I'm still trying to get things cleared. I feel like this little guy - they call it 'pouching'. I like that word better than hoarding or stashing. BUT I really would like things gone!
PILING UP
I know this looks horrible, but things are piling up with trying to clean out the house. Actually there is a bag with 2 finished quilts for the Veterans that need pick up. A bag with 2 finished quilts that need wash-dry before going into the shop. A bag with 2 quilts with backs and batting that have to go to the longarmer (when she returns from vacation). The others are for me to finish.
TRAVELING STASH
The box of Traveling Stash has arrived - Flo was enjoying her vacation and I don't blame her. But - If I had known the condition of what was in the box - I would have had her save shipping and just started a new box. Please visit the starting point of this box here. I estimate over 30 yards of fabric and extras.
WHAT IS STASH?
I have lost sleep over this, but it needs to be addressed. And, if it makes some people mad, well..... But I looked thru the travels of the original and then when split - both travels. The second box has become a 'library' - 75% books and patterns and maybe 10 yrds of fabric if that. The box I have may have had 15 yrds of fabric - mostly scraps. And some of it was not quilt quality. I even match tested 2 pieces - one melted, the other went up in flames.
So what is stash? From Webster:
Noun - - a secret store of valuables
Verb - save up as for future use
Now for a quilter - it is a collection of usuable, quality product. So when passing on to the Stash Box - it should be items replaced value-to-value and amount-to-amount. AND it was to pass on fabric, not empty your library.
Here is a quide to Pre-Cut amounts:
Jelly Roll strips are 2-1/2 inches so every 10 strips is 2/3 yard (plus an inch). 30 strips is 2 yards plus 3 inches. 40 strips is 2-3/4 yards. 50 strips is 3-1/2 yards.
Honey buns are 1-1/2 inches so 10 strips is just slightly under 1/3 yard. 40 strips are 1-2/3 yards.
Turnovers are 80 (6 inch) triangles and is equal to slightly over 1 yard.
Desert rolls are 10 (5 x 45) strips or just slightly over 1-1/3 yard.
Charms are 5 inches square. 40 charms is equal to 2/3 of a yard.
Layer Cakes are 10 inches square. 40 layer cake square is equal to 2-3/4 yards.
As to quality - educate yourselves. Visit several fabric shops - feel, check the selvedge for maker and designer, visit fabric web sites - familiarize yourself to what Quilt Quality is. I'm not saying you have to have the 'top' line or most 'hyped' line, but know your product.
Some wonderful yardage and pre-cuts were taken and replaced with patterns or minimal 'scraps' - yes I followed the boxes. But, there were wonderful people who were true to the stash and THANK YOU, but others SHAME!
Now with that being said - these are the ONLY original items I am returning to the box. The 2 blue floral pieces I would call 'dress' fabrics and someone may like for a little girl. I can use the scraps, being a scrap quilter - and I did like the Ikea for a charity quilt for our Quilt Guild. And a wonderful small piece of early Mary Engelbreit - I don't think people knew what this was.
This is what I have assembled (so far) to add. Replaced the small scraps of flannel with 1 3/8 yrd of owl print flannel. Replaced the bits of scraps with 200 2.5" squares that equal a little over 1 yd. To replace the Mary Engelbreit I took - 2 brown FQs to go with the few FQ's that where in the box. To replace the Ikea (about 4 yds) - 1 yd Krafty Kitty by Henry Glass; 1.5 yds Orange Blossoms by Red Rooster; 2 yds of Georgie Porgie by Marcus Bros. Some odd bits of Jelly Roll strips (add to my scrap bin) I replaced with 48 charms - 2/3yd. The lone block I took to add to my box for the Sr. Center and replaced with 12 6.6" novelty print squares (trimmed the 2 embroidered dogs to place with this group) - Natasha started a charm kit for an Eye Spy in the other box, so I hope this will be added to until at least 100 blocks for a nice quilt. The lace I took as I have a student who uses this a lot - replaced with a bag of selvedge and Moda ties. The bit of pre-made bias tape I simply removed - replaced with packages of Jumbo Rick-Rack. The Blankie Path cheater cloth I took for my daughter - she'll use for a quick baby quilt backing and replaced it with a Just Dotty (RJR) Dessert Roll - 1.5 yd. Added a Jelly Roll of Moda 'Hoopla' for some bright fun (2 3/4 yrd.).
I need to pick up a new box, and once these items are packed - I will fill in empty spaces. I have some Hoffman, Kaufman, and RJR that just might jump in. SO:
To enter the Traveling Stash Give Away:
1. be an active blogger (only mailing within the USA)
2. commit to replacing with quilt guality products
3. and promise to pass the box on
**I will pull the winner and announce on Saturday - August 27th**
CLOSING THOUGHT
We are not cisterns made for hoarding, we are channels made for sharing.
- Billy Graham
Sewingly Yours,
Sharon
