This all started last July, when my husband challenged me to go 2 months without buying fabric. I'm usually up for a personal challenge of that sort, so I agreed to it. If you think about it, 60 days is a long time to not buy fabric...especially when you sew almost every day! Well, 2 months came and went and I thought, why not go 3 months? Then 4 months. Shoot, why not try for a full 6 months? I was on a roll and it felt good!
Well, about 3 days short of the 6 month mark hit, and I really, really wanted to buy fabric! (Can you imagine?) But I resisted. I'm so glad I did. It would have been silly to cave at that point.
Overall, it was a good exercise in self-control. In some ways, not having the option of purchasing fabric is almost easier. It takes the decision making out of the equation and you just don't buy. The end.
I completed 9 quilts during my fast. I did purchase one queen size sheet set during that time, which was used to back two quilts: Aunt Janet's memory quilt (which was the reason for the purchase) and my mustard mishap quilt.
I can almost hear some of you asking, "so, why would you want to go on a fabric fast anyway?"
It wasn't about the money, really. It was more about using the fabric I have while I still love it. I have fabrics that I bought a year ago that aren't even close to being close to being at the top of the queue.
I love the challenge of using what I have on hand and trying to make it work. (To a point!) For example, for my plenty of pineapples quilt, I had to get creative with backing options. It took awhile to come up with the solution, but it's one of my favorite quilt backs to date!
I saw a significant dent in my stash. That felt GREAT! I found that I was running low on the basics. (Light gray prints, various solids, etc.) It really helped me see what fabrics not to buy, too. (Novelty prints!) In some ways, I wish I would have used up even more of my stash...but I figured 6 months was long enough!
I'm so glad that I took the challenge! I'm glad I stretched it out to 6 months. I am amazed at how much fabric I really don't *need* to buy. And I'm really happy to be back to buying fabric. :)
Have you ever gone on a fabric fast or a fabric diet? I'd love to hear about your experiences, if you care to share.
Happy Monday to you!
88 comments:
I went a year! With the exception of two yards that I found second hand for literally pennies! I still haven't done a big run, but have picked up a little here and there. It was a challenge to come up with the right combinations but I greatly reduced my stash and can brag about my accomplishment. Way to go on yours!
I love that you did this! I had a small fabric spending halt for a while last fall, not so much out of challenge but out of necessity. What I loved was that it forced me to evaluate what I have. Ie. My Norway quilt was initially imagined in a line that would need to be purchased. When that wasn't an option, I chose to go scrappy, and it worked I em better than my first imagined quilt. And, now I want to make all the quilts scrappy.
Also, your bottom two sets of dots are phenomenal!!
Impressive! What a good challenge! Your tower of fabric looks like what I would pick, too - lots of dots.
I have put myself to the test for over a year now to only buy fabric on sale and have not had too hard of a time doing that - I have even passed up buying fabric when I had a chance to step foot in to actual quilt shops when we traveled last year (I have no shops near by) I would look at the price and stop right there! I knew I could find it cheaper someplace :) I have a lot of scrap fabric and lots of yardage and fat quarters - I need to use a lot more of it up - I always run out of the basics first too
I'm not on a fabric fast, but I am limiting my purchases. I have a nine drawer dresser stuffed with fabric and it is my goal to use as much of that fabric as I can before we have to move again in about a years time. I do allow myself to buy background fabric and fabric for binding quilts if I can't find the right match in my dresser. I have some charity projects planned that should help me to use up some of that fabric. I'm also working on finishing UFOs so that those can either be donated or put into use.
I've not been on a fabric fast so much as an ongoing healthy buying plan. I was getting overwhelmed by all of the projects I'd bought fabric for and hadn't completed (or even started). So I'm trying to complete UFOs and limit fabric purchasing to immediate needs only (e.g. neutrals for sashing for the quilt I'm working on at the moment). I cave in and buy the occasional fat quarter, but feel much less guilty! This weekend I'm going to organise my stash using the tips in your recent post, finish up a few nearly done quilts and then the decks are clear for some play! Perhaps some scrappy pin cushions might be next...
