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The Sew What’s New Archive
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From: Hockeymum
Date: 10-10-2004, 11:26 PM (1 of 24)
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Just wondered....many of you seem to have a "stash" of fabric. When you see a lovely looking piece of fabric, but have no actual pattern or clue what you want to make with it, only that you like it....and the price....then how much do you buy?? Today I was in Walmart, and saw some really nice fabric but didn't know how much to buy. So I didn't, just left it.  Cheers Anne |
User: Hockeymum
Member since: 09-10-2004 Total posts: 19 |
From: Holly Berry
Date: 10-11-2004, 08:15 AM (2 of 24)
I have a theory. If it's quilting fabric I'll buy a yard unless it's extra beautiful and at a place I don't get to much. Then I may buy more. If it's garment fabric, it depends on the season. Cool winter fabric I'll buy enough for a long sleeve dress, summer enough for short sleeves. This may sound a little odd, but it works for me. 
Holly Berry
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User: Holly Berry
Member since: 09-10-2003 Total posts: 77 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 10-11-2004, 08:21 AM (3 of 24)
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Anne How much do you usually use? I buy at least 3 yards of 60 inch or 4 yards of 45. That is usually plenty. When I used to shop at Wal-Mart (something I can no longer morally justify to myself) I would sometimes by more of the bargain stuff because it was cheap and maybe I would want a suit. I still do that with an especially good bargain, just not at Wal-Mart. By the way, the new Hancocks here seems to have really good prices. Are they always that much cheaper than Jo-Anns? Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: sewingrandma
Date: 10-11-2004, 09:39 AM (4 of 24)
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I do a lot of sewing for the grandkids so I am always looking for knits for t's for them. Generally I'll get 2 yards because I can get 2 t's from it. Wovens I get 3-4 yards since I can get a dress or slacks and a skirt out of that. If it is something for me 4 yards will do. My SIL bought a whole bolt of fabric from Walmarts bargin table and gave it to me. I still haven't used it.
Brockie
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User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003 Total posts: 432 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 10-11-2004, 10:34 AM (5 of 24)
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I try to buy 3-4 yrds of whatever it is....( I just bought 1 yd of a couple of fabrics and now I REALLY want more). I can ALWAYS use it in something. (cause I quilt and I'm addicted to oriental/asian and almost everything I buy matches...)
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: Sherri
Date: 10-11-2004, 11:13 AM (6 of 24)
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I buy what I am in the mood for usually 2 - 5 metres depending. Sher My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: TammyE.H.
Date: 10-11-2004, 11:24 AM (7 of 24)
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Would you believe that I don't??? My DS and DH both call me a fabric addict because I cannot walk past a fabric shop without walking in... However, I have had to discipline myself. If I buy a couple of yards (or meters) of every beautiful discovery, or every great find, then I will not be able to set foot inside my sewing room...  I want it ALL!!! So, the rule is: If I want the fabric, I MUST have a plan for it. AND a pattern...  It works 97% of the time... Okay so I'm weak, but it was just so gorgeous......  Tammy |
User: TammyE.H.
Member since: 08-28-2004 Total posts: 51 
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From: Magot
Date: 10-11-2004, 02:24 PM (8 of 24)
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I don't buy for my stash at all - it consists of old clothes, left over material from sewing garments and , my greatest find, upholstery fabric pattern books. I have collected so many colour co-ordinated patetrns this way. I also have a friend who is given end of rolls an doffcuts from an upholsterers so as you can see, most of my quilts are not made with quilting fabric but tough linen/cotton/wool mixes. As the pattern repeats on some of these can be quite large you can get several types of colour mixes out of these.
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: Hogmami
Date: 10-11-2004, 03:15 PM (9 of 24)
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I buy alot of material at yard sales. I can't believe that people sell 5 yards , 3 yards or what ever for $l.00. There is a dressmake in town that has her own store that she does custom work for people. Every year she has a yard sale and sells everything for 1.00 a yard. Her stuff is top of the line. I also go to JoAnns and WalMart, when I find stuff I like on sale I buy 4 to 5 yards of it. When we go out of town on a trip, I have to stop at fabrics stores where ever we go.
