I’ve Got the Blues
Posted on January 11, 2023 by prairiemoonquilts in Stash TalesBoy, do I ever have the blues! TWO entire bins of blue fabric. And even more that I can’t get to fit into said bins.
Last year, it was my goal to get all my fabric to fit into the designated bins. I managed to make it all fit, and then . . . as I kept cleaning out boxes and bins, I kept finding more fabric that needed to be put away, and before you know it, I was back to the same situation. So . . . this year, I’m tackling it again, even more seriously.
I have my fabrics sorted by color — divided into 12 categories — so I’ve decided to tackle one color each month, and deal with it. That will be more fun for me than trying to tackle it all at once.
By dealing with it, I mean: I hope to get rid of some, use up a lot, and otherwise work to get it all to fit where I want it.
For January, I landed on the color blue. Last weekend, I pulled out the blue bins and sorted it all.
- • I filled a box to give to a friend who makes mostly charity quilts.
- • I cut out two pillowcases.
- • I pieced a backing for a blue quilt that needed it.
- • I sorted a couple piles of blues to put into veteran’s quilts.
- • I started cutting some of it up to make a comfort quilt to donate through my guild.
I’m off to a good start!
Here’s one of the bins:
For the Comfort quilt, I’m using the Twist Tie pattern by A Bright Corner. It should be quick and easy, and I also have a lot of scrap white solid to use up. Maybe I’ll make one in every color!
I’ve scanned my studio for any extra blue fabric that needs a home, and I think I have it all. Now, to get it tamed so that it all fits in the bin, and the lid fastens! Throughout the month of January, I’ll keep dreaming up ways to use more blue fabric.
I still have plans to:
- • Piece backing for another blue quilt that needs it.
- • Make binding for one of the blue quilts.
- • Continue cutting pieces for the Twist Tie quilt.
- • Cut out a baby quilt from blues.
I know of one other blue quilt that will need a backing, but I don’t know what size yet, so there will come another chance to use up some more of it.
Next month, another color . . . this could eventually work, if I can stick with it.
Oh, I do love the blues! I also love your ironing board cover (if that’s what’s peeking out from under the bin). I like your idea of working with one color a month, and I’ll look forward to seeing what you create.
Great idea for taming the stash! Just might give it a try! Thanks Shelly!
I am drawn to hot pink, orange ( my parents favorite colors). I buy BLUE …. go figure! I am leaning towards wonky log cabin blocks. My mojo is still off, I do not see accuracy in my near future!
I put only blue quilts up on my quilt ladder…
I could only find 4…. time to make more.
I like that idea of tackling the stash by color each month. Will keep that idea on file…thanks! I’m trying to get my scraps sorted by color and keep wondering if I should just forget about them and work with my yardage and FQ instead of spending so much time on the little stuff. I really do like scrappy quilts best and the more fabrics the better! So I best keep at it😊
This is a great idea, to concentrate on one bin per month. I can’t wait to see what you create!
Very clever! What are your 12 color categories?
Like your idea of a color a month. I also sort my stash by color – i am a fussy color nut! Hope you can get them to fit.
I think your real problem is that you need larger bins! ha
That is such a fun idea to go through a color a month. The twist tie pattern looks a little complicated with all those triangles. I am doing some cleaning of my cutting table trying to organize scraps and leftover fabrics- cutting into usable sizes.
I’d like to know what your 12 categories are, as well. I’ve been sorting my stash by color, as well as Christmas, fall, floral, and novelty fabric. Still working on it, but I have made some progress. I think I need to add dots and stripes, as well, since I am drawn to those.