I've been on a fabric diet for several years now, only buying backing or background fabric. It's been so amazing to use up what I already have on hand. :0)
I can really relate to what you say about using fabrics while you still love them. I have a some things in my stash that really make me question myself! Trying to figure out how to fix this, i.e. to use up those fabrics, without letting my current favourites languish too long.
Hah, I started laughing when I read this post! I too am on a self- imposed fabric fast, and resisted the urge to buy today. I am visiting my parents this week, and have been wanting to take a trip out to SR Harris after reading about it on your blog.
Last November I decided that I needed to slow the grow of my stash, and told my wife to help keep me accountable to not buy for six months. She had the brilliant idea that instead I should count the fast by quilts rather than months- that way I will ensure the start will shrink Since I am not a high volume quilter, I set the number of quilts at 3.
So I went out to do some shopping today and was planning on a "look-don't-buy" trip, but in the end realized that there was just NO way I could not buy anything. I'll have to wait til I come back to the Twin Cities in the spring. Glad to see you made it through your fast!
Polka dot day is my favorite type of day. You are to be admired for your 6 month+ fast and deserve to splurge a little.
I've tried, but it never has lasted more that 2 weeks!
Alls I know is I LOVE! the stack(s) you bought! Beautiful!
I did a long stretch of no fabric buying while in grad school. Now that grad school is finished I am happily enjoying my quilting, and fabric buying, again. Also, S.R. Harris is amazing!!! I can spend hours in that place. Love your blog, thanks for sharing.
Amanda: I'm wondering? do you have plans for most of the fabric that you bought? or is it more random? I know you have your favorites, but did you basically know what you wanted to buy before you went into the store???
I started quilting in December of 2012 so I am fairly new and my stash is very limited. I have't had a fabric buying freeze yet. My problem is that I am scrappy at heart but lack the variety to be as creative as I'd like. I'd like to participate in some fabric swaps or buy some of the de-stash bundles that hit IG but I always seem to be too late. It seems like that would be a good way to add variety without creating a need for a freeze. Thanks for sharing your journey. I have enjoyed the use-your-stash projects by you and other stash busting bloggers this past year.
I'm trying to use up not only my fabric stash but my mother's also. So it has to be a very intentional purchase if I make one. I doubt I will every get it down to my goal of a drawer/tub of fabric. Same way on the yarn front one drawer/tub of yarn ought to be enough.
I'm truly impressed with a 6 month fabric fast!
Gotta ask- have you been to the new SRHarris in Burnsville?
I recently went to a fabric outlet while on a day trip and I found myself buying INTENTIONALLY for quilting rather than just my random "oh pretty!" buying. Small prints that I love to use for binding, things I could really think of a use for. It's not a fabric fast, but it's a definite buying change for me.
I am vintage fabric hoarder though, and oddly I rarely quilt with it. So yea, the stash is not shrinking at all.
Heh.
I am currently in the middle of a small buying anything crafty fast! My hubby and I agreed not to purchase certain things from January 1 to February 18th (no idea why we picked that date!). He cannot buy non-school books and I cannot buy craft things. So no fabric, scrapbook paper, glue, nothing! So far it hasn't been too bad. I even went into Michael's and walked out with only a small journal! I am finding that I am much more willing to use my "stuff" when I know I can't buy anymore! I have a feeling I'll be making some scrappy quilts soon! I think I may only splurge for yardage for backing or neutrals if I must!
Congratulations on your restraint!
I appreciate your rationale: to use fabric you own while you still like it.
I broke my fast this past Saturday after three months (and six days). I bought ONLY the fabric I NEEDED to border and back a specific project. I felt very virtuous. And I do not feel inclined to buy more (for the time being).
Every now and then I decide I need to stop buying but then I always make exceptions for myself i.e. "Fat quarters don't count against the fast" or "Solids don't count" or something like that. One of these days I ought to just go cold turkey on everything! I may try something like that. Maybe during the summer. ;)
fabric fasting and SRHarris should not be uttered in the same paragraph ....
I try -- but alas .. it is the ONLY bad habit that I will admit ..
Love the dots !
