SURVEY: How much fabric do you buy?
Christina Doucette
How much quilting fabric do you personally buy when you find a pattern that
you really like (and just gotta have...), but you dont know what your gonna
use the fabric for?
Christina Doucette
Julia Altshuler
> I've got a question:
>
> How much quilting fabric do you personally buy when you find a pattern that
> use the fabric for?
It depends on the price. If I adore it, but it is full price, I buy
less. If I adore it, and it is on sale, I buy more.
Bright colorful fabrics that I love and would make a good focus fabric,
1/2 yard.
Fabrics that I'm not normally drawn to but that fill holes in my stash
like lights and yellows, 1/2 yard.
Fabrics that I love and know I'll use like dark greens and grays, 1 yard.
--Lia
CNYstitcher
afford if I consider it "dropdead gorgeous!"
Larisa
Piglet
fabric. <g>
--pig, who just snarfed up several yards of a pigs-on-yellow-checks fabric
she tripped over online.....
On 1/16/04 7:05 AM, star...@sympatico.cajunk opined:
frood
really cute novelty, and I know I won't use much.
My amounts are similar to Lia's. If it is a bold, focus-type print (big,
graphic, definate shapes) I'll get a 1/2 yard.
For a more textural, subtle (subtle being relative here - my subtles rarely
are viewed as subtle by anybody else) print that I really like, 2-3 yards
depending on price, budget and need to buy fabric (the term "need" being
relative here, too).
Good yellows and good blues are hard to find, so 1 yard whenever I find
them.
I also used to try to fill holes in my stash, but I hate buying creams and
greens, so I only buy them if I need them for a project. However, any fabric
that strikes my fancy falls under the above rules, regardless of what color
it is. ;-)
--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
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"Christina Doucette" <star...@sympatico.cajunk> wrote in message
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Kathy Applebaum
2. Check contents of wallet.
3. Use entire contents to buy fabric.
This method seems to work well for me. :)
It depends on the fabric and what I think it *can* be used for. A nice
stripe that will make a kaleidoscope block and borders might merit 4 yards.
Something that will be a focus fabric, but not the whole quilt, will be
about 2 yards. Something that's just a color I'm weak on will be at least a
yard. Unless the fabric is precut into half yards or FQs, I usually don't
mess with less than a yard.
--
Kathy A. (Woodland, CA)
longarm machine quilting, Queen of Fabric Tramps
http://www.kayneyquilting.com , mailto:Kat...@KayneyNOSPAMQuilting.com
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"Christina Doucette" <star...@sympatico.cajunk> wrote in message
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Diana Curtis
Diana
--
Queen of FAQs
Royal Peace Maker
http://photos.yahoo.com/lunamom44
"Christina Doucette" <star...@sympatico.cajunk> wrote in message
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The HairyFacedOnes 'N Me
This question is a milder form of "opening a can of worms" around here!
<vbg> Some of the others are pre-wash or not; hand or machine quilting;
which sewing machine brand name is best; LQS fabrics or discount store;
finished or WIP; breastfeeding or bottle; etc.
Let's go for it- I buy as much as I can afford..... and *only* LQS
quality! LOL
Leslie (stirring, stirring....)
The HairyFacedOnes 'N Me- My dogs aren't my whole life...they make my
life whole.
RCTQ- Houston 2004..... A good friend will come and bail you out of
jail.... but, a true friend will be sitting next to you saying, "Damn...
that was fun!
Frosty772
If there is a sale I occassionaly grab something different and any remnants
that are really cute and I think I could do something with.
Tammy
Taria
run out of space for reasonable storage. I love florals so I will
buy quarters/halves if I see a new gorgeous one. If there is a sale
on something that would make good backing that I have a use in mind for
I will buy enough for backing a quilt. Other than that I am trying to
just not buy any unless I have an immediate need. I am trying to finish
and use up stash these days.
Taria
Kathy Applebaum
"Taria" <taria....@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:O0UNb.612$ko5...@nwrddc01.gnilink.net...
> I've changed my buying habits in the last year or so. I have really
> run out of space for reasonable storage.
I have lots of room in my studio. You're more than welcome to store fabric
and finished quilts there... ;-)
Bonnie
> 1 yard if i "like" it, 2 yards if I "really like it", as much as I can
> afford if I consider it "dropdead gorgeous!"
>
> Larisa
>
--
Bonnie, the Quilt Lady
NJ
frood
buy, or even, how much should she buy. She's taking a survey, gathering
info. Personally, I bet she's taking notes for future stash raids. I know I
am!
--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
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"The HairyFacedOnes 'N Me" <kwil...@webtv.net> wrote in message
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Lisa Ellis
I buy a yard or two, usually two under those circumstances. Two yards
usually gives me enough for borders, etc.
lisae
georg
Although I tend to buy for specific projects twice what I think I'll
need. The above comment is just on general terms.
