Here we are, the beginning of September, just a few check-ins left to get that Stashbusters number higher in the ‘out’ category. For me, this month was a bounty of finds that were just irresistible.
First, I needed some tone on tone fabrics for background, and the sale at Foust Textiles, a North Carolina textile wholesale place, came at just the right time. I was also asked to get some wide backs for our Quilts of Valor chapter, so I had two reasons to go. I invited a few friends to ride along, or split the spoils with me. I did find way more than I went for, LOL! I got several small cuts of of white tone on tone, and three short bolts of fabric with 6-8 yards each. But then, I could not resist the 10-inch square stack of Timeless Treasures bee and honey themed precut, or the fabulous wholesale pricing on the one-yard cuts bundle. Total in 32-3/4 yards. I exchanged three yards of the green for three yards of a bolt my friend bought, so that was a wash. Then I sold 6 yards of the white tone on tone to another friend, so a little out.
I had an idea for a fall wall hanging, and it needed some food fabrics. I got these five fabrics for it at 1/4-yard each. Total in 1-1/4 yards.
Then there was the freebie table at guild. I picked up these two gold fabrics, thinking I had more of them at home, only to discover that I came home with fabrics I had previously donated, LOL!! Ah well. The trim doesn’t count, but isn’t it pretty? Then the deep burgundy oriental print was going to be a pair of pajama pants, but after washing the width shrank too much. So another 2-1/2 yards in, and the gold needs to go back out next month.
I pulled out some of the rayon fabrics that I’ve been saving for years. I really needed a quick project to get some fabric out. All of these are lovely rayon challis, perfect for skirts or the wide leg pants popular right now. I washed them to get the dust and wrinkles out, then lay them out on the longarm out of the dryer to cool off without creasing.
But, the biggest need I have at the moment is pajama pants. I like the slippery fabric that doesn’t hang up on the sheets, and these have become impossible to find in stores. But you know, I can sew. I got out my patterns, found one that might work, made some adjustments to the pieces for my petite height, and found a lovely rayon woven to use.
I used my serger to do the side seams, then the inner leg seams, then the center seam. This is the best way to sew this kind of fabric as it slips and slides all over the place.
Then, using a ready-to-wear technique, I sewed the elastic ends together overlapping with a zigzag stitch on my Brother machine. Dividing the elastic into four sections, I pinned it to each of the seams on the pants. Then I pull the elastic to stretch it to its limit along the edge of the waistband, and serge it on while stretched. My hand isn’t in the photo, but I hold the elastic on both sides of the presser foot.
When the serging is done, the elastic springs back, creating the perfect gathers. In addition, the raw edge of the fabric is finished. Now, I can leave it this way, or turn it to the wrong side and stitch on the domestic machine to finish.
A quick serge on the hems and turn to the inside, and the pants are done. Woohoo, 2-1/4 yards out! I need to make another adjustment to the pattern for the challis, but I think this can work for three more pairs of pants to wear out to meetings, lunch or dinner. Next month, I’ll do the tunic style sleep shirt that can be worn alone or with the pants.
OK, so here are my totals for August.
August Fabric IN = +36-1/2 yards
August Fabric OUT = –8-1/4 yards
August Net Total ( + In, or – Out) = +28-1/4 yards
Year to Date (net total for the year, + In, or – Out) = -54-3/4 yards out
Good thing I had a head start! All that matters is that the number is in the negative at the end of the year. Doesn’t matter how much.
Your turn! If you need to find your previous numbers, click on Stashbusters August Check In and scroll to the comments. And don’t worry if you miss a month, or you’ve totally lost track. You can jump back in at any time, start over if you need to, it is totally up to you. The idea is awareness, no deadlines or strict rules apply. You can copy and paste the lines below into the comment box, then fill in your totals. There is no deadline to report, anytime this month is good.
August Fabric IN = +
August Fabric OUT = –
August Net Total ( + In, or – Out) =
Year to Date (net total for the year, + In, or – Out) =
Special note for the next check in. The October check in will be on September 29th, four weeks from today. I have something else to post on the first Friday in October, so we’ll do Stashbusters early.
