Hello…welcome to the Sew Your Stash 2019 | 4 post, and thank you so very much for all of the great feedback and comments about this series. I really do so very much appreciate it. My readers are just the best! It seems like I’ve been stuck to my computer for most of this week doing design work on my next group of patterns for an upcoming fabric collection. But…t his might just be my favorite group of quilting patterns to date. I can’t wait to start sewing them!
Sew Your Stash 2019 | 4
It’s hard to believe I’m already writing my fourth post in this series. I hope you are enjoying these posts as much as I am. I really appreciate the comments I receive daily — as I feel like we can all be inspired by other people’s ideas and suggestions.
I’ve also appreciated some of the dialogue presenting the ideas that sewing and quilting should be a joy and fun… and of course I believe that is the most important thing as well. I just feel that by getting a little more organized I’ll be able to do more of what I love. Okay…now on with today’s tips…
1. Do Some Decluttering
The whole world seems to be abuzz with organizing, decluttering, and simplifying these days. I’ve been drawn in to this as well, and I’ve got to say it feels great to be taking things out to my garage to get them ready to donate. This is a good time to really evaluate our fabrics and determine what we are and aren’t going to sew with. I sure love my little scraps, but sometimes I have to be realistic about things 🙂 I rarely get rid of pre-cuts, though–it’s just too easy to make a simple quilt using pre-cut squares and strips! Just a little over a year ago, I wrote a whole post on this topic with a lot of thoughts, tips and specific helps. Read “Managing Your Fabric Stash” here.
2. Find a Home for Each Project
Having a home for each project is really a key element of being able to sew what you have. If something is too hard to access or you don’t even know it exists, then you’re certainly not going to get it sewn. Project storage doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Plastic bags and bins work just great (labels really help with both of these). I’ve used large take-out pizza boxes in the past. I’ve also used dresser drawers and cupboards. I feel like it’s more difficult to find things in larger storage tubs and bins, so I’ve tried to slowly get rid of most of those. If you absolutely must store a lot of things in a large container, prepare a “table of contents” that is easy to access without having to sort through the container.
3. Practice “Double Quilting”
“Double Quilting” is a term I just invented as I was writing this post, but it’s something I’ve been doing for years. I didn’t really adopt this technique as a method of sewing through my stash when I started–but rather it was something I did as a newish quilter in order to build a supply of quilts more quickly.
My definition of “double quilting” is simply this: When sewing a project, make two quilts at the same time–and use your stash or scraps only for the second one. This works really well when doing block of the month programs or when sewing with kits. I used to do this every year with the Fat Quarter Shop Mystery Designer quilts. I do it now with my own Mystery Block of the Month quilts as well. (Last year I made three versions, all from my scraps of the BOM I shared here on the blog. This year I’m making two quilts). I’ve made Christmas and 4th of July versions of patterns while sewing along using traditional floral fabrics that came in a kit.
This method of making two (or more) quilts at once is probably one of my favorite ways to use my stash. And you can usually sew multiple blocks without spending much more time than you would have in making just one!
A Few More Thoughts…
So, this weekend, do a little quilting stash management, find homes for all of your projects, and consider some projects that you might be able to do “double quilting” with. I hope you enjoyed reading the Sew Your Stash 2019 | 4 post.
If this is your first time reading this Sew your Stash series…you can access the earlier posts here. And be sure to come back for next week’s post… I’ve already got it in the draft stage, and it’s a fun one!
Happy quilting, and thanks so much for stopping by!
Jenni says
I love the double quilt idea, I wish I had started this years ago! Better late than never!
Rachel Stone says
Hello Sherri!
Thank you for taking the time to write these posts and your other posts on quilting organization. I’ve already benefited from your ideas. I discovered the wonderful world of quilting this past spring and am now on my third quilt. Currently I am making a Dutch tulip quilt and have turned the little scraps into tiny half square triangles. I now have the first two star blocks for a doll quilt! Double quilting is a fabulous time saver! Have a wonderful day – I’m already looking forward to tomorrow’s post!
Warmly,
Rachel
Ellen says
First time reading….. Won’t be my last!
Kitty says
Love your ideas, really need to clear out stuff!!!!
