Can’t decide whether you love classic quilts or modern quilts more? Why choose—you can have the best of both worlds!
Join past and present as you update classic quilt blocks with fresh, modern fabrics in the new book Vintage Vibe. Newcomer Amber Johnson shares sweet, pretty quilts to make—all ooh-and-ahh inducing for traditional and modern quilters alike.
We’re thrilled to have Amber as a guest blogger to tell us about her favorite part of the quiltmaking process—fabric selection. Don’t miss the step-by-step fabric-selection tips Amber shares in the video below.
When I was barely married (and the ripe old age of 20) I asked my grandmother to teach me how to quilt. She was an avid quilter and ecstatic to be able to share her passion with another member of our family. I was taken by her love of antiques and scrappy quilts and I feel her influence in my quilting today. I love to mix old and new, whether it’s in my patterns, fabric selection, or machine quilting.
Quilts from Vintage Vibe
Churn Dash gets a modern makeover in “Playing Favorites,” inspired by a quilt that Amber’s grandmother made.
See more tradition-with-a-twist quilts in Vintage Vibe >
Fabric selection is one of my favorite parts of the quiltmaking process. In Vintage Vibe, I offer tips for buying, storing, and using fabric. I show the sources of my color inspiration for some of the projects, and share some of the color lessons I’ve learned in my 16 years of quilting.
“Scrap Jars” marries fabrics from today and yesterday: can you spot the three vintage fabrics Amber included? (Get the answer at the bottom of this post.)
One of my favorite projects from the book is called “Growing Up” (right). It takes a traditional appliqué motif, Orange Peel, and puts a big, bold spin on it! The color scheme is based on one of my favorite Carolyn Gavin prints, and I included the print in my book so you can see how everyday objects can translate into quilts. Whenever you’re looking for inspiration, look toward items you love!
Check out this video we put together at Quilt Market to see a completely different quilt I made using the “Growing Up” pattern. This one’s a baby-size version in a different color scheme, using a new source of inspiration. If you’re a quilter who struggles with fabric selection, this will give you great tips!
Reading this in email? See the “Choosing Fabrics for Quilts: Finding Your Inspiration” video at the Stitch This! blog or watch it on YouTube.
I hope Vintage Vibe will help you make meaningful, beautiful quilts inspired by things you love. And I hope that with my little video, you’ll have more confidence when choosing fabrics for your projects.
Happy quilting!
Thanks for sharing your new book with us, Amber!
Pick up your copy of Vintage Vibe at your friendly neighborhood quilt shop or at ShopMartingale.com.
Print book: $24.99 (with free eBook)
eBook: $16.99
How far back does your stash go? Tell us what year you started your stash in the comments and you could win a copy of the Vintage Vibe eBook! We’ll choose a random winner one week from today and let you know by email if you win.
Comments are closed for this post.
Thanks to all who entered the drawing! The winner is Marguerite, who says:
“Well looking back, my quilt stash probably started 8 years ago. However, other fabrics have been in my stash for 30 years. LOL!!”
Marguerite, we’ll email you about your prize. Congratulations!
Did you find the vintage fabrics in Amber’s “Scrap Jars” quilt? They’re in row 1, third from the left; row 2, second from the left; and row 4, first on the left. Amber’s grandmother gave them to her years ago.
I’ve been quilting for two years, so my stash is just under two years old. Love this book, I will be getting a copy.
—Jodi on November 25, 2014I measure time by important dates in my life line. I know I have lace and satin from constructing my wedding dress in my stash. That makes the origins date back twenty eight years. However, my serious quilting stash evolved from the my first quilt created for the birth of my son. He’s going to be 25. And when I look at those scraps of fabric, I think some of the colours are fashionable again.
—Colleen Gander on November 25, 2014i started my stash in 1999.
—Carrie P. on November 25, 2014My quilting started in 1992. My Mother decided I needed a hobby, so she bought me a sewing machine and taught me how to quilt. And I haven’t stopped I’ve upgraded my sewing machine twice since then. So glad I’m keeping up this tradition as the third generation quilter.
—Kimberly P on November 25, 2014I started quilting 10 yrs ago so that’s old how fabrics are, then people would start giving me some of their old fabrics- some were really stinky! LOL….but I wash and use it all 🙂
—bea on November 25, 2014I started collecting quilting fabrics in 1979
—Carol on November 25, 2014I started my stash in ’85..but some of the fabric in my stash now is from the 40’s…some of it I can’t bear to cut, some I’m just waiting for the time and pattern that says Yes! Make me with this fabric.
—Carol on November 25, 2014My stash goes back to the late 60’s when I worked in a fabric store in high school. I have also inherited 1/2 of my mom’s stash which goes back to the early 50’s. Yes, I have some uncut yardage from the 50’s!
—Kathy on November 25, 2014Probably earlier, but I’ll admit to 1980. :o)
—Alice on November 25, 2014My stash goes back so far, I don’t remember what year I started it. If I had to pick a year, I would have to say 1980, but I have some fabric that are older than that too.
—Susan on November 25, 2014I recently rediscovered and used fabric from a curtain project from the early 1990’s. but most of my stash is from 2008 onward.
—D Diana on November 25, 2014I started my stash in 2002 and have continually added to it. My biggest problem now is choosing the colors I want to make into a quilt 🙂
—Lynnette Lamance on November 25, 2014I began my stashing career 28 years ago just before my first child was born. I spent many a pregnant day bellying up to my Singer making baby blankets, bibs and nighties. Yes, I still have some of those scraps! I’ve continued collecting over the years and still love to belly up to the sewing machine, but this time it’s a Viking and no big belly!
—Kathy E. on November 25, 2014I began quilting in 1993, but I’ve been a sewer since I was 12 years old, and always have had fabric stashed away so I guess my stash is REALLY old 🙂
—Carmel Hines on November 25, 2014I love this book! My stash started in 1991 when I moved to Michigan, and bought my first 1930’s quilt. This was followed by many more vintage quilts, tops, blocks, and random fabric pieces cut out for quilt blocks. Then I discovered reproduction fabrics, and I was totally hooked!