Carolyn
Michigan |
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004 Total posts: 800 
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From: HeatherL
Date: 10-12-2004, 12:01 AM (10 of 24)
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All of my buying is for garments (scraps are for quilts, eh?). If it's a fabric I think I'll use for myself, my default is 3 yards. That usually gives me enough to make either a blouse or a skirt. If I like the fabric enough to consider a dress, I go for 5 yards. If it's a kiddie print, I typically only buy 1 1/2 to 2 yards, and that's still plenty to get a full (top & bottom) set of pajamas, OR 2 or 3 other garments (overalls, jacket, shorts). Once, though, I found some plaid flannel that I liked on the Wal-Mart $1 table and bought something like 9 yards or so of it. Hell...not only was it a great price (although I'll admit, I'm a cheapo who rarely pays more than $3/yd if she can help it!), but I also have plans for that much of it! (I'm going to make matching pajamas for my sister, her husband, and their two children, for Christmas!) |
User: HeatherL
Member since: 03-13-2004 Total posts: 102 |
From: Hockeymum
Date: 10-12-2004, 03:33 PM (11 of 24)
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Thanks so much......3-4 yards seems to be the norm then. I am kicking myself I didn't get that fabric now....but golly gosh, have to return a pair of shoes to Walmart this week!!! If it's still there....its mine babe! Thanks again, Cheers Anne |
User: Hockeymum
Member since: 09-10-2004 Total posts: 19 |
From: blackie
Date: 10-12-2004, 03:59 PM (12 of 24)
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Tammy, I am the same way. After a few pointed comments from my husband I decided I wasn't going to buy stash. It keeps me sewing more - knowing I have to finish my U.F.O.s before I can buy more yummy fabric! And yes, 97% is about my success rate too.  Would you believe that I don't??? see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: Helz
Date: 10-13-2004, 05:26 PM (13 of 24)
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If I see some fabric I like, I always buy at least half a metre, that way youve always got some, even if its not loads, which never seemsto work out too expensive. If I love it I always buy a metre or two of it. I also have a little book, in here I staple a little piece of the fabric I have, write next to it how much I have and any special notes to go with it, that way if I shove it in a box and forget!!(which I always do!!)about it, if I have an idea to make a quilt/cushion..or whatever!, I have this book to refer to. Thats just how I like to do it! Hope this helps, I love hearing how everyone else stores and collects fabrics on this website, sometimes I feel like Im the only one in Britain!! 
Love Helz
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User: Helz
Member since: 07-14-2004 Total posts: 21 
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From: boogalooz
Date: 10-15-2004, 07:05 PM (14 of 24)
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Most of my stash is from my dh's Grandma, and my Grandma. THey both passed away and I was the only one that anyone knew of that sews. My MIL tried telling them that she does but she only hoards it, never actually uses anything. So a lot of my material is older polyester stuff - ugly colours but great for kids stuff! I also use all dh old worn out t's and jeans to make diapers and stuff. I too have to walk through the fabric store. I can spend hours but rarely ever spend anythingunless I have a project in mind and know exactly what I want. christine Christine
Diaper maker - BoogaloozBaby Avon lady www.interavon.ca/christine.ziegler mommy to Susanne 3.5 and Victoria 17mo wifey to Will for 6.5 years |
User: boogalooz
Member since: 10-08-2004 Total posts: 32 
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From: HeatherL
Date: 10-15-2004, 08:01 PM (15 of 24)
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My stash grows so much faster than I'll ever use it! I went to Wal-Mart today to buy two yards of material to finish a costume (1 yard lining, 1 yard of a different fabric for accessories). I walked out of there with TWELVE yards total of SEVEN different fabrics...oh, and only managed to get one of the things I went in there for! Thank goodness it was at least mostly from the dollar bin. Boy, usually it's really poor quality stuff there, but every once in a while you find something good. I got some nice poly-blend houndstooth for slacks and a heavy corduroy... See, I can always justify my purchases. But still. I don't think I'll have time to make those slacks until my youngest is in school...which should be, oh, about 5 years from now. IF he remains the youngest and we don't add any more faces to our family portrait! Someone help me--I am a FABRIC JUNKIE!!!
