It is so funny how these things work but immediately after my previous post, I saw this sampler over here:

https://www.quiltingboard.com/links-...g-t311953.html

Check it out! My mojo has been stalled but this is waking me up -- a sampler I really like! I'm seeing with this golden batik background and strong batiks and hand dyes... all stash. I sent the link to my friend in Arizona, and she's downloaded it and put it on the to-do list too.

Could it be the new, bright colors and unexpected parings of color that have caught your eye? The blocks are just the same old thing, but with a new attitude. Wink, wink! Looking forward to your take on the sampler.

Cattitude: Very pretty quilt.

WMUTeach, I think what I most like about it (and yeah, I recognize a lot of the same old stars) is the different sized blocks and how they fit together. Plus I do love the fabrics but I'm seeing it quite a bit differently in terms of the palette I'd be using, that crisp white is nice but not likely coming out of my stash.

Basic samplers with sashing are the types that I don't gravitate towards. I've seen other people do wonderful things with them, as well as fancier projects with other settings, but somehow it looks like I took a beginning quilting class and barely passed...

Some nice blocks there Iceblossom. Samplers appeal to me on one level.....it would be nice to lose the repetition of making one block over and over. On the other hand I don’t care for the lack of symmetry in most samplers. Does that sound weird from someone who loves scrappy chaos so much? Perhaps if I select maybe five of the block offerings I like best and make enough of each to assemble in a symmetrical manner?

Isn't it funny how we work? Part of what I like most is the lack of symmetry in this one.

There are plenty of star or other themed samplers out there where you can mix and match which blocks you use. Depending on how much background/quilting space you want, those good old snowball blocks can match the star point dimensions and is a nice setting option, especially if your blocks are rather intricate.

In my own scrappy work while I may use a hundred or more fabrics, I'm not so happy with random chaos. Typically I make variations on a block with each block using a different set of fabrics, instead of the goal of every piece different and sorted solely by value but I've done it both ways.

Before I got stalled this year I had planned to work with my box of civil war fabrics. I have enough to make maybe 3 tops and two backs and then be able to send the rest out -- it was going to be a major stash busting year! One was designed to be the value sorted every piece in a block different (but I would use the fabrics more than once), one is the same block done in different sets of fabrics, and one was to use a striped fabric and then I was going to have rows of simple blocks, like churn dash in one, 9-patch in another, etc., with the blocks probably set on the diagonal with a light muslin background.

Still want/plan to do the tops, but I've just pushed them back on the to-do list for awhile, next year maybe.

A person in my church quilting group answered an ad for quilting fabric. Yesterday a couple others in our group went through the fabric and filled 2 grocery bags for me of great quilting cottons. I was told as they went through the fabric, my name was often said: Connie’s pile. Lol!

My friend was anxious to show me some of the cut pieces. Beautifully cut triangles in coordinating fabric and some strips. She wanted to know what I did with the strips. She thought maybe I would use them to put between rows and I told her I could but I will probably sew them together in sets and cut squares from them. Lol! (She sews with the precut squares my church group cuts.) There were also fat quarters and a variety of sizes for other pieces. I need to finish my current project before I dig into the bags and start sorting. It will be a perfect project while watching a baseball game.

One of the ladies sorting yesterday took some of the fabric for baby quilts and there were still 2 more bags to go elsewhere.

Retiredteache09, showers of blessing on your group.

One of my first big purges was to a church group that supported many causes and I believe in supporting the quilters too. They got about two black plastic garbage bags full of yardage and UFOs. It was fun, we went through the goodies with about 6 people, different people claiming different things and then the bag left for the rest of them. Most of the time I just pass off the fabric, so it was fun to tell the stories. Some of those had some pretty interesting history, UFOs from estates and such. There was a small collection of true vintage blocks and pieces for Parasol Ladies, fortunately one of the ladies specialized in just that sort of thing.

Every now and then I have a project and a brief regret that I just used up the last of something, or darn, just sent away the perfect fabric. But the reality is there is still plenty more fabric where that came from, even if not the same close enough or maybe it's just time to take a different direction.

I have to remind myself that my goal is to use and not collect fabric right now. Using fabric means that fabric gets used and then its gone! That's what is supposed to happen. It's just sometimes I need the reminder that I'm in reduction mode now...

