Quilting

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Patchwork Party Sneak Preview

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pp2007fall-logo-rgb-sm.jpgQuilters, we have received a special invitation for a sneak peek at the Fall edition of Patchwork Party 2007.

When I got Deb Luttrell’s (owner of Stitchin’ Heaven) email, I jumped right over there and took a look on our behalf. I am impressed once again at this online quilt party.

Here’s Deb
It’s time to Party! Our Patchwork Party officially begins tomorrow, August 15 but we wanted to let all the Craft Gossip quilters have a “Sneak Peek” so just for you we have put up our web sites one day early!

blowinwind_pwp.jpgDon’t wait until tomorrow, you can get started today at www.patchworkparty2007.com

What is the Patchwork Party? A great load of fun! There are twelve incredible shops and twelve incredible sampler blocks designed by Marti Michell just for the Party!

Our Fall Edition features “Home for the Holidays” fabric collection from Marcus Brothers. These fabrics are absolutely gorgeous and with them you can have a quilt that is a holiday throughout the year.

Quilt Gallery
When you visit the web site be sure and look at the Quilt Gallery. In it you will find an image of the twelve different quilts created from the twelve sampler blocks by the twelve shops participating in the Party.

stitchinheaven-adjusted.jpg
Stitchin’ Heaven created this quilt using the 12 Party blocks.

How To
Visit each shop to purchase your block and choose your favorite finishing kit. Many of the shops feature accessories and tools that are recommended to make your Party even more fun.

Patchwork Party 2007 – Fall Edition
    When: August 15 – November 30
    Where: www.patchworkparty2007.com
    How: Click, Print, Shop, and Hop
    Who: You!

So, get started…the Party has begun! One of the best features of the web site is our Party Planner. With this feature you can print a PDF file containing the information of all our participating shops. Print this page and keep it by your computer to keep track of the shops you have visited.

Need Tips from Marti? You will find it on the site. Marti Michell has personally provided some very important information for you to know in order to make using the templates worry-free!

And, don’t forget to send your feedback. We want to hear from you! Did you enjoy our Party? Suggestions? We want it all!

Enjoy!
Joan

[tags]block of month, quilt, patchwork, shop hop[/tags]

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Have you read?

My Fabric Buying Rules (That I Break All the Time)

I have fabric buying rules.

Very sensible rules.

Responsible, grown-up, “I have teenagers and a mortgage” rules.

And yet… somehow… I still come home with another bundle of florals.

If you’ve ever typed “quilting fabric sale” into Google knowing full well you do not need more quilting fabric, this one’s for you.

Let’s talk about the rules I made for myself — and how often I quietly ignore them.

Rule #1: Only Buy Fabric for a Specific Project

This is my most repeated rule.

Only buy quilting fabric if I have a pattern in mind.
 Only buy fabric yardage if I know what quilt I’m making.

In theory? Sensible.

In reality?

“I don’t have a pattern yet, but this would make a beautiful lap quilt.”

Which means it joins the “future project” pile.

That pile is thriving.

Rule #2: Shop Your Stash First

Before buying new quilting cotton, I tell myself:

You have a whole cupboard of beautiful fabric.

And I do.

But sometimes I open that cupboard and think:

“Yes… but not this shade of blue.”

Apparently there is always room for “just one more perfect blender.”

Rule #3: No Buying Just Because It’s On Sale

This one gets me every time.

Clearance quilting fabric is dangerous.

Because suddenly I’m not buying fabric…
 I’m “saving money.”

Which is how three metres of something I wasn’t even looking for ends up in my sewing room.

On sale fabric has a way of whispering,
 “You’ll regret it if you don’t.”

And honestly? Sometimes I would.

Rule #4: Stop Buying Novelty Prints You’ll Never Use

I love novelty quilting fabrics.

Chickens. Teacups. Tiny strawberries. Vintage florals.

Do I make novelty quilts often?

No.

Do I convince myself I will?

Absolutely.

There’s something about quirky fabric that makes my creative brain light up — even if it takes five years to turn into something.

Rule #5: Don’t Duplicate What You Already Have

This is the funniest one.

Because I absolutely have:

Three nearly identical cream background prints.
 Four versions of “soft dusty pink.”
 More neutral blenders than I could sew in a year.

But when I see “the perfect low-volume print” — logic disappears.

Apparently I believe each new one is slightly more perfect than the last.

Rule #6: Only Buy Quality Quilting Fabric

This one I actually stick to.

If I’m investing in fabric for a quilt, I want quality quilting cotton that presses well, holds up over time, and doesn’t fade after washing.

I’ve learned that lesson.

Cheap fabric looks like a bargain… until it doesn’t behave.

So at least I’ve matured in one area.

Rule #7: Finish One Quilt Before Starting Another

This isn’t strictly about buying fabric, but it’s related.

Because nothing triggers fabric shopping like:

  • A tricky block
     • A frustrating seam
     • A quilt top that won’t lie flat

Suddenly a new project feels like a fresh start.

Which means new fabric.

Which means the cycle continues.

Why We Really Buy Fabric

If I’m being honest — and this is the handwritten, tea-in-hand honesty — I don’t just buy fabric for quilts.

I buy fabric for:

  • Possibility
     • Inspiration
     • A future version of myself
     • A quiet hour I haven’t had yet

Sometimes buying quilting fabric is less about productivity and more about hope.

And that’s not entirely a bad thing.

My Real Fabric Buying Rule (The One That Matters)

Here’s the rule I actually try to follow now:

Buy fabric that genuinely makes you excited to sew.

Not pressured.

Not influenced.

Not because someone else says it’s trending.

If I can picture it on my cutting mat.
 If I can see it stitched into something useful.
 If it makes me want to sit down and sew tonight.

Then I don’t feel guilty.

A Little Gentle Reality

Most hobby quilters don’t struggle because they don’t have enough fabric.

We struggle because:

  • We don’t have enough time
     • We don’t have enough energy
     • We’re juggling life

Fabric buying is the easy part.

Making space to actually sew? That’s the real challenge.

So yes.

I have fabric buying rules.

And yes.

I break them.

But as long as the sewing room still feels joyful — and not stressful — I’m okay with that.

Because quilting isn’t about being perfectly disciplined.

It’s about enjoying the process… even if that includes another bundle of florals.