Ready to finish up more UFOs so you have more fabric out for Stashbusters? Another fabulous class is coming on September 7, the Quilt Finishing Fest from Creative Spark. It runs in the morning on the west coast, and starts at noon on the east coast. Quilt and finish your quilts with confidence. Join us for a day full of quilting, stress-free binding, exciting giveaways, and inspiration for your next project. Get a $20 discount on the class with my code, just click on Quilt Finishing Fest to see the class and have the code automatically applied. Quilt Finishing Fest is a live, virtual event of quilting and quilt finishing techniques taught by expert instructors. ALL of the content is RECORDED and available without expiration after the event.
The opening keynote speaker, Christa Watson, will set the stage for the event by sharing the importance of prepping the quilt, basting, and making a quilting plan. Quilt Finishing Fest will have ten 40-minute breakout rooms. You’ll pick three you want to see LIVE and choose your own learning adventure with just a click. Recordings of the other rooms will be available to watch through your Creative Spark account.
Some of what you will learn and receive…
- Discover stress-free steps to prep and sew bindings to your quilt
- Learn new techniques on walking foot quilting, free-motion quilting, machine quilting, and more!
- Find inspiration in unique binding and finishing options for your quilts
- Discover the magic of free-motion thread painting with the BERNINA Q20 sit-down mode
- Get 6.5 hours of content at your convenience, a Swag Bag, and enter Giveaways!
Click on Quilt Finishing Fest to see the classes, list of nationally known speakers like Lori Kennedy and Marci Baker, and have the code automatically applied. You’ll be amazed at the wealth of information for just $29, with the ability to go back and review anytime. Looking forward to this one! I’m signed up, are you?
Amazon is offering amazing Labor Day Deals! Check it out, special savings sitewide end 9/4/23.
From My Carolina Home 
August: Output: 3 yards- Hoffman Challenge quilt, 3yards Honor Flight quilt , 3 yards kits for hygiene bags. Input: ¾ yard Fat quarters for hygiene bags, three yards purchased kits, ¼ yard organize for Quilt Folk project in September. 2 yards for Thread Labs project by Aurifill
Total: Input: 6 yards Output: 9 yards
I made some progress in August:
August fabric in- 4 yds.
August fabric out- 2.75 yds.
August total- 1.25 yds.
YTD total- 11.50 yds.
I fell of the wagon this month. 12 yards were brought into my already crowded sewing room. I worked on quilt tops at my retreat and got my quadrille quilt top done but it still needs to be finished along with my OBW in the fabric you used for your quilted jacket both put together but not quilted. I also have another quilt in progress plus my design wall has two on it!
Total in August 12 yds Total out 0 ; (. YTD – 29 yds Got to fire up my quilt machine instead of making more quilt tops!
I’m still laughing over taking home that which you had donated! Love your pajama pants. I remarked just a week ago that they used to be easy to find but haven’t been available lately & mine are getting shabby. Do you have a favorite pattern you use?
I thought I wasn’t doing too well on stashbusters. I actually bought fabric yesterday, couldn’t wait a day to help the tally?! But when I looked over my list, August finishes include 3 large lap, 1 three-yd, & a kiddie quilt so I got more out than I took in. On the September – WELCOME FALL
Did a quick “kondo” to sort out fabrics I did not love. Gave yardage away in August to a wonderful charity.
August Fabric IN = + +6 tone on tone for applique project
August Fabric OUT = – -51.25
August Net Total ( + In, or – Out) = =45,25
Year to Date (net total for the year, + In, or – Out) = 186.75
Love the pajama pants and clever construction! Enjoy!
I had a productive month. Two quilt finishes (one was a new project, one was a UFO), two table runners and a couple of small projects. As always, most of the Fabric In is for backings. I have alot of fabric and kits for tops and bindings, but very little for backing. I usually just get it as needed.
August Fabric IN = +8.75 yds
August Fabric OUT = –13.75 yds
August Net Total ( + In, or – Out) = 5 yds
Year to Date (net total for the year, + In, or – Out) = 26 yds
Sometimes it’s an “in” month and sometimes an “out” but you’re ahead of yourself. Love the PJ pants! (Laugh of the day — bringing home what you donated!)
