Why do I end up with more fabric/squares/triangles/blocks than I need!!!
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Morganton, Ga
Posts: 944
I learned my lesson decades ago when I didn't buy enough of one color for a mystery quilt. Would have but since I usually want to put my own spin on a project, I ran out of an important color. Had to introduce another color and the project became the quilt from Hell. When finished it was really awsome, but full of design anxiety moments. I now buy at least 1/2 yard more of each color called for.
#24
I too, thought I had made too many blocks for my daughter's QOV, but she just told me she had purchased a king size bed. of course I had made her a queen size. Now I have to figure out a second or third border to make it fit. So I think I'll keep on buying extra, since I do not have enough of the background fabric to finish.
#25
When I am buying fabric for a quilt, I am always buying much more than I need. I am always worried that I will "not have enough". I cut more pieces than I need, "just in case I ruin some". I put together more blocks than I need, "just in case one turns out too wonky. I cannot be the only one out there with lots of orphan blocks left over, lots of little pieces, lots of fabric. Is this another "hoarding" that is lurking behind "the master of fabric hoarding???"
These then make wall hangings, mug rugs, potholders etc. Win win
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Carroll, Iowa
Posts: 3,484
I'm the same as you. Once upon a time I purchased just what I thought I needed and later on found I needed more. The fabric was no longer available and it was before I knew about sites to request if anyone had this fabric to sell to me. Now I buy more than I know I will ever need in case I decide on a different pattern in midstream which has happened occasionally.
If I cut too many strips, they might get put into a matching pillow or pillowcase which I'm doing for the "quilt from Hades". On my DP9 on point, I made a little quilt for his kitty so they matched in color. If they fabric is cut say in 5" squares, they go into my tote for orphan 5", and so on. Nothing goes to waste in this house. Plus, I have an embroidery machines so small little pieces can be used in applique designs. In the next couple of weeks a friend just new to the life of making quilts will be coming over to dive into my scrap box for a scrappy quilt she wants to attempt. As she has no scraps of her own, I told her to come on over as mine procreate during the night and I'm being over run by them.
I buy fabric on impulse so never know what it will become. If my eye catches sight of it, I buy and at least 1 yd or more. If the bolt is just about finished, I buy the whole piece. Left the other day with 25 fabrics, 18 cleaned off the bolt. It was a very good day.
If I cut too many strips, they might get put into a matching pillow or pillowcase which I'm doing for the "quilt from Hades". On my DP9 on point, I made a little quilt for his kitty so they matched in color. If they fabric is cut say in 5" squares, they go into my tote for orphan 5", and so on. Nothing goes to waste in this house. Plus, I have an embroidery machines so small little pieces can be used in applique designs. In the next couple of weeks a friend just new to the life of making quilts will be coming over to dive into my scrap box for a scrappy quilt she wants to attempt. As she has no scraps of her own, I told her to come on over as mine procreate during the night and I'm being over run by them.
I buy fabric on impulse so never know what it will become. If my eye catches sight of it, I buy and at least 1 yd or more. If the bolt is just about finished, I buy the whole piece. Left the other day with 25 fabrics, 18 cleaned off the bolt. It was a very good day.
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Bushkill, Pa
Posts: 534
The answer to the question is something you wrote yourself. You buy too much fabric. Make a quilt composed of nothing but orphan blocks, make a scrap quilt with the little pieces. As far as lots of fabric, that to me is called a stash. It's probably difficult, because I know it is, don't buy anymore fabric for awhile. I know women who go to the Salvation Army for fabric because they can't afford any other fabric. Find a woman quilter friend who is starving for fabric, and put together a bag of your excess. Download a couple of free patterns while you're at it. Most of all, look at what you have and say, "Thank you, God. This is awesome." Just a couple of suggestions.
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