Stash Report, I'm So Behind I've Lost Track of the Weeks Edition

Seriously, I don't even know what week this is for my Stashbusting report. I should just start calling it "alleged stashbusting." But as I rationalized last week, even though I'm not doing a stellar job at sewing out of my stash, I have been inspired to de-stash some fabric I won't ever use and I'm still feeling good about that. Dammit.

Anyway, here it is:
Week 40? (I have no idea) ending October 3, 2010
Used this week: 0 m
Used this year to date: 149.46 m
Added this week: 1 m (it was REALLY CUTE)
Added this year to date: 73.88 m
Net Stash Busted in 2010: 75.58 m

Now that the boring stuff's out of the way, I've got some fun things to report.

I've gone Flickr swap and bee crazy. Scratch that. I've gone CAH-RAY-ZAY. I am addicted/obsessed. And loving every minute of it!!

You saw my mug rug swap goodies a while back and here are the two packages I sent out this week (click to see them bigger):



The buttons and ricrac (rick rack? ric rack? eh, whatever) are from Dressew. Good thing Dressew's quilting fabric is the pits (low quality, not great prices) because it's walking distance from my office. BUT it's fantastic for trims and buttons. Price tags left on so my partners can see what a great deal I got on the goodies (a gag a friend and I use all the time).

I had so much fun and "met" so many great people doing the mugrug swap, I signed up for a handmade Holiday ornament swap that promises to be just as fun. I also took the plunge and joined my first two online bees! I KNOW, right? CAH-RAY-ZAY! But Bees are a terrific way to: meet other like-minded quilters, learn new skills, work with lovely fabric and have fun. I'm really happy I joined.

Sew & Bee Happy is a new bee that's just starting this month. We choose a block and the overall colour scheme, and the 11 other bee members make your block from their stashes and send it. There are 12 members so this one goes for a year. I chose this block for my month (October), and asked for it to be a white background with bright-coloured scrappy "geese." I'm very very excited to see the blocks coming together so beautifully!

Sew Buzzy had a member drop out and I responded to their call for a new member. Its format is more traditional as online bees go - for your month, you choose a block, then send out the fabric to the 11 other members, who sew it up for you and mail it back. I got the fabric yesterday for October's block but I'm going to set it aside while I quilt my polka-dot sampler - I've got all month to do it. (On October 31st as I sew frantically, el Presidente of the Last Minute Club is totally going to remember jinxing myself on October 3rd.)

As you can see, I've been busy, but not blogging. To make it up to all you loyal followers (thanks!), I'm planning something lovely to celebrate my 100th post, which is just around the corner. Already!

Stash Report, Hanging My Head In Shame Edition

So. The Stashbusting. Yeah, not going all that well, in that I seem to be accumulating fabric. BUT it's stuff I truly love, and I have unburdened myself of stuff I don't, so maybe I shouldn't be ashamed at all?

Ha, that little rationalization didn't take long at all!

I've been rather remiss as regards my stashbusting reports, so here I will catch up.

Week 37 (ending September 19, 2010)
Used this week: 3.1 m
Used this year to date: 149.46 m
Added this week: 8 m (order received!)
Added this year to date: 72.88 m
Net Stash Busted in 2010: 76.58 m


What have I been working on? Well, three mugrugs, the Simple Sampler quilt is now pieced and basted (YAY for retreats!!!) and some random other stuff.

Stash Report, Back In The Saddle Edition

Life kind of got away with me these last few weeks, and since I wasn't doing much (if any) sewing and no fabric buying (until yesterday - oops), there wasn't much to say, Stashbusting-wise.

But I did want to catch up and keep tracking, so here goes:

Week 34 (ending August 22, 2010)
Used this week: 0.4 m
Used this year to date: 146.36 m
Added this week: 0 m (ordered but not received!)
Added this year to date: 64.88 m
Net Stash Busted in 2010: 81.48 m

I did end up selling that fabric and my box of scraps that were counted as "out" a few weeks/months ago. That felt really great - a new quilter bought it and my husband's comment was, "Just think - you've probably started someone on a lifelong obsession!" I was totally all "YES!" Happy quilting, newbie! :)

Stash Report, Even Steven Edition

So some fabric came in. BUT I am so pleased to report that I resisted the sale at Fabric.com. I just don't need more fabric right now. Other than the stuff I did buy. I know - you're thinking "I don't understand what you mean by 'I just don't need more fabric'."

Cute fabrics, eh? I got the Erin McMorris and Timber fabrics in the 50% bin! And I had to get those adorable birdies and tress. *LOVE*  Oh, and the flower fairies (also 50% off) will be the backing for a quilt made from a matching panel.


