joe'smom

I am also, for the very first time, able to attempt the BH mystery from all stash!

I seem to have settled in with Bear Creek Quilting Co. for my stash projects. They run continual mysteries, some more complicated and some less. I find that mysteries for me take the worry out of committing to a fabric ensemble, since there's a built-in, 'not my fault -- it was a mystery!' attitude, LOL

Gemm

I didn't realize how long it had been since I'd been here - sorry for my silence! I've much enjoyed hearing recent stories of stash success and have a couple of my own to share. These are the last two quilts from that pile of baby flannel I wanted to use up. There is still a small stack of fabric left but I will take that to the guild free table and maybe someone can add it to their stash to make up "enough" for a project. The backs are also pieced out of the same fabrics.

I am also trying to clear out some of my Christmas fabric - I don't actually have a ton but I have more than I really want or need. Our guild is making placemats for Meals on Wheels this week and while I take forever to make a single one (I tried - I enjoyed it immensely, but it was slow) I'm planning on trying to pare down some of what I've got for others to use more efficiently. :-)

Oksewglad, your signature is clearly true! I also love working with small pieces but you take it to the next level! I love them all!!! Thanks so much for sharing your photos.

And "out the door" is a major goal accomplished, WMU - way to go!

This is all so great, Iceblossom, and I'm thrilled for your improved vision. I will, as you know, be watching the BHMQ thread with great interest - love that you're able to keep to stash and use up a great find!

Joe'smom, this is such a great way to take the risk/guilt/worry out of "using up!" I think I might have to borrow that idea. :-) I've never done a mystery quilt but I think that when you're working with stash, there is mystery in every opened box or bag - "Oh, that's where that was!" or "When did I buy that?" or even "Is that even mine? I have no recollection..."

WMUTeach

Took three UFO's and some fabric for the give away table at my quilting group tonight. Came home with two of the UFOs and about a yard and a half of fabric that will be used in the birthday swap next year. I also came home with about 18 spools of thread! All Gutterman and most in lovely colors that I can use in quilting or piecing. Those will be gone by spring for sure.

Oh and I also took in two dog beds filled with scraps and snippets that are too small, in my estimation, to keep. More out the door with just a little that sneaked in.

newbee3

I just received some nice fabric actually alot of it so I won't be running out anytime soon.

Gemm

The end of the year is fast approaching and I'm realizing that I've not been keeping this thread as active as I would like to see it. If there is someone out there who would like to take it on and guide us into 2025, please let me know!

I managed to get about a yard and a half of fabric plus some batting bits out of the house by making a few placemats for Meals on Wheels and I'm now trying to continue using up fabric by making blocks for a block-of-the-month challenge at our guild. This is my first block - I have fabric pulled from my stash for several more but life has been busy enough that I've not even managed to start cutting for a second block yet. Maybe soon!

Hope you're all managing to get your last minute projects/shopping/baking/connecting done without too much stress! Happy pre-holiday chaos time!

WMUTeach

I would like to take this on, but I already host the 2.5 Birthday Swap and participate in the Boom swap. I will encourage and comment more frequently in '25 for whoever leads it, but.... well, wisdom must prevail for me. Gemm, can you do one more year? I will be with you all the way!

I am in another group not on the Quilt Board that keeps track of fabric in and fabric out. To date, I have used about 80 yards of fabric this year. Yeah! I have one quilt that needs to be layered and quilted and that should get me closer to 85 yards. My goal was 100 yards out the door. Won't make it this year, but 85 is pretty close. It will due.

Hint to help clear your abundance of stash, if you are gifting to another quilter or at your quilt guild or group. Don't Shop!! Give from your stash. Last evening my quilting group did a Christmas exchange and played a variation of BINGO. When you get a bingo you choose a package from the table, but later some one can choose a package or steal from you. Lots of fun and the items most often taken were charm pack and jelly rolls. I got rid of some, 2.5" squares that I cut from my stash along with some thread and a Christmas fabric ornament. Woops, I forgot to add that fabric to my yearly total.

petthefabric

Just reporting. This year has been better than some. Bought fabrics for a couple projects that “just couldn’t pass up” only to find months later, they’re still sitting on the shelf. Solution, 1)don’t go on group trips and 2) wait a couple days.

on the other hand;
1) made market bags using maybe 40 yards. Using them for gifts and fund raisers. Used fabrics that loved but never found use for them
2) used 2 fabrics that loved but couldn’t use. Made medallions. Inspired to make more
3) finished twin quilts using wide backs
4) finished quilt for daughter that’s been ufo for 3 years

shelves look just as full as beginning of year, oh well, had fun

Gemm

Just to be clear, I'm not dropping out! I was just thinking I would make room if there was someone who felt the call and the offer is still open. If I don't hear anything, I'll get it started up closer to the new year. :-) I love this thread even when I'm not managing to get much out of my stash - there are so many great ideas and pictures and shares and I just like everyone here so much. :-)

WMUTeach

Lead on, Gemm. I just might put a recurring note in my calendar once or twice a month to check up and provide an update on the thread. Not a huge MUST DO, but a reminder.

Gemm

I just want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas, joyous Yule, happy Hanukkah and good times with friends, family and fabric. See you in 2025 for another year of playing with stash fabrics! Thanks for the fun this year. :-)