Luckily I’m still on the negative side…hoping for better “out” numbers in September!
August Fabric IN = + 8 yds purchased in So Dakota
August Fabric OUT = –0 yds out
August Net Total ( + In, or – Out) = + I yds
Year to Date (net total for the year, + In, or – Out) = -6.5 rounded for easier math!
Love your PJ pants. There are days I wish in had a serger! I’d have to do mine in flavor plush! Winter is coming! 😝
note that my fat fingers made a mistake…My net total for August was +8 yds.
I love the pajama pants! I’m a cotton nightgown sleeper, and those are hard to find (woven cotton, not the t shirt knit kind I see in stores). I do have an old pattern, and found a vintage sheet with the perfect feel to make a new nightgown. I used to sew so many garments for myself, but when I started working remotely years ago (long before Covid ), I let go of almost all of my garment fabric. That’s when I started collecting quilting fabrics, lol. I have not even tried to keep up with stash busting this year, sigh. However, I have been doing lots of downsizing of other things and it has given me the motivation to look with clear eyes at my fabric stash. I think I’ve figured out my preferred style of quilts to make, and there are many pieces that will never fit that. So, I can either take them to our guild swap, or make quick charity quilts to let them go.
Always great tips. Thanks for the tip about the serger. My serger needs to be dusted off. I too make the “around the house” pants. I used to like blouses of rayon as well – so comfy. Made a bunch of “dog” quilts this month – having a Dog Adoption Days next week where about 30 agencies/rescue units come together. Best day of the year! Selling some quilts (small 45″ x 45″ ) helps rescue a few more doggos. Thanks for all the great tips especially the elastic!
How funny, bringing home what you donated! Love the pajama pants. Have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend!
Finishing my ScrapDance quilt right at the end of the month was good timing!
August In: 2.5 yds.
August Out: 2 yds.
Ytd In: 5.5 yds.
Ytd Out: 12 yds.
I took a class at the LQS, so started a new project instead of finishing any WIPs. Of course, new projects mean new fabric and going to the LQS 3 times for the class meant being surrounded by temptation.
A small amount of fabric went out in the form of blocks made for a community service quilt.
August fabric in = +16 3/4 yds
August fabric out = -1 yd
August net total = +15 3/4 in
Year to date = +40 1/4 yds in
Another month with no quilting finishes. I did make a pair of shorts and sewed up 2 inner liners for poufs I will be making. However, none of this fabric is counted in my quilting fabric…it was cotton spandex and muslin. So, no fabric out of my quilting stash, but I can count 3 yards of other fabric. Also went shirt shopping again. Brought home 23 of them, so that’s 23yds in. Really got to get on finishing some quilts!
Totally forgot I donated 10 yards of fabric I won’t use this month too!!!
August Fabric IN = +23 yds
August Fabric OUT = –13 yds
August Net Total ( + In, or – Out) = In +10 yds
Year to Date (net total for the year, + In, or – Out) = Out -40.75 yds
Headed in the right direction.
August Fabric IN = +0
August Fabric OUT = –28.875
August Net Total ( + In, or – Out) = -28.875
Year to Date (net total for the year, + In, or – Out) =-88.25
August Fabric IN = + 4
August Fabric OUT = –6.25
August Net Total ( + In, or – Out) = -2.25
Year to Date (net total for the year, + In, or – Out) =+14.5
Finished a couple of projects, but didn’t get the sandwich made yet for my son’s quilt. I plan to finish it by the end of September. I don’t want to take it to our winter place to finish.
August Fabric IN = +4
August Fabric OUT = –2
August Net Total ( + In, or – Out) = +2
Year to Date (net total for the year, + In, or – Out) = +6.5
August Fabric IN = + 0
August Fabric OUT = – 6
August Net Total ( + In, or – Out) = 6
Year to Date (net total for the year, + In, or – Out) = 22 yds
Quite a bit of my fabric was put in storage and if someone doesn’t bring it to me or take me to get it, I’ll have to order more delivered to my door. lol I’ve been able to use what I have this year so that will get their attention. lol Daughter said she found I was very adept at storing fabric.
