Either today or Friday I will need to run up to the LQS to find a backing fabric for a UFO that is ready to be sandwiched and quilted. I will try hard not to fall off the wagon LOL!

Rob

Rob,
I understand. I kind of cheated some. My fabric purchases were following Christmas, with coupons and only for projects that are currently in progress! Since the Moratorium did not originally start until January 1st, I am gold. :p

You have got this. Plus, if you do fall off the wagon, it will just come back around and we will just pull you back on.

thanks Motorcyclemad! I have to fess up that I bought a bolt of muslin from Amazon today, but I go through that stuff pretty fast since I use it to make storage bags for finished quilts so I’m thinking that it shouldn’t count as a serious fall off the wagon...

Rob

Some things we need just as much as thread or other things. I didn't replace my regular buys of black and white kona yardage during the off-moratorium time and I probably will need to do so soon. I used up the white dying extra fabrics and the black in various projects throughout the year. Again, if you are going to use it and it doesn't add to stash, while not as desirable as using stash it is ok.

This year, however, I will not be so kind towards those who get super Penny or Walmart deals. Mostly from jealousy but there you go!

Crack! Snap! Everyone back up on the wagon and keep strong. Or at least be weak and make me feel better about my own falls to come.

If it was needed for a project in progress and you had shopped your stash.... you're good. I can't remember what was decided re coupons. People know I don't need fabric, so I usually don't get donations or coupons. I'm downsizing, not collecting.

So far so good this year. The one trip into JoAnns I bought the batting I needed and nothing else. Also went through my bin of fabric for the bags I make for charity and pulled out anything unsuitable for that project and have prepped some bags from that bin also cut some strips for another charity project . The pieces that were two small for a bag is currently in a sack that I may just get rid of. I have an over abundance of small scraps so don't need to add to those bins.

I am of course back again for another year. I’m working on a “ leaders/ Enders” scrap quilt right now, and have plans for a few more scrap quilts, thinking about cutting up some of my stash into precuts and selling them . I stopped participating in the fabshophop after participating for 10+ years because I won often and I cannot Stand the thought of anything more coming into my space. I am overwhelmed. And so over the clutter and over flowing shelves.

The coupons were only used for 2 of the 3 backings I needed--so very little guilt involved. I lucked out because the third one was on sale for 50%. I just had to remind myself not to go into anymore fabric stores after I found what I needed.

I am in this year. I retired over 6 years ago and had stashed fabric for over 10 years for my retirement. However, I found it hard to stop buying fabric even after retirement. Now I have a basement full of boxes and bags of fabric, batting, etc. I need to only shop my stash in 2020. So sign me up now.

This is my pledge and goal this year to make all my 'gifts' and quilts from my stash only.

I’ve already failed miserably. I may need an intervention. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Welcome aboard to all our new riders. It takes a bit to get over the bumps in the path sometimes. After my initial little bump, I am staying the course. I went into the fabric store the other day to buy a gift "of fabric" for a friend. I did a lot of looking and touching. It helped that nothing was on sale. There was nothing that said I must but it. I just kept thinking of all the pretty stash I have on hand right now. So, I left the store, went home and picked out some of that lovely fabric and gifted it to the friend. And, the more I handled and pet my stash, the more I realized, I don't need any fabric right. I have 2 dressers with enough fabric to make at least 10 quilts, enough scraps in the bins to make at least 8 or more quilts. And, several quilt kits to make at least 6 more. And at least 5 bolts of WOW to keep for a good while. I find the more I handle my fabric, the less I think about buying more. I know many of you have way more fabric then I do and some have way less, I think it's about handling the amount of fabric that is comfortable for you. (I still feel like I have way too much.)

Todays job is to cut up the scraps that are taking up to much space in piles. I want to hopefully finish today. Although, realistically, it may be tomorrow. And, then work on the pixelated quilt I have in progress.

And, I have to go to the post office and send off a box of fabrics that I am donating and drop off a pile of things to the thrift store. I wanted to go through my books before I did that. But, today is just not the day to take time to do that. I can think of one that can be added right now. So, I will do that one for now. I don't keep too many books or magazines. About 30 at the moment. I am just dropping off. I will not go in and look!!!!!

Stay the course ladies. I will be waiting to give you a hand back up on the wagon. I know we can do this!

Come on in Mengler, confession is good for the soul and it makes us claim ownership to what we are doing. I've given myself an exemption for my thrift store shopping but being in this thread makes me mindful of my purchases and if I'm just buying to buy or if I have a purpose. So I 'fess up to it, and as time goes on I'm getting less and less to confess to! Remember, deep down, there is no problems collecting fabric if that is what you are doing. Just acknowledge that and take care of/curate your collection as a collection and not a pile of stuff.