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User: HeatherL
Member since: 03-13-2004 Total posts: 102 |
From: Hogmami
Date: 10-15-2004, 08:09 PM (16 of 24)
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We need a twelve step program. Yesterday I took my mom to the doctor. While she was in there, I had to go the extra block to JoAnn's. I needed blades for my rotary cutter. Well, I got those, and a couple of other things. I did manage to make by the fabric without getting any. Just had to touch and smell.
Carolyn
Michigan |
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004 Total posts: 800
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From: TammyE.H.
Date: 10-16-2004, 09:53 AM (17 of 24)
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Well, I'm done my current projects... (Well for the most part anyway... heehee) So, now, I need to hit the shop... I have a specific goal in mind: I want to make a fall outfit for the office for myself, and I need a pattern for men's boxers. Plus, I need to get some scissors sharpened. That means, I'll be in the most dangerous place for us fabric-addicts....  THE FABRIC STORE!!! (♪duh-duh-duh♪ ominous music...)I am determined to be strong, and to resist the temptations... But if I come across a goregous piece of embroidered microsuede, I'm a goner!!!  Wish me luck!!! Tammy |
User: TammyE.H.
Member since: 08-28-2004 Total posts: 51
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From: mommydionne
Date: 10-16-2004, 01:16 PM (18 of 24)
I usually get 3m of what I see b/c that's enough for at least one garment without having to skimp etc (which is what I did when I was still in school and then would only get 2m and do some creative cutting  )
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: barbeelady
Date: 10-21-2004, 03:06 PM (19 of 24)
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I had to chime in here too when I saw HeatherL talking about Walmart. That's always the truth--I go in for one or 2 specific things, but come out of the fabric department with enough for an army! Living as far as we do from a JoAnn's, I think I bought more fabric at Walmart for my doll clothes I make than I did at JoAnn's. Online is great too 'cause you can always find it online if you can't find it in a store. Better go before this gets long--read about my stash in the stash thread if you haven't already read it and been bored to tears. LOL TTYL! Tari
Tari in Ohio
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User: barbeelady
Member since: 10-08-2004 Total posts: 21
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From: Mother in Law
Date: 10-22-2004, 12:24 AM (20 of 24)
I always try and buy 3 yards for me. If it's for making crafts and it's cheap 1.00 or 2.00 a yard then I buy 10 yards. I have enough backpack and tote fabric to supple the entire 4th grade class of Chalmette. ROFL. Seriously, A word to the wise here from someone who's "been there and done that"you have to watch that fabric at WalMart. Some of it on those tables are flawed and if you don't watch it you could wind up with a hole in you arm of a shirt you worked on for hours before you discovered it. Ask me how I know!!! 
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User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: MaryW
Date: 10-22-2004, 06:25 AM (21 of 24)
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I just bought 11 yds. of flannel for jammies for my grandsons. I will save them for Christmas.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: dlbcpa2b
Date: 10-22-2004, 10:39 AM (22 of 24)
It has been my experience, no matter HOW much I buy (usually between 2-5 yds), it's ALWAYS about 1/2 yard too LITTLE!!! (sigh) But, that's my luck. LOL!  Dee
In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins--not through strength, but through perserverance.
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User: dlbcpa2b
Member since: 10-20-2004 Total posts: 14 
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From: Hogmami
Date: 10-22-2004, 11:10 AM (23 of 24)
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My husband would kill me if he knew I spent 140.00 on fabrid for a quilt for my daughter the other day. But it was just what I wanted and is beautiful.
Carolyn
Michigan |
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004 Total posts: 800
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From: Mischka
Date: 10-22-2004, 01:29 PM (24 of 24)
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Goodness knows what I'll spend tomorrow!!! We're making our final trek down to Grand Junction then so I'm getting fabric and such to last me until spring. Too bad I'm not sure what I want to make this winter I have three JoAnn's coupons - YAY! for 1 item or cut at 50% off, 1 at 40% off, and 20% off the rest of the purchase. I'll probably get two great big cuts of velvet with those...everything I'm interested in making is medieval or renaissance and I just love velvet! Then I want some satin and ribbon and trim... DH is bringing a book along this time. Last time he did well at the first fabric shop, but fell asleep sitting at the pattern book table at JoAnn's!
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User: Mischka
Member since: 09-01-2004 Total posts: 63 |
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