In a world overflowing with choices and distractions, one of the easiest ways to find peace and creativity is by shopping your closet for quilt fabric. You don’t need to rush to a fabric store or scroll through endless online shops to begin your next quilting project.
Okay, okay, I know what you’re thinking. “You’re a fabric designer, shouldn’t you be promoting buying fabric??” Yes! I’m here to say there is an appropriate time to purchase! Please do so! I thank you for loving my newest creations and there is always beautiful new fabric to check out and love on and purchase! But there is also a beauty to shop and explore the materials you already have at home. It gives you an opportunity to be reminded of some of the fabrics you have already purchased. You can bring back some of the excitement you felt the first time again by pulling it out and getting ready to create with it. When we use what we buy, we can appreciate the possibilities it brings in finished projects. Not only does this practice help create physical space, but it also brings a sense of mental calm and a sense of accomplishment when you finish a project.
Imagine waking up to a craft room where your fabric stash is organized and each piece is something you cherish and use regularly. Shopping your closet for quilt fabric isn’t just about getting rid of scraps; it’s about rediscovering forgotten materials and reimagining how to use them in new and creative ways. This process allows you to:
Create Breathing Space: A well-organized fabric stash creates a clutter-free space that invites clarity. When you open your closet and see only the fabrics you truly love, your workspace feels less chaotic. This simple decluttering can promote a peaceful mindset and allow you to focus on your next quilting project with ease.
Practice Mindful Crafting: Shopping your closet for fabric encourages you to be more intentional about the materials you use. Rather than buying new fabric for every project, you learn to appreciate and utilize what’s already in your collection. This shift fosters a sustainable approach to quilting, reducing waste and promoting creativity.
Rediscover Hidden Gems: Maybe you have a stack of fabric scraps tucked away or an old quilt top waiting to be finished. These forgotten pieces are just waiting to be reimagined into something new and beautiful. Shopping your closet for quilt fabric is an opportunity to reawaken your creativity and breathe new life into these hidden treasures. And offers possible personalized gifts to be created from fabric you’ve already bought.
Creating Calm with Color and Texture: One of the most rewarding aspects of shopping your closet for quilt fabric is rediscovering unique colors, textures, and patterns you may have overlooked or forgotten you even had! Imagine crafting a two-toned quilt from fabric scraps you’ve accumulated over the years. By piecing together various fabrics, you can create something entirely fresh and stunning. (I love finding out someone’s favorite color and then creating a two-toned quilt in their color of choice, with scraps of all different shades and patterns!) Similarly, this concept can be mirrored in your craft room: mix and match fabrics you wouldn’t normally pair, experiment with color contrasts (Check out a color wheel!), and give new life to forgotten scraps.
The act of creating something from leftover fabrics symbolizes the beauty and peace found in simplicity. A quilt made from scraps might be a little imperfect, but that’s what makes it unique and special. When you shop your closet for fabric with the same mindset, it invites you to embrace the charm of imperfection and find beauty in the materials you already own.
Start with a Clean Slate: Pull all your fabrics out of storage and assess what you truly love to work with. This is your chance to declutter your fabric stash, donating or repurposing fabrics you no longer use (this one can feel a little stressful at first with thoughts of “but what if I need it?” I have a general rule I like to follow: if I haven’t used it within this year, and I’m not sure I will use it within this year, allow it to be loved and used by someone else), and making room for displaying and ready to use your favorites. I love to keep colors together and similar sizes (or close to the same size) together. For example, keep fat quarters sizes and ¼ yard sizes together. Keep small scraps of the same color in clear containers for easy grabbing.
Create New Quilts or Projects: Mix and match fabrics in ways you haven’t before. You might discover new combinations that spark your imagination and lead to beautiful quilts or patchwork projects.
Embrace Upcycling: Transform older fabrics into something fresh and exciting. Repurpose old clothes, outdated quilts, or even fabric remnants into new pieces. You can turn a worn shirt into a pillow cover or make a scrap quilt from leftovers you’ve accumulated over time.
Shopping your closet for quilt fabric is more than just using what you already own—it’s about seeing the potential in the materials you have and being resourceful. It’s about slowing down, embracing creativity, and finding joy in repurposing old fabric.
When you shop your closet for fabric, you’re not only saving money and reducing waste, but you’re also cultivating a sense of calm, excitement, and accomplishment in your quilting journey.
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