Joan

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........)

Rubyrednails2

I don't think you can go wrong with tone on tone fabrics or something that reads as a solid. It will go with most of your prints. I wish I had your willpower, lol.

Aurora

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.

Susan P

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.

Annz

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.

lazyquilter

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.

Deecee

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.

twistedsheets

I actually buy anything I like even if I have nothing currently to go with it, especially because it is on sale. I know I will find something to go with it at a later time as I am now really trying to get my sash up. At 52 I only hope I will be around to use it, but if not my granddaughter at 15 is trying to learn to sew and will be helping me put things together. I will cut out and send it to her thru the mail and let her sew the peices together and then she will return so I can put together and finish. This way she will get some sewing time in and when she is ready I will let her try to complete. This will have to do until I am able to get with her to show her how to use patterns because she wants to sew her own clothes.

reach for the stars 2

If I like it I usually buy it, saying to myself I'll use it eventually.

Marlys

I will be in Gettysburg the end of August - you can "purge" it right into the trunk of my car!!! Although I must admit, I should get rid of some myself!

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!