How do you build your stash?
#42
Sales, auctions, garage sales.
Once went to an auction where there were 96 boxes of fabric, I'm not talking shoe boxes, but big boxes. I ended up with 19 boxes and after measuring ended up with 2,000 yards. Some of the pieces had the sales receipts in and the fabric was from 1926 - 1955. Found out that the lady who built the stash had worked at the local 5 & 10 cent store. She would buy the fabric on clearance and anticipated sewing and sewing when she retired. She retired and then became ill and passed. Her sister then kept the fabric until they passed and it was sold. If I had known it was all in very good shape would have bought more boxes, but was afraid it would be fraying or rotting. It wasn't, it was all in A-1 shape. Have had a ball using it and still probably have about 1/4 of it left. Shared with my quilt friends too. So we all had fun with it. Lots of charity quilts from it.
Oh forgot it came out to 10 cents a yard.
Once went to an auction where there were 96 boxes of fabric, I'm not talking shoe boxes, but big boxes. I ended up with 19 boxes and after measuring ended up with 2,000 yards. Some of the pieces had the sales receipts in and the fabric was from 1926 - 1955. Found out that the lady who built the stash had worked at the local 5 & 10 cent store. She would buy the fabric on clearance and anticipated sewing and sewing when she retired. She retired and then became ill and passed. Her sister then kept the fabric until they passed and it was sold. If I had known it was all in very good shape would have bought more boxes, but was afraid it would be fraying or rotting. It wasn't, it was all in A-1 shape. Have had a ball using it and still probably have about 1/4 of it left. Shared with my quilt friends too. So we all had fun with it. Lots of charity quilts from it.
Oh forgot it came out to 10 cents a yard.
#43
Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Pearland, Tx
Posts: 62
Garage sales, estate sales, second hand stores, Salvation Army, Goodwill and auctions is where most of mine has come from, paid pennies on the dollar. Also, got a wonderful solid wood sewing cabinet (with 1960's sewing notions) and a 1950's Necchi Elna Sewing machine work horse for $35 at an auciton.
#44
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.
#47
I'll add this thought for the ump-teenth time: SALES!!!!! Hit all the sales and snag the highest quality fabrics you can find for as low a price as you can find.
I happen to know that fabrics are often sold at below cost through local quilt shops, and their on-line outlets. Once a non-basic fabric has been on the shelf for nearly a year, it is pushed out the door at a price below the shop's cost per yard. Many times it is sold for less than half the wholesale price just to make way for the new fabrics.
I happen to know that fabrics are often sold at below cost through local quilt shops, and their on-line outlets. Once a non-basic fabric has been on the shelf for nearly a year, it is pushed out the door at a price below the shop's cost per yard. Many times it is sold for less than half the wholesale price just to make way for the new fabrics.
#48
As you can see we all have a MAJOR problem. lol.
But seriously, in the past I would buy anything that caught my eye. Now, I buy neutrals that I know will make good backgrounds or I buy for a certain project that way I don't have to try to keep finding places to store it all.
I have found if I buy a yard for my stash, when I come across a pattern that I want to make, the pattern will call for 1 1/2 yard so then I have to buy fabric for that pattern. And you always buy a little more than the pattern calls for then you have the original yard of fabric in your stash and whatever is left from the new fabric. So a good way to build your stash would be to buy for a project then whatever is left is added to your stash. Then it is almost like getting your stash for free :lol:. Right????
Angie
But seriously, in the past I would buy anything that caught my eye. Now, I buy neutrals that I know will make good backgrounds or I buy for a certain project that way I don't have to try to keep finding places to store it all.
I have found if I buy a yard for my stash, when I come across a pattern that I want to make, the pattern will call for 1 1/2 yard so then I have to buy fabric for that pattern. And you always buy a little more than the pattern calls for then you have the original yard of fabric in your stash and whatever is left from the new fabric. So a good way to build your stash would be to buy for a project then whatever is left is added to your stash. Then it is almost like getting your stash for free :lol:. Right????
Angie
#49
I seldom buy fabric with a specific project in mind. I hit LOTS of sales and buy colors that I like, or sometimes "just because it feels good" LOL. I tend to like darker colors, so I also look for light colors that I think that might be able to be used because you always need some lighter tones...even if I'm not crazy about them.
#50
I have a pretty good size stash! I buy what i like but always try to buy on sale, clearance, garage/yard sales, thrift stores sometimes i splurge and pay full price. rarely have a project in mind although i know it will make a pretty something or other someday :P
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post