cutting or starting phobia
 

I have a wonderful stash of fabric. I like to fold it, re-arrange it and pet it. But when it comes to actually making something from my stash I can't seem to give myself permission to actually use my fabric.

My excuses:
-It's a nice big piece- I can use it for backing,
-Then when I'm looking for backing it's too good for backing.
-It's not big enough for what I need and then I have to find a 2nd and 3rd piece that matches
-But it's too pretty to use in a charity quilt, I want to make something for myself from that fabric-yet never do because it's not big enough.

I stand in front of my stash thinking I should do something and can't find matching fabrics or have too many choices and get a brain freeze then go back to sewing crumbs because it's stress free sewing.

I need to get over my cutting phobia and actually use my stash!

In my charity quilting group, for the long time members who are good at producing quilt tops-they've started handing out bundles of coordinating fabrics to make quilts. This should make it easier to work with but I'm still frozen. I pull the bundles apart and can't decide what to do...it's all so annoying. Then I go back to sewing crumbs to unfreeze my brain.

But I'll sew scraps together randomly, from bags I receive from my fellow quilters. I've made 100's of crumb blocks and scrappy 4 patches, 9 patches, rail fences. I can really get behind scrappy quilts.


For now, I use my larger pieces to make sashing and borders for my scrappy quilts. I'd like to make an actually planned quilt with only 2-3 colors.

It's like if it's still uncut there is potential to be something wonderful...and once I cut it, I can really make a mess if I'm not careful...what if the colors don't go together well? Or something like that.

Any one else have this problem? What do you do?

You say you are saving it for a quilt for yourself- well find a pattern that you love and make yourself a quilt. Maybe start with a throw size - it sounds like you are nervous about the whole process ( even if you don't mention it ) from the cutting , picking the colors, to the sewing/matching seams . You have to allow yourself to make mistakes - become friends with (Jack) the ripper. And if it doesn't come out perfect that is fine also :)

I make my quilts to be loved - not show stoppers.

Are you thinking you talents won't match what the others in your group can do ? We all start as beginners and take baby steps - practice -practice-practice. And making charity quilts is a wonderful way to practice :)

Take a couple deep breaths and enjoy - and remember these wise words I have heard here MANY times - what does it look like when you are on a galloping horse going fast- can you see the "mistakes" ?

I did -- not anymore -- the more sure of yourself you get the easier it'll be. BTW -- years and years and years ago, I bought some of the new stuff (mock suede) to make my husband a jeans type jacket. It cost $30.00 (a lot when your bring home pay is less than $1000.) total for the fabric and supplies and it so intimidated me that I put off making it for 2 yrs!!!!

I too have your "affliction" . Just last night I was picking out a backing for a quilt and went through the exact same thing you describe. From the start of the quilt I thought I had the perfect backing... and then it struck.... the its "its too good " or "maybe there is a better quilt it will be suited for" then " its more than what I need , so I should save it", and finally "is this the backing for a scrap quilt, as its alot of premium yardage".... This went on for over 2 hours.... and this morning the same thing started all over again.... I have decided that I sometimes have too much choice and that contributes to my "paralysis".... but then again if I had less would I then purchase and start the cycle over again.
This issue has led me to be far more comfortable making scrap quilts and produce more scrap quilts than quilts from yardage.
Sometimes when I find myself in this issue, I have to repeat over and over... " there is more fabric at the stores, and every year it just gets better" , "better to use it now , so I can have space for better". Notice I said .."sometimes" at the start of the sentence.
Now after reading your post and my response... I am going to do it... USE the "GOOD STUFF". oh give me strenght!!!

If you like scrappy quilts the best, then you could organize your fabrics by color. Select a pattern, then start pulling fabrics from your color families and cut the strip sizes you need. I completely stopped stashing fabrics for backings and borders. I either wait until I'm finished piecing or cut 10.5" squares from my stash as I cut strips.

I used to buy matching fabrics for a quilt and get paralyzed by the fear that I would run out of fabric. Once I read about the scrap user's system on Bonnie Hunt's quiltville.com website, I found it so freeing. I prefer controlled color scrappy quilts, so this works the best for me. Even though I only have a small stash, I know that I won't ever run out of fabric for a quilt, I can just go shopping for more fabric in my colors and make some more blocks. If I make too many blocks, I can use them later in a backing or border.