-georg
AliceW
The fabric patterns that I collect (mice or Westies) usually 1 yard
unless the price is really good.
The fabrics that I fall in love with but don't have a project in mind
- 2 yards.
The fabrics that are a really good price and would make nice backings
- 3.5 to 4 yards.
Alice in NJ who is not buying any of the above right now - unless they
are mice or Westies that are really a good price and I fall in love
with them!
Julia Altshuler
I've been thinking about this all day, love the question, find that
there are more subtlties to it than I imagined at first.
My philosophy on the price of fabrics is that any fabric that goes into
the top of a quilt and is beautiful there was worth the money. Any
fabric that sits in my stash unused forever where it brings joy to no
one cost too much. There's a middle ground of fabrics which were
considered for a quilt, held up, looked at and ultimately didn't make it
in. You need those too because you never know what looks right until
you've experimented with what looks wrong so those are worth the money
too, sort of. With all that in mind, I really try to buy fabrics that I
will use or might use, and I try to buy the right amount so I'm not
scrambling around for more of the perfect fabric nor wasting money and
space on fabric that never gets into a quilt.
For me, focus fabrics are candy. I'm drawn to florals with subtle mixes
of brights and neutrals, Asian fabrics with flowing lines. They're
immediately mouth-wateringly appealing, but after a while too many of
them don't get used. They sit in a plastic bin where I look at them and
salivate and then feel empty in the pit of my stomach because I can't
live long enough to make quilts out of all of them. Since I can't pass
them up and know I won't use them, I usually buy only a quarter of them
if I'm being good or maybe a half since I'm generally not.
Then there are the fabrics I have to force myself to buy. I don't
remember ever having a bad experience with a light, but you'd think I
had since I seem to have a phobia about them. I always go for the
medium brights and darks. Then when I'm auditioning fabrics, it is
obvious that I need lights; I'll go to the store, and, once there, will
STILL have trouble making myself buy the lights. For that reason, I
have a standing deal with myself that I always buy something light from
the flat fold sale table. I get those in half yards. Yellows, for me,
are almost as bad as lights. (I never have trouble with greens. My
greens overfloweth.)
No matter how good the price, I don't buy backs ahead of time. This
saves a lot of money in the long run. Even if I buy 8 yards, the
finished quilt would require 9. I hate sewing the long seams to put
backs together so it makes sense to wait until I know the exact
measurements I'll need. In other words, backs aren't pertinent to this
question.
Since I've been doing this for a while, I have some practice with
knowing what sorts of fabrics will get used-- neutrals, somewhat more
muted tones, olives, greens, dark greens, tawny browns, cocoa browns,
fabrics with relatively high contrast, lots of texture. When I see
those that I like, I buy 1/2 - 1 yard.
--Lia
Kathy
> that
> > you really like (and just gotta have...), but you dont know what your
> gonna
> > use the fabric for?
> >
> >
> > Christina Doucette
Jeesh... I have turned into a Fabric-holic... totally outta control...
I mean a serious junkie here. I don't ever recall buying less than a
yard.. and being that I like to share what I buy with others when I am
able to, this usually leads to me buying more. Ohhh... and if it is on
sale... I am in trouble!!! Actually, I pretty much only buy fabric
that is on sale but I try to lean toward the best quality that I can
afford at the time.
To wash or not to wash --- For me being so chemically sensitive, I
choose to generously soak and rinse my fabric in preperation for me to
use it. If the weather is nice, I will air dry fabric on the back
deck. I do not use any "usual" fragranced laundry products and NEVER
use any of those toxic chemical dryer/softener sheets.
Kathy (in Alaska)
"Blessed are the cracked...for we let in the light."
Butterfly
I want')
Need: background, fill-in, or just because-- ALL will require different
amounts anywhere from bolts to one FQ
FQ's-- I like to do "I Spy type/charms" at present , so I will check $ and
then see how much I can afford "today"
EXCEPT when I'm on a MISSION--then it's: Katie, bar the door : )
""Budget"" is a new way of shopping for me for the last 3 years----but we
HAVE our house---one more year to go ( irrigation system-- rest of
roses--tool shed) and then we can 'breathe again' ; )
Butterfly (Have been known to walk out with bolts--- to-- walking out with
NO purchases : )
MY SCOTT ...you be quiet here, you Enabler, you ; )
"Christina Doucette" <star...@sympatico.cajunk> wrote in message
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Julia in MN
measurements, usually at least 1/4 yard more than I figure I am going to
need. If I find a good background (such as white on white or cream on
cream) on sale on the flat fold table, I will probably buy the whole
piece. I seldom buy less than a yard, unless I find a really good deal
on flat quarters. I buy unbleached muslin by the bolt when it is on sale
at JoAnn's (or I use a 50% off coupon), because I often use it for
backing. If I find large pieces of nice backing stuff really cheap, I'll
buy the whole piece. Before Christmas, I found some nice fabric for
backing at Hobby Lobby for $1/yard, so I bought all that was left on 5
bolts, about 30 yards all together.
