so I have to buy more. :lol:
a few (20 or so) fat quarters, only about 35 yards of fabric and maybe 5 or 6 books. Oh, did I forget to mention this fact: that is what I purchased in May. :oops: My stash is large. Hubby says I can take over the den while I am on vacation this summer. I now have only 1/2 of the room. He just wants his computer and a small tv to stay. I have the big tubs and hate them. Can't find anything, so I have to buy more. :lol:
06-06-2009, 06:12 PM
#43
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: KY
Posts: 232
I have a large stash. Last year I started trying to cut it down by using what I had and only buying what was necessary, then I went on a shop with some friends and went crazy.
I would like to use my stash up and start buying for each project I start. I know this sounds like crazy talk but I have totes of fabric stashed in closets, the garage and even a couple in my storage unit. So my suggestion is---if you haven't started a stash. Keep it small and in control.
Now if I could only take my own advice. lol.
Angie
I would like to use my stash up and start buying for each project I start. I know this sounds like crazy talk but I have totes of fabric stashed in closets, the garage and even a couple in my storage unit. So my suggestion is---if you haven't started a stash. Keep it small and in control.
Now if I could only take my own advice. lol.
Angie
06-06-2009, 06:41 PM
#44
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: AZ and CT
Posts: 4,898
Originally Posted by Chrys
I mainly buy fat quarters, so I could have more of a selection. ;) But if it's something I really like, I'll do a half a yard. If it's something I love and adore then I'll get a yard.
06-06-2009, 06:43 PM
#45
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: AZ and CT
Posts: 4,898
Originally Posted by stpatday
I attended an organizing seminar. Clear containers for sorting are best and the size depends on your shelves. I put a paper in the front with a summary of the contents and adjust as used. I prefer to sort by colors and sometimes by collections. My minimum buy is usually a yard. But it depends on the design and desire. I do by collections. When I moved to PA from GA I donated all of my stash to a group. They were very kind to send me pics of their work. Very nice. But here in PA and especially when I have gone to Lancaster Co. I could not resist starting anew. Good luck and have fun. :D
06-06-2009, 07:00 PM
#46
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: AZ and CT
Posts: 4,898
I buy fabric very much like Butterfly Wingdoes - usually 4 yds so I have enough for the border lengths of the 'some-day' quilt. I don't like to piece borders. Turns out, it's a good thing now that I'm thinking about Stack N Whack, or One Block Wonders.
I keep backings separate from the rest of the stash, though I often make a special backing using fabrics from the front + muslin or other stash additions. I usually use muslin for Wall Hanging backings.
I have FQs from my 'landscape quilt' days. FQs are now eftovers, because I make very few now. Sometimes use them in Paper Piecing.
I sort by color. I TRY EO REMEMBER to hang muslin covers over my bookshelves full of quilts when I'm not working - not to keep dust off, but to keep the sun from fading the edges. I learned that the hard way. I definitely do it when I leave CT for AZ in the winter. My AZ stash is in a closet behind closed doors.
I keep backings separate from the rest of the stash, though I often make a special backing using fabrics from the front + muslin or other stash additions. I usually use muslin for Wall Hanging backings.
I have FQs from my 'landscape quilt' days. FQs are now eftovers, because I make very few now. Sometimes use them in Paper Piecing.
I sort by color. I TRY EO REMEMBER to hang muslin covers over my bookshelves full of quilts when I'm not working - not to keep dust off, but to keep the sun from fading the edges. I learned that the hard way. I definitely do it when I leave CT for AZ in the winter. My AZ stash is in a closet behind closed doors.
06-06-2009, 10:58 PM
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Alaska
Posts: 738
Oh my gosh where do I even begin with stash. I know I'm addicted to fabric and books, but I think for the last 2 years I've been on a buying binge!!!
I just came back from being out of town for 5 days and while I was gone I must of bought another 400-500 dollars worth of fabric, books and patterns.
I have hundreds of fqtrs. but I am finding that I want to buy larger piecesbecause I never have enough for backgrounds or sashing or borders. So I've started buying more 1 yd pieces and larger if I think I want it for background or a main piece in a quilt.
As for storing and organizing it, I have a large 4 shelve unit the only bad thing about this is the shelves are very deep and I would prefer them to be narrower so stacks would not fall over, but otherwise it works great.
