petthefabric: Amazing downsizing progress!

Yes it's alot of fabric but be kind to yourself. Sometimes retail therapy is just that - therapy. We all get dopamine from somewhere. And now you are sharing with someone else!

Still slowing nudging my stash into smaller and smaller places. I did have to shop for backing this week .My backing stash is nonresistant since our COVID year. One piece just big enough and the other a wide back will have limited scraps after the binding is cut. For me, that is a success. https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/smile.png Both quilts are from stash. Photos will follow after they are finished.

In my downsizing, I've got those backs. Anyone interested.

I used up some more scraps today and managed to get my National Quilt Museum bom block done for October. 10 down, only 2 to go. It’s been a fun QAYG project this year. Here’s my block,
and a picture of the first 9 laid out.
I also used some of that new fabric I bought and made a journal cover for one of my secret Santa gifts- didn’t take a picture, but I will at some point.

Checking in because I found myself idly browsing fabric websites the other day.... resisted buying anything but then when I went to my local Joann to pick up some different needles, I was seriously tempted... still resisted buying anything but the needles but it was tougher.

I usually use size 14 universal needles for my quilting, but for the last several years I've mostly been doing small (crib to twin) projects. I'm not sure what size the Longarm needles would be in comparison, but I think closer to an 18 maybe. Anyway, with so many tops to quilt down and that I intend to mostly quilt and not piece for the next year, I thought this would be a good time to do some comparisons. All I got was a multipack of Jeans needles. Next set will be topstitch maybe. Or any suggestions??

I was on a FB quilting site when someone posted a quilt top with an aurora borealis panel. I already have one with an a/b panel with a moose for my daughter's wedding quilt, but I like the one without the moose better. I found it on MSQC site. So it is decision time. Do I order the one I like better and sell the moose one or stay with the original plan? The moose is horizontal and the one w/o a moose is vertical. I find vertical easier to work with, but know I can make the horizontal work. Grrr.

I am enjoying making journal covers with the new fabric I purchased when I ( fell off that wagon) I’ve only photographed one but have 3 done- they are kind of fun to make.
I will share others next week when I have a few days off again. I also( finally) started quilting Ben’s next quilt- this one is the largest one he sent me to quilt— 89” x 93” . It’s going to take some time to get it quilted.

ckcowl wonderful idea folittle bits and pieces

I'm coming up to my 3rd year not buying fabric. I've used a little of my stash recently but not enough to make a dent. Lost my sewing mojo for a while but I'm back now trying to use up every bit of scrap I make from whatever fabric I pulled for a project. Also trying to finish some of my UFO projects too. Got 2 done completely and working on another one with 48 embroidered blocks........the wedding ring block for a lap size quilt for myself for a change. I also have another quilt on the frame but it's been sitting there for a couple weeks until I can get these blocks finished. But I'm so proud of myself that I haven't bought any fabric though I've gone into fabric stores and still come out with empty hands.

Finished more journal covers and started a Christmas gift apron- I’m enjoying getting some small projects finished I feel like maybe it will help me get back into the swing of quilting

Book covers are fabulous.

Can you direct us to a tutorial \ how to? Might make a nice gift for the nieces and nephews.

In the last two weeks, I have been able to get three more cascading diagonals done. Except for the black sashing in each, all of the squares are from stash--YAY! https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/thumbup.png. Since these (and the last few) have been kitted up for almost a year and a half, I am happy to have these done and off my plate.

Now back to the Saturday Sampler that is 2-weeks from being a year old. https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/redface.png

I couldn’t figure out how to link you to the tutorial so here is the place to go.. I have a granddaughter in college I’m going to make a couple for her and I found a graph paper notebook the same size im going to cover for Ben since he sketches all his designs out on graph paper.

“ The Art of Home Jacquelynne Steve’s” Fabric Covered Notebooks and Journals Tutorials. It’s a free tutorial- and she has other great gift ideas .

I started this last year when it was a sew-a-long with the Quilting Board, 2020 Birthday Swap group hosted by Barbara. Yes, it is a version of my avatar. I dove into my HUGE collection of 2.5" squares and out popped a pink and purple quilt. Squares and sashing are all from stash. I did need to purchase the mottled pink backing and binding. I measured carefully and have very little excess. To me that is a success. NO additions to the stash! Surely a Project Linus recipient will like the pink and purple!

