Scraps can only mean one thing...the kids are back in school so Mom can sew!
I didn't even bother trying to sew or post over Holiday break. My kids are growing up so fast and we make such great memories during these short school breaks (in between the extra cleaning/cooking/kids fighting). It's nice to have some forced breaks every once in awhile, even from sewing.
2019 kept me hoppin' all year long, but with no restrictive deadlines or projects I felt like I was able to sew and create and write patterns when I felt like it. It felt like a busy but easy year, and hopefully I can take that same feeling and flow into this year.
I don't make any sewing or work related goals as I'd rather just flow with what I feel like doing at the moment, but I did make one sewing resolution for myself this year:
BUY MORE FABRIC!
Last year I was SO good at using my stash and buying fabric only for specific projects, but at times it inhibited my creativity. I made most of my quilts with my own fabrics (and a new line I can share soon!), or lines that were given to me but I didn't necessarily pick. I used up the very last bits of some of my favorite basics and feel "meh" about the rest. So this year instead of trying to only use what I have, I'm giving myself a fabric allowance to buy fabrics I love....and who knows, maybe I'll even save money being more intentional about my purchases.
Also my fabric stash is in a pretty sad state right now. I don't even have any white solid fabric on hand for the first time in maybe ever.
If you are trying to save money this year while quilting, here's a post I wrote a few years ago that still has some great reminders in it (except the fabric part...I need more fabric!):
Happy 2020! I'm ready to start another fun year of quilting!
carole
This is a lovely post! I think we all go through periods of being frugal and trying to use up stash or scraps and there is value in that. I also think there's a place for allowing a little creativity and enjoyment around having what you need on hand and buying fabric because you see something you love (assuming you have the money and space). I am going to follow your example this year and allow myself a little more leeway and pleasure in buying things just because..... How exciting that you have another fabric line coming out soon!!! Carole
Allison
Thanks Carole! Yes definitely true...sometimes I'm saving money and not buying anything, and other times I buy way too much....it evens out in the long run (I hope!). :) Thanks for reading!
Jenny Coyle
That's a goal I totally approve of! (Although my goal, as with last year, is to use my stash as much as possible. I do buy solids/blenders as needed though, but definitely am trying to use stash for feature fabrics/prints etc). Enjoy your shopping!
Allison
I'll buy all the fabric for you.....you keep using that stash!
Judy Holmes
I’m so happy to see your post back again! And a great message about using your stash! I’ve almost finished 2 lap-sized community quilts after receiving a packet of fabric for that purpose from the Community Quilt coordinators in our guild. But I also used 4yds of a green I wasn’t fond of, numerous larger pieces of white, and a couple of prints all from my stash. A win-win! Now I feel I need a trip to the quilt shop!
Allison
It always feels so good to use up large bits of fabric we don't love! ;) You deserve a quilt shop trip for sure!
Linda p
I use "unloved" fabric for backing.. don't tell the quilt police. And when I retired I bought a bolt of white at a good price and it's working great.. still too many projects to finish! Love that you had a great holiday with your family.
Allison
This comment motivated me to use up some of my unloved prints tonight to make a backing. Great idea! I'm lazy about piecing together backings, but this is a win win so I think I can make myself do it. ;)
Rosemaryflower
yes, my dream is to have all of my fabric all cut up and filed in project boxes so it is all ready to sew hahahahahaha. I have never put myself on a fabric diet..... but my oh my, I have a lot of fabric..... I am going to put this on my list of things that I should ponder this year haha
I love your new fabric piles.
Allison
Come cut up my fabric for projects while your at it! ;) I need the quilting fairies to come do that for me....it's the worst part (besides basting!).
Cheryl
I'm 62 and I seriously have enough fabric to last the rest of my life. I'm the opposite this year, I bought 2 bolts (20 yards) of my favorite white, Riley Blake Riley white It is the softest and brightest and is good for everything. My family does not think I can go an entire year without buying fabric and I have to admit my husband got me some gift certificates for a local quilt store I have not visited for a very long time, mostly because it's 30 miles away. When I am looking for something I am reminded again of all my beautiful fabric. I have to say I started to almost have a panic attack at the thought of not having my huge stash that is big enough for my oldest daughter to cut out projects every time she visits and my granddaughters have free rein to use whatever they want.
Allison
I love the idea of having enough fabric for your daughter and granddaughter to cut into when they come visit...that alone is worth keeping a large stash for!!
Rebecca S.
Yaaay! A new fabric line!! I will definitely be putting away some money for that. (Secretly hoping it has more of the Hello Jane purple. It's my daughter's favorite and I have quilts to make for some of her friends this year.) I'm trying to use what I have and hope to complete a few more scrap projects this year, but I also realized a couple of years ago that this is my hobby and I love to make things for people that would delight them. So I do buy fabrics when I think they are just right for the project and the person. And about once (or twice) a year I splurge on something that I just love with no idea in mind what it's going to become.
Allison
No purple in this one sadly! I loved that lavender purple color too...it was probably my favorite! I'm going to adopt your fabric shopping and buy fabric with projects and people in mind, but also leave some room for fabric I just love! Great comment thank you!!
Julie J Vogel
Wow! I love all of your finishes! My daughter's wedding is in March and after that my husband and I are retiring. So I'm with you... no sewing goals this year. Just enjoy where the spirit takes me!
Allison
You will have a busy spring and hopefully more sewing time after the wedding and retirement (how exciting!). Enjoy every second!!
beacraftygirl
Funny! You are probably the only quilter I know who is resolving to buy more fabric!!! Can’t wait to see your new line... hope it has purple in it!
Allison
I'll buy all the fabric for everyone else. ;) No purple this time sadly!
cindy-liveacolorfullife
I will say my PLAN is to sew my stash, but that plan in past years has never lasted very long. So we will see what happens in 2020. But of course some of my stash involves your fabric, and I really WANT to use it!!