Check out the caftan/tunic pattern - it was marked down 50%, then I got another 50% off because it was on clearance. Woot!

I did something really liberating this week. I trashed my scrap bin. Well, nearly all of it. Just as I'm destashing fabrics I no longer love, so too am I ridding myself of scraps that I don't like anymore (or never really did). A whole box full. It felt REALLY good.

So while I'm pretty sure it adds up to more than 3m, I'm going to go ahead and call it "Even Steven" in the stashbusting department (plus the use from my Sampler blocks and the stroller refashion).

Week 31 (ending August (!!!!) 1, 2010)
Used this week: 3.5 m
Used this year to date: 145.96 m
Added this week: 3 m
Added this year to date: 64.88 m
Net Stash Busted in 2010: 82.08 m

Stash Report, Combo Edition

I never did get around to my stash report last week, so here's a two-fer:

Weeks 29/30 (ending July 25, 2010)
Used this week: .5 m
Used this year to date: 143.71 m
Added this week: 1.5 m
Added this year to date: 61.88 m
Net Stash Busted in 2010: 81.83 m

While I did still add to my stash this report, I am pleased to say that this commitment to attempt (!) to use my stash rather than building it up mindlessly is having an effect. There were a couple of big online sales this week that I looked at. I even had carts full of fabric (in one case, $75 worth!). But I didn't buy. I didn't have projects in mind, I wasn't completely in LOVE with the fabric, so I didn't buy.

You know what? It felt kinda good.

Stash Report, Belated Edition

I do have a report for last week; I'm just late in posting it. All that time writing posts about finished projects and the like took up my time this weekend.

Week 28 (ending July 11, 2010)
Used this week: 2 m
Used this year to date: 143.21 m
Added this week: 1.5 m
Added this year to date: 60.38 m
Net Stash Busted in 2010: 82.83 m

Check out the giveaway I won from Jen - some great black and white fabrics. They're half-yard cuts - for some reason I thought they were fat quarters, so imagine my happy surprise! The package was done up so nicely, too - thanks again, Jen!!

Stash Report, July Holiday Edition

Happy Canada Day (1st of July) and Happy Independence Day (today)!

I did lots of sewing this week, but not much came off the stash report. Why is that, you ask? Well, there was the Pillowcase Dress, the fabric for which I didn't count as "in" (oversight - oops!), the Quilt-Along blocks (the only fabric counted "out" this week) and quilting. Lots and lots of quilting, which is going to have its own post.

For now, though:

Week 27 (ending July 4, 2010)
Used this week: .2 m
Used this year to date: 141.21 m
Added this week: 0 m
Added this year to date: 58.88 m
Net Stash Busted in 2010: 82.33 m

Other people are busting their stashes too - go read all about it here.

Stash Report, I Can't Believe It's Nearly July Edition

This "summer" is going by quickly! I know it only technically starts on June 21 or whatever, but wow - it's already July this week. We haven't had very summery weather in Vancouver (no complaints here) at all.

Some fluffy mail arrived this week, but a lot got cut so it counts as out. Hooray!

Week 26 (ending June 27, 2010)
Used this week: 6.82 m
Used this year to date: 141.01 m
Added this week: 1.85 m
Added this year to date: 58.88 m
Net Stash Busted in 2010: 82.13 m

Stash Report, Father's Day Edition

Happy Father's Day, everyone!

Not too spectacular of a Stash Report this week, but it's still some fabric out.

Week 25 (ending June 20, 2010)
Used this week: 3.5 m
Used this year to date: 134.19 m
Added this week: 0 m
Added this year to date: 57.03 m
Net Stash Busted in 2010: 77.16 m

Glad to be in the black this week, because next week I won't be - a couple of orders are on their way.

Wondering what the Stash Report is all about? Go check out Judy Laquidara's blog here. It's neat-o!

And so this post doesn't go photo-free (because really - what's the point in that??), here's a couple of shots of the gorgeous mini-quilt I received this week in my Modify Tradition Swap. I loves it.

My swap partner left the label unattached so I could choose which side to display. I plan to rotate it, actually, because I love both sides so much.

Sweet little birdies!

Incredible quilting.

Thanks again, partner!

Stash Report, Jury Duty Edition

Yes, that's right: Jury Duty. I have to report tomorrow for a civil trial. I have my Modify Tradition Mini Quilt whose binding needs attaching, and a good book. I hope I don't get picked, or if I do, that the trial is over in a day.

The Garage Sale was a huge success - I made over $100 selling my quilting crap to other quilters so that I had room for more quilting crap. My friend called it "the Circle of Crap" and so it is. I only bought one FQ, which I promptly used for the binding of the forementioned Mini Quilt. I did come home with some leftovers, which I plan to list on Craigslist ASAP - I've been fairly successful with that strategy so far.

