Fabric purchase without a plan
 

I will be traveling in September. We plan to stop in Paducah, Kentucky. I have only been quilting for 2 years and have always purchased just fabric for a project. So...when you stop at fabric shops and see fabrics that you like, how do you decide what to buy and how much when you really don't have a plan for it?

There is no single answer, I have a friend and if she likes something she buys the rest of the bolt. Even if it is brand new and just put on the shelf.

When I'm just collecting fabric, typically I buy a half yard, but I have a scrappy style.

Some of it depends on the size of projects you make, for me I usually work queen sized and with the size of blocks I make/number of seams, it is about 10-12 yards of fabric for the top. So -- if I really really love the fabric,6 yards means you can do just about anything with it, including a back. 3-4 yards is very usable. Then it starts going down from there.

I used to buy fabric because I liked it, with no plan involved. But now I have a huge stash that seems difficult to use, so I gave some to my mom, some to friends, some to local charities. Now when I know I'm buying, I put the patterns I want to make the most (usually 8 or 10 patterns) in a small 3 ring binder and take it to the store with me. That way I can refer to the pattern's fabric requirements and look at the picture(s), which helps me envision the quilt with the fabrics I'm picking out.

Over the years, I have had multiple instances of wanting to use a fabric I had in my stash only to realize that I needed more than I had. So, my rule of thumb has become 2 to 3 yards.if the fabric is a "light"or I really really like it, otherwise, I purchase a single yard.

Have fun on your trip https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/smile.png

I try to purchase what I can't purchase at home. At Hancock's of Paducah, a few years ago, I purchased neutral batiks. If I see a precut or pattern that I like, I may get one. I have also just picked up a yard of glorious color in a batik. Or sometimes, I will pick up a quilter's gift. The key to shop hopping with me is don't spend too long looking. A recent vacation, I purchased a $10, rotary cutter case. It's similar to an eyeglass case with a zipper. I am going to use it in a gift exchange for my Guild's birthday party this month.

If you have never been to Hancocks in Paducah I suggest having a plan of what you want. It looks s overwhelming, especially for a newbie. My first trip there I came out with nothing. Had to take a break and then return with something in mind. Of course I purchased more than what I wanted.

Has Hancock's opened foe instore shopping?

Hard to answer that question. It depends on how much I like it of course, but these days I have so much yardage that I opt for fat quarter bundles. I love them! If I buy yardage I'll get 1-2 yards generally.

I use to buy a lot of yardage. Now I buy precuts. I buy yardage of basic colors to go with the precuts. . If I see a print I really love I will buy a yard. Most times that yard will sit in my stash for a long time. I buy backing fabric as needed.