Fabric Choices

I have a tip for the stash pile. With pieces left over from a quilt, I cut a variety of square and strip sizes. Collect the sizes in different shoe boxes (I keep several shoe boxes pre-marked with square/strip sizes on a bookshelf in my sewing room). Then when you are in the mood for a nine-patch or scrappy quilt (or a non-thinking, just sew whatever together quilt), pull a box or two down and begin sewing. Finish a block (or several) at each sitting, and before you know it you'll have enough blocks to make a fun quilt.  These scraps make the cutest and most loved random quilts.

I have 2 favorite sources for wonderful crazy quilting fabric. First, visit your local furniture store and see if they will give you their outdated sample books of upholstery and drapery fabric samples. There are some really beautiful fabrics in these books and since you only need small pieces, there is a lot of usuable stuff in only one book. If you get 2 or more, you can stay busy for quite a while. Second, look at the local thrift store for some beautiful silks, wool, etc. in blouses, skirts, dresses and coats. You can get some nice pieces of unique fabrics for very little money.

I keep bins with angles lids (I find them at Ikea) and as I am cutting pattern pieces or what have you, and am left with the scraps, I put the scrap into the appropriate bin based on size.  For example if I am left with 1inch strip, I throw it into that bin: if I am left with a 3 inch wide strip it goes into another bin.  They all stack neatly by my cutting table and because the lid slants there is no digging out the bins , or having to take the lids off.  Then when you are ready to make scrappy quilts you have precut stips and pieces ready for most any project!!

After Christmas I visited my local department store chains and bought fancy Christmas tree skirts and stockings at 50-75% off.  Each one had at least one large piece of fancy fabric (velvets, brocades, satins, lames), a nice matching lining plus great trims.  Some had several colors, some only one.  For under 0 I got several yards of fancy fabrics, an equal amount of linings that are usable as well, plus yards of fancy braids, beads, and even feathers!  I have enough of a great variety to make at  least four great projects.  I'm thrilled and you will be too.  It's really a great way for budding cray quilters to build a sumptuous stash!

What to do with all those scraps.  We've all heard of scrappy quilts, but what about this????  For a quick and fun project, make a miniature quilt, approx 3' x 3', out of your scrap material using an easy block pattern.  These are great for moms with babies in strollers and car seats; just the right size.  You can even back the little quilts with flannel for a soft and cozy feel.

This is a really easy and quick way to organize ALL THAT FABRIC that we quilters seem to collect! Take a journalist notebook (the smaller notebook that has the ring bind on top instead of on the side). For each fabric you have, cut out a 2" square from the corner. Staple the squares into the book. Label each fabric square by where it is located, for example, if you use the plastic storage bins, you might label a green fabric "green bin 1". The initial setup takes about an hour, but you will never be stuck looking for your fabric again!

I use selvedge strips to tie various bundles of paper, patterns, even leftover fabric remnants into small rolls that fit in a clear container for later use.  This is the part of the fabric that is cut off before cutting your individual fabric strips or borders.

The selvedge is very strong, and doesn't break easily.

I use light weight iron on interfacing on soft silk for crazy quilting, this method is used in construction of silk jackets, to give body to tailor.  This method allows silk to be handled with "more" ease.  I love natural fabrics, silk being my favorite.

Do you love using the sumptuous, fancy fabrics, but find them hard on your budget?  Check out thrift stores and yard sales!  You can find lovely blouses and dresses in REAL silk and other fancy fabrics in a host of colors and patterns, quite inexpensively.  Be sure to ask, they often have special days where everything is discounted.  You'll build a colorful, inexpensive "stash" in no time!

If you are toying with the thought of creating a crazy quilt, think about possibly creating a crazy memory quilt.  Use scraps of material from old clothing to create a truly personal treasure.  Remember, any type of fabric can be used to make a crazy quilt, so throw bits and pieces of any material you wish into the pot.  If you have children, consider taking a scrap of their outgrown clothes and making a quilt.