hi helen, i have more fabric than i can use in two lifetimes. where in america is your daughter graduating?
gini in north idaho
Helen
I have enough stash for you and me both...LOL> I am constantly adding more.
Vinton, Virginia
Lots of different responses, so this is just my opinion.
I have found that just because a quilt shop sells name brand fabric doesn't mean that it's worth the price. I do buy at JoAnn's, but I also like the different varieties available at quilt shops. You just have to check the fabric over good. Thread count, griege goods (mills run lower quality fabrics first to be sure that the printing is correct; then put on the higher quality fabric to run the final product; the lower quality first printing is sold at a lower cost), all impact the quality of the fabric. Hopefully, your quilt shop owners know this ro they may be buying cheaper quality fabric to sell because they think they're getting a good deal. I've seen the exact same fabric in a quilt shop that was sold at JoAnn's for less, but the quality wasn't the saem. I do the hand test, as well. Watch out for highly starched fabrics that fall apart when the starch is washed out. This is another good reason for pre-washing fabrics. The pre-wash can actually tell you a lot about the quality of the fabric - if it is lower quality it may be warped, the print runs askew, the starch washes out & the fabric is very thin, etc.
As for yardage, I used to buy 1/2 yard amount as a standard. Now, it depends on how much I like the fabric. I tend to do a lot of scrap quilts, so I don't mind the smaller pieces - more variety. However, if I find something I really like, I may buy 3-5 yards. And, if the price is right, I may get more to have for a backing. Your budget and your type of quilting will probably dictate how much you buy.
Keepsake Quilting has a catalog with nice fabrics at reasonable prices, just like Connecting Threads. I haven't purchased any myself, but have heard good things about them. Although I prefer to feel the fabric before I buy it, I have purchased online and like being able to shop at my convenience without having to go anywhere.
Pamela
Nana: Helen I heard that only a month after I purchased the machine the man also passed away.
I heard that only a month after I purchased the machine the man also passed away.
That machine was meant to be yours. Its very sad but seems all too true that when a spouse, if they have been together for a very long time, passes the surviving spouse seems to follow within the next 12 months.
Wow so you have a lot of fabric then :)
My daughter is graduation from University of Tulsa with a Bachelor of Science in Energy Management. Next big task is getting a job which is quite difficult to do in America when you are a New Zealander. There are not many oil and gas jobs here in NZ.
Pamela, thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and advice on selecting quality fabrics. It was very helpful!
Helen, I'm off to find some previous discussions and pictures of stash for you to share with your husband...
On the banks of the Mississippi River in north central Minnesota (Brainerd lakes area)
Okay, Helen, here is a great discussion about stash. I'm linking you to page 2 because another Helen shared some pictures that will blow you away.
http://www.quiltersclubofamerica.com/forums/t/16107.aspx?PageIndex=2
Ah yes. Helen's stash, something we can all aspire to, quantity and organization. Specially organization.
Patti
Chiliwist Valley
thanks pamela for the info.
Gini
Just looked at that thread you linked me to - my what a fabulouse stash and sewing room.
I will show it my husband and say "this is the ultimate goal in life" and see what he says.
Helen M
Sorry I got confused - thaks Nancy :)
Helen, here is another stash we all envy. It's just organized differently. (Sorry, Gini, these photos always make me giggle....)
http://www.quiltersclubofamerica.com/blogs/ginihowardyahoocom/archive/2011/01/03/studio.aspx
it is a lot neater right now, i had a clean up a while back.
Wow! I now feel like the poor cousin with my stash. I hadn't seen those pictures before, but I guess this is truly what I can aspire to get. My stash consists of a closet full, and a few small plastic bin where I have stuff for specific quilts with pattern. I could actually go and shop in Helen's stash. I would find stuff to complete some quilts for sure... Love the setting so bright and airy.
Angele
Angèle from NWO
Compared to Helen none of us have a stash....ROFLOL.