Debbie B

I bet my stash is 3 - 4 ft high or better. When buying my fabric I try to buy a bit more...if it calls for 1/2 a yd then I will buy a full yd. And of course I try to buy everything on sale, but most of my stash has been bought at a couple of our local thrift stores. You have to go on a fairly regular basis to find it, but I can get anywhere from a couple of yds to 3, maybe 4 yds for $3 or $4.

Aunt Bea

Buying fabric can (has) become an obsession. Lucky for me, my 27 year old granddaughter has taken to quilting like you wouldn't believe. I started her off a year ago with a 30 year old Pfaff and a bunch of material from my stash. You can see some of her results. In the Spring, I will drive to Colorado and take her all of my stash that she picks out on her Christmas trip here. I am so proud of her.

bigsis63

I am trying not to build too much of a stash. It seems that nothing in my stash is quite right for new pattern. I try to buy fabric that is to be used for a specific pattern. It seems to be easier for my to buy pattern and then material to make. Aren't a lot of us tight with money?

raedar63

You being a musician and most likley appreciate the art that goes into something like a quilt. As long as you are not hung up on perfection and types of materials like 100% cottons and high quality fabrics from famous designers.(don't take offense anyone these fabrics are top notch and outstanding if you can afford them,I am only speaking to those on a buget here)
Back on track here lol, Any way if you are the creative artistic , throw caution to the wind type you can make quilts for fun with about anytype of fabrics and not even worry bout matcy matchy;) .As said before yard sales, flea markets thrift stores etc. I have never paid more than 2.99 for an entire quilt backing. That is including a king size. I find sheets all the time at the local good will. never more than 2.99!

mar32428

Jodi, I followed your quiltville address and spent over an hour looking at all the crumb quilts that were made and followed all the tutorials. What a delightful time. I have always been too sure I followed all the "rules", and frankly, some of my stuff is quite boring. I'm going to really get into my stash of scraps and just "wing it" and see what I get. I know I will cringe putting purple and orange together so I'll just go and get another cup of coffee.

katiebear1

I agree with all the other scrappy quilters. I am one. You can do a controlled scrappy. Say your block has 4 colors. Say yellow, cream, blue and green. You can use all kinds of fabric for each color. I built my stash mostly by buying half or 1 yard lenghts. Also the precuts from connecting threads are great and very reasonably priced.

ewhughe1

I have a huge collection of fabric. I know what my favorite colors are and I know that I like calico prints so I buy those and fabric that will blend with my favorites. I also buy 100% cotton. I rarely get wild, it doesn't work for me so I usually give "wild" away. "Wild" meaning it just isn't me.

MadQuilter

It is a tone on tone fabric or a fabric that has a few mottled colors mixed so they can be "blended" in with those colors in a quilt. They are often used as background in blocks to help the pattern stand out.

scraphq

Why are you trying to build a stash? If you are a quiltmaker, stashes just seem to happen! I love scrap quilts and sometimes can't find enough. Bonnie Hunter is the best for scrap quilts. If you get an opportunity to attend to attend one of her lectures, don't miss it. Happy piecing!

crankygran

Yard or garage sales but usually Estate Sales, means the kids are disposing of the Old Folks belongings and maybe Mom was t quilter. Also ask to be called by local Thrift stores when they get fabrics in. You won't always be successful but you also just might hit the jackpot.