Sometimes each of us does get faced with a major temptation. C'mon, we have people giving us fabric. There are only so many graceful ways you can get out of that -- especially if you really want something in there... Or sometimes the sales are so good that you seriously will not be able to sleep or have regrets. Last year I did get about 24 yards of fabric from Walmart at a dollar a yard. I've used most of it, have plans for one of the remaining two pieces but yes, one piece is stash. I tease because I missed the penny sale, but gosh -- sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do and in that case all I have to say is Score!

My next project (with Minions) is going to be made from a recent-ish thrift store buy that I confessed to last year. It was the one where there was at least $100 of fabric I wanted, mostly gold embellished Asian prints and included a bunch of Peanuts holiday themed fabrics that I didn't so much want but it was interesting to see a whole year of Peanuts at once! I managed to contain myself and pick out about $20 worth of fabrics that could be used together or work with other things in progress. So a partial success. The old non-Moratorium me would have come out of there with 90% instead of only 10%. And I can make an entire queen sized quilt top for less than $20 (and have a bunch left over!).

In the past 10 years I've gone from an entire room stuffed full of fabric to a closets-worth, I'm hoping to get the stuff out of the closet this year and move the fabric in. Most of what is gone has been given away, some of it has been worked with, and the fabrics that remain are fabrics I want to use. Some how, some day. It's the really great thing about Quilting Board is seeing all the wonderful projects people make gives me plenty of ideas. I didn't even renew my one remaining magazine subscription this year because I'm not being inspired there, but I am here.

Welcome, newbies! We got your backs!

My precuts are out of control but I doubt I'll make use of them soon. Last year, I challenged myself with a bundle of colorwheel colors to see how many projects I could make with it. I made a full size quilt, 4 wallhangings, two pillows, a basket of tiny pillows, 4 pincushions, and I snipped some for applique projects...I still have good size pieces left. Going to pull out another pillow project and see what I can do with them. Anyone ever do this challenge before? My purpose was to see if paying the price for a bundle is worth it. In the past, I typically just made one quilt and stashed the balance. My down fall are FQ bundles so if I'm going to fall off the wagon, it will be because of a bundle.

Hi, everyone! I'm in.

In 2016, I came up with a "cut down" plan. I made a list of about 20 scrappy quilts I wanted to make. As I ran across a fabric, usually 2-3 yards, I cut it up for the 20 quilts. I have 25 quilt tops waiting to be quilted. Total yards used since I began: 253. Purchasing was totally out of control in 2017 & 2018, I purchased hundreds of yards.

My 2019 fabric report:
I finished 1 baby quilt top
I gave away 57 yards
I used up 38 yards
total yardage out: 95

Last fabric purchase 12/5/2018, as of today that's 401 days with no fabric in.

Coming up? Well, Here's my Quilt list.
25 to be quilted
18 quilts in process (have all the fabric)
24 scrappy quilts started (still cutting scrappy bits)
92 on the not started/bucket list. Some I have fabric, some I don't
159 Total quilts on the list

This moratorium has been a huge success for me. I've fallen off, made excuses and had convictions. After ? years I'm having more victories than falls. My stash is going down and blank spaces are appearing. Rearranging isn't necessary yet. As Iceblossom said, when in a fabric store, there's still plenty at home to think about and remember that I have something I like just as well or better that I already paid for. Once upon a time, a very loooooong time ago, when my stash was much smaller, I kept a binder clip in my purse, with a patch of each fabric at home. That way I remembered what I had and could match fabrics when I found something tempting (did it really match or just tempting?).

Last night I cleaned off the LA table, oiled the machine and got out a project. With my shoulder still recovering from surgery I need DH's help to load it. We didn't get it done this AM, so hopefully tomorrow AM (he works swing).

Hit a bump in my comfort quilt project, and must wait for the leader to produce another pattern. She's not in a lot of hurry because I gave her so many kits. However, here's the good news, she want's pillow cases. The Asian fabric is harder to find matching fabric for a quilt, so it'll be good for pillow cases. Back in business.

I am in for 2020! ! ! This time, I'm committed! I am working as fast as I can to finish up some UFO's (actually did some for Christmas presents). I have purchased thru the years because they were sales, good buys, etc. Now, I have quite a bunch of fabric to make Project Linus quilts, relatives and friends baby quilts, Quilts of Valor quilts and gift quilts (graduations, etc.). The commitment is finally here because I don't have any more room to put fabric. It's folded on Polar Notions fabric boards (both the large ones and the fat quarter ones). I have fabric in every place I can find in my sewing room AND in 2019, I've slowly "Tsunami'd" into another bedroom. So, I've finally reached my limit! 2020 is my year to successfully complete the fabric moratorium! ! !