Iceblossom - wise words - the goal is to *use* the fabric!
which leads me to my question for the much smarter members of the board...
I'm not color blind - but I am color stupid.
I purchased the red rooster fabric because I just love those roosters! And I knew it would need a best friend so I got the blue at the same time. The plan is to make Ohio Stars with the red centers and blue as the star points. The background (top) is from stash but I thought it needs one more punch of color and many of the Ohio Stars I saw used a 3rd color in the QSTs to form a diamond around the center. https://www.seasonedhomemaker.com/ma...r-quilt-block/

Here is the question: I rooted around the stash and found Long Quarters of these which seem to coordinate....
1) do they? (Remember I'm color stupid)
2) mix and match or keep all the same fabric on each block.
3) there is a yellow from the same rooster line but it seems like a waste to buy more if I can make this from what currently exists in house. Also It doesn't really "make my skirt fly up" if you know what I mean.
Thanks in advance

If I understand you will be using the red chicken fabric in the center of the star? Will you be fussy cutting that? I think you are going to have more of the effect of a white center and red points depending on the scale of your star/center.

I like the swirly stitch sort of fabric option best. Maybe instead of inserting the color (if you fussy cut those chickens) into the block, maybe if you sash with the background and then something like Friendship Stars or Shoo-fly sort of the cornerstones from the accent color.

From the golds, starting at left, I like the color of 2 & 4 with the blue and red. My favorie is #1 but I think the other 2 match better.

Of course I'm going to fussy cut those chickens! (Bawk, bawl!) The chickens themselves are 4" but if I cut 5.5" I can keep some red around the outside for contrast. That makes the finished size of tje Ohio Star 15". I was also going to Anti-fussy cut some just red 2.5 squares and snowball the outside corners of the block, just to add a little extra punch.

The challenge of the yellow is I don't have enough of any 1 fabric. So it would Have to be scrappy - but would those fabrics lend themselves to scrappy in this case?

I like the block to block layout. In that case you can use the different yellows, I'd go one per block trying to keep roughly the same number of each of the fabrics -- so 2 or each or whatever.

I did a very similar quilt for a friend's baby, Ohio Stars (her hubby was from Ohio) many years ago. Had Winnie the Pooh fussy cut blocks, a yellow ring and then red blades, all set off with crisp white.

I purchased 1 1/2 yards of border fabric to edge the center rail fence medallion. Yardage for the center was 3 yards so a net loss on this quilt 1 1/2 yards!

oksewglad: Very pretty and congratulations on a net loss of yardage.

Congratulations on using up stash, Oksewglad!

I managed to use 31/2 yards of a very ugly fabric from my stash by overdoing it and then using it for backing for a UFO that I sandwiched yesterday! Also used a small amount of stash for backing and borders on another UFO that just needs binding. However, I've had a bit of a buying spree on eBay-- I've added 30 5000m. cones of Isacord thread to my stash and another 30 250 yd. spools of general purpose sewing thread to my thread stash. All were purchased for a fraction of the cost of buying new so good deals, but I probably should stop checking out the used thread lots on eBay for a while...

Rob

Goodness, rryder, I never thought of looking for thread on e-bay! Congrats on getting the "ugly" fabric out of your stash! It takes courage sometimes to do that.

I started cutting scrap fabric for Pat Slpan's ScrPpy Stars project. Then I looked at the RWB squares & some other rectangles I've sewn into blocks, & decided I have too many projects! Not counting what I'm sewing at K's, I counted 8 WIP's. Then I remembered my SIL wants a quilt for her niece's baby, due in Nov. Ack! I need to concentrate on 1 or 2. The end of my rant.

I cut another baby quilt tonight. Easy cutting - a Carpenter Star. 1/2 yard purchased - the remainder from stash. I have more than enough of the white on white for the back, but I really don't want a white back.

I mailed seven masks today to a great niece downstate. She couldn't find any cotton ones. I hope they fit. 3 for her, 2 each for her son and husband.

the key to the ugly fabric was overdyeing it. Changing the color helped immensely. There were two pieces, one was 4 yards of hideous brown- that’s the one I used for the backing. The other was about a yard of ugly pink- it is now back in stash, but will get used now that it’s a purple-ish color. Both were given to me, so other than my cost for the fabric paints that I use as “dye” they were freebies.

on thread- Check out used thread lots on eBay. There are some very good deals to be had if you go through a lot of thread like I do.