—Mary on November 25, 2014Wow, my stash goes back to 1972 when I first made quilted pillows. I actually still have the pillows I made and some of the fabrics. Things sure have changed.
—Patricia D. Roberts on November 25, 2014Fabric quality has much improved as well as designs.
I’ve been saving and collecting fabrics for 42 years. I love finding "old" fabrics at yard sales and estate sales. My friends love shopping at the "fabric store" in my house. Almost always can find some fabric (new or old) that they can use.
—Dawn Smolsky on November 25, 2014My stash goes back about 6-10 years. It used to have "older" friends but in moving I had to cut it loose and start over. Darn the luck. LOL
—Susie Furgason on November 25, 2014My stash was started in 2008, the year I started quilting. Thanks!
—Delaine on November 25, 2014I love the mix of your old and new. Vintage Vibe, is going to be a great book to have in my library!! My love of quilting goes back for many years. I started quilting in the early 80’s, and became very passion about the world of quilting by the mid 80’s, and was buying fabric, and working on my stash about 1984 or 85. Today I still have a hard time passing up a beautiful fabric!! Quilting is the one thing I can never give up!!!
—charlotte on November 25, 2014My stash goes back to 1971. I have some old fashioned hippy calico left from some kitchen potholders, and one ufo from the same project.
—Anne Hawn Smith on November 25, 2014I first started my stash in 2005 when i purchased my second sewing machine
—Jo Goodloe on November 25, 2014i started my first stash pile in 1980 i am a hoarder of fabric i save every little snippet maybe i wont get to use all in my lifetime but i have a grandaughter who loves to sew and play thanks for the chance to win
—debra on November 25, 2014These are all so pretty! I started my stash last year, 2013
—Sunnie on November 25, 2014My stash is relatively young – 10 to 15 years but I get a lot of donated fabric so it has calico, feedsacks, and others stuff that are much older. It is fun to mix old and newer together – choosing fabric is my favorite part of quilt making. Of course I say that about piecing also! I have a harder time getting started quilting but like that also.
—Cindy Wienstroer on November 25, 2014I started my stash in 2014, I just started quilting this year.
—Vanessa on November 25, 2014I started my stash in 1999 – 2000 when I lived in Africa. However, I got really serious about quilting 5 years ago. Just bought a new cabinet to put my stash in so I could see what I had at a glance.
—Cheryl Buchanan on November 25, 2014I started building my stash around 1968.
—Jenny Parker on November 25, 2014I started quilting in 1989.
—Karen on November 25, 2014My stash doesn’t go back very far because I just started quilted a couple of years ago. I do have some vintage from friends and thrift stores.
—Teresa on November 25, 2014I took my first quilting class in 2001 and so started my love of fabric. That is when I first heard the word "stash" I thought how silly. In less than a year I had a large stash and still add to it.
—Deena Drevs on November 25, 2014I’m a new quilter…starting my stash now.
—Jane on November 25, 2014My stash started in 1974 when I started sewing my own clothes, but I have fabric from my Mom’s stash with fabrics from the 1930’s to the 1970’s!
—Janette on November 25, 20141946
—Marie on November 25, 2014I only started quilting 6 years ago but did lots of sewing before that and have always been addicted to fabric!!! So I guess it’s safe to say that I started my stash about 25-30 years ago. Thanks for the chance to win this e-book! 🙂
—Debby E on November 25, 2014I think my stash started about 20 years ago. I do go through frequently and take some of it and donate it to the nursing homes here.
—Margaret Schindler on November 25, 2014Excellent video from Amber on fabric inspiration and selection. This is still my most challenging part of fabric selection. I just started a stash this year.
—Anne M on November 25, 2014being a new quilter (but old sew’er) my stash dates back to just one year ago right around this time of the year – so Happy Anniversary to me and my growing stash!
—Debbie D. on November 25, 20141977! Although I was sewing by 1972 but that was mostly clothing!
—Beth Strand on November 25, 2014I started my stash 20 years ago. I have gotten lucky in the past few years acquiring vintage fabrics from flea markets, auctions, etc… The book looks great with a lot of variety. Thanks for the chance.
—Janie on November 25, 2014I really started my stash when I visited a Laura Ashley store and they had precut hexies in the ’80s, now I continue adding any fabric that intrigues me. Occasionally I even use them!
—Karen on November 25, 2014I must have started my stash when I started quilting in 1999! I think I still even have a few leftover pieces from my first quilt too.
—Wendy M on November 25, 2014I began quilting in 1974 after the birth of our first of three daughters. My small stash then consisted of cotton polyester blends. Several years later, I would say in 1978, is when 100% cottons became more common in the production of fabrics and when I began collecting my quilting fabrics/ palette in earnest. Now, I love the 30’s reproductions and all the gorgeous batiks which were not on the market way back when!
—quiltngal on November 25, 2014I started quilting about 6 years ago but I have a stash dating back to my great grand mother because I inherited all their respective stashes
—Marthese on November 25, 2014I started collecting fabric in 1968 when I started my first quilt. My school pupils gave me the leftovers from their sewing projects!
—Hazelmay Duncan on November 25, 2014My stash goes back to 1980. It’s all small scraps but when I add it to a quilt my kids all remember it.
—Pam Chavez on November 25, 2014My stash goes back to 1986, so I have quite a bit of fabric.
—Lynn on November 25, 2014I started my "good fabric" quilt stash with my very first quilt class in January 2007. My first fabric acquisition was in 1965 when I made an apron for 4H. From then until 2007 my fabric acquisitions were all for garment, doll and home dec sewing. The oldest fabric in my stash today is the beginnings of a quilt my paternal grandmother started in the 30s but did not complete.