Wishing us all luck to accomplish our goal!

One way I have found to cut down on unneeded purchases is I do not open e-mail from online vendors of fabric. I just delete them. MSQ was my frequent downfall and now I open, look and delete. I have more than enough on hand to keep me busy for the next year. I honestly have not found any pre-cut, notion or "bargain" that I needed in months. Really, it has been since early fall since I ordered from MSQ. "Sorry Jenny but I have plenty. I will be back when I have depleted my stash."

JoAnn Fabrics sends so many coupons and "deals" that I don't open unless I need, truly need something. Just before Christmas my marking pen died and I lost my thimble. Less than $6 with a 40% off coupon and no fabric.

Fabric.com and other online vendors who are constantly sending me bargains, delete, delete, delete and no browsing.

I have found that fabric, like any addiction, hurts at first but I find great joy in rummaging through my stash and finding all that I need on hand for my next project.

Chins up all. If you fall off our little wagon, jump right back on and tell us about what you used from your stash to create beauty and warmth for others.

This moratorium has been great for me over the years as it’s helped me be more mindful of my fabric purchases. I have yet to go for more than a few months without making a purchase, but as I’ve worked through my stash I now find that there are times when I truly do need to buy something to finish a project. Yesterday I went to the LQS to buy a backing fabric for my current project. That’s the only thing I bought. Yay! I did check my stash and realized that I need lights, but they can wait a few days until I finish up a couple of nearly completed UFOs.

Rob

I headed south to my favorite little quilt shop yesterday full of resolve.....needed 4 greys, backing and thread for the baby quilt for my niece’s shower. Mission accomplished with no extra purchases. A slight detour to a Lens knowing they had their backings on sale and I do need quite a bit of backing. Picked up one of my favourites at less than I would have paid in US dollars on line.....score! I was almost free and clear at the cutting table when I saw a beautiful new Canadiana panel and I caved. There is a plan for it as at our annual Canada Day gathering I want to give wall hangings to each household, still I am a bit disappointed in myself. This is why I need to stay out of quilt shops for a while until I get into the groove and form new habits.

11 days into the new year and I don’t need or want to buy fabric yet. Only 354 more days. I’m working on BHMQ using stash fat-quarters and background yardage, all from my stash. Starting a beginning and ending throw 3 week QAL with Pat Sloan. It will use up some of my 2.5” squares, and starting the 365 day challenge i’ve Been gathering fabric and making copies of daily patterns over the last 4 years. This is the year I complete this project. Oh well, back to my stash quilting. Enjoy quilting/sewing everyone.

While going through the stash, 3 Geisha panels appeared, all cut apart. Got one made into a pillow case; 1 yd used. I plan to used the other two panels to make another pillow case. My shoulder was hurting after the first one, so I've iced it and now time for bed.

On the weekends we've decided to each choose a dinner and cook it. He wants the frozen lasagna, so that'll be tomorrow and use it for dinners at his work (he works swing shift). So tonight I chose dinner at Plazuelas in town. He took me to dinner and we got ice cream. I'm liking this new arrangement.

Sounds like a win-win, Petthefabric.

One top done, one ready to go
 

Finished one stash buster that was started last year from Jordan's Fabrics she calls "Five Star Quilt". I used a layer cake and some leftover charms, did have to buy fabric for inner border and binding, outer border is from HST's not used in main quilt.

Tried to post a photo but it failed twice and the size is less than 3MB.

Hate to tell you, this is leap year, you actually have 355 more days, lol. Best to you.

Ah, Judith you have some great goals there and accomplishments. Keep up the good work.

Well, my whole week was a bust as far as any sewing went. Sometimes life just gets in the way, plus had a funeral yesterday, and since it was in NJ it ended up being an all day affair between driving and the luncheon 94 yo BIL passed away, so it was great catching up with all the nieces and nephews, some from Texas, who i hadn't seen they were kids. So now maybe I can get back to sewing my own stuff after I get these quilts quilted for a friend. I have a stash buster all picked out that uses a layer cake, and sashing fabric. So that will be a good thing.

Sorry to hear of the loss of your BIL, grann, no matter his age...that's amazing tho to live to 94. Wowza..

Grann of 6: My sympathies on the loss of your BIL too.

I finished a quilt top that is 70” by 79.5”. It will be finished by my church group. I posted it in the UFO thread. Even though some of the blocks/fabric were found in a donation, I used some of my stash to finish it. Win-win situation.

