tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post1257450436023803661..comments2024-03-28T14:17:27.760-04:00Comments on In Color Order: Stash Management: What I've Learned Tracking My Fabric YardageJeni Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14766510979539197035noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-91553052993480186442019-03-16T13:07:48.577-04:002019-03-16T13:07:48.577-04:00Thank you for taking the time to share your fabric...Thank you for taking the time to share your fabric buying experiences. I'm really trying to cut back, but it sure is hard! The fear of missing out on the latest fabric collections can be pretty intense. I feel like I have to 'stock up' before the best fabrics are all gone. But, with this way of thinking, I'll never have enough: never enough time to sew with all the fabric I already own, never enough money to buy everything I want, never have the feeling of being 'done' with buying, etc. I look forward to continued inspiration from your thoughtful fabric purchases! the arkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06913283083812288705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-53815282710448786432019-03-09T11:55:35.905-05:002019-03-09T11:55:35.905-05:00Reading your post has re-inspired me to get busy a...Reading your post has re-inspired me to get busy and use my stash first before buying. It's especially helpful to consider the different reasons for why I buy. Sales are always tempting and yet don't always fulfill that need for buying something I love. Now I'm off to read your other post about how you track things. Thanks for sharing your process.Anne / Springleaf Studioshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06114887911414187175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-53727027212576430562019-03-09T10:44:09.645-05:002019-03-09T10:44:09.645-05:00I’m 71 and way back in the 90’s we purchased fabri...I’m 71 and way back in the 90’s we purchased fabric by the carload and did not realize that there would always be more gorgeous fabrics in the future. And we did not realize that fabrics are trendy and we would hate that old stuff now that our tastes have changed. A lot of us boomers are putting the brakes on buying and I think the younger people don’t buy like we did because they KNOW that there will always be more gorgeous stuff. So that is impacting the small quilt shops, several of which, in my area have gone out of business! I am worried about them, although I have put the brakes on buying too.Bella Pinkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06616912446865891361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-44901764786791151582019-03-08T13:44:42.312-05:002019-03-08T13:44:42.312-05:00Oh my goodness, same! I have made some questionabl...Oh my goodness, same! I have made some questionable purchases after 9pm. Love the idea of filling up a cart and checkout out later. <br /><br />Let's see, in 2016 I reduced by 250 yards, in 2017 I reduced by 295 yards, and last year I reduced by 81! Jeni Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766510979539197035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-17847606203067966492019-03-08T13:41:43.064-05:002019-03-08T13:41:43.064-05:00Absolutely, once they're all mixed together, i...Absolutely, once they're all mixed together, it all evens out! You're always so sweet, thank you! :)Jeni Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766510979539197035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-2918993151341537242019-03-08T13:41:10.022-05:002019-03-08T13:41:10.022-05:00That's awesome! It's really nice to have p...That's awesome! It's really nice to have projects all cut out and ready, when all you want to do is grab and sew! :)Jeni Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766510979539197035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-17416101028956552762019-03-08T13:40:17.302-05:002019-03-08T13:40:17.302-05:00It happens! There are some months where I buy noth...It happens! There are some months where I buy nothing and others where I buy 10+ yards! It all evens out if you stick with it!Jeni Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766510979539197035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-42887571735165939842019-03-08T13:39:27.151-05:002019-03-08T13:39:27.151-05:00Oooh, love that! I bet that was so fun!