—Jane on November 25, 2014I was thinking my stash started in 2010 when I started quilting but then I realized that I had fabric saved from when I was making dresses for my daughter and that was in the 80’s. Then I remembered that inherited fabric from my MIL when she passed away and there is some fabric older than that.
—Ann D on November 25, 2014I started my stash when I started quilting – in 2000.
—Pat on November 25, 2014I actually started my stash in 2006 although at the time I didn’t know that was what I was doing. That’s when I & my BFF started making chenille potholders as a fund raiser for a no-kill cat shelter which is still going strong today & has been their best fund raiser ever. I saved all the scraps from the potholders because I just couldn’t bear to throw them out. When I retired in 2010 I learned to quilt & these scraps evolved into my stash!
—Carol Gearey on November 25, 2014I started my stash in the 70s but it didn’t get out of hand untill I retired in 2000. I collected books and patterns before I retired and now I collect the books and fabric. The one thing that helps is that I usually only buy 1/3 yard pieces because I like scrap quilts and art quilting.
—Barbara on November 25, 2014My stash goes back to 1961 when I took a Home Ec class. I also have a small piece of fabric from my grandmother’s stash–I think she was born in 1902.
—Joy Kidwell on November 25, 2014I believe it was about 20 years ago after I made my first quilt. It has grown to more than I want to admit. I really shouldn’t buy and more for the rest of my life. Oh well, you know I will. Sigh
—Marsha Nelson on November 25, 2014I started my stash in 2006…but it was cast offs from someone else purging theirs…I’ve accumulated a lot of fabric this way…have lots of old flour sack material and even some crazy 60’s prints (my personal faves) Thanks so much for such a great giveaway =)
—tiff w on November 25, 2014I started my stash over 20 years ago – 14 years before I made my first quilt!
—Sandy on November 25, 2014I started my quilting stash 8 years ago; however, I have material I purchased back when I was in 4H, nearly 30 years ago.
—Kalen on November 25, 2014My stash goes back a really long time-to my junior high school days. That dates me right. My first sewing was done in my 8th grade class-a top that fit poorly. The year 1970-1971. The other thing-the one who dies with the most fabric wins-I think that is me.
—maggierose copple on November 25, 2014Just started quilting 1 1/2 yrs ago but I have more modern in my stash
—Sonja mclane on November 25, 2014My stash is from the 1980’s. I used to make dresses for my girls.
—Kathy h on November 25, 2014I started my stash in 2009, I bought a Brother Innovis Embroidery Machine, and then I went to the LQS for an embroidery class, met a bunch of ladies from ASG, one lady told me about a local qult group in my neighborhood where she taught Machine Emb. I took her up on the invite, many ladies there also did quiting. I so wanted to learn quilting as my grandmother also quilted. That was when my stash started, I could not go into a store without buying fabric, still today, I have got to go to a yard sale that advertises crafts & sewing, I know I am going to buy fabric. LOL!! My stash has really grown,& I am still learning to quilt.
—Linda King on November 25, 2014Linda King
Oh my, my stash goes way back! I sewed a lot of clothes when I was first married in the late 80’s and have since become a quilter. I always seem to buy for more projects than I have time to finish so my stash has quite an assortment of fabrics.
—Lisa Marie on November 25, 2014Oh my, I would have to say early to mid 1980’s when my sister got me interested in quilting.
—Lori Sutton on November 25, 2014I started my stash in the early 90’s when my mom learned how to quilt and infected me with the quilting virus. But in my stash are also some scraps from childhood chlothes and some vintage sheets from my grandmother.
—Hildy on November 25, 2014I’ve been quilting for close to 25 years, and yes I do think I still have a piece or two from the very first quilt I ever made!! I think my stash got healthier when I started quilting with two friends. They were a bad influence on me 😉
—Jocelyn on November 25, 2014My stash started in 1990 when my daughter in law introduced me to quilting and it’s been growing ever since. Two large closets and shelves in my sewing room. It’s always a pleasure to view the fabric and be able to pick a variety of them for a quilt. Now, that being said.. there is ALWAYS room for new luscious fabric buys.
—ann hammerslag on November 25, 2014I have been sewing for 50 years but my stash only goes back about 30. I do have some vintage fabrics (already cut in 5 inch squares!) But I cant decide if I like the older quilts or the newer…..I just love them all!
—sheila barnes on November 25, 2014My stash kinda morphed from my dressmaking stash into a quilting stash starting about 1998. I plan to downsize this next year and it will be interesting to see what I pull from the "bottom" of the stash–calicos with little pink flowers? pindots in assorted colors?
—Pamela Reim on November 25, 2014I didn’t start,quilting until 1988, but I say started hoarding fabrics I liked since I was in high school-1966 or so. I still have a lot of them!
—Kathy on November 25, 2014I started my stash in 1981 when I made my first quilt. It was a log cabin quilt. Now, I am retired and my stash is a wonderful size! I now have the blessing of teaching my 12 year old granddaughter to quilt.
—Lana Stewart on November 25, 2014My stash really started in 1969, when I was employed by a small fabric store. I usually came home with fabric, instead of a paycheck!
—Randi Johnson on November 25, 2014Well looking back, my quilt stash probably started 8 years ago. However, other fabrics have been in my stash for 30 years. LOL!!
—Marguerite Namdar on November 25, 2014I started my stash when we moved to Alaska over 40 years ago. There was a dressmaker and she would give away bags of scraps. I was so excited to have lots of bits of material. I spent hours ironing all those little pieces and still have some of them in my scrap bin…now I have all the fabric I could possibly want but when I see some of those I get to remember when.
—Margaret Andrews on November 25, 2014I started my stash with two bags of scraps which cost me $.65 at a thrift store in Arizona. The price was sure right!! I am more discerning now, and have favorite fabric designers, but I think of those two bags with great nostalgia, as they started me on a lifetime of pleasurable and exciting sewing.