I love folding and looking at my fabric also. I spend more time "petting" it than cutting and sewing. I make lots of quilts
for others but just don't have the time to make one for me.

I can soooooo relate to these posts.

I can happily cut up and sew bits and pieces -

Starting phobia? I think more of us have trouble finishing than we have starting the project!
Dayle

I am getting so bad with so much fabric it is pushing me out of my sewing room,when I make a new quilt I go out and buy new fabric. My DSIL is always after me to do something with it to make more room for myself. I read on the board someone ask would your family know how much all your fabric and machines are worth if you were to die. I thought I would inform my DD the next time they were here just how much money was in all I have. We were talking and she said, if anything were to happen to me she was taking it all home with her. DSIL said what? She said yes, I don't care what you say, I would never let it go anywhere else. Poor guy looked like he had water poured over his head. Like Mother , like daughter.

I have to force myself. For me, it's easier if I first pull fabrics for the quilt top, lay them out so that I think they kind of go together, and then just start cutting. I don't choose a backing fabric until the top is finished, and by that time I'm so eager to get the quilt finished it's more a matter of "this fabric will work" or I'll have to go and buy something that fits.

The other thing I do is reassure myself frequently that there are wonderful fabrics out there I can buy to replace the ones I have. They don't have to be exact replacements; they just have to be equally wonderful!

I also have found that it gets easier with every quilt. The more quilts under the belt, the easier it is to start a new one! I think that's because I realize that there is no need to make only "perfect" quilts; it's only necessary to actually make a quilt!

Mine has to do more with the economy. I hate to just use it up, with DH out of work and all. That said, I have enough for several lifetimes. I can see so many possibilities that I can't pick the "best" one. *sigh*

piney

I have a sister that has trouble cutting or using her larger pieces of fabric. She asked me how I was able to dig into my stash and use what was there. I pick my favorite pieces and do one of two things, make a quilt so that when I use it can enjoy the fabric more that sitting in my stash or cut the piece into smaller pieces to use in several scrap quilts. Once the fabric is cut into smaller workable pieces, it seems to be easier to use.

This doesn't effect me anymore. I don't really have any fabric that I can't make myself cut into, I'd much rather see it all made into something useful. There was a time however, back in the 80's or so when I first started to really make a lot of quilts that I procrastinated in cutting fabric. It was more because of the good money I had spent on the fabric than anything else...I was terrified I would cut it wrong and the fabric would be wasted. I got over it quickly enough once I showed myself that I was able to cut straight, LOL!

Like you, it's a whole lot easier procuring fabric than cutting it but with practice and participating in QB swaps, it is getting easier to work on projects. The finished projects here inspire me. Thanks for initiating and participating in this thread.

i completely understand your hesitation charity-crafter. i also stare at and touch my fabric unable to decide. i used to think the problem was that i did not have enough of any one thing so i started buying larger quantities. now i just have more and still have trouble deciding.

it is beginning to come to my little brain that i must use what i have. the light is starting to dawn that every time i go to the shops there is more fabric that i just love. so, even if i use what i have at home i will still find other stuff to buy. it isn't easy yet to just pick a fabric and sew, but it is getting better since i came to this realization.

i try to apply the same logic (ha-ha) to shopping. i can now actually walk away from some of the most beautiful fabrics because there will be others later. well, it works until there is a half off sale. yeah!

I could have written your post-yes something stops me from using up stash, like it's money in the bank until it's cut--but recognized that and pushing past it by every month I cut fabrics for a planned quilt. I'm finding the sewing process and finished quilt make me happier than a wall of fabric. Also this way if any fabric shortage I can still find it in stores.

Oh yes, I have this problem big time. I don't have trouble if I go into a store with a certain pattern and I buy the fabric for it. I can't wait to get home and start cutting. Have a lot of trouble finishing because then I see something else I want to start. As for digging into my stash, yes, I have trouble getting in there for all the same reasons that you mentioned. If it is a small piece, there is not enough. If it is a big piece, I don't want to cut into it because I might need "all of it" later which I won't really.