I very rarely buy fabric. I long arm all day! BUT, I am a huge collector of fabric. Which means, I don't buy it new. I collect....garage sales, estate sales, antique stores. So then I don't think I buy fabric, I collect it ;)
I have not been on a fabric diet, but I've only been quilting for about 4 years, and let's face it: I am only now to the point where I have enough "special" fabrics and blender fabrics. I feel like now I can pretty much make anything I want at any time, so I've been thinking I would do a little fabric fasting myself (I would have started sooner, but the local store has their big sale during January - and I wanted to be able to buy just a leetle bit of this and that before committing!). I also have been accumulating enough good fabric to start my own handmade wardrobe and have made one simple t-shirt so far ... but I've got a couple of good bottom weight wools, some knits for shirts, as well as some shirt weight cottons, etc. If I quit wasting my time combing the fabric store for bargains and just used that time to sew, I'm pretty sure that I'd be set. It's a topic that I've been thinking a lot about lately, so I appreciate the timeliness of your post!
I am on a fast right now! My goal is to make all my fabric fit in my existing space (and all in tubs) since we have five kids and all their stuff needs more space as they begin their own interests. I will be okay until I run out of neutrals, but I have an awfully long list of projects that could mostly be made from stash. I just need time to sew more! ;)
It would be impossible for me to go on a fabric fast. I would have to quit my job. There is no way I could go to work in a quilt shop and not buy anything! But congratulations!! You did it!
Well done! I've been trying to use my stash to make some scrap quilts, but I sure do love shiny, new fabric picked out specifically for a project!
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Congrats on tripling your original challenge!
Quick question: when buying sheets for backing do you go with a specific thread count?? Thx!
Congratulations on your fast! I am new to quilting, so I haven't developed much of a stash, but I don't buy fabric, primarily because of financial reasons, but also because of the challenge of making something beautiful with the scraps I have been given. I find that NOT buying gives me a greater level of peace, because then I don't want what I can not afford. I do have one exception, and that is that any gift money (birthday, etc.) can be used to buy quilting supplies, but that tends to be needles, batting, background muslin, rotary blades, etc. I have fun and am satisfied with this method. sarah@forrussia.org
My stash is surely tiny compared to yours, but I still have the same feeling, of having too much fabric to even get to some even though I love it. I've been reminding myself that no matter how much I love a fabric, something will come out next month or next year that I love just as much. I think that's the trap we fall into - if we don't buy it now, it will be gone forever.
I have been only buying what I need to finish UFOs like backing and binding. My best strategy for this is avoiding my local quilt shops which is making me a little sad. It might have a little to do with winter time and cabin fever, but I have to say I miss going out to the shops and just being inspired by what I see. I've decided to head out to the LQS for a visit but exercising restraint. :-)
looks like you're good for another 6 months! so much fun in that pile!
Well done you! I don't think I could but I am already doing some serious stash busting on a couple of projects
I did a lot of stash busting last year. I used more than 200 yards of my older fabric. It feels so good. I also bought and used another 100 yards. So my stash is shrinking quickly and I love it. I hope to have a good balance between old and new fabric this year. Buying intentionally works so well for me!
Congratulations. I need to try it, but I'm not ready yet!
I might try that to, love the orange fabric with birds on it. Greetings
Ive Done it before, and im Doing it Right now. Till july 1st. Im always suprised with what i can come up with from my stash. I also realized that i have an issue with cutting into my yardage and i really need to stop thinking: oh its still such a Big piece i want to leave it When i Need all of it.
Such a great idea. My stash is not huge, although I do tend to buy a lot of fabric and then not make stuff with it for a while....am sure I could go for six months without buying fabric... But then sometimes I am so excited by the prospect of me fabric that I just have to buy it!!
I live in the south of Brazil and love to look at your quilts!!
I can be more than 1 month without buying any fabric, but in the second or third month I have to go for it!! hehehehe
Congratulations on accepting the challenge and successfully exceeding it times three. Your new fabrics are gorgeous - the dots are lovely, but the lambs are adorable. I have never had a fabric fast. Maybe someday!
