Aurora

I have always viewed my sewing room as valuable real estate. My current sewing room is crowded but doable. For me finished quilts consume too much real estate. I currently prefer small projects -- table toppers, wall hangings, etc. I am also working on perfectly my skills -- piecing, applique, and paper piecing. I also enjoy knitting, hand embroidery, counted cross-stitch, and reading. My sewing room is my haven/sancturary where I enjoy quiet time as well; a place where I can sit, relax and do nothing.

jbj137

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*** I agree with most of the post.
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*** Great thoughts.
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jdavis

Wow! I love that you shared your perspective with us! You are so right about things!
I'm sure many of us are unable to take a step back and objectively review our inventory....but we should bookmark your post and revisit it every once in awhile.
I believe I'm living by some of your suggestions already.
Thanks again for your insight!

Morag

Amen to that!
If I can't "enjoy" the planning and giving, the "play" with colours and designs, "explore" new fabric mediums and quilting methods using my hands, and vintage and modern sewing machines, and "create" a one and only quilt that exists, I would not be a quilter at all !
It is my hobby and an art form that is my own to do as I wish when I wish to do so...... Not a business and never will be

Onebyone

I followed similar guidelines for a few years. It turned into me following guidelines instead of focusing on the fun of it all. Work stays at work. Fun stays in my quilting room.

Atomicdog

Completely enjoyed reading this. I've been involved in many 5S projects in our factory so I know the premise of what's suggested. Makes good sense. The biggest takeaway for me is the idea of kitting. I become overwhelmed at picking the next project and then getting the fabrics selected for it. If I can go ahead and get 4-5 projects ready and kitted I would be far more productive. Posts like this, with interesting suggestions get me excited about what I can incorporate into my own hobby!!

Tally Kathy

Chevrons are out???

Chester the bunny

I have an embarrassingly large stash. I am the go to gal whenever anyone needs anything they can't find for a project they are working on. I know what I have and I know where it is. Mi stash es tu stash.
On the subject of charity quilts. I do my very best with those as I would with any quilt that I make for anyone. Sometimes I make a mistake choosing colors, it's happened many times, but just because I may not love the finished product I can't help but think that it would keep someone warm so I give it away to where ever it would fit. If it's subdued, to a shelter, if it's wild and bright to a foster child.
I would hate to think that some quilters might be discouraged from giving their quilts away because they are not perfect.

madamepurl

My mother says..."cotton is going to do nothing but go up in price, so buy it while it's good price now." My husband (and engineer with both a MBA and MS) says, you don't have "just in time inventory, you have whenever the h*** you feel like it inventory." This is the same man who has bought me not one, but two Handi Quilters (Sweet Sixteen and Avante), so really it was just a funny moment. Oh and when I got the Avante I thought about selling the Sweet Sixteen to fund the ProStitcher for it and the family went in an uproar about that as well and just bought me the ProStitcher. I apparently can't sell any tools. I feel like now though since I have all the tools to finish my own quilts, that I don't worry about a big stash.

Also, since I have my Avante set up in basement, I do have 2 sets of tools and a set I carry with me in my travel kit. I like to keep that packed, so I can leave at a moments notice to go quilt with the girls. However, I like to piece while the machine is running and don't want to have to keep going up and down for this or that.

I did take inventory about a year ago. Not of the kits, but of the WIP and tops that need to be quilted. That was a feat in itself and have since hung the tops and have started to work those down. I do feel like I have enough now that I could work from stash for awhile, but I like to support my LQS b/c I love those gals and I would like to see them stick around. I love the community at the shop.

A little background... I have both a BS and MS in Business, but I'm more of the creative type and I just love to collect fabric. I also retired at 40 last year and need things to do. I figure there are worse ways to spend money.

Onebyone

Maybe in the quilt magazines which will be promoting new fabric designs and new patterns. Chevrons have been around for ages and make a great quilt pattern. Right now the next big thing is 4 patches. LOL