georgiaclark

I "saved" my favorite fabrics for years. If I was going to take a class, I tried to take fabrics that were no longer my favorites, in case I made a mistake. Then, about 4 years ago, my Mom passed away and I was the designated one to clean out her house. Her fabric room was filled with fabrics that she had "saved" for "special," and she never got to use them. She lived about 1500 miles from me, so I mailed lots and lots of fabric home. And now, every time I start something new, I go right to my sewing room, and pull out my favorite fabrics. I get to enjoy them, and hopefully, my daughters won't have to take so much fabric to Goodwill or Salvation Army after I am gone!

nstitches4u

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one with this problem. I find myself making scrappy quilts for charity more often than not. My main problem is choosing fabrics that will look good together. A couple of years ago I was at a Super Bowl sale at our lqs. I was trying to pick out fabrics for a log cabin quilt. A friend who was in our sewing club came in and when I explained what I was looking for, she asked what colors I liked. Within 15 minutes she had picked out the perfect fabrics for my quilt. I wish I could take her fabric shopping with me every time. I have a fairly large stash, but I don't feel confident when I am trying to put fabrics together for a quilt. Is there any hope for me?

Norma

CharlotteO

Try buying jelly rolls or charm packs to start a project. they are already cut, they don't need to be petted or cut or anything, just open the pack and start sewing. If you have a local Tuesday Morning store, they've been selling jelly rolls and charm packs and other pre cuts of fabric for a very reasonable price. Get a jelly roll pack, don't look at it, just open them and sew them together. No phobia to get past. It works very well for me, and in the past 2 years, I've done 3 twin size quilts, quilted them myself, 2 large quilted table cloths for my Mom, 5 0r 6 table runners and 4 place mats , plus generic sewing for my DGD's and some project Linus projects. If I can do it, you can do it.

Not having to cut it helps with the phobia, and it gets a project finished quickly so that you are eager to move on to another one. Before you know it, you will be cutting into that stash.!!!! Good Luck

KathyPhillips

I, too, have the same problem. My husband does not understand! And sometimes, neither do I. I saved Mary Engelbreit fabrics for several years, and finally made a quilt with the fabrics. Lots and Lots of fabrics. I did not have a piece large enough for the backing, so I tried to find one, and had a very difficult time finding fabrics to match that were ME fabrics. I didn't want to do a solid back. I found some, but I think I will make a scrappy ME backing with what I already have. Haven't quilted it yet, but the top is FINISHED! A very good feeling. In the meantime, I have lots of other fabrics that are my "favorites" and don't know why I don't just cut into them and sew....I sort them, pet them, move them around my sewing room. I think about which ones I am going to use next, but haven't cut any more yet. I am encouraged by this post to just get in there and cut and sew! Thanks to all of you!

nancyw

Year before last I took 12 classes through our quilt guild and I got all my fabric from my stash. I was so happy and proud.

beadywoman

My phobia is slightly different. When I buy fabric, it is generally for a paticular project. So my stash is pretty much projects that I have not yet cut out. (Several drawers full, though!) But what happens is that when I get ready to begin a new project and lay the fabric out, I panic because I'm so certain that THIS is the time that I finally prove to myself that I have no business sewing because I have no knack for it. So I spend a few days mentally arguing with myself before I work the courage up to actually cut the fabric.

Now keep in mind that I've been sewing for over 30 years, off and on, and seriously sewing at least weekly and usually daily for the past two and a half, I can honestly say that I've only had a few ruins. And most of those were garments that, although made to the pattern, just didn't fit right. My worst blunder was cutting some beautiful fabric for a lap quilt for my mother this past fall. Some of the strips were off just a smidge and the ones that weren't visibly shrank when I ironed them. So I felt like I wasted a huge amount of money. But once I find the courage to actually "start" a project by putting scissors or rotary to cloth, and then start sewing, I sorta calm down and really get into the project. But it's nervy all the same just to get started. I'm always afraid that I'm going to fail. How crazy is that?

solstice3

I can sit and stare for hours before I actually can bring myself to cut into new piectes UNLESS they were bought for a particular project

Delta

Girl. you have to look at it this way. The more of your stash you use, the more new stuff you can buy. Really do charity quilts for your local shelter or displaced children like we do. It is a wonderful feeling, and make your friends quilts also. They will love it as well.
Good luck

CarrieC

I think I have the same affliction. Not sure how to cure it either. My biggest pain is I have some very special fabric - if you wish - one of a kind. I LOVE it but I'm scared to use it.

I suppose I need to rethink this - hmmmm - quilt for myself. There is a concept!

jillnjo

I know what you mean when you say it's hard to cut into fabric! Yet, I still pick small pieces up all the time at the quilt stores! I love fabric and I love color! I hate to throw even dinky pieces away from my projects,too. I have just finished the Farmer's Wife quilt and think I'd like to start another large quilt like Dear Jane so I would have one for each of our daughters someday. I don't need quilts!! I know I would be blessed if I made lap size quilts and gave them away!
Well, I just rambled on here, but this is a subject that whirls around my mind a lot! May all of us find our way in this wonderful maze of quilting fun we are in!!