Week 24 (ending June 13, 2010)
Used this week: .12 m
Used this year to date: 130.69 m
Added this week: .25 m
Added this year to date: 57.03 m
Net Stash Busted in 2010: 73.66 m

Stash Report, Hedgehog Edition

LOOK AT THESE ADORABLE HEDGEHOGS (and owls). I couldn't pass them up!!!

I attended the Grand Opening of Spool of Thread - a local sewing lounge. They sell some fabric (source of those cute hedgies above), a few patterns and notions. Their main raison d'etre, though, is to provide a space to sew. You can rent space by the hour (including use of some great Janome sewing machines) to sew, cut, or do whatever. I eyed the large industrial cutting tables longingly - I know where my next big quilt is going to be basted!!

My guild is having a "garage sale" for the last meeting before summer. I was inspired to do another cull - over 50 m of fabric is going to a new home! Have to spend some time this weekend pricing it all. Does $2/m seem fair? It's all in great shape and is quilt shop quality; just not my style anymore.

That meant great things for this week's stash report:

Week 23 (ending June 6, 2010)
Used this week: 52.47 m
Used this year to date: 130.57 m
Added this week: 5 m
Added this year to date: 56.78 m
Net Stash Busted in 2010: 73.79 m

It also meant great things for my fabric storage area - there's a bit more breathing room on the stacks, and I can actually pull things and see things without causing a fabric avalanche. Very nice.

Stash Report, Rainy Day Edition

I actually don't mind the rain. And I detest the heat and humidity. Accordingly, Vancouver is a perfect place for me to live!

I have pulled a pantload of fabric to sell at my guild's "Garage Sale" on June 8th, but I haven't yet figured out how much it is, so I'm keeping my Stash Report at 0 in and 0 out.

Week 22 (ending May 30, 2010)
Used this week: 0 m
Used this year to date: 78.10 m
Added this week: 0 m
Added this year to date: 51.78 m
Net Stash Busted in 2010: 26.32 m

Stash Report, May Two-Four Edition

I just outed myself as an Ontarian, didn't I? Here in Canada, the Monday before May 25th is a holiday whose official name is Victoria Day - this commonwealth country celebrates Queen Victoria's birthday (which is actually May 24th). It's a "statutory" holiday, meaning most people have that day off work, thereby creating the first long weekend of the summer season. In Ontario, it's called the May Two-Four Weekend, a take-off on the fact that Victoria Day falls around the 24th of the month. And a 24-pack of beer is called a Two-Four - many of which are consumed over that long weekend.

Aaaanyway, if you're still reading, it's Stash Report time!

Week 21 (ending May 23, 2010)
Used this week: 0 m
Used this year to date: 78.10 m
Added this week: 4.5 m
Added this year to date: 51.78 m
Net Stash Busted in 2010: 26.32 m

Eh, what can I say? My friend Judy's shop had a big sale last week and I have a lovely credit there since working with her at the Sewing Expo last month. I got some Kona Cotton (2 lovely metres of Chartreuse, my new love) and a cute Echino polka dot.

Nothing out this week as I'm still working on my Modify Tradition swap quilt.

Stash Report, Swap Edition

I joined my first online swap ever! Yay! And that's all the fabric I used this week. Boo!

Week 20 (ending May 16, 2010)
Used this week: 1.13 m
Used this year to date: 78.10 m
Added this week: 0 m
Added this year to date: 47.28 m
Net Stash Busted in 2010: 30.82 m

 Sneak peek of my Modify Tradition mini quilt's progress.

I love the look of this block but I don't love piecing it - those side triangles are finicky, even when I use the Tri Recs rulers. But they're all done now - next step is to hack up some more charms.

Stash Report, Mothers' Day Edition

Happy Mothers' Day! I wonder how many Mamas out there received the ironic gift of time "off" from the kids today? I did - and I sewed my head off 100% guilt free. Wheeeee!

Boring Stash Report today - nothing in and nothing of any consequence out, despite all the sewing. I couldn't be bothered to figure out how much I used in this President's Block but I got it done. Yay!

Week 19 (ending May 9, 2010)
Used this week: 0 m
Used this year to date: 76.97 m
Added this week: 0 m
Added this year to date: 47.28 m
Net Stash Busted in 2010: 29.69 m

Check out what other stashbusters are doing over at Judy L's blog.

Stash Report, May Day Edition

It's a beautiful day here in Vancouver - lovely sun that's not yet too warm (I detest the heat) and the threat of rain gone for a little while at least.