I have 2 of the smaller 3 drawer units like you get at Joann's in my spare bedroom (these are the perfect size for small night stands, just right for a small lamp and alarm clock.... One of these, I have ribbons and odd and ends in the other currently has some of my batiks. I have a large 3 drawer one at the end of my sewing table that has fabrics in it that are set aside for specific projects. I have Another large and small drawer under my sewing table one of these has all my scraps in it, which I've spent part of the last 2 days organizing by widths. 2", 3", 4" etc and in sqs. or rectangles and strips. The other a UFO that has been sitting since this time last year ( yes I know most of you have a few of those as well.)
I have a bookcase that has all my craft books and magazine in it and another sitting in the garage that I bought at a yard sale that I need to find a spot for. I need to join a 12 step program before I either go bankrupt or have to abandon the house to the stash. HELP!!
Muriel
I just came back from being out of town for 5 days and while I was gone I must of bought another 400-500 dollars worth of fabric, books and patterns.
I have hundreds of fqtrs. but I am finding that I want to buy larger piecesbecause I never have enough for backgrounds or sashing or borders. So I've started buying more 1 yd pieces and larger if I think I want it for background or a main piece in a quilt.
As for storing and organizing it, I have a large 4 shelve unit the only bad thing about this is the shelves are very deep and I would prefer them to be narrower so stacks would not fall over, but otherwise it works great.
I have 2 of the smaller 3 drawer units like you get at Joann's in my spare bedroom (these are the perfect size for small night stands, just right for a small lamp and alarm clock.... One of these, I have ribbons and odd and ends in the other currently has some of my batiks. I have a large 3 drawer one at the end of my sewing table that has fabrics in it that are set aside for specific projects. I have Another large and small drawer under my sewing table one of these has all my scraps in it, which I've spent part of the last 2 days organizing by widths. 2", 3", 4" etc and in sqs. or rectangles and strips. The other a UFO that has been sitting since this time last year ( yes I know most of you have a few of those as well.)
I have a bookcase that has all my craft books and magazine in it and another sitting in the garage that I bought at a yard sale that I need to find a spot for. I need to join a 12 step program before I either go bankrupt or have to abandon the house to the stash. HELP!!
Muriel
06-07-2009, 07:08 AM
#48
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Clay Springs AZ
Posts: 3,229
Bargains, that is the key word for me. Cannot pass them up.
Quilt in a Day had 24 fat quarters of her victory quilts fabric for 27 dollars. Who could pass that up?
Hancock of Paducah sells some charm squares for 3.99, who can pass that up?
The local quilt shop has coupons for 40% off one cut of fabric and 1.25 for fat quarters, who can pass that up?
NOT ME.
Quilt in a Day had 24 fat quarters of her victory quilts fabric for 27 dollars. Who could pass that up?
Hancock of Paducah sells some charm squares for 3.99, who can pass that up?
The local quilt shop has coupons for 40% off one cut of fabric and 1.25 for fat quarters, who can pass that up?
NOT ME.
06-07-2009, 07:46 AM
#49
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Aledo, TX
Posts: 672
I am so happy to peruse this thread and read that other people "pet" their fabric stash.
I do that, and my DH thinks I am completely crazy. So I try to do it after he goes to bed!!!
My stash is scattered everywhere in the house that I can think of. The cupboard, the pantry, the dressers. That way, when I want to find a fabric, I have a good excuse to look at all of it!
One of the stores where I shop pins a little paper slip to the fabric, so every time I go there I remove the pin and go ahead and wash the fabric. That way it only needs to be ironed and cut, when I get an inspiration. I'm afraid the pins they use will rust.
I do that, and my DH thinks I am completely crazy. So I try to do it after he goes to bed!!!
My stash is scattered everywhere in the house that I can think of. The cupboard, the pantry, the dressers. That way, when I want to find a fabric, I have a good excuse to look at all of it!
One of the stores where I shop pins a little paper slip to the fabric, so every time I go there I remove the pin and go ahead and wash the fabric. That way it only needs to be ironed and cut, when I get an inspiration. I'm afraid the pins they use will rust.
06-07-2009, 07:52 AM
#50
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Arvada, CO
Posts: 152
Ohhhhhhhh how I love to add to my stash. If I see a fabric I especially have to have, I buy at least 2 yards and sometimes 2 1/2 or 3 if I love, love, love it. My New Years resolution was to use up some of my stash and not purchase anything new. So far, so good. I have only had to buy one small piece to go with the last project I made.
My biggest problem is buying several fabrics that go together well and then I can't find a pattern to "fit them". I usually keep these together in a bag so I know they were especially chosen to go together.
My biggest problem is buying several fabrics that go together well and then I can't find a pattern to "fit them". I usually keep these together in a bag so I know they were especially chosen to go together.
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