Julia in MN
--
This message has been scanned for viruses by Norton Anti-Virus
http://mail.chartermi.net/~jaccola/
Ellison
10 yards.
And a bit more for the pattern.
Ragmop/Sandy
--wondering if Christina is taking names and checking
street addresses ;-D
"Christina Doucette" <star...@sympatico.cajunk> wrote in message
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Taria
living in has become the annex but I have to go 30 miles
to rootle. It just isn't great when creativity hits. Maybe
I am just getting old but after watching the mess of 'stuff'
my mom died and left poor dad to live with it seems stuff
can become detrimental.
Taria
Kathy Applebaum
"Julia in MN" <jaccola-AT-cha...@zzzzzzz.zzz> wrote in message
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> Most of the time, I buy for a specific project; then I figure generous
> measurements, usually at least 1/4 yard more than I figure I am going to
> need.
For some of us, 1/4 yard more than we need is cutting it awfully close...
(as in, that just about guarantees a slip of the rotary cutter! LOL)
Christina Doucette
tomorrow when I go to the annual fabric sale tomorrow. :)
And I might need some of your mailing addresses in case I find stuff with
your "name" on it.
I'll let you know how it turns out tomorrow evening. That is...if DH let's
me back into the house tomorrow after he sees how much I spent.....I live by
Kathy A.'s rules ....
1. Open wallet.
2. Check contents of wallet.
3. Use entire contents to buy fabric.
Except it's the bank card...."Welll look at that...the fancy machine said
'Approved' again!"
I really enjoyed reading everyone's responses. Didnt seem to be a can of
worms at all......everyone shedded light on a different situation and it ALL
made sense......even Kathy! :)
Christina Doucette
"Christina Doucette" <star...@sympatico.cajunk> wrote in message
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Julia Altshuler
> Good yellows and good blues are hard to find, so 1 yard whenever I find
> them.
What's your idea of a good blue? Yellows I understand having trouble
finding because the difference between lemon, golden, butter and blah is
so muddy, but I have an easier time with the blues.
--Lia
frood
too purple. My LQS does not carry a wide range of blues, so I always look
when I am elsewhere. I did find a marvelous blue when I was in PatW's LQS
(the really nice, friendly one), but didn't buy any because I thought I
didn't need any. I was wrong, and should have bought at least a yard. I'll
know better next time.
--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
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"Julia Altshuler" <jalts...@comcast.net> wrote in message
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Kathy Applebaum
"Christina Doucette" <star...@sympatico.cajunk> wrote in message
> Except it's the bank card...."Welll look at that...the fancy machine said
> 'Approved' again!"
Hey, everyone searches for approval. Looks like you've found an easy way to
get it! ROFLMAO!!!!
Kathy in CA
when I bought my yellows I only bought those in 1 yd segments as I dont use
much yellow but wanted an assortment for star blocks. If I ask for 4-6 yds
and there is a little more on the bolt I will go for the rest of the bolt.
On rare occassion I buy 3yds or whatever is left on the bolt. For the most
part, buying anything less than 3 yards is not worth the price 'cause
usually cant find more later if you need it.
--
Kathy in CA
Quilting Stuff:
http://community.webshots.com/user/kathys1068
"Christina Doucette" <star...@sympatico.cajunk> wrote in message
Carolyn McCarty
something I think I can use a lot of. Been caught short a couple of times,
and it hurt when I couldn't find the same fabric.
I also buy fat quarter collections if they suit my fancy.
--
Carolyn in The Old Pueblo
If it ain't broke, you aren't trying. --Red Green
If it ain't broke, it ain't mine. Carolyn McCarty
"frood" <mam...@FangGriffinsFlight.com> wrote in message
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frood
do! ;-)
--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
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"Carolyn McCarty" <cxm...@qwest.net> wrote in message
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Julia Altshuler
> To me, a good blue is a clear hue. Not greyed or muddy. Not too green, or
> too purple. My LQS does not carry a wide range of blues, so I always look
> when I am elsewhere. I did find a marvelous blue when I was in PatW's LQS
> (the really nice, friendly one), but didn't buy any because I thought I
> didn't need any. I was wrong, and should have bought at least a yard. I'll
> know better next time.
>
Have you noticed how, at the smaller quilt stores, the buyer's color
sense will show through? The buyer might have a thing for turquoise
blues such that purpley blues never show up, or she'll think that white
is cream white, not bone white or white on white so everything goes in
that direction. Then you shop somewhere else, and it is a whole
different world. And colors come and go out of fashion. I love grayed
greens (any green, really) and browned greens with no particular love
for emerald green (though I wouldn't turn it down the way I would a
pink). One year I'll find a nice variety in sages; the next year it
will be olives, then emeralds. With that in mind, it makes sense that
you're having trouble finding your blues. Be patient. They may come
into fashion.
