Next month will mark my 10th anniversary of taking up quilting (if you leave out my very first quilt that I made when I was at university). From the very beginning, I seemed to purchase more fabric than was strictly required. My first three cot quilts were made from the same fabrics in a valiant attempt to use them all and my stash was regularly refreshed and expanded.
However, with the exception of cloth for dyeing and fabrics for specific projects, I have purchased very little fabric since the beginning of 2006. This self-imposed economy was prompted by three compelling factors:
- I ceased employment as a lawyer and my income changed accordingly;
- I purchased 100+ yards for a July 2006 workshop with Nancy Crow which I am STILLL trying to use up; and
- my studio was already overflowing with fabrics to the point of discomfort and disorder.
I enjoy looking at fabrics in quilt stores but tend to limit my purchases to threads, books and notions. (It helps too that there are no quilt stores in close proximity.) One exception to this regime was the purchase of some Kaffe Fassett fat quarters in Blues and Reds when Hancocks of Paducah were having one of their free shipping specials.
It seemed a shame to cut these prints up too small, so I am making 12in square-in-a-square blocks (also known as “Economy Patch”) for a teaching sample for my Squared Fun – Fun2 workshop at Quilt Encounter later this year. There is no sense of deprivation when I survey this economy patch.
Diane says
I laughed at how you immediately started buying more fabric than was required — the hallmark of a true quilter/fabric lover, if you ask me! I love what you are doing with the squares and of course I am drawn to the KF fabrics in such vibrant colors. What a fun class that will be for your students!
Gerrie says
These are gorgeous blocks. Love the color combos.