How do you build your stash?
01-02-2011, 10:22 AM
#91
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 1,828
Originally Posted by retired2pa
I use to buy fabric just because I liked it. I put it in my stash just waiting for the right pattern to come along. Unfortunately, I still have most of that fabric (bought at least 8 years ago!) and wonder why I ever bought it! What made me think I liked it back then is beyond me because now I don't like it and some of it is "cheap" (I got most of it at WalMart) and ugly. I don't even like it to use it in a scrappy.
Now I buy fabric (mostly Moda) when I have a specific project in mind.
Now I buy fabric (mostly Moda) when I have a specific project in mind.
01-03-2011, 09:50 AM
#93
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 610
I've just started building my stash recently. There's a discount fabric store not too far from where I live that is basically fabric heaven. They have a ton of designer fabrics for between $4 - $9, and when I'm working on a specific project, I look at those.
But on one side of the building are these big wooden bins, FILLED with stacks of folded fabric, all selling for $1.98 a yard. I'd say 95-98% of it is ugly and cheap, but if you spend a lot of time poking around in it, you can find some really nice stuff; sometimes it's even the same stuff that is over in the $4 - $9 area; it's just not on a bolt. I spent $100 yesterday, and it was a lot of fun :) I have certain criteria that I work off of when searching through the bins:
- I stick with mostly single-color based fabric, i.e. ones that predominantly give off the feel of one color, such as light green flowers on a darker green base. My theory is that those fabrics will continue to be usable for a long time (i.e. not feel dated in a few years), and will also generally be easier to use in quilts.
- small prints only. This is my personal preference, but again, I think they're less likely to feel dated in a few years, and will always be usable.
- quality of the cotton. Has to be good to the touch and not feel too thin or cheap.
- I occasionally break my rules and will buy something that has a large print or multiple colors, but it has to be something really special.
My husband and I are currently reworking our bonus room, which is my quilting room, and also his gaming room. We'll be putting bookshelves across an entire wall, so I will have plenty of room for my stash!
Oh, incidentally, the fabric store for anyone living in Southern California: M&L Fabrics in Anaheim. Worth taking a look at when you've got some time!
But on one side of the building are these big wooden bins, FILLED with stacks of folded fabric, all selling for $1.98 a yard. I'd say 95-98% of it is ugly and cheap, but if you spend a lot of time poking around in it, you can find some really nice stuff; sometimes it's even the same stuff that is over in the $4 - $9 area; it's just not on a bolt. I spent $100 yesterday, and it was a lot of fun :) I have certain criteria that I work off of when searching through the bins:
- I stick with mostly single-color based fabric, i.e. ones that predominantly give off the feel of one color, such as light green flowers on a darker green base. My theory is that those fabrics will continue to be usable for a long time (i.e. not feel dated in a few years), and will also generally be easier to use in quilts.
- small prints only. This is my personal preference, but again, I think they're less likely to feel dated in a few years, and will always be usable.
- quality of the cotton. Has to be good to the touch and not feel too thin or cheap.
- I occasionally break my rules and will buy something that has a large print or multiple colors, but it has to be something really special.
My husband and I are currently reworking our bonus room, which is my quilting room, and also his gaming room. We'll be putting bookshelves across an entire wall, so I will have plenty of room for my stash!
Oh, incidentally, the fabric store for anyone living in Southern California: M&L Fabrics in Anaheim. Worth taking a look at when you've got some time!
01-03-2011, 10:02 AM
#94
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Ky. USA
Posts: 2,829
Brenda, I have a very small stash too, and I like it like that! My taste in fabrics has so changed sence I started quilting, and not just once or twice, but it keeps on changeing. The colors I like right now might not be the colors I like 6 months down the road, so I just keep my stash down to what really speaks to me now, gave the rest to a group of quilters doing chairty quilts for their neighbors, in a very poor area.
01-03-2011, 09:57 PM
#95
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Chicago,IL
Posts: 186
I love fabric like everone here but tend to keep my stash small. I do take advantage of sales ,but mostly have something in mind for the fabric I buy. I did however go hog wild after thanksgiving on sale fabric, but I made 13 lap quilts for Alzhiemer's patients. That is how I spent my Christmas shopping money. Still working on the quilts, but made the tops.
As other's have stated my tastes have changed from ten years ago. It is a good thing that I don't have a big stash of fabric I don't like anymore! I think the best advise is to keep things in moderation. Buy what you can reasonably sew with, and stock up on notions like templates and rulers and patterns.
As other's have stated my tastes have changed from ten years ago. It is a good thing that I don't have a big stash of fabric I don't like anymore! I think the best advise is to keep things in moderation. Buy what you can reasonably sew with, and stock up on notions like templates and rulers and patterns.
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