bakermom

using the best you can is not being a snob. Putting people down for their choices is. I try to use the best I can whether it is fabric for a project or ingredients for baking. But I don't criticize others for their choices. Your idea of good may be different than mine. Doesn't mean one of us is better.

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.

cashs_mom

I agree. We put a tremendous amount of time and effort into our projects. I try to use the best fabric I can afford.

Genden

I agree that good quality fabric is the most economical in the long run. I have my favorite brands. My favorite brand begins with an "M" and I have never had an inferior quality fabric in this brand. With that said, it is possible to find closeouts and discontinued collections for good prices. I too would not disparage anyone's choices. Our quilting progenitors used the fabric that was available. Their creativity and ingenuity is to be admired. Many of you donate many hours and resources making quilts for charity. If you had to pay top prices for the best quality fabric, you wouldn't be able to make nearly as many quilts.
However, I think the point of this thread is that with experience quilting, we learn and become more discriminating. It is nice when we get to the point where we can tell a quality fabric by looking at it and feeling it.

Daylesewblessed

For me, sometimes letting go and moving some fabric on to another place is difficult. Personally, I find that once it is gone, I rarely miss it. In fact, it is liberating to clear some space and get some of that not so good fabric off my mind.

quiltingshorttimer

I've definitely gotten more discerning about the fabric I use--but I also choose to use cheaper fabric for some projects that I know will become "floor" quilts--like the play mats for the g-sons, or the quilt that is intended to be left in a car in case of emergency and will get sunlight damage. So while I agree that it's wise to use the best you can afford most of the time, I do think there are times that a cheaper quality fits the bill too--of course on those projects I end not to have an involved pattern.

Mrs. SewNSew

Exactly. *That M brand is one I trust to be good quality too.

Good points about quilts that are to be abused or donated. I know I couldn't afford the more expensive fabrics to make a lot of charity quilts!

justflyingin

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!

jmoore

Glad to know it's normal... I have a small stack that I purchased about 4 years ago when I first started quilting that I wouldn't dream of putting into one of my quilts. Our guild is having an auction in June so I will donate and hope someone else can find use of them.

Bren

Life is too short. If I don't love it I don't use it!