I culled my stash again and found over 20m of fabric that I won't ever use in a quilt. So I've listed it on Craigslist again - hopefully I get as good a response as I did last time! (Edited to add: sold for $40 - yay!)

Progress is going slowly on my projects, unfortunately. Some days didn't get their 20 minutes of quilting. But I did get some nice ideas for quilting my Very Hungry Caterpillar so there's that!

Week 18 (ending May 2, 2010)
Used this week: 22.33 m
Used this year to date: 76.97 m
Added this week: 0 m
Added this year to date: 47.28 m
Net Stash Busted in 2010: 29.69 m

Bye, bye, fabrics that aren't my style anymore, and/or projects I don't care to complete anymore! Enjoy your new home.

Stash Report, Sorting The Sock Drawer Edition

I made some progress on the stash this week. A tiny bit out, but at least it was out!

Week 17 (ending April 25, 2010)
Used this week: 1.25 m
Used this year to date: 54.64 m
Added this week: 0 m
Added this year to date: 47.28 m
Net Stash Busted in 2010: 7.36m


Despite having signed up for Jacquie's Spring to Finish Challenge 2010, I managed to find another project to work on instead of one of the 5 I registered - the quilter's equivalent of organizing the sock drawer during exams. I have a sneaking suspicion it's because I'm feeling somewhat stumped on the Very Hungry Caterpillar quilt's quilting. That's a separate post in itself. Stay tuned.

Anywaaaaaay, that "other project" is this trio of pillows made from stash fabric, and stuffed with leftover batting trimmings - the stuff I cut off after quilting and before binding. I've been dutifully saving those scraps for a while now, and I'm happy to say that my collection was enough to thoroughly stuff 3 good-sized pillows. A colleague volunteers with the SPCA, and they use the pillows to make the crates a little more comfy for the cats and dogs.

Here are a couple of photos of my little monkey helping me with stuffing the pillows - we had a ball!

Stash Report, Barking Dogs Edition

So my friend Judy came out for the Sewing and Crafts Expo and I offered my booth-help services in exchange for fabric. While my dogs are STILL barking, I think I got the better end of the deal. Store credit for my hours logged. Wooft!

Anyway, I'd never been to the Sewing Expo before so little did I know it was like a Quilt Show Vendors' Mall on steroids. Yeah. Stashbusting didn't do so well this week, but not as terribly as I would've predicted. Check out my acquisitions, annotated for your reference:

I may be the most excited about that Tina Givens large floral on brown because it matches a lovely FQ pack I got a while back - now I have a border to work from! Whee!

Oh and my coup? Heather Ross, Mendocino. AT 50% OFF!!!! Yahoooooo! I still behaved myself, though. Just four metres total:

The hand on this fabric is like nothing I've felt before. I think I'm kind of getting what the big deal is about voile/double voile. *dreamy sigh*

Ahem. So onto the business of today's post. Stash report!

Week 16 (ending April 18, 2010)

Used this week: 2.15 m
Used this year to date: 53.39 m
Added this week: 10.6 m
Added this year to date: 47.28 m
Net Stash Busted in 2010: 6.11 m

Stash Report, Stuffy Nose Edition

I hab a code. Abd I'b dot feelig good.

So less sewing done this week than I'd like - I had this past week off work but between home projects and this stupid cold, I haven't done as much as I'd've liked. Having said that, I did get a fair bit accomplished. Emerald Rose has been bundled up and mailed out, as have the two Birthday Banners. And The Very Hungry Caterpillar is now basted! I hope to start quilting it tonight or perhaps tomorrow. I was up last night thinking of how I want to quilt it - a nice way to distract myself from how stuffy my nose was.

Week 15 (ending April 11, 2010)

Used this week: 0 m
Used this year to date: 51.24 m
Added this week: 3.5 m
Added this year to date: 36.68 m
Net Stash Busted in 2010: 14.56 m


The "in" this week is 3.5 m of awesome home dec weight fabric from IKEA. One metre (orange) is for a new work tote for me and the other stuff is to make a baby carrier. My "baby" has grown out of all but one of my baby carrier collection so it was time to make a new one!

I totally heart IKEA's fabric department. This stuff was $6.99 a metre! And it's 60 inches wide!!!

Wondering what all this Stash Report business is about? Check out Judy's blog and see!

Stash Report, Happy Easter Edition

The only new "out" to count is for the Birthday Banners. Two full "Happy Birthdays" plus three names means I busted just over a metre of fabric.

Week 14 (ending April 4, 2010)

Used this week: 1.11 m
Used this year to date: 51.24 m
Added this week: 0 m
Added this year to date: 33.18 m
Net Stash Busted in 2010: 18.06 m

Wondering what all this Stashbusting this and Stash Report that is about? Check out Judy's blog and see!