But I'm conflicted.
While whittling my scraps down to bits I have plenty of time to think about all the pretty and "new" fabric that I have and want to use. I would love to get around to it before gets old and out of date...or before I don't like the fabric anymore. Do you think they have a class out there somewhere that teaches you how to cut into your new stuff? :)
I've got such problems, don't I? Too much pretty fabric and not enough time to use it.
My taste changes over time. I have fabric and -- worse -- BOMs that no longer have any appeal. I'm learning not to buy fabric without a definite plan in mind.
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid you're not alone, I have the same "problem".
ReplyDeleteCutting into the stash is always hard to do, pick a few and go for it.
ReplyDeleteI also have the same problem. Have lots of great fabrics I have trouble cutting in. And I love and cut and sew my leftovers ...
ReplyDeleteI love the phrase "out of date" to refer to fabric. How quickly does it spoil? Weeks, months, years?
ReplyDeleteHaving decided that I'm not buying any more fabric until certain conditions are met, I'm going to have to be loving my current stash. The pull to buy new lines is strong, though! How will I live without Chicopee and Madrona Road, not to mention Bella? And whatever else is out there that is calling my name at the moment. Ugh.
I don't think fabric has a "use by" date. I just started quilting about 2 years ago. My 1st quilt was a very simple pattern of rectangles usiing 15 different fabrics pulled from a stash of donated fabrics. When i had completed my quilt my youngest daugter admonished me. "mom" i rhought you had gotton rid of your fabrics". I reasured her i had ,- "no you didn't" she said pointing to different fabrics used in the quilt. "with this one you made me a skirt, that one a dress & that one a blouse"! By golly! I had pulled from the donated box of fabrics such similar fabrics I had used in the past, it was erie :). I guess fabric may patterns may be out of date except in our hearts. So now when I do see a pattern I "love and must have" I do allow myself to buy a small piece for my stash.
DeleteI have thought the same thing. The part about using it before it get's out of date, and made quickly. I decided to go for it and cut huge pieces to show off my favorites. Maybe some kinda brick pattern? Whatever I choose, I need to get to it before the moths do;)Good luck with yours and bless you for the scrap part. I don't have the patience for that.
ReplyDeleteI always justify cutting into new fabric by saying that it will lead to more scraps & give my scrap stash more variety
ReplyDeleteI have a FQ bundle of 1001 Peeps that I've had since last February, and just finally cut into last week! I've been wanting the scraps from whatever project it became, but that "perfect" project never happened. I finally plunged into an idea I've had, and said screw it- if it doesn't work, that means more scraps anyway. I'm happy to say I love the quilt so far, and the scrap pile is quite nice, too. Best of both worlds!
ReplyDeleteBoy, if you want some of that off your hands I'd take it or trade for it! It's getting so hard to find!
DeleteQuite a problem to have! I try not to buy too many new fabrics without a plan, because the quilt ministry keeps me too busy to sew much for myself, but sometimes I see something I've just got to have before it gets gone! So I still have a FQ set of FFA2 sitting on the shelf, just waiting for the perfect project....
ReplyDeleteI decided last week to cut a piece from every single fabric I own and turn it into a scrap quilt. I'll be cutting a 2.5" strip from each piece of yardage, and a small chunk out of every FQ too. I've done 1/3 the FQ so far....
ReplyDeleteThat way I have something useful of all the fabric I've loved (as well as a few 'what was I thinking!?)
I like the idea of cutting a 2 1/2" strip off of my stash fabric. So glad I'm not the only one who has trouble cutting into my stash.
DeleteWhat about using your newish fabric as alternating squares with your "bits" squares?
ReplyDeleteOr make a medallion quilt with your bits squares in the center bordered my your new fabric?
Or, I like the idea of cutting strips off the new pieces to make a "scrap" quilt.
Whithout cut in the stash there will not be any scraps.. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou are SO not alone.
ReplyDeleteI DARE you, wait, no, I DOUBLE dare you...
ReplyDeleteAmanda, please let me know if there is a class, because I need to go too.
ReplyDeleteIt is so bad isn't it?
Suffer with the same problem
I'd surely sign up for that class! I also enjoying my scraps more than anything.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I cut 2" & 3" strips and add to my strips of several stash fabrics. Makes it more fun or ties the scrap blocks together. I'm really trying to NOT buy any more fabric.
ReplyDeleteI am the same. I keep buying scrap bags rather than cut into my stash! However, I need about 10 Fabrics for my autumn term class and I used 7 from my stash - unheard of, am I on the way to being cured?