Nancy A. says
Hi, Sherri,
I have been enjoying this series, and I have completed several tasks because of it. My work surfaces are much cleaner than they were two weeks ago, and several projects are closer to being finished. I have been making HSTs for the quilt along. Overall, I am feeling less overwhelmed and more encouraged about seeing some things get done!
Thank you.
Nancy A.
Hildy says
Love your double quilting idea (and the sneak peek of this beautiful B&C quilt) and I’m doing it this year with your BOM. Last year’s one was so much fun and I really love my scrappy B&C quilt. That’s why this year I’m making a scrappy B&C version (I think it’s save to say I have a few of their fabrics in my stash;-) and one with Vanessa’s Nest collection.
Tina says
The Swoon pattern is beautiful. Where can it be found? Just the thing to use up scraps.
sherri McConnell says
You should be able to find it on Fat Quarter Shop…you can go directly to their shop from their logo at the top right on my page. There are several versions of the pattern, and this one is the original Swoon by Thimbleblossoms.
Phyllis says
I went to the fat quarter site. There are a couple different swoon patterns. One is swoon 16, the other is simply swoon. Sherri, is your name on them. Just want to make sure I get the one pictured in this post.
Monica Kostak says
My lunch is short since i’m leaving early but i wanted to take a peak at your post 🙂 i am THINKING About double quilting with Polka Dot Chair’s “sew for fun” quilt, with the fabric I’m using for your BOM I thought i was recycling-but double quilting sounds better! , i’m really trying to focus on UFO’s this year with a little extra sewing, USING my stash only–now i’m hooked–, and i’m trying to avoid spending on fabrics, patterns, notions, etc…I’m really trying to focus on what i HAVE on hand and UTILIZE without spending this year. (not just sewing stuff but everything) Anyway this was good food for thought–but lunch is over 🙂 Thanks for the post!
Laura says
How do you keep the fabrics separated during the making of the”double quilts?”
sherri McConnell says
I keep them in two separate bags or containers…but close together. And I keep the patterns with just one of them. 🙂
Janet Mateyko says
Really enjoyed your post. It helped me about some things especially using up fabric.
Janet Mateyko says
Didn’t know if my comment went through .
I did enjoy your post . Especially using scraps.
I need all the help I can get .
Thank you
Peggy says
Loved your daughter’s Swoon quilt, I think I will pull out my pattern and make another one, but bigger! I love your new series, you are sew prolific, I am in awe!
Bernadette McKnight says
Finding your post was a delightful accident. Love your words of encouragement and the real way you delve into the life of a quilter. I’ve always thought that I could do two quilts at a time but I didn’t do it for fear that the lack of devotion to one quilt would somehow create mistakes and imperfections. Thanks for laying out a plan for organizing my stash and creating more than one quilt at a time. Since I am new to quilting , imperfection arise without explanations, my current project is called “Perfectly Imperfect.” A d I am having the time of my life making it.
Ruth says
Oh my goodness! The desert behind Chilsi’s Swoon quilt looks just like the Mojave around Barstow, where I grew up. Purple mountains, the moon, the dusty looking plants. Thanks for sharing this photo in particular. Your quilts are so bright and cheerful.
Sharon P Rodriguez says
Or 29 Palma, where I grew up!
Jo Ann says
Thank you I’ve really enjoyed your post. Great ideas.
Daisy Dianne Bromlow says
Chelsea is as talented as her mother. Love both of her quilts – the colors of the desert one matches the desert . Was that a coincidence or planned? Is she teaching her daughter’s to quilt ? Have a blessed weekend and thanks for posting.
Jan says
I love reading your blog. I don’t like to keep bits and pieces of fabric, so your ideas are very useful. The Swoon quilt is beautiful, it is so fresh and crisp!!! I love the quilting design, may I ask the name of it?
Thanks!
