Sunday, November 04, 2007

Okay, so it's several days after Halloween, but as this cake is just about the only creative thing I seem to have accomplished in weeks I couldn't miss an opportunity to post a picture.
So easy too - make a chocolate cake, buy some ready-made orange fondant icing, roll it out, cut out the pumpkin features, whack it on the top of the cake and voila! DS had a Halloween party for himself and four friends instead of trick and treating (though we gave out treats to anyone who knocked on the door but there were only three knocks anyway).




I'm seriously thinking that I must stop purchasing fabric, for a couple of years now I've collected shirts, bought fabric online from the U.S. (mainly sale fabric, very little at full price) as I concentrated on building up my stash. But ... the time has come when even DH commented that it was getting 'a little excessive'. Early on in my blogging days, I wrote a post here, about how I cut a small piece from every fabric I purchase, stick it on a business card with double-sided tape and catalogue all my fabric purchases in slide-pockets. I started off with just an A4 ring binder - it has now grown to 2 huge lever arch files. Here's a few of the contents. I still find this a great way to look at my stash. I have to keep the actual fabric in boxes on shelves, as the room they are in is very sunny and they would all fade if I didn't (might fade anyway for all I know). But, I have got a lot of fabric - I never buy with a particular project in mind, I just buy fabric because I like it. I've got a good range of colours, some of it is new and some of it is recycled and I think I could make mostly anything I want to now - if I had the time!!!!




So what did I do this morning? Yup, in between trying to write up a contract (I really know how to have a fun weekend) I went to a LQS that I didn't know of before and only just found out about. Well, what bargains were to be had! I've always loved the 'Bon Voyage' range from Makower but I absolutely refuse to pay £9 a yard (which is what it was retailing at). I got 3 yards each of 2 designs from the range for £1.25 a yard! Novelty fabrics aren't usually my thing but I bought the one with the Jam Jars for my Mum. The embroidered braid and the cute red polka dot bows were from the market yesterday. Do I know what I will make with any of this? No, of course not, but for me, that's the exciting bit, I couldn't bear to shop for fabric knowing what I was going to make with it first. And whilst I am going to be good, if I pass a thrift shop with a lovely cotton shirt for a pound, I'd be mad not to buy it, wouldn't I?

17 comments:

Doodlebug Gail said...

OMG I just love how all those fabrics look together! I also enjoy thrift shopping so I'd never pass up a nice cotton shirt for next to nothing.

Sew Create It - Jane said...

I may already know about the fabulous LQS you are on about... (is it Kisko?) but I'd like to check with you...just in case...after all you are in my neck of the woods and I wouldn't want to miss a bargain! :o)

atet said...

You know I'm the WRONG person to talk to about buying fabric. What fabulous bargains and lovely fabrics!

meggie said...

Oh your fabrics look so good on those cards! what a great range. Nice to think you have it all in case you get the inspiration for a project!

Unknown said...

Fiona - you shop exactly like I do :o) Hope your novelty fabrics behave in a better fashion than my last bargain (the horrid Rowan fabrics I picked up in the Embsay Mills Sale in the summer that I've just been stitching into my sister's quilt - don't bother buying any of that if you see it in a sale!)

Clare said...

I'm completely helpless when it comes to fabric. If I see something that I love I have got to have it. You have got some really good bargains there and I love the jam jars. Have a good week.

McIrish Annie said...

they just don't understand that you need to have an inventory to do the job! It's like cooking. You don't start out with an empty cupboard and go to the store for your ingredients every time you cook!

Men- they don't understand laundry, cooking, cleaning or quilting! LOL

Pat said...

That is a great idea to see your stash at a glance. I have to go through buckets of it. Sometimes I find it easier to buy new fabric rather than hit those buckets.

sewkalico said...

Sadly, I am also a fabric impulse buyer, but it's what I do best LOL - Love the jam jars, I did a jar block swap once, but have yet to do anything with it *sigh*

Libby said...

What a great way to document your fabric stash. I would have to keep buying more just to add to the cards *s*

Lynda said...

I think the best piece of quilting I ever had was to buy what you like, as if you like it, you'll use it! It obviously works for you too!

Sew Create It - Jane said...

TAG you're it! Details are on my blog. Play along if you like ;o)

Tracey @ozcountryquiltingmum said...

Hi, I very rarely ever know what the fabric will be either.
Love your system...and that it is taking over! Great way to keep track, Tracey

Helen in the UK said...

All those wonderful fabrics - how can you NOT be making fabulous quilts with a stash like that?!?! Hope you get stitching again soon :)

Sarah Nopp said...

That is an impressive collection you have there. I am a Fat quarter collector, so my stash, while very well rounded, does not take up so much space.
But that idea with the business cards and the organizer... that is a new and wonderful way to play with the stash...

Finn said...

Hi Fiona, you know I am totally in favor of you having all the fabric you possible can aquire..right??? What would we do if we didn't have our stashes??? Your organization is just amazing..and makes it easier I'm sure.
Congrats on the great buys! Hugs, Finn

Teodo said...

Beautiful fabrics.........the one with the people is fantastic.

.......I like the cake too.

ciao ciao