Fear of buying fabrics?
#51
Rachel, you are probably the only rational quilter on this board. After years of pinching pennies when our kids were growing up, I can understand your position. Initially, when I started quilting I only bought fabric for a specific project and that was all. I have to admit, though, that I still drooled and fondled all the fabric in the store..........
Now, if I see a sale (particularly online at thousandsofbolts.com) I will buy random fabric that speaks to me and do have a stash------But, understand, my children are grown and we are retired and money isn't so tight.
(and I have to admit---don't throw pies at me---that I do wonder if I will use all that is in my stash-----ever........)
Now, if I see a sale (particularly online at thousandsofbolts.com) I will buy random fabric that speaks to me and do have a stash------But, understand, my children are grown and we are retired and money isn't so tight.
(and I have to admit---don't throw pies at me---that I do wonder if I will use all that is in my stash-----ever........)
#53
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Somewhere in Time
Posts: 2,697
You just need to learn to trust yourself. A little practice and you will probably be fine. It is all part of a learning process. We are fortunate, or unfortunate to have so many choices. It can be overwhelming. I have had to leap outside my comfort box, but it really was not as painful as I anticipated -- it was actually a lot of fun.
#54
Banned
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 94
I'm crazy for fabric, and love having my stash. I have many themes going, and always seem to have what I need no matter what project I am working on. I also trade fabrics with other quilters, and if my friend is looking for a specific fabric she doesn't have, she checks mine. We have lots of fun. When I purchase a pattern or get one free on line, I usually have the fabric I want to use, with maybe having to purchase a filler. I then put it together for a later time. I love looking at my fabrics stacked up on my shelves and it is almost like artwork!!!! It also helps me be more creative.
I also love books, but I don't just buy a book that I intend to read. I have various tastes and it depends on my mood what I read. Same with my fabric. I have a large library with books that might not all get read, but I love having them, and I know they will be read eventually by someone.
I think whatever fits your personality, and comfort level. When I first started sewing, I was apprehensive about how to choose fabrics. I had lots of help from my LQS's and my quilting friends. It also helps to take classes, and get to know the teachers. I have learned so much about fabric and color from just listening and watching. Taking pictures also help with color schemes. There is no right or wrong way whether you build up a stash, or be more conservative and only buy what you need.
I also love books, but I don't just buy a book that I intend to read. I have various tastes and it depends on my mood what I read. Same with my fabric. I have a large library with books that might not all get read, but I love having them, and I know they will be read eventually by someone.
I think whatever fits your personality, and comfort level. When I first started sewing, I was apprehensive about how to choose fabrics. I had lots of help from my LQS's and my quilting friends. It also helps to take classes, and get to know the teachers. I have learned so much about fabric and color from just listening and watching. Taking pictures also help with color schemes. There is no right or wrong way whether you build up a stash, or be more conservative and only buy what you need.
#55
Power Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: West Roxbury, Ma
Posts: 10,353
no your not crazy. I bet most of us would like to be able to control ourselves and not buy so much when we enter a store, but on the flip side it is nice when you want to make something and you just have to look through your stash and find a nice variety you can use instead of going to the store.
#56
The OLD "fabric talks to me" reasoning. Well, mine have a running commentary when they see me come into a fabric shop. I do have a great stash and I try to keep it kept up and folded, etc. My grown kids were telling me that they were serious thinking about having a fabric intervention for me. Then they realized.. whoops, there goes the quilts mom was going to make us... grin. But since I am mostly housebound it feels so good to be able to get a thought or a pattern and then start pulling fabrics from my stash and actually finished it without having to go out and find a couple of extra pieces. I do replenish and I just enjoy knowing it's here and it will be used, sent, donated, etc. to a worth while cause and that pleases me.
#57
I am a fabric fondler!
If it speaks to me, I must have it. Even if I have no idea what I will do with it. My DH works in fabrics (curtains) so he loves to fondle fabric also.
Mind you - with the price of fabric here I only by in FQs. I also have plenty of blenders to make my special pieces go further.
If it speaks to me, I must have it. Even if I have no idea what I will do with it. My DH works in fabrics (curtains) so he loves to fondle fabric also.
Mind you - with the price of fabric here I only by in FQs. I also have plenty of blenders to make my special pieces go further.
#58
Originally Posted by athenagwis
Does anyone else have this or am I just crazy??? I know so many of you have huge stashes, but I actually HATE buying fabrics unless they are for a very specific project. Not because I don’t want to, but because I am scared. The only thing I can think when buying is, what the heck will this go with? Why am I buying this? This will never match any of my other fabrics, so it’ll never get used. I actually freeze up and end up buying nothing, even when it's a GREAT sale. Whenever I look at fabric pictures people post, I love them so much, but then when I go to buy them, I start hyperventilating. I do have a stash of sorts that is big chunks of leftovers from previous projects and big chunks that I got from the leftovers bin at my LQS, but other than that I find it very difficult to buy fabric that has no current purpose!
Am I crazy?!?!?
Rachel
Am I crazy?!?!?
Rachel
#60
Originally Posted by Janetlmt
I admire you for your will power also...I do not have the will power at all. My stash has extended to a second bedroom. My dear husband takes me fabric shopping about once a month and tells me.."buy what ever you want"
Rachel you aren't crazy!!!!
I have started to go thru some of my fabric and am going to purge some of it.
Rachel you aren't crazy!!!!
I have started to go thru some of my fabric and am going to purge some of it.
I have no problem buying more fabric, if I have the money. But I am trying very hard to use what is in my stash so I can justify new fabric. I started out like you, I only bought for specific projects. Not any more. I buy because I love it and I will find something to go with it!
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