I know wh...Oooh, love that! I bet that was so fun!<br /><br />I know what you mean, I have a hard time deciding how much to buy too. If I don't have a plan I try to stick to a fat quarter or half yard at most, but it's hard! Jeni Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766510979539197035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-72493290822359360032019-03-08T13:38:35.577-05:002019-03-08T13:38:35.577-05:00I've definitely done that too, there are just ...I've definitely done that too, there are just too many beautiful fabrics out there. <br /><br />That is awesome, keep it up!!<br /><br />The fear of missing out on good fabrics is so real!Jeni Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766510979539197035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-10312480871805429352019-03-08T13:37:39.450-05:002019-03-08T13:37:39.450-05:00That's awesome! I'm glad that getting ever...That's awesome! I'm glad that getting everything folded the same helped you! It's always fun rediscovering treasures in your own stash!Jeni Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766510979539197035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-37586587758797490022019-03-08T13:32:26.980-05:002019-03-08T13:32:26.980-05:00I join with everyone else is really appreciating t...I join with everyone else is really appreciating these posts. They have helped me get a grip, too! I'm on a mission to use 20 yards/month, but I think I'm not going to make it. Doing some disposal other than sewing it up is probably what I need to do. My other rule is NO BUYING AFTER DARK! My resolve is so weak in the evenings as I look at online shops, so now I put it in the cart, but no "buy" until the next day. Nearly always, I am able to empty that cart. I haven't done a count-up of what I have - it is SO MUCH. I inherited my late mother's stash which really put me over the top! So, my question is - over a year's time, how much yardage have you reduced your stash by?? Looking for a realistic idea for my own usage!<br /><br />Elizabeth <br />boltonia55@yahoo.comCool Lizziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04841850764075139626noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-76642863874882161532019-03-08T12:15:12.329-05:002019-03-08T12:15:12.329-05:00completely amazing and very inspiring Jeni.
Of cou...completely amazing and very inspiring Jeni.<br />Of course I always love what you make. I know that sometimes there are fabrics I am sick of, but then I realize I can pair those up with pretty fabrics and it is wonderful what turns out!<br />I love your new additions<br />Happy Week-endRosemary B❤️https://www.blogger.com/profile/17792395820711368533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-49629940879857386672019-03-08T09:29:44.642-05:002019-03-08T09:29:44.642-05:00I had a four day weekend after Christmas and I cho...I had a four day weekend after Christmas and I chose that first day to actually iron and count all of the Christmas fabrics I'd been hoarding for about five years. I knew the bin was full but I had no idea of the yardage in the bin. I ironed it all and set about cutting and planning. I am embarrassed to say how many lap quilts and baby quilts I cut using only fabric in the bin. I did use a white background fabric for one quilt but otherwise, I used what's in the bin. I've finished two baby quilts and a lap quilt so far. One of the bonuses was having everything cut and ready for a three day sewing retreat. I knew what I was going to be working on. I have enjoyed working with these holiday fabrics over the last few months. Still many hours of stitching to do before all of the projects are finished.Lisa Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12502089801927429325noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-40179673105819944402019-03-08T09:05:17.079-05:002019-03-08T09:05:17.079-05:00And as a follow-up to my previous comment: So far...And as a follow-up to my previous comment: So far this year I have purchased 2 kits (one of those tops is done, at least), and about 14 yards of fabrics from a single line because I loved the feature fabric and bought the rest to go with it, no plan in mind! So I am NOT off to a good start in 2019.Pat Hannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08908123456822471033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-24245803726648640102019-03-08T08:57:57.411-05:002019-03-08T08:57:57.411-05:00Last year our guild held a "quilter's gar...Last year our guild held a "quilter's garage sale." I de-stashed at least 30 yards of fabric, several jelly rolls, 3 kits, and a multitude of fat quarters. Funny how I was no longer in love with those fabrics . . . <br />The stash is still too large, and I will need to be more ruthless next time. <br />My bad habit is buying fabric with no plan of how to use it. If I have no plan, how much of that fabric should I buy? In my case, the answer has to be "none," at least for now.<br />I am using my stash, and will continue to work from those fabrics, but I have to restrain my purchasing to only what is necessary to finish something. <br />Your blog post has provided great motivation!Pat Hannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08908123456822471033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-68685637153214603102019-03-07T15:06:31.716-05:002019-03-07T15:06:31.716-05:00I am guilty of saying to myself- That is the most ...I am guilty of saying to myself- That is the most beautiful fabric I have ever seen, so I have to get it. Then one day my friend said to me,'You know, I hear you say that every week.' LOL....EEP!