For the last two years, for Lent, I have given up purchasing fabric. I like that it slows me down and makes me think. The challenge for me is to not make up for it the day after Easter. I have been in a pretty heavy buying mode lately, so I am looking forward to next Wednesday :)
SR Fabrics is a fabric junkies dream. whenever I am in the area I put a hurtin on that place!
I always have great intentions. I THINK that I can not purchase and then Windham Fabrics has a $5 a yard sale. Where else can I get my shirtings for $5 a yard. I bought backing for 2 quilts plus 20 yards go repro shirtings. Gasp- that was January! Now I need a black/ white stripe for binding, I'm doomed!
I did a year while we were planning our daughter's wedding! It wasn't a starvation diet- I allowed myself to buy a specific piece here and there. It was a great feeling! One of my favorite quits I made during that time was a king size scrappy carpenter star for our bed. Good for you!
I'm currently on a fabric diet after running out of room to store any more fat quarter bundles, yardage, jelly rolls, charm squares, layer cakes, kits, scraps...
When I first started sewing I bought a ton of cute novelty prints. I learned my lesson on that! I was able to make pajama pants for my kids out of a lot of it, and the rest got cut into large squares for an easy scrappy quilt.
Now I buy blenders, neutrals and solids and mostly stay away from novelty prints, unless for a specific project. And I try to only buy on sale, but I make exceptions for fabric I really love!
I agree about staying away from the novelty prints and it took me a long time to figure that out. Your other phrase that resonates with me is about using fabric while you still like it.
I've been collecting fabric and quilting for thirty years and just now finally catching on!
Thanks for your insight.
So true what you said about using fabric while you still like it! I sometimes think about seriously fabric fasting, but then my husband says something like "Why would you stop buying fabric? You love fabric!" I try very hard to only buy fabric that has a purpose. If I fall in love with a novelty print, but can't think of how I'd use it, it stays at the store! And there's definitely something satisfying about working from your stash!
I've also been making an attempt to use what I have on hand and have found that I am forced to be more creative and work outside my comfort zone. The real challenge for me is to stay modern while using all those scraps.I really like your observation that using what you have on hand let's you see what you really use the most. I'm inspired to keep going on my fabric fast--thanks for the great post!
I'm fasting right now. We moved abroad for the last half of last year, and when we got home and I started unpacking, I kept opening boxes that were filed to the brim with fabric. So I organized the fabric in a more visual manner and realized that I had about the times as much fabric as I thought I had!
Thank you for summing it up in a way I couldn't: Use the fabric while I still love it. I started quilting thirteen years ago, and I have some fabric leftover from projects I made when I was a teenager, and I remember being excited about those fabrics at one point! Now, not so much...and that's quite a shame.
I'm fasting right now. We moved abroad for the last half of last year, and when we got home and I started unpacking, I kept opening boxes that were filed to the brim with fabric. So I organized the fabric in a more visual manner and realized that I had about the times as much fabric as I thought I had!
Thank you for summing it up in a way I couldn't: Use the fabric while I still love it. I started quilting thirteen years ago, and I have some fabric leftover from projects I made when I was a teenager, and I remember being excited about those fabrics at one point! Now, not so much...and that's quite a shame.
I'm fasting right now. We moved abroad for the last half of last year, and when we got home and I started unpacking, I kept opening boxes that were filed to the brim with fabric. So I organized the fabric in a more visual manner and realized that I had about the times as much fabric as I thought I had!
Thank you for summing it up in a way I couldn't: Use the fabric while I still love it. I started quilting thirteen years ago, and I have some fabric leftover from projects I made when I was a teenager, and I remember being excited about those fabrics at one point! Now, not so much...and that's quite a shame.
I have been very inspired by your fabric fast. I've purchased fabric much faster than I can use it, and also my tastes have changed dramatically, especially in the last 2-3 years. There are lots of fabrics and kits I know I'll never want to do so I've sold several on eBay and given lots of fabric to my old quilt guild that they can use for their charity comfort quilts. I was so pleased to make some charity quilts for our church out of fabrics that have been sitting on the shelves for a long time, and only had to buy some backing fabrics which I found on discount at local fabric stores. This is going to be tough but I want to try to go on a fabric fast for 6 months except for possibly having to buy discounted fabric for backs. I am headed to Houston this fall with a group of friends and that would be a great time to end the fast!