—Gail G on November 25, 2014My stash started when I wanted to make a mosaic wall hanging, so I needed some random colorful prints. My friends at our annual retreat saved any scraps bigger than 3″ wide for me. It was a wonderful collection, and included some pieces that were almost as big as fat quarters. The initial stash is gone now, but lovingly replaced at LQSs.
—Lynne on November 25, 2014Well guess started I started my stash about 40 years ago= saved all left over material while I was sewing- and wanting to make a quilt- go through them every so often, trying to figure out how to start. Have finally started quilting- made 2 this year- so very proud of myself- but have 2 also in the making- and an idea for the 3rd one- grandchildren will be getting them for Christmas- bu t will be late- with them out of town, so instead of packing and moving them twice- will give to them when they have gotten back home for good- their dad is getting out of Marines,
—Martha Hood on November 25, 2014Well guess started I started my stash about 40 years ago= saved all left over material while I was sewing- and wanting to make a quilt- go through them every so often, trying to figure out how to start. Late i life learning how to quilt- made the first 2 right after turning 71- proud of that fact- but do not want to wait that long before making more, 2 started- idea for 3rd so trying to get enough material to get them all done. thanks
—Martha Hood on November 25, 2014HI, mine started when I retired about 10 years ago>Love my Stash! Thanks for sharing!
—LINDA on November 25, 2014I guess I started my stash about 45 years ago- didn’t start quilting till this year- hope it doesn’t take me that long to finish the 3 I have in mind now- thanks
—Martha Hood on November 25, 2014I believe i can honestly say I started building my stash in 1986 when i started a trip around the world. Did you notice i said started? It is almost finished, but i didnt like the way some of the squares came together so I stopped.. Maybe someday i will finish it, I hope. Sincerely, Paula K.
—Paula K. on November 25, 2014My favorite piece of stash fabric is older than I am! It’s a bird print border dated 1954. I’ve used one piece and keeping the rest for a special project.
—Sally on November 25, 2014Love this idea – modern meets vintage. Will put book on my Christmas List for sure.
—Gail Griffith on November 25, 2014I started my stash 30 years ago.
—DebrafromMD on November 25, 2014I would have to say I have been collecting fabric for about 10 years now. My oldest fabric I have is from my very first quilt, it was a sampler quilt done in Mary Englebright fabrics for my cousin. Mary Englebright was a favorite of hers back then.
—Laurie P on November 25, 2014About eight years.
—Bree on November 25, 2014Hi, my stash started in 1981, with a box my Aunt found that contained some leftover fabric my mother had saved when she was younger…My mother passed away when I was only 10 yrs. old. So receiving this was like having her be with me one more day….
—Lori M. on November 25, 2014Ohhhh—I have pretty and ugly fabrics going back to the mid-seventies (1975) when I was first married. And I inherited my grandmother’s stash that in 1990 which had a few prints from her mother’s stash. Her mother was born in 1885 in Liverpool, England. I also have some Irish linen which came with the really ‘old’ stuff. I love auditioning the old fabric with the new in many projects. What a fun book!
—Janey on November 25, 2014I started collecting fabrics in the mid 90’s, prolly 1994-95. I buy some new yardage goods but mostly buy vintage cuts and love to repurpose fabrics from old clothing, bedding, etc. as well.
—Cheryl on November 25, 2014My stash goes back to early 80’s. I was given some fabric that is even older than that, but I am not sure of the year.
—Julie B on November 25, 2014I’m a late bloomer when it comes to quilting but my stash has been building for some time. I probably started in my early 40’s and now in my 70’s I will need to live until I’m 100 to use it all. Love this book and it would be wonderful to add it to my collection.
—Barbara Dolan on November 25, 2014I have fabrics of my own from the early 70’s. I inherited my Grandmother’s stash so I also have fabrics from the 50’s and 60’s. I am making a concerted effort to use my older fabrics as production of fabric today gives us much higher quality fabrics. Once these older fabrics are used I will replace them with reproductions all the while purchasing modern prints and solids. Vintage Vibe is a great book. I have really enjoyed previewing it. Thanks for offering a giveaway.
—Audrey on November 25, 2014Stash fabric is relative new in my vocabulary. I always bought just enough fabric to complete a quilt or project. My sewing room was clean,, organized, I knew where everything was at. Then I joined a quilting board and read about "fabric Stash" and I felt so "not a true quilter without a stash." So begin my mad dash to BUILD A STASH. This would be about 2009. I did it. I have a stash. Colors, fabrics, values, jelly rolls, charm packs, scraps and scraps. I have inherited STASH, I have my Mom’s. Love all the STASH.
—carol on November 25, 2014When I was a teenager late 1950s I cut 2″ squares of left over fabrics from clothes I made intending to make a quilt for my hope chest. I still have some left I have used some in a quilt, I had 3 nylon stocking boxes packed full.I estimate over 2000 squares. I used a square cut from a little golden book as my template.
Does that count as stash?
—caroline Rohrer on November 25, 2014I started out sewing clothes when my kids were small about 40 years ago, and I have many scraps left over from those days. I started quilting about 12 years ago and started my quilting stash then. I just love fabric and really like the Vintage Vibe book. The author is a very talented quilter.
—Bridget on November 25, 2014I think I have always have some fabric on hand, but I really started to build a stash about 10 years ago. When our twins graduated from high school, suddenly I had an entire room to use for my sewing, then my stash really exploded! I just love fabric, and I can’t go into a fabric store without wanting to buy something, even just a fat quarter, to add to my stash.
—Michele on November 25, 2014I started my stash in 2004 after I retired. Always wanted to quilt but never had the time when I worked.
—Sylvia Lutz on November 25, 2014My grandmother made a lot of quilts. I always wanted to quilt but never found the time. With retirement on the horizon I have started collecting fabrics. Soon, I’ll be able to start. This book looks like it will point me in the right direction.
—Sherry Jurykovsky on November 25, 2014My stash started in earnest in 2005 but friends have given me many older fabrics, including one piece from the 1930’s.
