Author: Katherine Bell

I really need to get a grip on my recent obsession with 100% cotton premium quilting fabric and subsequent spending! But, I think that’s easier said than done…and I know I’m not alone in this…. which gives me a little bit of comfort! I’ve found myself arranging and rearranging piles of fabric more often than I actually want to admit to. This usually happens after spending some quality time perusing favorite Etsy fabric sellers. Sometimes, on the way to bed, I glance into the sewing room and can’t resist stopping in to try out a few fabric combinations….and then ponder the possible projects and, of course, the additional fabric that would be needed.

A few days ago, in the very early hours of the morning(about 1:30am to be totally honest), while arranging fabric for another QAL starting soon, I finally admitted to myself what I had been suspecting for a couple of weeks…..I had become a fabricaholic. I struggle daily to resist buying the gorgeous fat quarter and half yard bundles I’ve been admiring online but can’t help adding them to my cart, knowing full well that I’m not really going to be able to purchase them. I guess the last thing I need to be doing is participate in a virtual Fabric Shop Hop…right?

While the urge to buy and acquire more fabric is there and relatively strong, I don’t feel that an intervention is needed at this point because finally, after over spending on fabric for a couple of months, I’m sticking to a monthly fabric budget and finding ways to trim a little money from the household budget in order to increase my monthly fabric budget. Oh…and, I’m going to make an effort to buy fabrics that are on sale at greatly reduced prices…UNLESS buying exact yardage needed for a specific project…..really. And, I’m avoiding the local quilt shop until I’ve used up the fabric purchased there the past few months. Also, in an effort to fill the void of not buying so much fabric, I began entering giveaways and now the fabshophop, a Virtual Shop Hop complete with prizes. When I first started, most of the giveaways that I enter were for fabric but I soon began entering giveaways for many other items. I have actually won a couple of giveaways!
And, really……after seeing the humongous fabric stashes of so many others, through their blogs and flickr streams, I know that I am not so far gone… I am strong and have the power to resist buying piles of luscious fabrics before I need them or with out having a plan for their use…..have to keep telling myself I can do this……
What label do you go by to describe your fabric addiction?

Weather you refer to yourself as a fabricaholic, fabric junkie, material girl, textile junkie, fabric obsessed…..how do you cope? How do you curb your spending or say no to that next scrumptious bundle of fabric from one of your favorite designers or shops? More information here

It’s very important, whether this is your first quilt or you’re a seasoned quilter, to follow a few safety guidelines. Using high quality, ergonomic equipment will not only improve your chances of accurate cuts but also will reduce strain on your body and minimize slips that could destroy your fabric or harm yourself. Use a rotary cutter with a corresponding mat and ruler. You’ll find using scissors to cut a quilt to be inaccurate, frustrating and time consuming. There are many great rotary cutters on the market. A simple Google search will show you there are endless brands from which to choose.

You have your rotary cutter of choice but now you must be sure of the following:

Tips for Safe, Accurate Fabric Cutting.

1. Hold your rotary cutter only as the manufacturer suggests. Generally, this means holding the handle so your index finger or thumb rests on the ridged area leading up to the blade.

2. Always cut away from your body, on a flat surface, while you are standing up. It is important to put adequate weight on your ruler so it will not slip during cutting. Along this topic, do not hold a ruler with your left hand and ‘cross-over’ your body to cut on the left side of that ruler. It’s best to leave the acrobatics to the professional circus performers.

3. Square your fabric to ensure you have a 90-degree angle at the horizontal and vertical edges. Utilize the fold in the fabric, as my horizontal compass, rather than ironing it away to use the salvage. You’ll have to use your best judgment if there is a particularly poor fold in your fabric, if there is a challenging horizontal pattern, or if you’ve chosen to pre-wash your fabric. You should now have just a quick cut to remove some excess material before you begin cutting strips.

4. Square again! After a few cuts, stop and check that your material is still square. Fabric and rulers can slip during the cutting process.

5. Safe storage is important. When you are finished cutting, ensure the safety shield is in place over the blade of your rotary cutter and store your equipment where young hands will not reach.

Don’t worry all you experienced quilters out there; it’s never too later to start implementing some better practices in your cutting routine. Remember, no matter how long you’ve been using a rotary cutter; be aware of your hands at all times and be safe.

It is no secret that the arrival of the net has proved to be a boon to human beings. Now you can carry out a number of chores form your computer desk without leaving your home or office. Whether you want to socialize, learn or buy any item including plastic tablecloth clips, you could do all such stuff online. However, the web is filled with numerous duplicate and fake products. As a result, you have to be cautious while buying fabrics online. Following are few of the handy tips that will help you in purchasing clothes and fabrics online. See more on this website

Do your homework properly

Before you decide to shop online, you need to do your homework properly to avoid any sort of problem at a later date. First of all, you need to figure out what type of fabric you want to buy. There are many types of fabrics such as polyester, cotton, wool and others. You have to ascertain the kind of fabric you wish to purchase for your specific purpose.

Next, determine the usage of the fabric this will greatly impact your buying decision and choices. For example, if you want to buy a tablecloth, you need to buy a durable cloth that will stand the testing of time. On the other hand, if you wish to own a fabric to cover curtains or for upholstery purposes, you will have to buy an appealing fabric that is long lasting as well as stylish.

Formulate a budget

Once you have done your homework, it’s time to plan your budget properly. A well planned budget is imperative to buy the best fabric. Without a planned budget, you could get ripped off financially in case you shop impulsively. A planned budget will keep you within your purchasing limit and avoid any impulsive spending. Moreover, your budget will assist you in selecting a high quality fabric at the most optimum price. So make sure you formulate your budget before actually shopping.

Shop wisely

Now that you know what to buy and the budget for your purchase, you need to explore a couple of reliable sites to make the right choice. You will discover numerous sites that sell fabrics online. As a result, you have immense choices to buy an ideal fabric. However, the existence of so many outlets also makes it difficult to select the right fabric. Therefore, it is advisable to surf reputable online shopping sites that are highly endorsed by shoppers.

Explore a few reputable sites that specialise in selling high quality fabrics online. Assess the various types of fabrics at these outlets with respect to size, colours and designs to make the best choice. After reviewing various types of fabrics at different outlets, choose the right fabric that is durable, adorable as well as affordable.

Closing words

Purchasing fabrics and clothes online is really a tedious and time consuming chore. You might get ripped off financially if you do not know how to shop online. However, you can avoid any such situation, and buy the best fabric including wipeable tablecloth by exercising diligence. Just follow the above mentioned tips and tricks in the light of your budget and requirements. Within no time, you will be able to choose the best fabric for your intended use on a budget.