Saturday 2 August 2014

Gypsy wife {small scale crisis}

The problem with making a scrap quilt is that it's difficult to determine how many 'scraps' you're going to need, and if you're like me and have a rather eclectic fabric stash, not everything can be part of the #scrapiliciousness.
Here I am with Gypsy Wife to date:


I have made quite a few blocks for the other sections but I've now used up most of my original fabric 'scraps'. I promptly emailed Amitie to ask for me but unfortunately they have sold out of many. So, as of today, GW is on a break while I wait for the fabric Amitie did have to arrive. Then potentially I will have to source some other fabric depending on what I think I will need. I have a feeling the break will do us both good. Last weekend my brother popped in for a coffee while I had this on the lounge floor.
Brother: "So where exactly are you heading with that??"
Me: "Nowhere fast, that's for sure, it's tricky".
Brother: "It's pretty intense. What about a cat mat?"

In the meantime have a back up sewing plan. I found some fabric that I think will be a perfect backing for my Tula Pink hexies. So it's handsewing on the 'to do' list while I wait for the postie to turn up with some fabric packages.



15 comments:

  1. What do brothers know about quilting!!! Love that text backing fabric!!

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  2. A cat mat?!!! I can't even think of an appropriate response for that I'm so flustered. If he were my brother, there might have been some physical violence involved!

    My solution to making sure I have enough to work with is to way over buy, getting at least half a yard of everything I might possibly want to use in the quilt. Then there are more scraps for later too. Hope you get your scraps soon and get back to business. But I bet the break will do you good. You'll be all excited about it again when the mail arrives.

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  3. I agree with Hydee - a cat mat, seriously?!! You may just have to start calling fat quarters 'scraps' and using those instead :-)

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  4. Kinda sad I know to make initial decsions on what's available and then not have enough. And I too went down the same road and awaited the Amitie package excitedly, only to find they couldn't supply most of what I needed! (My trusty "quick -unpick" & I have been busy for hours!!) BUT, I guess that's really one of the joys of a scrap quilt... if one fabric isn't available, find another one that works,yes? On the up side, I have my GW quilt all together now - yayyyy - & will bring it along to our Monday Modern group next week.

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  5. Ha ha.. He's funny, your brother. Tell him that's it's his Christmas present and he better appreciate it ;) too bad about the fabric, but luckily there are plenty if fabrics that would coordinate well as supplements

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  6. I used to have a patchwork shop near me that have 'scrap' packs for sale! They weren't expensive but a constant source of delight when I found little 'gems' amongst the dross! Could you do a shout out for some specific scraps on your blog or IG! Other quilters are always happy to help out! Especially if it involves scraps!

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    1. p.s. I discovered another place that has a few similar Japanese cottons - Stitchbird, in Kilbirne/Wellington.

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  7. I nearly choked on my cup of tea when I came to the part about "the cat mat" I think your brother needs a bit of educating about quilts :) You might take a look at Polka Dot Tea https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/PolkaDotTeaFabrics?section_id=15100501&ref=shopsection_leftnav_7 they have some lovely fabrics which might work with your fabrics (no affiliation with them)

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  8. Hahahaha. Hubby is equally ambivalent about GW, although because he fears the wrath of grumpy liz he does try to be vaguely diplomatic. Last time he paid any attention he described it as busy. And the time I was angsting over block placement he looked utterly baffled and said that no one would notice anyway. Boys are dumb. I'm with Hydeeann on the fabric. Always overbuying. But you know that anyway. It creates it's own set of issues!
    Ps hubby thinks your brother is hilarious. Now I think they both need their ears twisted.

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  9. ouch...a cat mat. hmm. I think it is looking great. I hope your fabric arrives soon.

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  10. i'm lucky , hubby loves my quilts but he does just lonesome sometimes i quilt so much

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  11. I'm still in love with your quilt. Those hexies are delicious

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  12. You've gotta love brothers! Those hexies look fab!

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  13. I think it's looking great so far. I bet people would be willing to pitch in with scraps if you end up being short of fabric. Also, did you notice how the colours in the Tula pink hexies are kind of similar?

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