—Diane on November 25, 2014My serious stash began in 2000 when my oldest son married and has grown at a rapid pace since 2006 when my first grandchild came and I began sewing and quilting.
—Beth Andrepont on November 25, 2014The book sounds wonderful. I think my quilting stash goes back 20 years. I probably have some fabrics that go way beyond that however.
—Karen on November 25, 2014I started my stash in 1970 ! I decided that my New Year’s Resolution is going to be to go through all my bins that I store each color in and get rid of fabric that I know I will never use. I have some newer fat quarters and some fabric and the new fabrics are really beautiful ! This is a great book – love the ideas!
—Nancy on November 25, 2014My stash started when I was in jr. high school when I learned to sew in Home Ec. Although at that time I didn’t realize it was a stash. It had lots of double knits in it, but then our house burned down in 1991 and the stash disappeared. But I grew the stash up again after that mostly due to crafting and I have gotten more since I learned to quilt. also, it has grown more since I was given my mother-in-law’s quilt stash when she went to a nursing home recently. It’s fun to look at the material she had in her stash. I have found some cute vintage fabrics there. Thanks so much for this giveaway.
—Kathy Gates on November 25, 2014I got serious about adding to my "fabric library" in the early 80s. When my Mother passed away in 2006, I inherited her collection. Needless to say, my "fabric library" has outgrown its original shelf space. I have too much in my collection now!
—marlene on November 25, 2014I have some fabric that I bought back in the late 50’s. It still had the price tag per yard on it. It was the paper ones with the wire that went through the fabric and then bent back to hold in place. Those tags alone are worth the memory!
—Janet T on November 25, 2014Started modestly 10 years ago, when the room I planned to work in was totally mine, the volume increase. Now I hope to minimize again.
—Rivka Hamdani on November 25, 2014Oh my…confession time…..I took up sewing again around 15 years ago. Grateful for friends who had patience with me and helped me with handy hints and told me ‘You can do it’. I now am able to teach others and I love passing on patterns and materials from my stash to get them addicted to what I call total pleasure. If I didn’t have a stash, I couldn’t give away materials…..that’s my story and I’m sticking to it 🙂
—Shirl Hair on November 25, 2014I started my stash in 2007. I love the quilts in Amber’s book, especially the orange peel . Thanks for the chance to win.
—Cecilia on November 25, 2014My stash is small and only about 2 years old.
—Sandy K on November 25, 2014My stash was started about 1988. I may have a few pieces older from days of sewing clothes for our girls.
—Vicki H on November 25, 2014I’ve always saved fabric from clothing projects, but my true fabric stash started about 10 years ago. I love fabric!
—Lynne on November 25, 2014I’ve only been quilting for a couple years so my stash is young – less than two years old.
—Diana C on November 25, 2014Since I began quilting about 1980, I know I still have a few pieces in my stash from then. It has been interesting to watch the color palette change. So glad that white is back for a neutral.
—Nancy N on November 25, 2014My stash started when I was in college making dresses for myself and continued when my children were little. The other day I was making a dress for one of my grand daughters and used one of the fabrics from when her mother was young. It was fun and provided lots of memories.
—Esther on November 25, 2014I have been sewing for years so my stash dates back a lot of years. I used to sew a lot of clothes for my Mother and she has been gone for over 14 years now. I still have scraps of cloth from that era. I just started quilting a few years ago and love incorporating fabric scraps into my quilts from her clothes. The quilt I made for my bed has lots of scraps from her clothes and I love to remember her in various outfits I made her.
—Susan P on November 25, 2014about 40 years ago!
—Bea K on November 25, 2014It depends on your definition; I only started buying quilt fabric about 2 years ago (so, 2012), but when my mother found out I was learning to quilt, she gave me a pile of fabrics that had belonged to her mother. I have no idea how far back that stash goes, but I would guess at least back to the 1950s.
—Karen Cohn on November 25, 2014When my kids got on to College age I began having more time for
—elr on November 25, 2014sewing. 1995 would begin the stash I have now.
I started my stash in 1994 or so. I inherited my mom’s stash when she passed away, though, so it is older than that.
—Sandy A in St. Louis on November 25, 2014My stash is made up of scraps from clothing that I made my daughters and progresses to current favorites, so 30+ years. Love Amber’s patterns.
—Colette on November 25, 2014My stash dates back only to 2008 when I started taking a quilting class.
—Linda Fleming on November 25, 2014Oh my goodness…I don’t remember that far back. I think I must have had a stash when I made doll clothes when I was a kid. Probably about 45 or 50 years ago. My stash has definitely grown since then!
—Wendy on November 25, 2014Well I have a date of sometime 80’s! So about 30 years old, but I usually use some part up buy something use up something buy something else and so on… lol … so do I have any of the 80’s left…. maybe!!!!!! Fabric is fun and even if it’s ugly you can’t throw it away!
—Tonie Peterson on November 25, 2014I started my stash in 2005, when I began to quilt…and it has spread to 3 rooms now…I have to download it to at least 2 rooms…one is my sewing room, and then took over the spare bedroom with shelving all around… so am busy refolding and trying to put things in color order in see through bins. It is quite a project, but is the only thing I can do to keep sane…I LOVE THE CLASSIC traditional quilts, but have tried a few new ones. till then, I am folding and folding more and more…it is starting to take shape…oh what fun!
—Jeanette on November 25, 2014My stash started in January 1990, which is when I had my beginning quilting class. I had done many other crafts before that, but none involved fabric. It’s all I want to do now, create fun, pretty quilts. I still have a lot fabric I bought in 1990…some of it is of the, "What was heck was I thinking?" variety. 🙂
—Jill Ellis on November 25, 2014I started my stash in college – about 6 years ago.
—Janie Richards on November 25, 2014I have some fabric from the late 80’s. I just found an almost completed top that came out too small for the guy that I was dating at the time. I will have to check it out as a baby quilt maybe. There were also scraps from other things I had made back then.