Yesterday at shop hop I bought some pieces that I really liked as well as some patterns. Now that i am home and really have buyers remorse. I am also thinking "what the heck am I going to do with these pieces because I did not buy any cordinates." I did not buy any cordinates because I don't know what I am going to do with the pieces. And it is true, every shop I went to I would find something better. On the plus side, I did NOT buy any FQ's. I am reorganizing my sewing room/storage. I have way too many fat quarters and they are hard to store. Besides that, with a fat quarter there is never enough to do very much. Oh, woe are we!

Unlike you, though, I don't do anything with the crumbs except save them also. I am pathetic. And speaking of paralyzed, I have a prom dress to remake. I have it ripped out but can't decide where to start to make it 4 inches smaller. YIKES...sequins, tulle and satin. Give me cotton and a quilt to make anyday! Granddaughter says, "You can do it, Nana" so I MUST!!

When ever you get an answer to how to beat the above problem, let me know. Meanwhile (after I finish the prom dress) I will continue to pet, fold and caress those big pieces and ones too small. I can't believe how much most of us have in common.

I have the same problem.... Sometimes I am better and sometimes worse... My favorite time is after I have started cutting and sewing. I hate the start (yikes what if I cut this wrong or just have the combination as I get started) and hate the finish (quilting is not my strong suit, but I am trying to learn). I had my Handi Quilter frame loaded for almost 2 weeks before I could push myself to begin stitching. Just finished it today and pulled from the frame. Quilting sure isn't perfect, but at least now ready for finish.

Yes, this is it exactly. And it has so much potential until it's cut. Once it's cut then that pattern that I find tomorrow that would have been perfect isn't ...I know, it's convoluted thinking.

Sometimes I think that I shouldn't use it up, that I have to make it last-like there won't be more fabric sales if I use my stash up? I guess with fabric getting more expensive I dread the day I'll need to spend $6 and up for more.

Another problem I have is coordinating colors-I tend not to see all the different shades of a color and sometimes I'll just force myself to make something work and after I get a few blocks together I realize that it's not quite the right color. I finally bought a color wheel and keep it next to my stash to help. And I have a friend who has a good eye for color and I'll put my ideas together in a bag along the pattern and go visit her. Sometimes she'll pull out one of my fabrics and give something better from her stash.

Glad to know I'm not alone in this silliness.

I used to be like that till I went to a couple of "sales" where the family was selling off the lady's stash. I don't want to leave that for my family to do. I think that will be happier with finished quilts and I am having a great time making charity quilts for several organizations.

I've inherited my grandmother and aunt's quilts, I have enough quilts at my house. I tend to make charity quilts and baby quilts for really good friends. I've made throws for every couch and chair in the house. My aunts would make my father a quilt every year for his birthday. He finally had to tell them to stop, he only had one bed and didn't need so many quilts. He gave them to me and my sister.

So the excuse that I want to make something for myself, is just an excuse. I was thinking of making a nice display of fat quarters of my favorite fabrics as a decoration. then I can pet it all I want and use the rest. LOL

That's what makes me want to use my stash. Our group has received several large donations from quilters who have passed, leaving families having to figure out what to do with it. I've actually stopped buying just random fabrics because it's a good price , I only buy patriotic fabrics and backing fabrics.

I sew with a very good group, we share our stashes a lot. Someone will announce a project- zoo fabrics, or pink frogs or dogs. Or I need some pink that matches this...so the next time we meet, we bring what we have and see if it works. So I try to donate to this cause as much as I can. Then they'll bring me their scraps and I'll mindlessly sew my scraps.

I bought 1 really large (several yards) piece of a gorgeous novelty fabric. It is a lighter blue with darker blue writing and pictures on it. I love this one piece too much to cut it. I still can't find just the right quilt pattern for it... the rest of my fabrics are used with abandon. I love the fabric I buy but then, I know I can always find another fabric I love the next time I go to the store.

You love it, use it! You can't take it with you! I had this prob too a while back, however, I decided that the fabric I was "saving" for a certain project did not get made, so now I go to my stash & use my beautiful fabric - I love it!

I also have this problem. I sit in my sewing room, fondle fabric, re-arrange Bins of fabric, look at all the put together pieces, and walk out of the room. I wish I had an answer for you. Maybe someone on this board can find a remedy that will help both of us.

I do this same thing! Sew many patterns, sew much fabric, decisions, decisions, decisions! But finally just decide on a pattern, pick out the fabrics, and go for it. Better to have something a little less than perfect done than nothing!

