Hi. My name is Liz. And I am rapidly becoming a fabric addict.
Making those doll quilts a few weeks ago seems to have lit some kind of fire in me. It was such a nice way to get back into the habit of quilting. Cute, fun color combinations mean I don’t have to take the choices too seriously. Small pieces meant I could use what I already had in my stash. Small size overall meant I could get from start to finish quickly. And, I didn’t feel like each one had to have its own purpose or recipient. I didn’t have to assign it to any one person, and didn’t have to worry about whether someone would like it enough to put it out on their couch or guest bed, or if they would just take it and smile even if it wasn’t their cup of tea. Dolls don’t care. Neither, really, do toddlers.
Plus, sewing has become something that I do just because I like it. I’ve been feeling kind of stressed out and overwhelmed recently. This age (times two) is kicking my ass a lot of the time. All of the day-to-day obligations (meals, naps, laundry, general childcare) take up so much time and energy that I don’t find I have anything left for larger-scale projects that I want/need to get done (purging the guest room closet, painting the mudroom, etc.). Sewing, though arguably not “productive” in that same way, is a little bit of escapism for me.
Anyways, so I’ve been working on a few more doll quilts. I have three in various stages of completion, and a plan for at least two more. I went to JoAnn’s just to pick up some batting so I could finish one that’s otherwise ready for quilting. I came home with this:
Yeah, that’s 20 more fat quarters worth of fabric. Five more yards to add to the stash. And that doesn’t include the other eight I bought last week that I haven’t used yet, or the 12 that I have used. While my stash is still nothing spectacular compared to “real” quilters out there…. it’s growing at an alarming rate. Some of them I bought in groups because I have a plan. Some I bought just because I thought they were pretty and I have no idea what I’ll do with them.
This is how it begins. This is how I will soon take over my entire guest room and turn it into my sewing den. That is, you know, as long as the kids continue to nap. And I continue to pay other people to clean my house.
Anyways. I’m admitting it. I have a problem. I will try to refrain from buying any more fabric for a little while.
Except… well…. I kind of need a black print for some binding… and…
That’s it. You’re cooked. Welcome to the world of plastic bins full of beautiful fabric. Pretty soon you’ll just sit and look at it and stroke it. It’s a disease. There’s no cure.
threeundertwo@Lit and Laundry´s last blog post..Help A Friend
Have you given more thought to selling some of the quilts/pillows you make? I’d find out what is “standard” for doll bed sizes and then sell them in that size. Or convince S he needs to go into business making beds. I’d definitely buy one with your bedding.
You can also sell them in more upscale kid stores that are local and sell local products.
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Hey, I wonder if I could hire you to make a doll quit for an American Girl doll. Also maybe hook me up with the contact who made the awesome doll bed! Feel free to email me!
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Well I think its awesome you’re on a creative roll! Eagerly awaiting the debut of the Goddess in Progress Etsy store
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Had to pop on to say a couple of things:
* Sorry to hear this phase is kicking your butt. I think there’s a lot of merit to the equilibrium/disequilibrium theories set out in the Your 1 Year, Your 2 Year Old, etc books. 1.5 was hard for us, 2.5 was very very hard, and I’ve heard 3.5 is HORRIBLE. But then 3 (right now) is awesome.
* Love love love the photo of the fabric. I’ve decided I need to pipe up when someone takes a picture I love! If I didn’t know you took it, I would assume it was a stock photo of fabric.
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I am an addict also – but it’s not fabric…I have a HUGE stash of wool because I crochet. I am unable to go into a craft store without buying wool – always with a project in mind that often takes years to materialize. And God forbid I find myself in a speciality yarn shop – I’m out at least $75 bucks in the blink of an eye.
I’ve started sewing again and have been somewhat addicted to buying fabric on etsy. I find more stuff I like there – rather than in store…especially Amy Butler and A. Henry stuff.
Oh – re: the age your kiddos are at now…I TOTALLY agree with Laura C. The 1/2 ages have been the roughest so far. We’re approaching 2.5 at the end of this month and I’m holding my breath in anticipation of what will come. But from around 20 months until now I have loved every second of it. It keeps me going if I just remind myself that “this to shall pass.”
I would TOTALLY buy doll quilts from you – you should open up an etsy shop!!!!
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The fabrics are beautiful! I can understand why you get extras. I have a similar problem buying glass for stained glass projects.
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