August Fabric IN = + 4 2/3
August Fabric OUT = –12.62
August Net Total ( + In, or – Out) = -7.95
Year to Date (net total for the year, + In, or – Out) = -194.6
This email edition is very timely for me. I have several varied print rayon challis materials in my stash (of years) and still love most of them. And, too, I am in need of pants for daily wear, sleep wear, and some with the focus on upcoming Fall and Winter temps – leisure wear in sweatshirt fleece type fabric or other types for cooler temps — the sweatshirt fleece is my favorite for winter time around the house or nice enough to do a few errands, too. Have ample choices in fabric for this category, as well. So, I just need to do what you just did, cut out some, and sew them up.
I have not serged an edge of elastic before because I thought it would weaken it over time and influence the fit from the measurement I know works well for me. Does stitching on elastic have any negatives in your opinion? I know it is done in ready-to-wear. Will have to try your suggestion. What I have always done is: I anchor it at seams with a line of straight stitch across it, then turn the fabric down over it, stretch as I go and stitch just below the lower edge of the elastic making the casing.
I appreciate your detail with the pants and sewing with slippery fabric. I will follow the steps you shared. I don`t usually like working with slippery fabric, but am willing to see how it goes. Pants are easy and quick once you have the correct pattern fit. I have made many in the past and now need some new ones.
I think the challis can also be nice in a simple top (soft, drapey styles are popular these days. I wish I had gotten more involved with that idea for the summer wear — now it is time to do some cool weather garments. Weather changes quickly these days. I have plenty of choices in my years of stash (over indulgence in purchasing when I would see what I like, and not so productive in turning things out.) Planning on improving that very soon.
I always enjoy your emails — the different categories, the wildlife, garden — all of it.
August In = 0
August OUT = 2
August Net Total = -2
Year to Date = -48.33
Quick Pj pants are definite win, and to be able to use the pattern for some fancy ones for day wear is like frosting on the cake! My output has been non existent this last month as I worked on the Anzu cargo skirt for the entire month. However, with wool contest only 2 weeks away, I will be back to some quilt related scrap busting in the very near future, and I am pretty excited to go back to piecing.
This is embarrassing, truly embarrassing. I spent the month quilting, and finishing tops and have nothing, absolutely nothing to add to my totals. Three tops finished but not quilted, two more in progress. The good part is no fabric in and I found a backing for an unfinished top hiding in a bag of batiks I was going to use to make a top back in ….January. Time to put the backing to use NOW!
So my numbers are…..
August Fabric IN = +0
August Fabric OUT = –0
August Net Total ( + In, or – Out) = 0
Year to Date (net total for the year, + In, or – Out) = 73.3 same as for July.
Plans for more out in September! 1, 2, 3 finishes at least! Reaching for my 100 yards this year.
I finally came to the conclusion that there was no way I would ever use all the fabric I have here even if I did nothing else but sew 24/7 and not buy anymore! Yes I did buy 10 yards of neutral batiks for backgrounds but also filled up a lot of boxes for donation to Linus. So my totals
IN—10 yds, Out 150 yds. Net 140 out.
YTD- In 54.5; Out 198 Net Out-143.5
And I am still sorting!
August Fabric IN = +0
August Fabric OUT = –14.25
August Net Total ( + In, or – Out) = -14.25
Year to Date (net total for the year, + In, or – Out) =-137
Woohoo!!! Carole, another successful month!!! Slowly and steadily working through some of this stash. Thanks for the encouragement!
August Fabric IN = + 2 yds
August Fabric OUT = – 1 3/4 yds
August Net Total ( + In, or – Out) = + 1/4 yd
Year to Date (net total for the year, + In, or – Out) =. – 5 1/2 yds
Working on several projects that should help my totals for September. Just have to get busy and complete them.
fabric added: 0 yards
fabric added year to date: 130 1/2 yards
fabric used: 0 yards
fabric used year to date: 390 yards
259 1/2 yards used more than bought