ReplyDeleteHahaha I've been doing that an awful lot! I just hate the thought of cutting up the gorgeous prints, so I use the scraps up. I even purposely buy scrap packs just so I don't have to use the good stuff first! =D
ReplyDeleteHow did that go at retreat....just do it??
ReplyDeleteI got a layercake of new fabrics last friday. I cut it in 2" strings and pretended it was old scraps.
ReplyDeleteThe quilt was ready two days later, and now I hawe a little pile of real scraps;-)
I very seldom bring a new fabric home without cutting into it that day. Here's how I do it: cut a strip off every fat quarter or yardage and add to the scrap bin immediately (I make scrap projects, too). Also, any charm packs or other pre-cuts - I open and sort into colours so as to integrate into my "palette" stash. If you buy a line of fabric specifically to keep them all together, then start that project within a week...cut chunks, add frames - go from there. This way I have scraps right away and there is not part of my stash I "save" unless it is slowly being collected for a specific design (pre-determined).
ReplyDeleteI make myself feel better about cutting into stash by thinking about the scraps it will make. Sick right? :)
ReplyDeleteYou are a true quilter - its all about collecting fabric.
ReplyDeleteGood company here... I hoard my fabric 'till I don't remember why I bought it!
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone! What I sometimes find is that I have "saved the good fabric" for so long that I can fall out of love with it. I like the idea mentioned of taking abit from every fabric and making a scrap quilt!
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way! Lately I've been forcing myself to cut a small square out of a new piece when I have an occasion to use it (like making bee blocks) - somehow once I get over that initial snip, it's easier to start using the rest! It doesn't always work though...I still have my FMF all bundled up in a pretty little stack just waiting for the "perfect" project!
ReplyDeleteThe sooner you cut into that new fabric, the sooner you have scraps of it to play with :)
ReplyDeleteThrilled to have found your awesome blog. I've sewn for years (my daughter has more clothes than she can wear, so I needed to sew something else! I'm brand new to quilting, but really enjoying it thus far. Look forward to learning more through your excellent blog! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteThat's so funny that you would mention being out of date because I was going to do a blog post on the "expiration date" of fabrics. I REALLY love your "new" fabric. Actually it's much more interesting, don't you think?
ReplyDeletedo what you love.
ReplyDeleteleave the worrying behind, my friend.
two things: use the fabric you love in everyday stuff around the house -- a pillowcase, placemats, aprons, table runner, zippy bag. and once you cut into it, you have scraps. as a rule, I don't cut up yardage bigger than 3 metres in case I want to use it for backing, but otherwise anything goes.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I just thought of a solution!
ReplyDeleteYou could cut up your new fabric into small pieces and then they would be scrap size. Throw them into your scrap buckets and then you will be using them while they are still hot!!
Hahaha!! :)
(You know I'm kidding, right? Sorta...)
Just think of all of the lovely scraps you'll have once you cut into that new fabric! Motivation.
ReplyDeleteI used to have a note pad that said, "He who dies with the most fabric, wins". I may just be a winner some day.,
ReplyDeleteI don't use my scraps much, and I STILL have trouble getting to all my planned quilts.. the stash just keeps growing :) Go with the flow! It's such a blessing to have too much fabric and not enough time!
ReplyDeleteUm...I have the opposite problem! I love scrappy quilts and I save everything but I can't seem to get started with them.
ReplyDeleteCan't you combine the two? I mean the new fabric and the scraps? Use the newer stuff for setting triangles and borders.
Keep trying. I know you can work through this "problem". LOL
I have a problem cutting into new fabric too. I feel like I had a major break through this weekend though... I broke from quilting to make a bag, which I never do!! I feel like it gave me a new perspective at looking at fabric and now I'm eager to cut into some of my stash
ReplyDeleteYup! That's what's got me trying to use everything up and not let it get old and icky. And trying hard to not buy more unless it's to finish a project! Why is it so hard to cut into special fabric? Some of my favorites (those tiny things smaller than charm packs), I've decided to not worry about them, but use them as 'eye candy' and enjoy looking at them.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean!! However I'm still addicted to making your scrap storage boxes at the moment :) Maggie xx
ReplyDeleteWhy not write a new book on how to use your favourite stash
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI am a new quilter and can't help but to ask if you wouldn't mind listing some ideas on what to do with scraps. I am not very creative, already have a ton of scraps and have no idea what to do with them. I would appreciate any helpful tips. Thanks, Judi.