Rob

On Thursday K & I traveled about 25 miles west to a nice quilt store, JT Ranch, in Cisco, TX. We needed muslin for a 35+ year old top she had, plus I needed backing for a baby quilt. I also bought some WOW, which my many projects have depleted. In all, I got 2 yards of WOW & almost 2.5 yards of back for the baby quilt. I finished the bolt. K bought 1.25 yards of 90" muslin, also finishing the bolt. We pieced some fabric I had with the new to make a complete back for the vintage top. My fabric used was 2 yards, equal to the WOW, plus we used all K bought. I plan to use all the bright backing on the baby quilt, so it won't go into stash. With using the fabric I had on hand, net gain = zero! I'm sure the WOW will be used quickly, too. If I'll get with it & complete my butterfly quilt, which needs quilting & binding, that entire project is from stash, which will remove a lot from my current amount. For now, I stand even.

I haven't bought anything so far this year other than restocking my solid black and white. Black half gone...

Hubby has been planing a road trip in honor of my 60th birthday this year, we have decided that we are going ahead with the plans. In mid-September we will be traveling south down I-5 from Seattle to Sacramento where his sister lives. Then we will turn around and go north on Hwy 101 and go through the Redwoods and coastal Oregon on the way back. It will be one week on the road, and then he has one week at home before going back to work as their guidelines request.

We looked at all the yurts and treehouses and funky accommodations on Air BnB and have picked up some pretty fun and funky dog friendly places to stay, single units operated by homeowners. We've taken the (new) dogs out on two long day trips to see how they do -- and they do great! We had two different dogs in a row that didn't like/didn't do well in a car, so for the last 10 years traveling with the dogs hasn't been easy.

So now I'm deciding to look at quilt shops in my path -- I get a birthday exemption, right?? I'm going to be in Grants Pass, OR and I know Jordan Fabrics is there... Haven't looked yet at what other temptations might cross my path.

Sounds like great fun Iceblossom. What a lovely way to celebrate.
Been awhile for me to check in though I have been reading the posts. Finally I'm in minus territory after purchasing some fabric. Used 5 1/2 yards on Carpenter's Wheel top. Close to 5 on a scrappy top using a free pattern called faux log cabin. 6 1/4 yards on some reusable paper towel/ napkins. At least 6 yards on wall hangings, and real close to 6 on an Arkansas Crossroads pattern. I've seen the ones you have made, loved them - so it was time. I have kept busy at least sewing tops but also wall hangings as well.
With being on full time oxygen, figured the best place for me is home as much as possible. Unfortunately (at least this year!) I only live 20 minutes away from Sturgis and bike week, so even my short little rides are suspended for a few weeks. To add to that I had to put down my sweet cat this week and the rides would have been a welcome relief on how empty this house feels right now. Amazing how they come and take over your world. The Black Hills are gorgeous - I'm lucky I get to see them all the time. I guess I just got to share them thoughhttps://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/smile.png. Everybody have a great weekend.

Iceblossom, your plans sound wonderful!

Elly - I've been watching the news coverage of Sturgis. I think if I was "breathing your oxygen" I would be on extra lock down also! You have my prayers ... And just dig into that stash and sew away!

I have done fairly well this year. I have made about 120 masks and made many bags for charity I have 160 on hand today and have already given others away already. So fell off the wagon today. In my defense it was quilt shop fabric at 50% off. Shop is going through an ownership change and so is selling lots of fabric 50-75% off. Stayed under $50.00 so I did not buy all the ones I wanted to. Reds and brights mostly as I use a lot of those.

I used my birthday exemption to buy this kit

https://www.fiberworks-heine.com/sho...-x42514921.htm

A friend from back in school got her MFA a few years ago and her project was a group of female torso sculptures. Thought this would look cute in her studio, although it will be cut to be a torso, not a dress form.

Iceblossom: Happy 60th! That sounds like an awesome trip.

elly66: Stay safe. My state is suggesting anyone that goes should get tested 7-10 days afterwards. Sorry about your kitty.

LindaJane: Good purchase. Way to go with the masks and bags.

Krisb: Happy Birthday and your friend will love it!

.

OMG- I forgot all about the birthday exemption and my birthday was in July. I’ll apply it to all the thread I bought from eBay in July. Whew! That’s a relief, cause it was a lot of thread https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/biggrin.png

Happy Birthday, Iceblossom and Krisb!

