Choosing Fabrics, Not Everyone’s Favourite!

Mystery Quilts Anonymous

Sometimes my favourite part, sometimes a chore...picking fabrics and colours can be fun and rewarding. I have a pretty good sized stash, but do we ever really have that PERFECT match that we want unless we’ve bought the entire line?? 

I know there are those who won’t use one manufacturer with a different manufacturer in the same quilt, I truly don’t have that option. Fabric where I live is quite expensive ($35+ per metre) so I have to mix manufacturers all the time. Although, I will only use 100% cotton in my quilts. I will also use flannel and shirting, as long as it’s 100% cotton. I don’t like to mix flannel and quilting cotton as they shrink at different rates.

 



Here are two examples of a couple of quilts I have on the drawing board. The purples have their design finished and I’m cutting and sewing. I was inspired by the black with the purple dots first, it was easy to match and fabric was on sale that day!!! I hadn’t done the design at that point so had no idea how many fabrics to buy, so I bought a few that play nicely together, bringing in different patterns and textures for movement and a whole bunch of gorgeousness! (And I’m not a purple kinda gal. 😳)















 

The second set is sitting on my cutting table to inspire me. Let’s look at this set, who would put these together?? Not normally me, I will admit!! But I am loving these for some reason!! First fabric found was actually the red/maroon. Then for a change, I just walked along with the bolt, placing it beside other fabrics for fun. My sweet hubby was lugging bolts for me that day and saw the teal floral and decided it was perfect. I am normally not so bold in my choices! I also tried to pull some different patterns in these as well. I am not afraid to try anything, so I’ll mix stripes and plaids (well maybe not!!) even though my mama told me not to!!! 





I typically make bed-sized quilts, therefore I usually buy 3 metres in one go. I’ve found for the king size, three isn’t enough and sometimes have to go “scrappy” with my neutrals. I will also buy what’s left on the bolt up to 7-8 metres. Usually not that much though, typically 5 or less metres. If you take away anything from this post, let it be that YOU are the boss and what you sew with: YOUR choice. If you love it, use it! 

If I didn’t mentioned something about my fabric choosing process that you would like to know, please ask! I’ll be happy to share anything with you. 

Enjoy your day and sew, sew, sew!! Thanks for hanging out with me!

Deb

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