My list of things to be done this week has not included any sewing. But I finally got to the one item I’ve been looking forward to: sew blocks for charity quilt bee. I must say these spring-themed blocks were enjoyable to put together.
On another note, I’ve been inspired by Jeni’s series of posts on fabric. Organizing, choosing, buying, selecting, and I’ll admit I’m a sucker for all her lovely fabric photos. Anyway, I thought I’d share a small tip that I use for buying fabric online.
I know this only works for fabric companies that sell precuts, but it’s something to consider if you’re eyeing a line of fabric by Moda.
When I saw previews of the Sunkissed line by Sweetwater, I had a feeling I might want a few of these prints in my stash. Since the grays were what I was looking at, and finding shades that I like can be a bit tricky, I ordered a charm pack as soon as they were available. Now I had actual fabric to touch and see and hold up to other fabrics and see how I liked it. (Plus I have a charm pack to use for some fun little project)
Now I could buy some yardage with confidence, knowing that I would use and love what I ordered. Yes, the grays in this line are perfect (in my opinion). Not so much the oranges… And of course I had to get some of the newsprint since I’m a sucker for words on fabric, just like most everyone else! And the green is also a lovely shade that I’ve already put to use.
The charm pack tip is great for deciding whether to get yardage or not! I also like to get one when I see a new line I think I'm "in love" with because then I can see if I really want to fork over the money for a FQ set or just get a few of the key prints I really like. I almost always decide not to get the FQs but am glad to have the charms for little projects.
Great tip for the charm pack! I tend to overindulge, then regret the purchase later when it is just sitting there. My one beef is that since I am in Canada like you, it takes about 3 weeks to get anything, so then another 3 weeks after that to get the yardage of the stuff I am coveting!
I love your blocks; they look so springy!!
I agree about the charm packs, they are a great way to check out a range. However the shipping cost makes me think twice.
I like your blocks, really cute!
love the blocks of course! and I agree the orange from sunkissed was a little weird, but I scooped up lots of the grays and greens. 🙂
forget the tips about how to pick fabrics, I'll just have you send me your pretty grey stacks! 🙂 Those words and greys are perfection!! 🙂
I like your tip. Your blocks are really cute.
Jolene, that is just what I do too and I too LOVE the gray fabric from that line. The orange is too dull for me but I just love the gray especially the one with the little touches of pink.
Thanks for sharing.
pretty blocks! I've never bought a charm pack, but I think that's another good reason why i really must someday!
Great and economical tip. I agree that the grey is wonderful. I'm pretty happy with the whole line and I'm glad I ordered the fat quarter stack of this one!
Great idea! I love the sunkissed range – I bought a layer cake to make my first ever quilt with – just the binding to go then its done!
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That's a great tip, and I can confirm that it works! I knew I wanted to use Fandango in a wedding quilt. I was able to find a layer cake from a quilt show vendor and used it to select the yardage I needed to buy.
That is a great idea!
Jo, I so appreciate your link to Jeni. Finding it helpful…
I also continue to go back to your class in my mind and try to to re-think quilting. Almost done another smaller quilt, doing some of my own ideas.
You have also challenged my ideas of color! and though it is hard for me to 'get out of my box' I am slowly peeking over the edge and actually think I might climb right out one day soon!
I hope you do this class again…..