I think I have just three UFO's left, no just thought of another one which makes four. Others may be hiding but I am pleased to have one more off my To Do List.

Congratulations to everyone in using stash for great quilts.

I've spent the last month or so piecing together little QSTs that started with some pre-made HSTs I bought from a thrift store. As I have a way smaller stash than most people here (from what I can tell), I've been forgiving of my need to acquire a bit of extra to make an idea come true, but I am happy to say I made this quilt without going out and buying anything extra. The most exciting part of the process was discovering how much of my fabric stash fit in with my chosen colour palette, even if it meant I could only use a specific area of the fabric pattern (sometimes that usable area was very small indeed!). I was really happy to be able to present the completed quilt to my mother this afternoon for her to snuggle under while watching TV. Finished size is about 55"x39".

Gemm, what a HUGE number of little QST. A good way to use up those little bits to create a warm snuggle for your mom.

Well done, Gemm!! So much work in this…bet mom loves it!

I've been doing a bunch of reading on Zero Waste life - and well - I have all this decor fabric and I'm going to make some bags and use them as wrapping for my gifts. Here are 2 toiletries bags and a gift bag. I did need to buy interfacing but that's it - everything else was from stash.

Give it some thought - especially if you've got big prints and can't quite figure out what to do with them.

Gemm: Great use of the QSTs! Very nice quilt.

Rff1010: Great way to use up the decor fabric.

Rff - that bag is great - such a super way to use a stunning graphic print.

ckcowl - thanks for including that tidbit about Ben's using graph paper to draft his quilts - I'm just starting to think about a new project and wasn't sure if graph paper would cut it, but now I'm encouraged to give it a try!

There are so many great ideas out there - every time I log on here I find new inspiration. Thanks to everyone for being so generous with your projects, experiences and observations. :-D

Digging through stash I found some panels and kits I’ve probably had for years- put away in a tote of holiday projects. Managed to get this apron done before my machine had a problem. Also have a good start on a really cute tree skirt.
of course the tree skirt being mostly blue LittleBit is sure it’s for her

I've been mostly working at my quitling down projects and getting ready for the Bonnie Hunter Mystery this year. When I designed the Froggy Beach project I found the perfect piece of fabric to use as the backing. Unfortunately, when I made the top larger the backing didn't magically grow in size and is now pretty much exactly the same size as the top. I've figured out a way to use more of that bolt of Olfa green solid to make the back larger so score -- use up more and no fabric bought!

I sent a box of fun fabrics out to a board member. As I say, it is a box of "weird and some better than usual stuff". Always a good day when fabric comes in the mail, even if it is adding to stash.

I am fighting the temptations to indulge in retail therapy.., all the bright fabrics are calling to me but I'm not answering.

Moving is stressful. It's forcing me to reevaluate my priorities. At my age of #$%^, I've got to be more realistic of what I'm capable of doing (including hunting in back corners), what I really want to accomplish and what time I have. Retail therapy: the need to get rid of stash is next to the drivers door of the car. A very visual reminder I'll probably have buyers remourse.

Reduced my stash by 3 lg flat rate UPSP boxes. Didn't make a dent.

I'll talk myself into depression if I keep this up. Grab that next box, sort and shut it down for the move.

Looking forward to the other end of the move.

Ckcowl….such cute projects… satisfying when done quickly..

petthefabric….A good lesson for all of us, I suppose…I have really made a good dent in mine this year and ended up giving some away, too. But, still….bought stuff when I really shouldn’t have. Oh well! Continued good vibes for your move. I know it’s stressful

Since I won’t have my sewing machine back from the shop until Wednesday I’ve been straightening, sorting and cutting, putting together little ( kits) of gift projects ready to be sewn. I will be ready to get lots of little things made when the machine comes home. I have 4 sets of pot holders ready, 3sets of placemats ( might get more prepared today) a couple candle mats, I am thinking about making a couple nice totes too. I have today to putz more and continue to use more stash fabrics.
I think I’ve made better progress making dents in the amount of fabric on my shelves this year. The previous years I’ve participated it never seemed like I was getting anywhere even though I wasn’t shopping. I still have a number of ufos to deal with but I haven’t created more of them ( until now with my little prepared kits) but the ufo topic is for a different post. ;)

CK - if your sewing space is anything like mine - some organization puttering is always needed!

