My Quilting Manifesto
#61
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Somewhere in Time
Posts: 2,697
I have always viewed my sewing room as valuable real estate. My current sewing room is crowded but doable. For me finished quilts consume too much real estate. I currently prefer small projects -- table toppers, wall hangings, etc. I am also working on perfectly my skills -- piecing, applique, and paper piecing. I also enjoy knitting, hand embroidery, counted cross-stitch, and reading. My sewing room is my haven/sancturary where I enjoy quiet time as well; a place where I can sit, relax and do nothing.
Last edited by Aurora; 03-01-2015 at 07:02 AM.
#63
Wow! I love that you shared your perspective with us! You are so right about things!
I'm sure many of us are unable to take a step back and objectively review our inventory....but we should bookmark your post and revisit it every once in awhile.
I believe I'm living by some of your suggestions already.
Thanks again for your insight!
I'm sure many of us are unable to take a step back and objectively review our inventory....but we should bookmark your post and revisit it every once in awhile.
I believe I'm living by some of your suggestions already.
Thanks again for your insight!
#64
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 727
If I can't "enjoy" the planning and giving, the "play" with colours and designs, "explore" new fabric mediums and quilting methods using my hands, and vintage and modern sewing machines, and "create" a one and only quilt that exists, I would not be a quilter at all !
It is my hobby and an art form that is my own to do as I wish when I wish to do so...... Not a business and never will be
#66
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Greer, SC
Posts: 215
Completely enjoyed reading this. I've been involved in many 5S projects in our factory so I know the premise of what's suggested. Makes good sense. The biggest takeaway for me is the idea of kitting. I become overwhelmed at picking the next project and then getting the fabrics selected for it. If I can go ahead and get 4-5 projects ready and kitted I would be far more productive. Posts like this, with interesting suggestions get me excited about what I can incorporate into my own hobby!!
#68
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 965
I have an embarrassingly large stash. I am the go to gal whenever anyone needs anything they can't find for a project they are working on. I know what I have and I know where it is. Mi stash es tu stash.
On the subject of charity quilts. I do my very best with those as I would with any quilt that I make for anyone. Sometimes I make a mistake choosing colors, it's happened many times, but just because I may not love the finished product I can't help but think that it would keep someone warm so I give it away to where ever it would fit. If it's subdued, to a shelter, if it's wild and bright to a foster child.
I would hate to think that some quilters might be discouraged from giving their quilts away because they are not perfect.
On the subject of charity quilts. I do my very best with those as I would with any quilt that I make for anyone. Sometimes I make a mistake choosing colors, it's happened many times, but just because I may not love the finished product I can't help but think that it would keep someone warm so I give it away to where ever it would fit. If it's subdued, to a shelter, if it's wild and bright to a foster child.
I would hate to think that some quilters might be discouraged from giving their quilts away because they are not perfect.
#69
My mother says..."cotton is going to do nothing but go up in price, so buy it while it's good price now." My husband (and engineer with both a MBA and MS) says, you don't have "just in time inventory, you have whenever the h*** you feel like it inventory." This is the same man who has bought me not one, but two Handi Quilters (Sweet Sixteen and Avante), so really it was just a funny moment. Oh and when I got the Avante I thought about selling the Sweet Sixteen to fund the ProStitcher for it and the family went in an uproar about that as well and just bought me the ProStitcher. I apparently can't sell any tools. I feel like now though since I have all the tools to finish my own quilts, that I don't worry about a big stash.
Also, since I have my Avante set up in basement, I do have 2 sets of tools and a set I carry with me in my travel kit. I like to keep that packed, so I can leave at a moments notice to go quilt with the girls. However, I like to piece while the machine is running and don't want to have to keep going up and down for this or that.
I did take inventory about a year ago. Not of the kits, but of the WIP and tops that need to be quilted. That was a feat in itself and have since hung the tops and have started to work those down. I do feel like I have enough now that I could work from stash for awhile, but I like to support my LQS b/c I love those gals and I would like to see them stick around. I love the community at the shop.
A little background... I have both a BS and MS in Business, but I'm more of the creative type and I just love to collect fabric. I also retired at 40 last year and need things to do. I figure there are worse ways to spend money.
Also, since I have my Avante set up in basement, I do have 2 sets of tools and a set I carry with me in my travel kit. I like to keep that packed, so I can leave at a moments notice to go quilt with the girls. However, I like to piece while the machine is running and don't want to have to keep going up and down for this or that.
I did take inventory about a year ago. Not of the kits, but of the WIP and tops that need to be quilted. That was a feat in itself and have since hung the tops and have started to work those down. I do feel like I have enough now that I could work from stash for awhile, but I like to support my LQS b/c I love those gals and I would like to see them stick around. I love the community at the shop.
A little background... I have both a BS and MS in Business, but I'm more of the creative type and I just love to collect fabric. I also retired at 40 last year and need things to do. I figure there are worse ways to spend money.
#70
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,421
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