Originally Posted by
Mrs. SewNSew
Good point! I misspoke! I would never put someone down for their choices. Quilting is a form of art and each one of us has a unique perspective! I only mean it in the way I am suddenly pickier about what I want to use from my own stash. A year ago, I couldn't tell one fabric from another. With some experience now I am noticing slight differences. It's a journey learning to quilt and not everything can be found on the internet or in a book. Some parts of it can only be learned by doing it.
This is so true. I can definitely tell a really nice fabric just by the hand. Unfortunately, I don't have a whole, whole bunch of that kind of fabric. But I do appreciate it and love working with it.
But you are right--a person can really only learn that by doing it--not by reading about it on the 'net. While not nearly at the place you are with fabric, even though I've been quilting longer than you (I'm guessing), I definitely don't want to use my $10+/yard fabric for charity quilts. I'm learning to not worry about using all those tiny scraps, too (from the less desirable fabrics)...they become kindling...
I have used the cheaper fabrics for backings for my charity quilts, for animal pillows, etc. I find that matching the quality with the end purpose is quite satisfactory. (And while I try to make my charity quilts to a high standard of production, I don't feel the need to buy only the highest quality as I believe poly batting and cheaper fabrics will keep someone warm and if I'm careful with the piecing, can be beautiful as well!) I will admit, however, that I've been the recipient, of some very, very UGLY tops from which I am supposed to make charity quilts--I wondered where in the world the person found their really ugly fabric. They stumped me for a while. Then, I decided to add some prettier fabrics as borders, to increase the size, matching or coordinating with the ugly centers--and they actually turned out okay.
And I love finding a really nice fabric on a great sale! So fun. in FL, my LQS has a $5/ yard section. Finding something I can use from that just makes my day!