Originally Posted by jeannedog (Post 6228492)

When my neighbor visits me, she looks around and asks ---what are you going to do with all this fabric?
Jeannedog

Originally Posted by Jannie (Post 6227356)

If you only have 211 pieces, I think you better go shopping!

Originally Posted by MargeD (Post 6226680)

While not horrified, I was amazed at how much fabric I had when we were downsizing from a 3-bedroom home to a 2 bedroom apartment. Because people knew that I quilted, they would pass on their fabrics, plus when my sister passed away, I inherited her "stash". I did manage to give away about half of my stash to a dear friend, who passed on some of the fabrics to another friend who did charity quilts, so I know the fabric won't go to waste. Because of "budget cuts" since we are both on Social Security, I no longer make lots of visit to JoAnn's or order fabric off the internet, but I still have a significant amount of fabric. That said, I did make a quilt for our DGD that was made entirely from my stash, and I will post the picture when I get it quilted, hopefully in the not too distant future when the Dr. says I can use my arm again. I had surgery to repair a pretty bad torn rotator cuff in my right arm (of course), but I'm beginning to do some sewing and hope to be able to start quilting again soon. I plan to send a picture of the finished quilt to QB.

Originally Posted by Rennie (Post 6225959)

Probably a dumb question - but since I am just starting to get into doing quilts (very basic beginner) - when you talk about a stash of fabrics - other than fat quarters which I have more than 211 of already - what size do you buy when you purchase. I was thinking a yard - but while working on my first quilt, I see I need bigger pieces in order to get my borders made. I don't want to have to "shop" every time I need border yardage - but obviously fat quarters won't work and I am not sure 1 yard pieces are big enough. Any suggestions? Rene

Originally Posted by jeannedog (Post 6228492)

When my neighbor visits me, she looks around and asks ---what are you going to do with all this fabric?
Jeannedog

Originally Posted by Jan in VA (Post 6225268)

That's the whole point!!! At least in MY world, and I encourage it in others. For instance, I often sew at night (not yet - still another few weeks after surgery before I can do that!), I sew on the weekends, I sew when the shops are closed and it would really cramp my style if I had to run out for the right thing at those times. For instance, I just recently completed a curved log cabin quilt in graded shades of reds/golds/teal that had at least 50 different fabrics in it -- ALL from my stash. I'd have spent hours and hours if I had had to shop for those fabrics. Yuck!

Looks to me like you are off to a great start in your quilting career!

Originally Posted by EvieD44 (Post 6225817)

I didn't know that you should wash all your batiks before using them..........why? Do they run? I love reading what's on this board almost every morning but I don't post. Don't know how things work on it. I know.....I know ....I should read how to do things. But that's like Facebook....I'm on that but don't usually post things either. Just love to look at the pics of my kids and grandchildren and friends of mine. I've been quilting for about 10 years, been retired for 5 years. I don't quilt regularly, only when I'm working on a project. I also have some UFO's. Now concerning my stash....I have it in two large book cases, and some draws and on some shelves.....I seem to be more of a collector than a sewer!!! But when I go in my sewing room I love to just stand there and look at all the beautiful colors!! I love my "stash" I don't know how much I have either.....but I know it's not enough! It will never be enough. And yes I do pick from it and I have made quilts from it without hardly buying any for that project. Nice talking to everyone! I just love, love this site......such wonderful people on it. I sit here every morning with my coffee and enjoy all of you!