—DebV on November 25, 2014My stash starts in about 1982, but I love vintage fabrics and have collected odds and ends that go as far back as the 1920s.
—Betty on November 25, 2014I have fabrics from the 70s & 80s in my stash, but most is newer fabrics. I sewed during that time and kept some of the fabric pieces. Most of my stash is 2003 onward though which is when I started quilting.
—Ginnie Adams on November 25, 2014Just this year-only started learning how to piece quilt tops but enjoying it a lot!
—amy on November 25, 2014My stash started in 1958, when my grandmother taught me how to sew. She gave me some fabric she had so I could practice with. I still have a panel with horses on it because she knew I loved horses and she and grandpa lived on a ranch, ( I treasure the fabric from my grandmother).
—Carolyn on November 25, 2014I have been quilting for about 4 yrs….so my stash is about 4 yrs old….
—Linda Brown on November 25, 2014I’ve been sewing since the fifties and quilting since the early seventies. I’ve had a clothing fabric stash forever, but my serious quilting stash probably started building in the early nineties. I finally got rid of the rest of the clothing fabric stash when I decided I no longer was going to make clothes, and I’m working on sewing down the quilting stash, but still have to buy new once in awhile.
—Sharon on November 25, 2014My stash is new
—Nancy Lynn Hilderbrand on November 25, 2014My fabric stash started in 1986 with the first quilt I made with my mother’s help. When she passed I received some of her stash which goes back to the late 70’s.
—Marilyn Koestler on November 25, 2014I’ve been quilting for 3 years – but I have been addicted to fabric since I started sewing in 1971 – ouch
—Kathy Luehrs on November 25, 201434 years ago I took a quilting class and immediately after that first class my stash started to grow!
—Linda Webster on November 25, 2014Well, we lost everything 2 years ago, so my stash is about 2 years old. However, most of the fabric is old fabric, given to me from friends, or "found" in old clothes. I have a couple pieces I think are 30-40s, a couple I am sure are 60-70s, and many from the 80s, 90s, and today. Just like the oldies station on the radio. 🙂
—Sarah on November 25, 20141996… in a teeny tiny box that I started with sampler quilt blocks. Then, I got back into it in 2005 when I got a new sewing machine…I’ve been collecting ever since! Love "Growing Up" pattern! What a wonderful book!
—Margo on November 25, 2014I started collecting fabric for my stash two years ago, but I have inherited some that is over 30 years old
—Shawna on November 25, 2014The beginnings of my stash are probably in the 1970’s when I made my first quilt from fabric leftovers, as we called them at that time, from making clothing. I probably still have a few of those scraps, but I have added mostly to it in the last 15 years or so, with more serious quilting going on. I lean more toward vintage and traditional quilts, and really like your new book. I have not been so crazy about most of the "modern" quilts, but yours have a good mix of new and old. I just love the book and would be honored to win a copy. If not, I will probably buy one anyway.
—Leslie Williams on November 25, 2014My stash started in 2005
—Melanie C on November 25, 2014I started a stash from the first time I started quilting about 15 years ago.
—Marlene on November 25, 2014I’m not quite sure, but I think 2010 or 2011.
—Jen B on November 25, 2014I just recently started so my start date would be September 2013! I still can’t believe how much I have already! Thanks for the giveaway!
tdkcarpenoctem@hotmail.com
—Tabitha Keener on November 25, 2014I’ve been fiercely quilting for 4 years now. And loving every single second of it! both, good and bad results. Everything’s a learning experience.
—Paula on November 25, 2014I only started sewing within the last couple years, so…..only a couple years. Have a great day.
—Dawn Jones on November 25, 2014My stash goes back to 1970 when I started sewing. I do have some fabrics from the 60’s that my mom had in her cedar chest. Just can’t get myself to use it.
—Cheryl Silva on November 25, 2014I have just finished a quilt which included two different Liberty fabrics I bought in 1973/4. There is still a little of each in my stash. Good cotton fabrics tended to be Liberty in those days and I used them a lot to make summer frocks for myself. I just wish I had saved all he scraps, not just the leftover yardage. I didn’t forsee a future as a quilter!.
—Gloria on November 26, 2014I have been sorting out my sewing room recently and came across some fabric from a bridesmaid dress I worn in 1965! My stash is like a history of my life, and has grown steadily since that date. This book looks wonderful and might help me to mix and match with the old and the new in my stash. Thanks for the chance to win.
—Karen on November 26, 2014I started my stash about a year ago. It isn’t much of a stash yet as I tend to purchase specifically for a project.
—Jackie on November 26, 2014My stash probably goes back to the middle 1980’s. I may even have some pieces from the 1970’s but can’t guarantee that. Thanks for the great giveaway. (and the help in picking fabrics which is the part of quilting that I dislike the most.)
—Renea on November 26, 2014Oh, Lordy! I have some fabrics older than the people posting comments! I started sewing at age 10 but started quilting in 1985…so some of my stash is very vintage! The book looks great…thanks for a chance to win!
—Meri on November 26, 2014I started stash-building in 1997 and have an entire closet full now! I need this book to use some of it up!!
—Claire on November 26, 20141992. Sew (lol) i now have 2 room full
—Gina S. on November 26, 2014I’ve been sewing since the mid 60’s. Started stash building back then and I am glad to say that I used up what I had back then. I’ve since inherited vintage fabric (1940’s) from friends and family members but haven’t used them yet. Like a true fabricholic my stash keeps growing and growing! Have some small scraps from the 1970’s though. It was not the best quality of fabric back then, but it is what we had.
—Karen on November 26, 2014I have been quilting for about 20 years now, and that is when I started collecting fabrics for my stash.
—Linda Cartwright on November 26, 2014I’m pretty sure I started stashing in 1979!
—Julie W on November 26, 2014I have only been quilting about 2-3 years so my stash is not that big but big enough! I do have some fabrics that go back about 25 years that one day I will incorporate into a quilt. Any I love this new book!
