Fabric tracking has been all consuming through 2024 as I'm aiming to use all my stash by 2033. You might ask why I picked that year.
I've selected 2033 as the year I'll officially be really old - I may no longer have dexterous use of my hands, or I could have poor(er) eyesight. The year may seem arbitrary but having a goal keeps me focused on my sewing room priority - to USE UP!
In December I had numerous small makes that I'll share as soon as all gifts are given. But I can feel pleased with December numbers: 9.83 yards used, mostly due to quilt finishes as I pieced quilt backs, and made binding and quilt labels.
I also cut and hand-pieced 49 Inner City blocks. This makes me happy to look at! The colors! And using solid scraps!
The half-yard of incoming fabric was unexpected - a Christmas present from my St. Augustine friend, Candi. She's such an enabler thoughtful friend! Her card said:
"Sorry for adding to your stash but I needed to reduce mine. 😊 "
This is Kona 2024 Color of the Year - Julep - the only fabric that came into my sewing room in December. (Gee thanks, Candi! 😏)
The big Ta-Dah (for me) is the total amount of fabric used in 2024. That number is 112.55 yards! Adding back incoming yardage that totalled 23.67 yards, and my net output was 88.88 yards. Not too bad.
Actually I'm thrilled! I will be fabric tracking again in 2025, my third year of doing so.
Looking ahead to 2025, I'm focusing on finishing a couple of WIPs, the first being my 100-Day Challenge/Quilt Your Life. The 151 blocks I made during those 100 days have been around since September. The problem is I can't figure out how to arrange them in a cohesive quilt design.
I tried grouping them.
I tried a chronological order of my 100 days of activities. What a mish-mash!
Also, I haven't given up on the idea of including these one-inch curvelets in the design, especially because: 1) I began making them during the 100 Days; and 2) they aren't designated for anything else.
As I reflect on a year of blogging - 71 blog posts - my heart is bursting with gratitude for those of you who read and comment. It's your comments that keep me going, knowing I'm reaching you. Then, the most enjoyable part is replying to your comments and questions. Thank you for engaging!
I'm wishing everyone a wonderful 2025! Linda
What a great year. I had no idea you had a goal to use up your stash by 2033! Yikes. That is definitely some pressure. Enjoy the journey!
ReplyDeleteThat’s an impressive amount of fabric out for the year. Congratulations!!!
ReplyDeleteAmy in NJ
Hi Amy in NJ! It' nice of you to comment. As for the quantity of fabric I used, I don't know if it can be called impressive, but it sure pleases me. And thank you for noticing. I'm trying so hard to NOT bring in anything new!
DeleteThat note from Candi made me laugh!!! Love your inner city blocks, Linda! Looking forward to all you do in 2025! Happy new year!!!
ReplyDeleteI really like the chrono layout for the QYL piece!
ReplyDeleteHi there! I would have replied to you directly, but your response edress says "no reply." So... I guess if I was going for a maximalist layout for these 100 days blocks, the chronological layout would be the one to go with. But, since I'm looking for something more restful, with a place for eyes to land, I don't think I'll choose that one. Thank you though! I appreciate your thoughts.
DeleteI like the chronological layout but maybe with more negative space? Or split bocks into several quilts? Love the inner city blocks that are so dimensional!
ReplyDeleteWhy not put those curvelets in this quilt? You've got a great puzzle to complete here! And congratulations on using up that yardage - that's awesome. I, too, have been on a bend to use what I have. I miss fabric shopping, but it's nice to Shop My Stash, lol. Hazard of the trade/hobby, I suppose. It's always nice to read your posts and follow your journey. Thanks! Have a fantastic 2025!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that I found your blog, Linda. It feels like I have a quilting friend in Florida! I get so jazzed when I am able to use what I have available rather than going to the store. Bravo on the Stash busting. I think that you should revisit the chronological order of your QYL. I'm digging the mish mash. It must be speaking to my colourful scrappy soul. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteWell Anonymous, I'm glad you found my blog too, but I have a lot of Anonymous commenters, so I'm unsure who to thank! :-) I'm glad we're friends! :-) You're right about using what you have available. "Jazzed" is a great way to feel about using what's on hand. I need to have more jazz in my 2025! Okay, since you're the third person who's said my chronological order is their favorite - and that's the one I like the LEAST! - there must be something wrong with me! I'll revisit it. Though at the moment the design wall is full of a new old project - improv blocks from two Cindy Grisdella workshops. I'm determined to get something finished in January! Thanks for your new year good wishes. Happy 2025 to you too... whoever you are. :-)
DeleteHappy New Year, Linda! I am sure you will use the Julep in something amazing! I do love your QYF blocks and have no doubt you would settle on a layout that you love. Have you tried something medallion-y?
ReplyDeleteOnly 9 more good sewing years??? Girl, you’re still good to go a long time after that. You are so prolific and have great ideas 💡! I understand the wanting to use the stash up, I do too. I’m proud of you 👏!
ReplyDeleteI like the diagonal layout myself, they are always interesting to me. The Julep is a great color . 🥰
What I'm hoping for is eight more years of the ability to sew and create. While I might have the DESIRE, I might not be around. My mother passed away at my age now, so I don't want to assume I'll live longer. Yes, yes, about using stash! I keep saying this, but the fabric piles really are getting lower. I appreciate your preference for the diagonal layout of my 100 Days/Quilt Your Life blocks. I'm still muddling on it, and as my friend Candi suggested (above), I haven't tried a medallion layout yet. Love the Julep color too! If I'd known it was so pretty in person, I probably would have bought some for myself. I plan to buy the 2025 Kona Color of the Year too - Nocturne - "a deep, rich purple."
DeleteAn amazing puzzle to sort out Linda! Can you use those 1" curvelets as corner stones with a narrow solid - Julep - sashing maybe? Group the little blocks into fours to get a larger block, which I see you have sort of done with the gold St Louis squares & red geese in 1st pic. Anyways, I look forward ot seeing where you end up.
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