Brenda says
I love the colors in Chelsi”s charm pack quilt! I love this sew your stash posts. I’ve tried the double quilting in the past and enjoyed how quickly the block piled up. I really need to step it up though…..and with leaders and enders there might be a lot more quilts this year! 😉
gailss1 says
Always,always such great info and I do look forward to reading these Sherri. I have to say I am going to try the double quilt and see what I come up with. Thanks Sherri
paulette whitfield says
The idea of double quilting sounds doable for me. As most quilters I have lots of scraps & your idea sounds like I could use up at least some of my stash. Thanks for the great idea
Nancy Thompson says
I’ve made double quilts and it’s very satisfying to end up with two! I always save the cut off triangles from flying geese construction in fact if you move over another 1/4 inch and sew another line, then trim – voila! – you have a pile of HST’s before you know it!
Love reading your posts.
Linda says
I love all your posts , I love the idea of making 2 quilts at a time. I’m going to try that. I made that swoon quilt a couple years ago. In blues and greens with some black and gray. If I can figure out how to send pictures I’ll send one. I gave it to my great niece this fall for her wedding. She loved it . She couldn’t thank me enough and she tells everyone. Thanks again for your great posts.
Caryl Brix says
I LOVE your double quilting idea! I cut my own layer cake from many of my Jan Patek fabrics and this is a perfect way to use them. I’m g8ng to make the ModaLove quilt in different sizes and seasons! Thank you !!!
Phyllis says
For those of you who double quilt, do you have a pattern in mind for the second quilt? I’m an unimaginative, technically proficient quilter. Good sewing skills, but not much into scrap quilting, or pattern design. I love the concept. When I did a lot of garment sewing I always picked an off day and cut out several garments, packed them with all the. Notions needed for the project. Then every subsequent sewing day was very productive.
Elizabeth says
Fun post, Sherri, with lots of good tips. Like others, I love the picture of Chelsi’s quilt in the desert–perfect setting for those colors. I always love reading your blog–thanks for being such a dedicated blogger and quilter!
Nelda Shumway says
I love your posts. I’ve been following and even though I’m a long time quilter I really need the guidance on organization. I am looking forward to the next blocks in your HST post. Thanks so much for the inspiration!
Melanie says
Hi Sherri,
You are so motivating, encouraging and organized! Thank you for your wonderful posts. I rarely comment but I check each day for a mpost! Love Chelsi’s patchwork quilt. I think I need to make one! Do you know the size? How many charm squares width and length?
I asked Chelsi on her IG post about it but I don’t think she saw it.
Thanks,
Melanie
Janice says
Thank you for this series. My plan this year is to sew with my stash and clear out UFOs. One thing that has freed me to sew with my stash is – deep breath – breaking up collections. Yep, you heard me. I’m breaking apart pre-cuts and bundles. So far, I have blocks made for one quilt using only fabric from my stash. I pulled the colors I needed from every fabric line I had. I also started a stash buster quilt using charm squares from several different designers. I think these are two of my favorite projects I have ever made. Anyway, I can’t wait for more ideas from your posts.
Lauren Kermode says
I’ve been making smaller quilts from the leftovers of larger quilts for years. I call them “little sister” or “little brother” quilts and hang on to them for newborns or other baby gifts. It’s a fun and easy thing to do since all of your fabrics are matched already. If you need a little extra you can always add white!
sherri McConnell says
This is a great idea! Thanks for sharing!
P. Hutcheson says
Great ideas….and I definitely need to sew my stash (I “might” have a problem). Love the charm square quilt . Do you know the name of the quilting pattern? I haven’t seen it, and it is really cute!!!
Jan says
Hi Sherri…
Love your posts. Could you please go a tad more in detail as to what you do in “double quilting” ?? Thanks & blessings!! ?
Patti says
I love your “double quilting” suggestion! I never seem to get around to making the Christmas quilt or the 4th of July throw so this idea is perfect! I agree that the Clover Hollow/ Ella & Ollie quilt is a winner. Would Chelsi share her measurements? Thank you for all of your inspiration!
Deb F says
Your Sew Your Stash articles have been so inspiring. My fabric collection has been stored in large tubs (some labeled, some not) and I have been slowly going through them and donating some to a guild that I used to belong to (before moving) for their community service quilts and then pulling some older fabrics that I still like for a scrappy trip around the world quilt. It is fun to see what is in the tubs though I have wondered why I bought some of it. lol Thank you for all of your inspiration.