Thursday, June 26, 2008

Talking stash

I'm making my first quilt ever totally from my stash! I pulled half the fabrics I own, and ended up chosing these.
I love them! And they play so well together.

Choosing, discarding, putting back, arranging, rearranging -- the whole process was really fun and got me to thinking about the concept of a stash. When I first started quilting, I had no idea why anyone would have a stash. Don't you just decide on a quilt and buy fabric for it? Ha! I totally misunderstood the process. Having a stash is like having a mini-quilt store right in your own house and stocked only with fabrics you love. How much better could it get? It lets you design a quilt as you go, lets you make it your own. It's taken me awhile to get enough fabric to have any sort of stash (and mine is still pretty small). But I now know that if I absolutely love a fabric, I need to buy enough to really use. I have lots of fat quarters that are great, but it has become clear to me that I need several yards of certain types of fabric at the ready because they are what I always come back to.

So what will my stash quilt be? It's a twofer. The front will be a baby quilt for some friends whose baby is now overdue (talk about waiting till the last minute to make the quilt!). I'm making a Trip Around the World using Bonnie's pattern at Quiltville (I didn't have much yellow, and it's just a baby quilt, so I played around with the measurements and cut everything at 2-3/4"). Here's one panel.
I'm using the leftover segments and fabric on the back to do some free-pieced zigzags and stuff (not sure what yet). Backs are great for practicing -- and who knows, the kid may like that side better!

Wanda at Exuberant Color made a wonderful TATW and I'm going to use her quilting idea. Thanks, Wanda!

11 comments:

Vicki W said...

What great fabrics and colors for a baby quilt!

Donna said...

the patterns of the fabrics you chose have a wonderful diversity of visual texture. They make me smile.

jacquie said...

Great fabric choices! Isn't Wanda's quilt cool. I think her quilting idea was so fun. Can't wait to see this one all done!

sewkalico said...

I agree with your comment abut buying stash in usable lengths - i need to do this. Your baby quilt is going to be great!

sewkalico said...
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Joyce said...

I love the fabrics, esp the rainbow stripes and the black dots. Yummy.

Tonya Ricucci said...

super fun baby quilt - wonderful fabrics. Having a stash is the greatest, though it's definitely too easy to go overboard with it. looking forward to seeing the back.

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

This is just a perfect vehicle for your wonderful fabrics, it's sure to be a winner with the lucky recipient!

Toni said...

OOO ahhh...YAH for stash diving!!! Isn't it wonderful to feel like you are using your stash for a great reason!

I love the block, I think it's perfect for a baby quilt!

Pattie said...

I LOVE those fabrics, Cheri! Before I even read a word you'd written, I started going "ohh ohh ohh!" when I saw the photo.

I also love the pattern with what you've chosen - very fun! Post a photo of the back when you're finished, will you? I'd like to see the technique.


PS – There’s still time to enter my Attitude contest. Deadline is Monday. Although your work is much more advanced than mine, take a look at what you might win! :-)

jillytacy said...

Ooooo! I love it! Great colors and patterns!