Last year, I used around 66 yards which was down quite a bit from the previous year. I didn’t keep track of fabric purchases last year but I didn’t purchase much that went into stash.

As long as we use more than we buy, that's the idea! IMHO

I have admired the "Five Star Quilt" and have it bookmarked for future. Have plenty of layer cake options to choose from. Thanks for the reminder of this one on my "to do in the future" list.

Keep trying the pictures. I stumbled around and eventually figured it out for another thread.but not sure I can tell any one else how to do it.

Thank you, ladies, for the condolences. He was a wonderful man, an OBGYN who delivered over 10,000 babies in his career, and had 6 kids of his own.
Maybe this week i can get back to my own projects, have one picked out to use a layer cake and stash for sashings, should be able to find stash batik for backing. But first Ihave 3 quilts to quilt on the longarm for a friend.

Grann, your BIL sounded like a wonderful person, thank you for sharing a tidbit of his life.

AQS had a backing sale so I purchased two pieces for future projects...but I know I will use them. ; )

Just as soon as the BH mystery is over and I will start a start a stash busting project.

Okay, so I discover that I have been a bad girl and fallen overboard, to the tune of 25 yards that I totally forgot I ordered. The story is that a few months ago I found the new collection Susanna's Scraps, read the story behind it, and since my name is Suzanne, I just to have the collection and the pattern that uses the collection. So I had gotten the set of FQs. Well a week or 2 ago Craft Town Fabrics had the yardage on sale, and I had nothing to use for backing, and the borders are pieced borders, certainly wouldn't be enough from the FQs. Anyhow..... i ordered 10 yards for backing and yardage for the borders plus some extra so i can make it a little bigger to fit my bed. So today it came, and i am thrilled with it all. So this has to go in my fabric tally of what comes in. i was going to be so good. Maybe i can get a "funeral' exemption. LOL

One funeral exemption per year, Grann!

Your BiL sounds like a good man and a great loss, but that he had a wonderful life impacting positively on so many others.

Got caught up on the Bonnie Hunter project and need to do some cleaning up today, when the hot water heater went out we had to move some boxes and somehow they now have a coating of fabric. Amazes me how that happens around here, vacant surfaces become fabric filled. We still need to pay the city inspector to come out and check the installation or our warranty is void, surely I can spend 30 minutes on fabric moving to accomplish that.

No other fabric buying/using to share. Yesterday we got our new puppies, they are a bonded pair of brother/sister little mixed dogs, I'm thinking chi-weenie-terrier (fox or jack russel). Pictures over here:
https://www.quiltingboard.com/person...s-t309160.html

Cute dogs, iceb. My previous dane had gotten used to having a "brother" and when he passed she was quite sad, but after about a week, she decided being an "only dog" had its merits, so i didn't get a 2nd dog. After she passed i went a couple months without a companion. it took me a while to find just the right one, and now I have my wonderful senior Great Dane. I can't imagine my life without him.

Well, I have one of my friend's quilts finished and trimmed. now to get the next one ready for the longarm.

I'm all in on this one!
Last year I finally sorted all my bits and pieces, collected over the last 40 years, by color family and stashed then in Sterlite tubs. That was my first step toward not buying any new fabric until I get a good chunk of my current stash turned into quilted things.
It's so hard to resist the new fabrics when they come out, though! Being accountable here will hopefully help with that.

Not buying anything here. My BH mystery is all stash, and likely to have a pieced backing to use more stash. The binding is already done. Came very close to buying 30 FQ’s and white to do Wandering Geese, but that will need to wait until August and my birthday exemption. Have enough UFO’s to finish until then.

Up date on fabric purchases for 2020.....! Almost two weeks down and still on the wagon! Yeah for me and I started a stash buster quilt and have another one ready to go as soon as my current project is finished.

I’m sorry for your loss, Grannof6, he sounds like an amazing person, thanks for sharing a bit about his life with us.

This weekend I finished 2 of my 29 (that I know of) UFOs. One I turned into a pillow by using a piece of fabric from stash and cutting up a huge quantity of batting scraps to use for stuffing. The other was finished using a pieced backing made from stash fabric! So that’s 2 UFOs down and several yards of fabric used up from stash. And the bonus is that I used up so much of the batting scraps that it freed up a drawer to put some stuff in that’s been floating around from surface to surface for a few years now. Wins all around!

Rob

If I keep poking around I'll figure it eventually.

Got my "Road to Florida" kitted up, finally found the pattern buried in some other pattern ideas. Jordan Fabrics "Jewel Box" and MSQC "Building Blocks" are in kits and ready to go. Better get going on the "Road to Florida" before the pattern goes into hiding again. lol