The Boulder MQG chose a local senior citizen's home for our charity this year and we are trying to make as many quilts as we can. Josi, our charity chair, selected this tutorial for May. Several of us spent Saturday sewing blocks and quilt tops. You can see one of the tops here on Josi's new blog Avocado Quilts.
First, let me say I really enjoy the company of sewing with others during our monthly MQG sew days. However, I need to acknowledge that socializing does not play well with sewing accuracy. At least not in my book. I make mistakes. Sometimes lots of mistakes. I've known this for awhile but am finally admitting that I don't do my best work while I'm sewing with others. I enjoy the company but not necessarily the results.
It's a very easy block but I managed to miss-cut my fabric pieces. None of my blocks were the right size. ugggg. My solution was to make enough blocks (20) for a whole quilt. Thankfully these blocks are super quick to sew if you pre-cut the parts and then chain piece. They're also a great way to use up older fabrics. I was able to whip up the rest of the blocks and finish the top Sunday. A good accomplishment for a long rainy weekend.
The second thing I learned was that I really don't like sewing when my studio is a big mess. I pulled out tons of pretty old fabrics to make these blocks and it felt good to be using them up. But now I just want to dump them all in a big box without sorting or folding. I really really need to purge my old stash. Just getting them out to use or even get rid of makes such an incredible mess though. Unfolding, pressing, refolding and putting away sometimes feels like more trouble than it's worth. If only my quilting fairies would clean up for me.
I'd love to use up even more of the old stuff . . . it's just the thought of dragging it all out that stops me. They are all folded fairly small and therefore have rather strong creases. Maybe I should wash them and then the folds wouldn't be such an issue. What do you think?
Have you destashed older fabrics? If so, how did you go about it and were the fabrics pre-washed? Instagram destash? Esty sales? Garage sales? Donating is an option too. I'd appreciate any tips you have on what you do with the older fabrics in your stash. I've been quilting for close to 20 years and my taste and style have gone through many phases in that time. It's about time I clear out the old and make room for the new because more fabric is on it's way. Almost embarrassed to admit, but I fell victim to a couple of Memorial day sales. What can I say . . . ADDICTED? Yes . . . it's very very true. I'm a hug fabriholic and I make no apologies.
Linking up to WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced.