I have other people cut it up!

Ditto Girl, it's nice to know I'm not alone in this phobia. I'll be watching what others have to say.

One of the members of my quilting group has a accucquilt studio and she'll cut up her smaller pieces into squares or rectangles. I love to get a bag of her pieces. Sometimes I'll get bags of small pieces to use for my scrappys and I'll just cut those up into strips....but it's the yardage I have problems cutting into. Good to know I'm not alone.

With prices so high, I've been MAKING myself use from my stash. Those fabrics I've been "saving", for what ever reason, are going to get used! I've got gobs of scraps, but don't have a plan in place to use them. I've been organizing them into colors, but I have trouble making scrap quilts. I need to get on Bonnie Hunter's site and make myself get started. I can't just start sewing scraps together randomly. I have a need for organization. I find if I have a pattern to follow, even if it is my own, I can cut into those pieces because I know where they will be when I'm done. Don't know if that makes sense, LOL!

I was like that also, but decided not to buy any more fabric, just use from my stash, which is probably enough for a small fabric shop. I refuse to buy anymore fabric. I recently quit smoking, so I have been keeping busy with making and finishing up WIP. The cutting is what helps with the not smoking the most. Also, my DD doesn't sew or quilt, so would hate for my family to just do whatever with it. I do have a few friends who will get whatever I have left after I'm gone, which hopefully will be a long time yet.

I love all the good advice that is shared on this board. I think all of us are alike in one way or another. I have many pieces of fabric that I hate to use because maybe I will find a pattern that will be better for it than the one I was thinking of using it for. I recently finished the top of a scrappy quilt and had a piece in mind for the pack. I went to the store to buy batting and ended up buying a piece for the back also. Than was not in my plan and now I still have the original piece I was going to use. I think I need to write down what my plan is so I actually use what I have and don't buy more. Sometime I think I will just save it all for the day when maybe I can't buy anything to sew with. I hope that day never comes but if it does many of us will still have fabric in our stash.

I'm so glad to hear I'm not the only one with the phobia. !!!!!

I love cutting fabric! Now it is a whole different story when I get to the binding... ugh!!!!!!

I understand!~! I am so afraid I will find something better to use the fabric on!! The only thing heoping me break this habit is being on disability...I do not have the money to spend as freely on fabric...therefore, I need to use my stash more.

I've been saving a lot of fabric because I can't seem to cut into it and now it is kind of "out of style". Dang! So I have to hurry up and use it. I know, fabric shouldn't go out of style, but to me, this did.

That's it exactly. I'm afraid that when I actually cut into it, it won't look as good as I imagine or something better will come along later.

Thanks for starting this thread, I have this problem too. One thing I have learned is that if you keep a fabric for a long time it can look dated. I don't want to give away a new quilt that looks like I made it many years ago. Also you can make a quilt now and decide later whether to keep it or give it to someone else. That can help relieve the pressure to be perfect.

Y'all have made me feel so much better. I thought I was the only fabric petter around. I have spent the better part of 2 weeks moving fabric from one room to another. I decided this would be a good time to wash all of my fabric that hadn't been washed before, so that is doubling my time. I can't wait to finish and have my sewing/quilting "stuff" in one place. I've discovered lots of fabrics that I forgot I have. I've sorted out a large pile for charity quilts. I really feel great about my current organizing mission. LOL! We can't help it==we're quilters!!!

I think of this a "performance anxiety." Like making yourself sit down and actully type the first word of a story or rip the arms off a fur coat to make a mink teddy bear.
So, I start in the middle! I don't write the first word--I write a scene in the middle of the story that I see as plain as day, and i rip an old mink coat in half and get it over with. Then it is just a tool of a process that is half over-see--not precious fabric to "save"?
Maybe you could play like that with your "planned quilt.'" as if it didn't matter where you start, just get going.
So, ME? I would take the design I like to tackle and and make a sample of it in blue, teal or green (my "oops" colors) work out the angles and hassles on it, and then go through my stash for colors/designs I really love. Settle on 3 or 4 that you have to have in that particular quilt or NOT to use to save for another quilt, and then rip the chosen fabric in half!
Yes, you may have to piece your back - who cares? You will be able to get there.
Then you are free to create.
Works for me.