Tuesday, March 22, 2011

"You did NOT!"

Yes. I DID. I know it says in my bio over there on the right side that I buy fabric just for the selvages. Really that has only happened once or twice. And fortunately the selvages have come attached to fabric that I really liked. Case in point.

When I made the pincushion for Amanda Jean of Crazy Mom Quilts, it was a little tricky to find the word "crazy" on a selvage. To illustrate how compulsively I read selvages and am familiar with fabric lines, I knew that Robert Kaufman had a line called "Crazy for Dots and Stripes." I didn't own any of the fabric, but I went to my LQS and there it was.


And I happen to be crazy for dots and stripes, so it was a win-win.

But yesterday, I bought a whole yard of fabric that I don't like much probably won't ever use, just for one word. And I can't even tell you what the word is. Yet. Because it's a surprise for someone. I'm so excited I was able to find that one word. Even if I probably won't ever use the fabric.

However, I realize everyone's taste in fabric is different, and I know that some of you out there might never use some of the fabric that is my favorite. So if you think you might use this fabric, let me know and it could be in the mail to you. After I receive it. And cut the selvages off.

23 comments:

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Kasey said... #

You could turn it into hexagons- that's what I would do/ what I DO do with any "what was I thinking" fabric.

Becky (My Fabric Obsession) said... #

haha! I LOVE your crazy mom quilts pin cushion. So clever! Can't wait to see what you make with the new selvage.

stitchinpenny said... #

I bought some fabric a little while ago in that color family do do a challenge which was to get out of your comfort zone. So far I haven;t been able to. Maybe this would be the push that I need

Amy said... #

I also love reading the selvage! i bought some awhile back,, although it was not something I needed alot of,I made sure I got a big enough cut for the writing/print on the selvage.

Jocelyn said... #

ha, ha, ha that is just too funny. I think I am going to have to start reading selvages :-)

Sel said... #

Ooh! I have this batik-related fabric in the same orange shade. (It's not actually a batik - it's got tiny speckles spattered all over it in various yellow-orange shades - but it fits very nicely with them.) Is it a batik? I love the explosions in the golden yellow - like a party going on the fabric!

I usually use it as a highlight, mixed in with the yellow and red batiks, maybe some light blue to make the orange pop? You might be able to see some of the fabric in the quilt in my icon.

And, if I have never bought fabric for the selvages, you and others have tuned me in to using them instead of cutting them off and discarding them! Now I need a new box for my selvage strips!

(long comment is long)

Pinkadot Quilts said... #

I love your pin cushion, so clever and adorable!!!

Meri said... #

Can't wait to see what the one word IS!! The fabric isn't bad...isn't the theory if you cut it small enough NO fabric is really ugly?
My husband thinks ANY orange fabric is great and would love to see lots of it in a quilt. That would require me spending lots more time at my machine...

Kris said... #

Very clever. Love it! And so will she!

Asiyah said... #

I'm making a snake quilt and that fabric would make a fabulous snakeskin.

Tara said... #

So cute! Amanda brought it to the quilt retreat last November to show it off! When she told me that you buy fabric for the selvages I wasn't sure I believed it either--until now!

Jennifer said... #

That is too funny!

Jennifer :)

Carla said... #

You might need therapy, Cindy!! =)
The pincushion is so great, though!! You are my kind of gal!!

Michele said... #

oooh -- the fabric is so beautiful!

free indeed said... #

THat would be lovely in a fall quilt or to add zing to a string quilt. :)
I'm am on a selvage craze lately myself..not so dedicated as you perhaps, but I just finished a purse and am working on 4 potholders. I have another valance for the sewing room to make with aqua green selvages...takes a while to collect...got any extras?

Elizabeth Dackson said... #

You crack me up! I keep thinking that when I'm out shopping I ought to keep my eyes peeled for cool selvages for you. I can't wait to see what the mystery selvage is!! :)

Retrogirl said... #

You never know...it might be nice in some applique one day. I have a bin of random stuff that I DO occasionally use. Never say no to fabric. =)
LOVE the crazymomquilts pincushion & can't wait to find out what the mystery word is!!

MWalker said... #

I occasionally use selvages to thread through handles and hang my scissors, rotary cutter, and cutting mats/rulers by (out of 2 year old hands because she likes to "tut" (cut)).

deserae said... #

I am interested to know the word! I would love this piece of fabric to use! :)

Terriaw said... #

I would totally buy fabric if the selvage was cool! but then I think the fabric might just sit in my stash if it wasn't my style. Good idea to give it away to someone!

sew katie did said... #

I think I have to use an overused word, "awesome."

Amanda Jean said... #

That must have been a great word! Can't wait to see what it is.

Unknown said... #

Ooh, that fabric would make some amazing fall leaves. I've been wanting to make a maple leaf quilt for my sister and this would fit in perfectly