mary705

I was like that also, but decided not to buy any more fabric, just use from my stash, which is probably enough for a small fabric shop. I refuse to buy anymore fabric. I recently quit smoking, so I have been keeping busy with making and finishing up WIP. The cutting is what helps with the not smoking the most. Also, my DD doesn't sew or quilt, so would hate for my family to just do whatever with it. I do have a few friends who will get whatever I have left after I'm gone, which hopefully will be a long time yet.

gramarraine

I love all the good advice that is shared on this board. I think all of us are alike in one way or another. I have many pieces of fabric that I hate to use because maybe I will find a pattern that will be better for it than the one I was thinking of using it for. I recently finished the top of a scrappy quilt and had a piece in mind for the pack. I went to the store to buy batting and ended up buying a piece for the back also. Than was not in my plan and now I still have the original piece I was going to use. I think I need to write down what my plan is so I actually use what I have and don't buy more. Sometime I think I will just save it all for the day when maybe I can't buy anything to sew with. I hope that day never comes but if it does many of us will still have fabric in our stash.

annasgirl

I'm so glad to hear I'm not the only one with the phobia. !!!!!

Sadiemae

I love cutting fabric! Now it is a whole different story when I get to the binding... ugh!!!!!!

Pat625

I understand!~! I am so afraid I will find something better to use the fabric on!! The only thing heoping me break this habit is being on disability...I do not have the money to spend as freely on fabric...therefore, I need to use my stash more.

jcrow

I've been saving a lot of fabric because I can't seem to cut into it and now it is kind of "out of style". Dang! So I have to hurry up and use it. I know, fabric shouldn't go out of style, but to me, this did.

charity-crafter

That's it exactly. I'm afraid that when I actually cut into it, it won't look as good as I imagine or something better will come along later.

Quilt Novice

Thanks for starting this thread, I have this problem too. One thing I have learned is that if you keep a fabric for a long time it can look dated. I don't want to give away a new quilt that looks like I made it many years ago. Also you can make a quilt now and decide later whether to keep it or give it to someone else. That can help relieve the pressure to be perfect.

MimiBug123

Y'all have made me feel so much better. I thought I was the only fabric petter around. I have spent the better part of 2 weeks moving fabric from one room to another. I decided this would be a good time to wash all of my fabric that hadn't been washed before, so that is doubling my time. I can't wait to finish and have my sewing/quilting "stuff" in one place. I've discovered lots of fabrics that I forgot I have. I've sorted out a large pile for charity quilts. I really feel great about my current organizing mission. LOL! We can't help it==we're quilters!!!

laffygiraffe

I think of this a "performance anxiety." Like making yourself sit down and actully type the first word of a story or rip the arms off a fur coat to make a mink teddy bear.
So, I start in the middle! I don't write the first word--I write a scene in the middle of the story that I see as plain as day, and i rip an old mink coat in half and get it over with. Then it is just a tool of a process that is half over-see--not precious fabric to "save"?
Maybe you could play like that with your "planned quilt.'" as if it didn't matter where you start, just get going.
So, ME? I would take the design I like to tackle and and make a sample of it in blue, teal or green (my "oops" colors) work out the angles and hassles on it, and then go through my stash for colors/designs I really love. Settle on 3 or 4 that you have to have in that particular quilt or NOT to use to save for another quilt, and then rip the chosen fabric in half!
Yes, you may have to piece your back - who cares? You will be able to get there.
Then you are free to create.
Works for me.