I must be a bit odd, for I don't buy fabric that often. If I do buy, it's more likely a sheet or 2 from Goodwill, instead of a quilt shop. We are a a family of 11, on one income, and while I could spend far more than I do, I choose to spend it in other ways (like eating out. It's a minimum of $50 for our family and that's fast food.) I love fabric! But I love doing things for, and with!, my children more, so that's what I choose. There are many times that I have wished to do both (good for you folks who can!), but I'm not there right now, and I'm okay with that.
I guess that was the long answer to your question: no, I don't really fast. You can't really fast from something you don't partake much of. *wink*
That was really fun to read about your experience. Thanks so much for sharing ;)
Never tried a fast, though I do try to sew from stash. The line that rung most true was "use fabric in stash while I still love it." That is, alas , not what I have done. My taste has changed considerably, so there is a lot of unloved fabric in there. Challenge, though, is to make a quilt I love out of it.
Good for you! I am not on a fast...just the budget telling me I can't buy fabric! But I am looking on the bright side..and using my stash. That is what it is for after all! But my problem...I will pull something or two from the stash that I like...but always will not have one or two more fabrics/colors needed to compliment what I have!
I am with all you ladies who are trying to "fabric fast" or in my case, going "cold turkey" with my fabric addiction for two years. My fabric pile is going down, gifts made and given to people, charitable organizations. New pillows for various locations around the house, pillow cases, make up bags stuffed with goodies for friends etc. I am still going, but had to purchase a load of new thread because I was out. Does that count?
I need to go on a "gadget fast"- I have more notions than Nancy Ziemen!
To be honest, some of us have more fabric than we will use in a lifetime. If I died today, I would be embarrassed when my kids went through my stash! I have gone a fabric fast for a whole year, except fabric for backing. It would probably be a good idea to do this on a semi regular basis.
I've never done a fabric fast, per se, but last year when we went to the Paducah show I intentionally avoided buying almost any fabric. I think I came home with less than a yard. It felt good!
I really enjoyed reading about your "fast". It sounds like you really had a chance to analyze what you needed when you made your purchase and therefore did not double up on fabrics that you already owned. It is quite impressive that you finished 9 quilts as well. Looking forward to your next post.
Congrats on your success. It's great to use what you have and feel that accomplishment. I went all of January without buying any new fabric and hope to do the same with February. I'm not on a fast but want to really use what I already have sitting around.
Congrats on tripling your husband's challenge. But I think you broke your fast beautifully. BYW, what are the sizes of those fabric cuts? Just curious.
Where do you find a 'fabric outlet'? I would plan a trip if I knew where to go!
I Love those bottom Two dots!! I can't go on that kind of a fast but I am selling some of my stash on EBay. I even sold Bonnie & Camille jelly rolls! It's nice to have $400 in my Paypal.
I managed to go over a year without purchasing any fabric. My goal was to use up what I had and I was amazed at how creatively I managed to make do with what I had on hand. One question I have to ask - Do you launder your fabric before it is used?
Way to go - that's some challenge you managed to meet!
Since moving last year (and not being employed) I've been on a fabric diet except for anything I need to finish a project and that's usually thread. Several times in my sewing career of 30+ years I have had to do this. No job = lots of time to sew, but no money to buy fabrics, etc.....it's a great way to use up your stash though. After fussy cutting blocks for 2 eye spy quilts, I even took the step to donate some really old fabrics that I know I'll never use.
It's a good feeling! Enjoy those fabulous fabrics - love all the dots.
Your fabric diet is inspiring! Love your use of pokadots :)
No money=no new fabric. Sadly, I must think of better ways to challenge myself, so I have been using simply EVERYBODY'S giveaways from their closets. Talk about scrappy. My Goodness. Great challenge though. Congrats on your restraint, but you could always make a mattress from your stash. He he he!!!
I don't think I had a problem until online shopping became so popular. It feels like looking through the Sears Christmas catalog. I live in a metropolitan area of about a million people and only two good quilt shops. I love that you bought poka dots. They are so great in anything. Congrats on your fast.