—Donna H. on November 26, 2014I think my stash started about 40 years ago and I still have some of those "gems."
—Toni Arnold on November 26, 2014I think Amber Johnson does have a hit on her hands with this book. I started my stash in 1979, but only have been really using it and adding to it since I retired from teaching in 2004. I make 6-10 full quilts a year now for family and friends so I am thinking who should I make this one for. I’d love to win the book, but might have to buy it if I don’t win it!
—Carole Williams on November 26, 2014I was lucky enough to inherit some fabric from my quilting grandmother. My own stashing started when I made my first quilt in about 1997. I still have some of these original fabrics – mostly just scraps now!
—Aileen Kennedy on November 26, 2014My stash goes back to 1979! I still have a few scraps of dresses and tops I made in that era. I’d live to have this book.
—Jean Blythe on November 26, 2014Boy I would have to say the 80s:) Thanks
—Julie on November 26, 2014I have a few scraps left from the first fabric I bought in 1984!
—Bari on November 26, 2014I have had a stash of some sort for SO long I can’t even remember! I have "cleaned out" only one time that I can remember, when our children were small. They are now all grown. I usually use up or donate fabrics I no longer want.
—Jaalex on November 26, 2014My fabric stash is small, I have not been at it to long.
—sonia afanador on November 26, 2014I’m guessing 1992, right before I got married. This book looks wonderful!
—Lisa E on November 26, 2014I have no idea when my stash started. I have a bag of scraps that was bought out of a catalogue many years ago. The purchase was encouraged by my mother. So that was before I was married in 1971, Not sure why I bought it as I was only sewing for my trousseau and didn’t make my 1st quilt until 1998, I now have a room full of material.
—Elizajane on November 27, 2014I have 2″ squares of kettle cloth from clothes Mommy made for us in the 60’s. In the 70’s, when the patchwork skirts were in, I was going to make a skirt for Mommy. Still have the squares and a whole lot more! As a dressmaker and blanket maker, I collect big pieces. I give my scraps to my daughter-in-law who does scrap quilts. If I win, I will give the book to her.
So… Who remembers kettle cloth?
—Mama2eight on November 27, 2014I started quilting last year at this time, but my stash for sewing clothing and crafts has been building for about 15 years. I’ve got to work on my pile.
—Amy on November 27, 2014Hi. My stash is made up of fabrics from the past 30 years. I received some from my great aunt who is unable to quilt anymore. She now teaches me to hand quilt and we have tea and talk about quilting. It sure is a blast from the past!
—Diana Lonsbary on November 27, 2014I have some fabric that dates back over 20 years….OMG!
—Rosalind Gutierrez on November 28, 2014My stash was thinned out when I moved 14 years ago, but then started growing again. I also inherited my mom’s fabric when she passed away.
—Dar on November 28, 2014I started quilting in the mid-80s so some of my stash is from the era. The majority of my quilting stash is around 5 years old.
—Darla E on November 28, 2014The oldest piece of fabric (now a scrap) that I have in my stash is a bright colored floral stripe that I bought in 1976. I have obviously added to the stash over the years and even "inherited" my grandmother’s stash and scraps after she passed away in 2007. I love vintage, especially. Thanks.
—Joye on November 28, 2014I started my stash around 1998.
—Mary on November 28, 2014My serious quilting began in 2001, but I still have calicoes from the 1980s, when I was doing place mats and other small projects. Yes, I still pull them out to add to quilts! I am intrigued by Vintage Vibes and will buy it if I don’t win it 🙂
—Glenna D. on November 28, 2014After stopping quilting for several years I have had to rebuild my stash. Usually have to buy something to complete a project but hey that just builds more stash! Would love a copy of the book. Thanks for the chance.
—Jonnie on November 28, 2014I think I should consider myself lucky. I am new to quilting, just straight sewing of squares and rectangles. So, my stash is quite small.
—Virginia Bronner on November 28, 2014I started quilting in the summer of 1980 when I was pregnant with my daughter and decided to take a beginner’s quilting class at the USDA. So my stashing began that year and, of course, hasn’t stopped yet.
—Elena on November 28, 2014My carefully curated stash dated back to the early 1990’s! While I will probably not outlive my stash, I am still finding new additions!!! ha ha ha
—Jacqueline VH on November 28, 2014Thanks so much for the giveaway!
My stash was started about 30 years ago. I’ve given a lot of the oldest away, so the oldest of my current stash is probably about 10 years old.
—Ellee on November 28, 2014My quilting stash empire began around 2004, but my clothing fabric scraps date back to the late 60’s..that’s crazy to think about!! Last year I made myself a promise that I wouldn’t purchase any ‘new’ fabric so this year I’ve had to double purchase to catch up!! lol!! yes I have lots of fabric and I love every piece.
—Sylvia on November 28, 2014I started my stash in October of 2011.
—Linda Pawlak on November 28, 2014My fabric stash goes back to the early 1970’s with some vintage feedsacks thrown in for good measure! There may also be some cloth scraps from the sixties when I made my own clothes. I also haunt thrift stores and repurpose clothing when the fabrics catch my eye, so I am not sure of the age of some of those.
—Debbie Miller on November 28, 2014My quilting fabric stash started in 2007 but my clothing stash started in the late 1960’s. I don’t think I still have anything going back that far but it’s not impossible!
—Deborah on November 28, 2014My stash goes back about 10 years. Some of my original fabric was not of the highest quality.
—Sherril M. on November 28, 2014I got the stash fever back in 2009. I had done sewing many years prior, but never experienced quilting until my first lesson in 2009. This book is great–a copy would be a wonderful way to enjoy some new quilting designs. Thanks!
—Pam Blake on November 28, 2014Quilting as a primary focus of my sewing only goes back about 7 years. But I was sewing apparel and other projects for 40 years before that, always saving the scraps for other projects (a bit of trim or a doll’s dress for a niece). While my stash probably doesn’t go back 40 years, I know that there are some pieces in there that have been with me for 20 years.
