One of my Dad's all time favorite phrases for when someone is going to do something regardless is: "well, it was like trying to hold back a hurricane with a palm branch"... you get the picture right? I guess it would be safe to say that this pretty much sums up my stash explosion fabric shopping spree while in the US. Believe it not, there has actually been a method to my madness, and it's been a lot about basics and fabrics that I have coveted for too long:
In addition to my previous stacks, I've added several low volumes to my stash, but I really wanted to add a few low volumes with color. I love this pastel mix and can't wait to make something sweet and delicate with them.
While I find so many solid quilts to be beautiful and just plain brilliant, when it comes working with solids myself, I feel completely at a loss. Somehow creating with a fabric that is almost solid is more my to my taste. Zen Chic's city map and Carolyn Friedlander's crosshatch fabrics are just perfect for that work-like-a-solid-look without actually being solid.
And what would a shopping spree be without one little splurge? This hard to find, OOP (out of print) little bundle of fabrics again from Carolyn Friedlander completed my stash. I justified the price by figuring that this would essentially be the normal price that I would pay for fabrics in Germany anyway. I'm pleased to say that these have not landed into the "fabrics to pretty to be used" category (or in this case to expensive)...
... and here they are in the works: For my Facing East quilt, I currently have two blocks that feature designs from one collection. While I have generally avoided sticking with all one collection for each block segment, I opted to feature two of my favorites as a whole.
What are your stash building strategies? Do you build with basics, and add in fun prints here and there, or do you build project by project?
Linking up this week to WIP Wednesday & Let's Bee Social.
Oh these stacks of fabric are so pretty. And what you are creating is even better. I need some of that ledger fabric. (I mean really, really want it!) I don't have a strategy. Well, I guess I do, I just buy for each quilt as I make it. And then I don't finish it, but go buy for another quilt. Yep, that's a strategy all right.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice haul of fabric you took home.They are beautiful. I can see why you need them. It is a good strategy.
ReplyDeleteI am drooling over your fabric stacks! The quilt you are working on is incredible and I can't wait to see it progress further. I don't really have a strategy when buying fabric. I just buy fabrics that I love.
ReplyDeleteI have no strategy at all ! I just buy fabrics I like. I've been working a lot these last monthes with Carolyn Friedlander collections, especially with crosshatch. I love her fabrics and patterns. I don't know the block you are working on. I'm looking forward to see more !
ReplyDeleteI buy both basics and fun prints. When starting a new project, I look over my stash first and then, if necessary, head to my LQS. Your picks are fabulous. I, too, have a weakness for CF's cross-hatch fabric. : )
ReplyDeleteGorgeous additions!!! I tend to just go for what I like, not worrying about such trifling things as scale, color, value, etc. :D For me, it doesn't matter how good a basic or a blender is, if I don't like it, I won't use it. Luckily, my likes do tend to run the whole gamut, but there is a definite propensity for loud, bright, and quirky.
ReplyDeleteI do buy fabris I like. And build a stach like that. If I want to make a quilt - I look through those and see what I can come up with - often I just additionally buy some fitting solids eg. background...
ReplyDeleteBTW: I love solids - even as a whole quilt (as you know)
Love your facing east blocks!
ReplyDeleteamazing fabric print and design good post
ReplyDeleteOooooh, I am jealous now! Beautiful fabrics you bought! I actually did the same thing as I was in 'Sew Modern' in LA... I bought so many fabrics that I had difficulties closing my suitcase and I was arguing with myself what other stuff to leave behind so that all the fabric would fit in!! Have fun with all these beauties!
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