I went on a year long fabric fast in 2013. It was the best thing I've done! I sorted my scraps, used them, didn't even use them up. I had plenty of fabric leftover by the end, but I was frustrated by my choices for backing and binding. I was really ready to finish because I'd basically run out of aqua and a few other basics, and I was running out of motivation to finish quilts because I didn't like the fabric I had for binding. But it did teach me a lot about what I use most. I rarely bought basics before my fast because I've always loved Anna Maria Horner's fabric. I rarely bought low volume prints but now I now how useful they are. I'm doing something similar this year, but I'm buying backing and binding prints when I need them. And AMH Folk Song! :)
I call my excess fabric my 'retirement account' . I buy now when I can afford it so I can sew later when not so much...
I call my excess fabric my 'retirement account' . I buy now when I can afford it so I can sew later when not so much...
I call my excess fabric my 'retirement account' . I buy now when I can afford it so I can sew later when not so much...
I'm so impressed! I need to give this a try. I completely connected to your reasoning of sewing with it while you love it. I need to sew with the fabric I already have instead of dreaming up new projects for the new fabric.
The difficult part for me is the fabric that I want, that I know I won't stop loving, that I know will disappear if I don't get it now. That's where a fast would be hard. But 2 months is totally do-able.
Every year for Lent I give up new projects and new fabrics. Stash clubs or things I've committed to prior to Lent don't count, but I don't sign up for swaps due in April, for example. Every Lent proves to be more amazing and productive than the last-- I do some of my best design work and finish projects that had waited too long, and I fall in love again with projects that had become stale. I now look forward to my Lenten fast, because the discipline helps me to refocus and make sure I'm more intentional about my new projects and purchases.
I did! I didn't find it too much of a struggle, but I had a few loopholes - like it was ok to buy when on holiday in Japan. Towards the end I found I was running low on some things, but I enjoyed working with what I had. I am trying to keep that idea going - start with what I have. I have realised that my three boxes of fabric are not exactly going to get me on an episode of Hoarders, so it is OK to buy stuff that I use.
You did very well, those fabrics are awesome!
yes...last year and I hated it. Fabric is my Kwilty Pleasure so it was a short lived challenge. However, last year I did challenge myself to bust my stash and made 75 projects from coasters to a queen size kwilt. I will never use all my stash, but when I am gone...a charity will be blessed with my fabric obsession!
I did a stash bust last year with the rule that I could only buy to finish a UFO. I went through 67 yards of stash, 16 spools of thread, and primarily bought backings, batting and thread. Many of the projects are still UFOs, but I did finish 30% more projects than in a typical year.
I think that was a great goal to have and congrats on making it!! Using what you have and being creative with what you have on hand takes discipline and creativity, which can add to the fun.
I could never do it but I'm happy for people who can!
I have just finished making four valentine mini quilts with my stash! Whoop whoop!
Thank you for the inspiration!
For the past 14 months I have fasted off and on. Only broken for specific gifts, commissions or background/backing. I rewarded myself at the 6 mos mark and then my bday because I received gift cards to fabric stores. I just broke it one more time, but VERY intentionally for certain line I'm already working for.
Which is my whole point. The thing I learned is what NOT to buy in the future. Cute fabric lines without plans are just not for me. I'm definitely going to buy smaller amounts if I'm "stash/scrap" building color lines or bee blocks and such.
I love going up to my fabric shelves and seeing the mini bolts have some give now!!! And large bolts of backing for quilts that I know I'm working on and will finish!!!
QUESTION: How much yardage do you usually buy when you don't have a particular project in mind? I struggle with this and would appreciate your sage advice! I know it's not foolproof but I don't know what's enough without it being too much. Thanks & cheers!
Good job well done! I'm not sure I could manage 6 months. But I do know that I could sure use a very long fabric fast period since my room for fabric is kinda exceded since a long time now.
However I was happy coming home yesterday from a sewing festival and realizing I had actually bought less than I normally do. So maybe, just maybe I can try something similar soon. Thanks for sharing. ;)
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