Definitely have similar problems! I'll come up with an idea for some fabric but then back down from starting because I'm afraid it is not the "best" use of that fabric. lol
ReplyDeleteBut when you use your new fabric you are guaranteeing you will have new scraps!
ReplyDeleteI know that there isn't a single one of us without the same problem. Everyone has great ideas. Pick a pattern that will highlight the favs and just do it. That is my plan at least.
ReplyDeletefabric is too cute to cut into sometimes :) I completely understand. But agree that the most amazing feeling is to make something useful out of something that you would otherwise throw away. If don't know what to make, you are more than welcome to send the scrap blocks over... I am making charity quilts :)
ReplyDeleteI always say I am a fabric addict with no want of recovery and occassionally I make things ... it works for me.
ReplyDeleteYou are a stitch. There is something to be said about a quilt with big blocks of beautiful fabric. Not to say that I don't just love scraps.
ReplyDeleteDidn't you know there is a nasty virus going around, affecting only quilters? Causes us to do some insane things sometimes. Like buy too much fabric. No known cure. You've just gotta roll with it!
ReplyDeleteIf you find that class, I hope you'll let us know -- I'm ready for a new project and I just can't make any decisions. WAY too many choices!!!
ReplyDeleteScraps, chunks...fabric. We are all fellow junkies with fabric hangups! I just look at our hangups about fabric as part of the 'creative' process that makes our quilts uniquely our own. It's all good! :-)
ReplyDeleteWhen you find that class, let me know. I'll go with you. Because I have the same problem! I can't cut into my new fabrics. Later, when they are older, I wonder what my problem was! And I find I like them better when they are cut up and scraps, anyway!
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem. I never want to cut my favorite fabrics. I just look at them and pet them for the longest time. Maybe there is a group
ReplyDeleteIke AA we could join.
I have this problem! I keep talking about opening a fabric store so I can take a cut of fabric from each bolt we carry just for me. I guess that really would not help decrease the stash though! :)
ReplyDeleteOh yes I have this problem too...please let me know if you find a "cure".
ReplyDeletesometimes I will take out my new fabric and iron it and plan a new quilt, then refold it and work on something scrappy. :0)
Maybe you could start a 12 step program as soon as you find the answer for yourself!
Happy Sewing, yes we are blessed to have these problems in life!
I would love to cut a 5" square out of every fabric I own for an eventual charm quilt. I have plans to do that, but haven't yet.
ReplyDeleteI can relate in a way. I gave up quilting for several years. When I did, I gave away a few large boxes stuffed with fabric and only kept my favorite pieces. So now I am starting to get new fabric that I don't want to cut into; it's hard enough to cut into the old! lol. So I am using my old and cutting bits out of the new. Everything is getting cut--that's a good thing!
As for fabric getting outdated, I don't necessarily agree. My tastes haven't really changed. I've always chosen fabric based on color. I've never been into "traditional" fabrics. I used to be crazy about 30s fabric. Now I throw bits and pieces into my modern projects and it looks fab!
I would say...get rid of your scraps. Then you would have to use your stash. Of course, easier said than done. :)
ReplyDeleteI have decided to "scrapbook" my favorite fabrics in a binder so I have a page-sized chunk in it's un-cut, un-quilted form. Whether to remind myself of what I used to like, or to appreciate a print once again, it's nice to have.
ReplyDeleteI used to have problems with cutting into my favourite fabrics, but I have come to realize that I get to enjoy them more when they are in a quilt because I get to see them more often than if they are hidden away in a closet.
ReplyDeleteI still have more fabric than I'll ever get to use, though. It's what is called FABLE: Fabric Aquisition Beyond Life Expectancy... :-D
I have a couple of yards of fabric that I love. I'm itching for someone to want a dress made out of it, but at the same time I don't want to be without it!
ReplyDelete(such a simple post but so many comments!) I can see these larger pieces as beautiful journal covers!
ReplyDeleteI have more and more scraps and strips that I've no idea what to do with. Or I'll get an idea to use them and then think, well who on earth would I give that to?! Maybe I should make them and donate them.
ReplyDeleteSadly I feel your pain. I am in the process of a deep clean and purge on my sewing room. Into 3 full days at this point and haven't touched my fabric yet. Apparently fabric is not my only addition....
ReplyDeleteha ha, make a value quilt.
ReplyDelete