Rob

Glad to have helped any guilt you were dealing with, Rob :) Jordan Fabric physical shop is still currently closed, but we are a month away from the trip.

My Tuesday group is making a comfort quilt, I'd rather not have that as the reason for using yardage but it is a couple of yards out of the stash. Three of the ladies have husbands reaching towards the end of life stage, it's been extra hard getting in the scheduled appointments with the Covid restrictions, much less the emergency visits. The first "off white" was "too beige" but I said I didn't want any pieces back. The current just slightly buttery yellow cream is a bit easier to work with, and again, I don't want any back. Gave out enough for everyone to easily make 8 blocks (plus some not so easy), but we only need 4 completed each. So a couple yards of off white, and we don't know what for the back yet. Our friend's husband had another heart valve surgery last week and came out of it well, but it is time to get together and quilt.

I realized 2 things yesterday
1) I really am going back to school and
2) if Im wearing a mask all day (as opposed to just running into a store briefly) then I should definetly be washing them daily...like underwear.

I'm spending a chunk of today mask making. Fun part is I'm a science teacher and got a cute FQ of "girl scientist" a while ago but never had anything to do with it. I got 6 masks out of the FQ so I'll offer the extras to my friends in the dept.
I like using old T-shirt for the inner lining. Very soft on my face.
Note - I was not one of those people churning out masks when the pandemic first hit. I get no joy from mask making - but I do get joy from masks MADE. Wearing something that is pretty makes me happy.

Thanks for your kindness everyone. Normally I like seeing the beautiful bikes. Actually I still do but it's tinged with a reminder of what's going on currently. The girl scientist fabric is perfect for a science teacher Rff1010. There was no joy for me making masks either. It was more like helping control something during the uncontrollable first weeks that helped.

I'm a retired science teacher. When I took college physics in 1974-75, I was the only girl in the class. I'm glad things have changed! I love chemistry & physics, & before Covid hit I found a FQ of chemistry fabric. I haven't used it yet, I keep petting it & calling it "my precious!"

Yeah and three cheers for female scientists. My oldest granddaughter is all about chemistry and wants to seek a degree in chemical engineering. I should make her a chemistry mask! Her school has already started online last week and may go "in class" but masked in September (Indiana). I saw her last week-end for just a minute when I went to visit. She lives four hours away. It just made my heart sing a little to see my work being used buy my #1 granddaughter. One does not always know what pleases a 16 year old.

Iceblossom, what a nice treat for your birthday. A trip and bonus stops for fabric!

Love to hear all the conversations...RE:Female scientists. 10yo GD has aspirations to be an astronaut. Her mom is a Chemistry major from USNaval Academy.

Managed to get masks made for #1GS headed off to college this week. Poof a yard of fabric out the door! Now for the kids who ride the school bus in our district.

I finished sorting the 2 paper grocery bags of quilter’s fabric that was part of a donation to my church quilting group. My friends did a great job of filling my bags from the donation. There were 70 FQs, 24 fat eighths (some I added when I was trimming the fabric), about 80 10” squares (cut by me from donation), along with other sizes I trimmed of squares, strips, and rectangles which I didn’t record. I usually get 6” of fabric or less from my group because they don’t like sewing with smaller pieces so it was extra fun sorting these fabrics.

I didn’t see the original donation but I know there were several more bags given to our group besides the 2 I brought home.

I better get busy and finish a few more tops. Lol!

K & I started laying out the random blocks I've made from the orange & white pieces her daughter sent. Six blocks I made from floral prints also went with the fabric so were included to fill out the size. I trimmed them & K sewed them. We didn't finish, but it's starting to take shape. This will keep the orange & white out of stash, & reduce my florals by a little bit.

I have to admit, I get some satisfaction from the idea that Conchalea's time in house-selling limbo is over and she once again has access to her own stash and stuff :)

Here it is, year mostly over and I still haven't done hardly anything I planned to do. Still telling myself there is always next year, that fabric isn't going to disappear unless I make that happen, and sometimes things just take as long as they take. These next couple of days I'll be working on a UFO project for another person (that is, it isn't my UFO and I will return a finished top). No stash usage but it does keep me busy.

Conchalea and her friend are getting them out the door...wonderful. What fun to have someone to work with. Ice, I sometimes don't think I'm getting anything done either...then I stop and figure how many masks I've made and need to make some for kids going back to school. In between I've been hopscotching around a couple of projects...seems my mind likes to hopscotch, too!