—Pearl on November 28, 2014I have been quilting for 30+ yrs, so some of my stash must go back that far.
—Darrell Hardenburg on November 28, 2014My stash started in 1991 when I took my first quilting class. After that though I inherited some fabric from both my Mother and Godmother that might be from the bicentennial era! Thank you for putting my name in the hat for the drawing!
—June on November 28, 2014I have a few pieces that go back to the late 70’s. Most of my stash for quilting was purchased in the last two years when I picked up quilting…again.
—cj on November 28, 2014Oh, My quilting stash started in the 50″s. 4-H club and sewing for self. Has really grown over the years to WWaaayyyy tooooo much. Still buying!
—Shirley on November 29, 2014First quilt was mid 60’s for son, well-finished for first G-son.
My fabric stash includes fabric from garment sewing I did for myself in high school, so I have to say about 1969!
—Rosalyn on November 29, 2014I started my good fabric quilting "Stash" in 1984 and it has grown considerably. One of my Log Cabin UFO’s has a fabric from the original stash. I took a serger LC class and the first 4 blocks are perfect. Once, I got home, my DSM didn’t have a quarter inch foot and my seams range from 1/4, 1/2, and 3/8ths. I’m currently taking those blocks apart and remaking the quilt. I’m laughing about my error and thinking, like Virginia Slims cigarettes "You’ve come a long way baby"!
I have fabrics from the late 50’s and early 60’s when I designed and made my own clothes, and No, you won’t see me on Project Runway. Some of those fabrics are in my String Quilts.
Keep smiling,
—Lynnita Shipman on November 29, 2014Remember dirndl skirts? I still have the scraps and now deconstructed wool skirt I made in 1968, now waiting for a penny project. During the 70’s I made utility quilts (including engine quilts for Fairbanks winters) from clothing and scraps. I started collecting quilting cottons in the late 80’s when they became available here, but still have some fabric from way back when. Now that I’m getting closer to retirement I have a lot to work with, but of course there’s always something new that is just what I need.
—Michelle on November 29, 2014I think I started my stash in the late 90’s but I know I have some fabric from the mom that’s a lot older.
—Elaine on November 29, 2014I started my stash back in 1972 after taking a sewing class at the local sewing store. Double knit was popular then and I still have some but, many of my fabrics were also cotton. I loved lace too. I sewed clothing, drapes, and recovered chairs. I could never throw out the bits and pieces I didn’t use because, I just knew there was a purpose for them. I really got into quilting in the early 90’s then my stash grew and grew. My husband says I have taken over the whole house.
—Cathy W. on November 29, 2014My stash goes back to the first year I was married: 1978. Though, I may have a few pieces I inherited from my mom–which would have gone back to about 1972. Old stuff!! Priceless! :o)
—Piroska on November 29, 20141986 when I completed my first quilt for our daughter. There are definitely some vintage piecesin my stash but I have been bringing these fabrics recently in to new projects.
—Caroline Young on November 29, 2014Well, my quilt only stash goes back maybe 10 years, not sure, but my sewing stash goes back much farther as I inherited some fabric from my mother. I can’t say how old some of those are.
—Laura B on November 29, 2014My stash started in the early 80’s. My now husband bought me a sewing machine when we were dating. I have given the machine to my daughter-in-law. I think he regrets getting me started in quilting, as my stash continues to grow. Thank you for a chance to win. Happy Quilting:)
—Sheila Ivany on November 29, 2014I started quilting in earnest in 1980, but I have fabric from the ’60’s when I sewed some of my clothes in high school. In fact, I just used some scraps in a quilt that came from a pair of pants that I wore a lot becsuse they actually fit! And I still have a panel from a set of curtains I made with French poodles on them! Am trying to use up some of my stash before it gets redistributed upon my demise.
—Linda Towers on November 29, 2014I forgot to mention that I recently found several yards of Amish black fabric thst was about 30 years old. It had dry rotted!! So be sure to check on your fabrics from time to time.
—Linda Towers on November 29, 2014Well in my stash I basically have fabrics from five years ago. However I have inherited other people’s stashes so those fabric timelines go back to the 40s!
—Heather Miles on November 30, 2014I started collecting fabric after I was married in the early 70’s but it was for sewing clothes. In the 90’s I made Renaissance hats and used velours, silks, velvet and fancy fabrics and trims. As my family grew I made pj’s every christmas and added a lot of flannel and fleece. About 2010 I started serious piecing and quilting. Last year I bought the house next door, the basement now includes a large fabric storage room that I’m am finishing stacking. One side has cottons, the other has everything else. Now that it’s all out I’m somewhat overwhelmed. Thanks
—Mom C on November 30, 2014Just under a year old…BUT since I am a hoarder I recently found some flannel I used for a Halloween costume five years ago before I knew how to sew! And I used the flannel- it was perfect! 🙂
—Veronika on November 30, 2014I began quilting in 1982 and my scrap bag goes back farther than that as I have inherited fabric stashes from my grandmother and great grandmother-in-law!
—Susan on November 30, 2014My stash probably started when we were married, a bit over 42 years ago, but I didn’t seriously call it my stash until I started quilting about 14 years ago. Now I even have some of my mom’s fabrics (older than I am) as part of my stash.
—Carol Kussart on December 1, 2014My quilting stash started 17 years ago when my daughter asked me to join a quilting guild. I stayed with it and she started having baby’s. I will make a quilt for her first daughter and another granddaughter for their high school graduation this next year.
—Elaine H. on December 1, 2014I started quilting about 1.5 years ago but had some fabric stashed away for probably 10-15 years…can you say hubs, kids, job…you know exactly what I mean.
—Rhonda Davis on December 1, 2014Mine goes back to approximately 2007, maybe 2008. Thank you!
—jane on December 1, 2014I started my stash in 2004 and never looked back!
—Paula Coleman on December 2, 2014