Artisan Batiks: Christmastime from Robert Kaufman Fabrics
We joke a lot about our fabric stashes but there actually is a really good reason to keep them stocked! We are in the midst of the fall season and will soon enter the Christmas holiday. That means seasonal fabrics may be in abundance now, but might be hard to find this time next year.
Holidays at Home was released by Moda in June.
Although COVID slowed things down for a bit, many fabric manufacturers release new quilt fabrics every six weeks or so. That keeps inventory fresh which is wonderful for us makers but, for the most part, when they’re gone, they’re gone.
I often plan projects a year (or more) in advance. I’ll get an idea and, with a full-time job and other family responsibilities, it takes a while to bring it to life and actually make it.
Country Christmas was released by Benartex in May.
Too many times, I have discovered a print that I adored only to find that it was released last season and isn’t available anywhere. I learned the hard way that if I see a fabric I really, really like, I buy it.
So how can you keep up on the release of new fabric lines?
Visit Quilt Shops
Our hometown quilt shops are disappearing at an alarming rate and I try to patronize them as much as I can. They often display newly released fabric lines together so that you can see how they coordinate. Sign up for their newsletter and follow their Facebook and Instagram accounts for announcements.
Red Barn Christmas Panel was released by Moda in June.
Follow Fabric Companies
Fabric manufacturer websites provide galleries and archives for new and existing fabric collections and upcoming releases. Many fabric designers also maintain their own websites. Most have a social media presence that keeps customers apprised of new releases.
Just Buy the Fabric
When you do find fabric that you like, buy extra. You can always use the left-overs for another project but you may not be able to find more fabric if you run short. It’s okay to buy fabric, even if you are not sure what you are going to make!
Debbie Henry
Sew Inspired by Bonnie
Debbie Henry - October 09, 2023
Wow, Gail, you could open a shop!
Debbie Henry - October 09, 2023
Sandra, tell you husband we said it is okay, LOL!
Debbie Henry - October 09, 2023
So glad you ladies agree!
Sandra Hugo - October 03, 2023
Good advice! Too bad. My husband doesn’t agree!!!
Bonnie J Tawney-Addison - October 03, 2023
Yes, it is good to have fabric for all your quilt designs. You then have fabric staches which will you with other projects.
Susan Brake - October 03, 2023
so agree with you…. if you fall in love with a fabric…just buy it and buy a bit extra!
Vickie - October 03, 2023
I always try to buy extra when I see a fabric I love.
Gail Marlene Coombs - October 03, 2023
Recently did a rough count of stash – 2500+ yards. Keep trying to reduce it but it seems as if as soon as I use a yard, I see more that I “need”.