Thursday, February 12, 2009

What is.....

First a little something for all of those that feel they have problems having time to do their quilting, their cleaning and other things due to the time we all spend on the computer blogging!

Cleaning Poem
I asked the Lord to tell me
Why my house is such a mess.
He asked if I'd been 'computering',
And I had to answer 'yes.'
He told me to get off my fanny
And tidy up the house.
And so I started cleaning up...
The smudges off my mouse.
I wiped and shined the topside.
That really did the trick...
I was just admiring my work.
I didn't mean to 'click.
But click, I did, and oops I found
A real absorbing site.
That I got SO way into it.
I was into it all night.
Nothing's changed except my mouse
It's very, very shiny.
I guess my house will stay a mess...
While I sit here on my hiney!
Author: Anonymous

Second, Kristina over at My Simply Savvy Life asked a few questions to get folks talking and responding to her blog today (or was it yesterday?—I’m so far behind I don’t even know what today is!) She writes:
“What other tutorials would you like to see? How have you been feeling this week... and just for kicks, tell me the craziest thing that has happened to you this month.” To which I answered: You would think that having someone ask “what was the craziest thing to happen to you this month?” would be an easy question to answer. But since “crazy” seems to be the normal for my life –finding something that would be crazy is difficult for me. The things that come to mind are:
1. Being ticketed for an expired tag when I didn’t realize it was expired and for how long it WAS expired!
2. My daughter announcing she was pregnant.
3. Watching my daughter’s first ultrasound when she’s only 4 weeks pregnant! I didn’t even know they COULD do an ultrasound that early and see anything. But you really can!!! The amazing things they’ve done with technology since I gave birth to my 3 children!
As far as tutorials??? You want to show me how to machine quilt—squiggles—the proper way in a tut? How about a tut on how to choose fabrics that are pretty but aren’t expensive? Nah just kidding, I know that can’t be done. Then I got a roll with it. And just so you know how I feel, here it is. But I really would like others’ opinions as well.

But honestly, why do all the fabrics that I see folks purchasing and all the ones listed in quilting sections are $8.99 and up a yard? Why are Fat Quarters $5 and up? That’s ridiculous when I can go to Wal-mart and purchase very pretty, fashionable fabrics for $2.50 a yard and then I feel guilty because it isn’t a Michael Miller or Moda or something that others seem to have and the only thing they sew with. I feel like the pieces I show that I quilt with are inferior fabrics and am thinking of pulling out of the 2 fat quarter swaps I’ve signed up for just for the reason that I don’t think that my fabric will “rank” along side others and they’ll feel cheated. If those in the swaps are expecting the high priced and I’m assuming superior quality fabrics—not that I would swear they are as I have never used them—then what about those of us that cannot afford those fabrics, don’t have access to those fabrics except for online, and don’t use it because of the first two? Do we need to be breaking our budgets to purchase special fabrics to send?

And what do people consider “grandma” fabrics when they say, “And please don’t send grandma fabric? What people are purchasing and showing as 30’s fabric and civil war fabric??? To me that IS grandma fabric. So, maybe I’m a little new to this quilting stuff. Ok I’m a lot new to it.

But I really need some clarification here! I need HELP understanding the difference and classifications of the types of fabrics and the ways quilt bundles, layers, “cakes?” “jelly rolls?” (Aren’t those something you eat?), etc. For all I know, the fabrics I’ve chosen for the rainbow sampler quilt swap is not “superior enough” fabric and I need to rethink what the blocks are sewn with.

5 comments:

Missy said...

It's all so confusing isn't it?

First let me say that from the pictures you've shown of the rainbow quilt blocks your fabric choices look great. Part of the appeal of swaps is (or should be) variety. Getting things that are different.

I have found that some quilters can be a bit, shall we say opinionated when it comes to fabric, notions, even sewing machines! I find it amusing since quilting was originally all about frugality. Now, a lot of quilters will only use name brand fabric that costs an arm and a leg. I say, use what you like and what you can afford. Most Wal-mart fabric seems fine to me. In fact I have some in my stash.

I personally think it's a bit condescending to say something about not sending "grandma fabrics" for a swap. (which is why I didn't sign up for that swap, BTW) I agree with you that the 30's and civil war reproduction fabrics that seem to be all the rage these days, are exactly that, fabrics my grandma used in her time...LOL! Again, I think a swap is supposed to be about variety. But that of course is just my opinion.

A good explanation of the layer cakes, jelly rolls, charm packs etc can be found over at the Moda Bake shop blog. (plus there are some really cute project tutorials over there as well) http://www.modabakeshop.com/

Okay, so this comment has turned into something I should have emailed to you instead...LOL

Kristina said...

Shelly,
Dang girl, had I of known that would make you think so much I might have posted more questions sooner! :)

I for one only buy cheap fabric. I wait until I can get it 40% off or when I can get it at Walmart. I did, however, recently purchase some MODA fabric, because I HAD to. Ok, maybe I didn't HAVE to, but it was so beautiful! BUT I bought it off ebay. For $6 (including shipping) I got a 42 piece charm pack (5x5 squares). A jelly roll is 2 1/2 inch strips and a fat quarter is a quarter of a yard that is fat, not skinny, Hence the fat quarter (but I bet you knew that one already!)

As for grandma fabric... I don't know. I actually really like my grandmas fabric!

Carlotta said...

My Shelly, seems like your mind has been spinning lately. Thanks to Missy and Mama Krit for the explanation. Very well put.

First, I love the cleaning poem. I managed to clean my sewing corner, but not the computer table. I figure as long as I can see the screen and am able to type, I'm good.

Second, what's considered Grandma's Fabrics to one, could be all the rave to another. I buy most of my fabric from Walmart and Hobby Lobby. I frequent my local quilt shop to chat with the lovely lady that works there. She's gives me lots of encouragement. The fabric is really expensive that most quilters have been using lately, which I agree is really funny when quilting started out with quilters using whatever scraps could be found and put together.

Third, the fabric you've shown with your quilts are just as lovely as the pricey fabric. To me it's not about the designer fabric, but more about the quilt designer. It's you and your own vision of the quilt with it's fabrics and colors and design that makes the quilt beautiful. Don't think you have to break the bank to enjoy the art of quilting. Take care.
~Carlotta~

Barb said...

And you say you never win anything...I almost died when I pulled out your name....go on over and claim your ugly quilt....

Simone de Klerk said...

I enjoyed reading your post today (O: That poem ... does it sound fimiliar. And hay, you know how much the fabrics are in Europe? Almost twice the price you pay. And isn't fabric taste just very personal. I agree on your definition for Grandma. I think I would be happy with a 1930's fat quarter (LOL). Have a happy weekend, Shelly!