I'm still fairly new at all of this. The patterns I've made so far have either been from a book or class and those had the fabric requirements and color suggestions. My local shop is having their year end blow out sale tomorrow and Saturday and I'm thinking about picking up some fabric. I don't really have a specific quilt in mind to know the exact details. I'd like to make a green quilt this year (hopefully in time for St. Patty's Day) and a Bears Paw (if I can ever find the magazine or book I bought that had the pattern in it lol). My bed is a queen size and my kids both have a regular and twin.
So my question is this. When you guys shop sales do you go with with specific yardage needs in mind or do you just pick fabric you like and buy some of it. How much is a decent amount to purchase to be useable for a future quilt? I'm thinking a couple of yards at least. I was there earlier today and they have some beautiful red and pink on white and cream florals that are marked down to $3/yard! Buying whatever is left on the bolt gets you a 40% discount and a 2 yard minimum is 30% off. I have 2 HUGE tubs of fabric that my Mom gave to me that she bought from her quilt store but has decided she does not have time to quilt so I don't really need the stash. I just thought it would be nice to pick up some pretty pinks, creams & greens and some jewel tones and support my local shop at the same time.
Any suggestions?
Lucy
A fabriholic in the making...teehee
I buy yardage and my set yardage is 3 yards of any fabric that I like - most quilt patterns the main fabric you are going to use - usually takes about 3 yards... if it calls for 3 1/4 yards I can usually squeeze my 3 yard cuts to make it. I used to buy fat quarters and then a year or so down the road when I got ready to use that fabric I would find I didn't have enough so that is when I started buying the 3 yard cuts... and if I really like the fabric and know that I might use it in more then 1 quilt I sometimes buy 4 or 5 yards...
Thea:A fabriholic in the making...teehee
I have to agree with you Thea.
I have 2 HUGE tubs of fabric that my Mom gave to me that she bought from her quilt store but has decided she does not have time to quilt so I don't really need the stash.
Lucy, I don't think it's possible to have enough stash. I have a walk-in closet full of fabric on 3 shelving units and one dresser. I also have a huge shelving unit that won't fit in my closet, full of fabric. I'm now running out of room to put any fabric away. I make a lot of craft items, so I still buy fat quarters. When I do buy yardage, the very least I buy is 1 yard. Normally I also buy 3 yards.
Georgetown, CA I'd Rather Be Quilting
Hello Bandmama,
I am new to this forum, but I love to shop the sales. I am one that loves to have a pattern in mind first, I actually take the patterns with me, or at least have an idea of the quilt I want to make, that way I know about how much material I need. I think that is half the fun, to look for material that "lives" together and just wants to be put into my pattern. That way, when I get home, I write down on scrap paper what each piece of material is for in the pattern, copy the pattern and put all in a container and mark the container. This way, everything I need for that quilt is ready for me when I start cutting out. I do still buy some fabric that I just love, if I do this, I usually get one yard and put those in with materials that match it. But this is just me.
Michelle
When I buy fabric and don't have a project in mind I buy 3 yds. If I think I may use it for backing I buy 10 yds since I do alot of king size quilts.
Vinton, Virginia
I to have started buying three yards when I buy. If I don't use it al I will still have fabric left over to do a scrappy. I rarely buy fabric with a pattern in mind .
EAT!! SLEEP !! QUILT!!
I buy anything from random scraps to(rarely) the bolt, but I don't think that's entirely normal. I do buy lots of quarters. Most of the time I don't have a specific project in mind. I just say, man that looks like good turtle cloth, or sand, or old time, or maybe, I never saw that before, I'll take it all.
You can see from my weird wonders that I might use say one quarter for the shell of the baby magic kite turtle, less than an eighth for the legs and head. One two-inch square for the eyes, and lots of random parts for the sand.
Then of course you need big muslin or something for the back. That's where the bolt comes in. As I said, not normal, but one did ask.
Carry on.
Lucy, I buy at least 3 yds these days (I live at least 30 miles from a fabric store)and if it is a really good sale and I really like the fabric I will buy 5 or 6 yds as I piece my backs and that gives me extra for the back at a good price.
Life is like a quilt...bits & pieces, joy & sorrow, stitched with love
I love going to closeout sales. I will find partial bolts and just take whatever is on the bolt. I have even bought a complete bolt of fabric several times. When you can get really good fabric for $3 -4 /yd it is a no brainer. Buy all they have of what you like. Especially stock up heavy on blender fabrics.
Nana:I will find partial bolts and just take whatever is on the bolt.
I do this a lot. Two shops near me give 20% off if you finish the bolt so I always look for the skinny bolts.
Nana:Especially stock up heavy on blender fabrics.
Fusions and Fossil Ferns are my favourites.
I ususally by 2 - 3 yards, but if I reallylove it, I will double it, because then I have enough for another project or two.
I don't go to sales looking for specific fabric, for me it is more stash building. If something speaks to me, I will give it a home. LOL
Bianca
http://ineverpromisedyoutherosegarden.blogspot.com/