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I'm a new quilter on a limited quilting budget. I started my "stash" by purchasing some pretty fabrics on ebay. I buy in bundles, or lots, so I get a better price. The only problem is I also ended up with some fabrics I hated. I found I was so afraid of cutting in to my pretty and/or expensive fabrics (afraid I would do something wrong and ruin my project). To get over that fear, I decided to go to my stash and pick out the two ugliest fabrics I could find......they just had to contrast. Then I made a baby blanket using the ugly fabrics just to try out a pattern I wanted to make. The quilt turned out really cute......much to my surprise!!!!!!! Then I pulled a bunch of ugly fabric from my stash, cut in small pieces, and made a TAW. It is beautiful!!!!!!!!!! These 2 experiments have taught me 2 things 1) 2 or more fabrics that would look hideous together if made in to clothing can look great when part of a quilt design. 2) even hideous fabrics, if cut in to small enough pieces :D, can be beautiful. Now I'm ready to take that stash, cut em up, and make some quilts. If I don't like it, I can always give it away. There are some charities that prefer "ugly" quilts, so my experiments won't ever go to wast!:D:D:D
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Originally Posted by novicequiltergrandma
(Post 6524781)
I'm a new quilter on a limited quilting budget. I started my "stash" by purchasing some pretty fabrics on ebay. I buy in bundles, or lots, so I get a better price. The only problem is I also ended up with some fabrics I hated. I found I was so afraid of cutting in to my pretty and/or expensive fabrics (afraid I would do something wrong and ruin my project). To get over that fear, I decided to go to my stash and pick out the two ugliest fabrics I could find......they just had to contrast. Then I made a baby blanket using the ugly fabrics just to try out a pattern I wanted to make. The quilt turned out really cute......much to my surprise!!!!!!! Then I pulled a bunch of ugly fabric from my stash, cut in small pieces, and made a TAW. It is beautiful!!!!!!!!!! These 2 experiments have taught me 2 things 1) 2 or more fabrics that would look hideous together if made in to clothing can look great when part of a quilt design. 2) even hideous fabrics, if cut in to small enough pieces :D, can be beautiful. Now I'm ready to take that stash, cut em up, and make some quilts. If I don't like it, I can always give it away. There are some charities that prefer "ugly" quilts, so my experiments won't ever go to wast!:D:D:D
1. Ugly fabrics work when cut up small and a TATW works for that--just use 2 or 2.5" pieces 2. Some charities prefer ugly so the quilts won't get sold for cash 3. Be brave and use what you have! Great job, grandma! |
Threads Magazine has a "special edition" out right now, called Quilting from Scraps or something like that. It is great in sugggesting how you might store your "scraps/pieces" what qualifies for saving...e.g. bitty scraps could be saved for a bit...and then possibly toss after a set time. Also, how to store for light colors versus darks, and those "others" in between values. I can see how this might greatly simplify working from scraps. Plus the magazine is full of great scrap ideas for quilts without resorting to "scrappy" patterns.
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I find that if I only purchase fabrics I really like, ultimately most of them will play well together. Also, I treat my stash like my own private Quilt Shop. I do have some fabrics that are waiting for that PERFECT pattern (for them).
That being said, occasionally, I purchase a fabric that is just not me -- those go into pot holders, pincushions, sample blocks -- someone will really like that fabric -- even if I don't remember why I bought it. |
Originally Posted by Emma S
(Post 6523216)
Many great suggestions! Just a slightly different slant. I almost always make queen sized quilts. Rule of thumb, takes approx. 9 yards of fabric, since I like controlled scrappy it is easy to pull five coordinating two yard lengths from my stash. Another thing that I learned from Bonnie Hunter, you can use approx. the same color in the same quilt in the same place in the pattern, it just adds interest. I guess what I am really saying is the choosing can be as much fun as all the other parts of making a quilt. Just relax and enjoy.
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Originally Posted by Dolphyngyrl
(Post 6522799)
Me too, just can't afford to buy material without knowing how much of it I need. And then to buy coordinating fabrics or hope you find coordinating later when the line is discontinued, too many variables to me. I always buy most fabrics with pattern in mind. If I see a fabric I like I might use it for small bags or accessories so usually only buy 1-2 yards so I have made myself several kits by taking patterns I plan on making and buying fabric accordingly. less surprises later
I do 'shop' my leftovers and if they are useful, great. But my fabric tastes are changing - I have only been quilting a couple years - and my idea of what kind of quilt I want to make next is changing too. |
I put fabric that I think go together and then get a blender or background and do a block/pattern that I like. Bow tie, pinwheels, friendship star, half square triangle etc. love the way many fabrics look as they go together.
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Well checkout Bonnie Hunter's scrap quilts. She has a bunch of wonderful free patterns. Pick out some neutrals and then add colours. the sky is the limit. In my own opinion keep keep one fabric, ie. a neutral to be the common thread throughout your quilt. Start with a lap quilt and if you like how it's turning out just make it bigger.
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Marcy J. I know exactly what you mean! And, I've done the same with buying fabric that is to my liking and putting it in my stash. Some nice stuff there, but it's still sitting there. Uh oh, am I a hoarder???? I need to take a class on color values and the rest that goes with it. Anyway, I spend a lot of time staring at the fabric I've accumulated and I also get very discouraged. Then there's Bonnie Hunter who makes these gorgeous quilts from scraps, but that's different from what you and I are talking about I think. What about making Log Cabin blocks? I've tried with my batiks and what I've done so far is an assortment of pretty blocks. But, I do understand what you've written.
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Marcy, what great suggestions you've been given, and I'll take those suggestions to use myself. A lot of wonderful resource folks on this board. Thanks to all.
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