Submitted by Jacque Ervin.
Jacque is a long time member of MPS and a very talented quilter. We asked her to be our guest contributor for this fifth Wednesday of the month.
I don’t know about you, but I am missing my trips to the fabric stores. I often would go just to visit without any real intention to buy anything, just to be inspired. I just want to look, to feel, to smell. If I happen to see something (which, let’s face it, would be most of the time) then I would purchase an amount, or maybe start a new project. Shopping in my stash, while that is a good thing, it just doesn’t give me the same fabric high that I get when I go to a fabric store.
When I walk into my favorite stores, I can become overwhelmed. I need to walk around the store several times just looking at all they have. I want it … I want to touch it, buy it, sew it. The sight, the feel, and smell of the fabric promises creation, satisfaction, fulfillment, imagination, innovation, tranquility. Maybe I find the perfect piece to go into a current project. Maybe I fall in love with something new and think “what can I create with this?” Then all the way home I am giddy with the excitement of starting something new or completing the project that has been patiently waiting for the exact right piece so it can be finished.
During this time of staying at home I have gone through my stash many times. I have found things bought long ago and forgotten. I have pulled them out and been delighted to find them again. I have also found things that I wondered “what was I thinking?” I am anxious to go back to my stores to find something new or just to be inspired.
Because for me sewing quilts with fabric is like dark chocolate, a great glass of Pinot Noir, your team winning the Super Bowl or World Series, a first kiss, a cold drink on a hot day, a beautiful sunset, reaching the view at the end of a long hike up the mountain, skiing in fresh snow on a blue bird day, hugging my grandsons. It brings joy to my heart and peace to my mind.
Ohhhhhhh do I miss going to a fabric store! I’m working on a baby quilt right now, and first was so proud of myself for sticking with my stash, while rediscovering how truly eccentric my fabric choices were! ☹️ Now I’m facing the back, and binding, and really digging deep. A baby on the way is keeping me going though. Hopefully the baby won’t mind an unusual color scheme. I’ve got a few animals included to gladden the soul.
Great post! I get such inspiration from our quilt shops. I always find something to add to my stash and often a different way of looking at my projects. Most of our shops are open for curbside pick up or mail order. I am making purchases in hopes they will be there when we are on the other side of this stay-at-home time.
It’s funny, but I get the exact same feeling when I’m in an old book store or library.
Me too! I miss both quilt shops and bookstores plus libraries
I entirely agree Jacque! However it has been fun “shopping “ thru my stash! As I’m trying to pull together 2 senior quilts it has caused me angst but has challenged me to get creative!
You are right on! Wondering thru fabric (and yarn) stores is nirvana!
Nicely said. I’m right there with you.
I’m with you Jacque, missing the experience of being in a favorite quilt store for the sheer joy of it.
Can’t wait to visit Stitchin Post someday again. Missing the rush from fabric shopping as well.