<br />I also had a growing credit card bill that I just couldn't get back to zero.<br />I did a soul-search and created a way to track my spending plus my UFOs. I have a spreadsheet that lists every quilt top I have and in what stage of completion they are in. Wow! I think I am up to about 65-70.....yes 70!<br />I tracked my spending in 2017 and 2018- $3000 each year on fabric. What!??<br />That was over the top of crazy since I have so many UFOs.<br />2019- I am only spending money on fabric that I 'need' to finish a quilt. The rest of the time, if I get the creative bug to start a new quilt top, I go to my own stash and get creative with what I have on hand.<br />I also have a mid-arm quilting machine at home, so I quilt my own quilts which is a blessing.<br /><br />I am excited to say that in 2019 so far, I have only spent $165.00, but that is for a commissioned quilt, so I don't count that since I will receive a payment for the quilt.<br /><br />Once I realize that there will be beautiful fabrics available in the future with no shortages in site, I stop hyperventilating and force myself to walk past the fabrics or just avoid the stores altogether.<br /><br />My stash is depleting nicely, my credit card is almost back to zero- yay, and my UFOs are getting completed. Yay all around!<br /><br />I find it takes a tough discipline, patience to change and a good friend who keeps me accountable. <br />Good luck to everyone on their journey. (:CorryBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07411297544435587822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-81468941077925193082019-03-07T13:40:13.034-05:002019-03-07T13:40:13.034-05:00Great post, including the methods you use to inven...Great post, including the methods you use to inventory fabric. I haven't been quite that detailed, but I did find a useful spreadsheet about a year ago that I've been using to track purchases as well as amounts sewn. It's been really helpful. In that year, I know I've purchased 62 yards of fabric, but I've also sewn 147 yards. This has really helped me resist buying before figuring out if I can use what I have. The other thing that has been a huge help to me is when I finally caved and went for your method of folding fabric. I did that a couple of years ago and was amazed at how much fabric I had that I had forgotten about. This year should see a lot of scrap/donation quilts and a big reduction of stash. Thanks for your great blog and give George bunny a pat from me.Pathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12283575512727062312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-43388891748867023412019-03-07T13:07:03.959-05:002019-03-07T13:07:03.959-05:00Yay! I'm so glad to hear that!Yay! I'm so glad to hear that!Jeni Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766510979539197035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-2773727085906558282019-03-07T13:06:32.680-05:002019-03-07T13:06:32.680-05:00Same here, I would never want to count up everythi...Same here, I would never want to count up everything I've got! I start each year at 0 and just track the net amount.Jeni Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766510979539197035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-43374987140837999912019-03-07T13:05:51.147-05:002019-03-07T13:05:51.147-05:00:):):):)Jeni Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766510979539197035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-78146408302021530602019-03-07T13:05:39.990-05:002019-03-07T13:05:39.990-05:00I love that, and do the same with my yarn! If it s...I love that, and do the same with my yarn! If it starts to not fit in the bin, it's time to use it up!<br /><br />Backings are also my weak spot, but such a great way to take advantage of a good sale. It's a constant balancing act!Jeni Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766510979539197035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-9727922986936433212019-03-07T13:04:11.029-05:002019-03-07T13:04:11.029-05:00I'm glad! A good challenge is such a great way...I'm glad! A good challenge is such a great way to mix things up!Jeni Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766510979539197035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-17370352998475309292019-03-07T13:03:27.933-05:002019-03-07T13:03:27.933-05:00Whatever works! That's a great way to think ab...Whatever works! That's a great way to think about it too, takes the power away from the "buying"!Jeni Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766510979539197035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-92024453205478365902019-03-07T13:02:54.598-05:002019-03-07T13:02:54.598-05:00That's a great idea! I think you could still g...That's a great idea! I think you could still gain a lot of insight about your habits with a ballpark!Jeni Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14766510979539197035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2868583750761494400.post-34246271548904613562019-03-07T12:56:24.072-05:002019-03-07T12:56:24.072-05:00I totally agree with everything here! I have been ...I totally agree with everything here! I have been tracking my fabric for about 3 years after reading your posts. Not only have I seen a decrease in my fabric stash overall, but I've seen an increase proportion of fabrics I love!Cherylhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16099689428882404427noreply@blogger.com