​​​​​​I used Melanie Ham's box bag tutorial to make these 2. The left is with interfacing and the right with some scrap batting and I did some practice FMQ.
1) I hated the fabric originally - but it's grown on me. I think these came out downright cute!
2) for those of us with very little FMQ skills I think it was a great practice-with-a-purpose.

Well it's not like I have a fabric shortage around here and Christmas is coming...

those 2 box bags are so cute and that fabric is a perfect choice for them. They will make great gifts. I need to make a few bags too. I came across a whole large tote of holiday fabrics I honestly thought I had used up.

I am definitely working from my stash this year and have only had to purchase a couple pieces. I purchased some PUL for burp cloths and bibs and 2 pieces of backing fabric. I know I purchased one other piece but I don't recall what it was for but for something special I needed to do. Anyway I am doing great using fabrics from my stash and I want to share a couple quilt I have made from my stash.

Here are a few more.

Here is one of my favorite quilts made from my stash the Pineapple! Now I am working on Oven Mitt for holiday gifts a bit of a change in gears but all from my stash. This has been a great year for stash busting. I am also cutting various sizes of strips to may a larger string quilt I am using up a large amount of scrap this way.

Awesome projects, Juliasb, thanks so much for sharing.

Did you hand or machine sew the apple core??

You know... I sort of like the spacing of the the squares on the 9-patch with flowers. I might do something like that using grey or something in the empty space holders. I need to spend some time pondering that idea.

Y'all know I gave up my magazine subscriptions because I get more ideas from the board here. Once again, thanks for sharing!!

Beautiful body of work.

juliasb: Awesome quilts! Thanks for sharing. Definitely great use of stash.

The apple core is machine sewn. I haven't had it quilted and am thinking about making it even larger.

Great quilt projects Julia…you must have an amazing stash. I really like the 9P with daisy like blocks…colorful and fun.

I have been disciplined all year about not buying fabric until this week. Unfortunately, a quilt shop in Madison, Maine is closing its doors for retirement. The owner has had the business for 43 years…they are discounting everything in the store so I bought mostly yardage for backings that I need for 3 or 4 WIPs.

I seriously considered buy a new machine but finally came to my senses…I have three wonderful working machines already.

I’ve been going through more of my totes and found a bunch of fabrics that will be perfect for sets of placemats and candle mats. I love being able to make lots of Christmas gifts without having to ( shop). In the past few years I’ve done well not adding to my stash, but not as good using up my stash; this year that has changed. I’ve shared lots of fabric this year and managed to use a lot also. I’ve moved 4 empty totes to the garage and I have room on my shelves. I’m finding I have to be more creative to put things together. I’m going to have to piece a few backs soon, which I haven’t done in ages- I’ve for years, purchased wide backs. That shelf only has 3 left. I will make backs for most of the small quilts Ben made I still need to get quilted. Creating backs will use up lots more stash. I still struggle with time spent in the sewing room- it’s been 2 years now since my TBI - in my mind I should be * over it!* I hate accepting what the neurologist said - that it was a life changing Permanent injury. Bit, I can’t change it I can only keep learning to work around it. Which happens in spurts. I realize my quilting chapter in life might come to an end- which will be ok- it’s been a great time.
Life certainly can change in the blink of an eye!
Anyway, I’m feeling good about using up and passing on what I’ve accumulated over the past 20; years.
I finally finished quilting Ben’s largest quilt, will I take pictures and share tomorrow on my day off. I think I have 7 of his still to quilt, luckily they are small. And I have 3 really big ones of my own to quilt at some point and a few smaller ones. Should keep me going through the winter, which is coming at us starting today with cold & lake effects snow.

I just pulled out my Christmas fabrics stash and am making Oven Mitts. I have 10 pair ready for binding and will get those done as soon as possible. I am going slower than usual because I am still struggling with the after effects of COVID. I only need to have 4 pair done for gift giving. Fortunately I have a great stash to work from. jmoore asked about my stash. My stash can out live me through another 3-4 lifetimes. So many vintage fabrics now that I bought so long ago. Some are only 36" wide! It is time to use them up so that is what I am doing. The only things I have had to buy are backings and batting. I have picked up a couple of special pieces that I needed to finish a quilt but everything else has come from my stash and my sewing studio can attest to the mess!