--Lia
Coleen
What a wonderful question -- I have enjoyed reading everyone's answers. For
me - I don't have a great answer. I usually buy at least a yard of anything
that I buy, but I have also been know to buy quarter and half yards for
smaller projects. And I love to buy fqs too.
Coleen
Coleen
All blues are good, lol. :-)
Coleen
"Julia Altshuler" <jalts...@comcast.net> wrote in message
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>
>
Pati Cook
stash) Clothes for me... anywhere from 2-4 yards, and if cotton the scraps go
into the quilting stash. Specifically for quilting, depends on the pattern I
plan to use. If just buying with nothing specific in mind...... 1/2 yard if it
is nice and a good thing to have. If it is possibly going to be a border on a
quilt 2 1/2 yards. If I have the money and love the fabric more. If I love it,
have to have it and don't have the money I may just get a quarter yard. When
FQs are on sale or all available I may get some. Accent fabrics, I may just
get a quarter or third of a yard.
Pati, in Phx
jennell H
stashed, the more insulating value you have available - its good to
conserve hydro - I have hardly used any heat so far this winter even
with the sub-zero temps lately...
Jennifer in Ottawa
mailto: change Nytowl to jennell
Joan8904
truly truly love the fabric, I'll get 5 yards or the rest of the bolt. Sooner
or later, everything (almost everything) finds a home in a quilt.
joan
joan o'reilly
http://members.aol.com/Joan8904/index.html
Maureen Wozniak
figure out how much to buy if it might make a good border.
Maureen
Maureen Wozniak
perfect yellow. Then I may have to buy the whole bolt, just so I never
run out.
I'm also still looking for the perfect orange. I have a real orange
phobia, so that's a big hole in my stash. As soon as I'm off my fabric
buying diet, I'm going to start forcing myself to get some oranges.
Maureen
Shstringfellow
>buying diet, I'm going to start forcing myself to get some oranges.
>
Well, if you find any, please let me know! I love orange, and making autumn
quilts and orange is a *pain* to find!
SueS
Julia Altshuler
> Yes. I agree. Blues are easy. Yellows hard. I'm still looking for the
> perfect yellow. Then I may have to buy the whole bolt, just so I never
> run out.
I wonder if the trouble with yellows is wording.
Try this thought experiment. Put in your mind a pot of blue paint. Add
white to it. It gets lighter. You have light blue. Start again. This
time add black. You have navy blue. Add gray. You get cadet blue.
Add a little yellow. You get turquoise blue. Keep adding yellow. You
have to add a fair amount before you get green. Until then, you have
blue-green. With a new pot of mind blue, add red. Again, you have
blue-purple for a while until you've added enough red to call it true
purple. In each case, you get different varieties of blue, but they're
all still blue.
Now run the experiment with yellow. I get light pastel yellow when I
add white, but when I add black, I don't know what to call that color.
It doesn't look like dark yellow. It's an odd olive or burnt golden.
When I add gray, I get a sort of ivory that doesn't look yellow at all.
I'd put that color with the neutrals. When I add blue to yellow, it
looks green right away. Sure I can see that it's a yellow-green, but
I'd put it on the green shelf if it has only a little blue, doesn't need
a lot. Same with adding red. It turns to orange after an instant.
So it's like the only good yellows are true pure yellows. If the dye is
off in any direction, it looks different and has a different name.
--Lia
frood
time I was there, I looked to see what I could add. "got that. and that. and
that one. yep, have that one, too. Hmmm." No new ones! I wish somebody else
would come buy some, so they can replace them with some new ones! ;-)
--
Wendy
http://griffinsflight.com/Quilting/quilt1.htm
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"Shstringfellow" <shstrin...@aol.comNOSPAM> wrote in message
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Denise G.
tons of pieces that have no particular purpose. We have a lot of yard
sales and church sales in this area and I have accumulated lots of
plainer cottons for next to nothing cost.
When I shop at a real store for material I tend to look for fun focus
fabrics and novelties, then I go home and root through my not so fancy
stash and I usually can find lots of cute combinations that will go with
the exciting stuff I just bought at the LQS. When I find something I
really like, I buy 1/2 yard, then mix it with my existing stash. Works
for me and costs very little.
Denise in NH
Maureen Wozniak
Maureen
Pati Cook
the longest edge measurement, that will give you enough to make unpieced
borders. With some left over unless you make your borders 9-11 inches wide.
>g<
I often use borders as focus fabric, cut generous border widths lengthwise, then
use part of the remainder as accent in the blocks. Always have some left over
to use in other things.
Pati, in Phx